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Pretty Broken Things
I might be the most promising quarterback in college football today, but once I was just a boy desperately in love with the wrong girl, one I’d very much like to win back. She blocks me better than any player on the field, but to figure out my best play, first I need to understand how we got here.
We have been apart longer than we were together but we can’t seem to stop torturing each other. Every guy she touches or allows to touch her is like a knife right to my heart.
Not to be outdone, I play her game. No one will ever accuse me of giving less than everything. These are her rules after all, and I’ve always been competitive.
I thought her being my stepsister would keep us apart forever, but it’s the damage we did trying to resist each other that sealed our fate. And yet, despite the ways we’ve betrayed each other over and over, I can’t let her go.
What we have could almost be love if it didn’t hurt so much.
My heart, black and broken as it may be, will always belong to the girl with sad eyes. Are we damaged beyond repair, or do we dare try one more time?
This is book one of the Pretty Broken Duet.
We have been apart longer than we were together but we can’t seem to stop torturing each other. Every guy she touches or allows to touch her is like a knife right to my heart.
Not to be outdone, I play her game. No one will ever accuse me of giving less than everything. These are her rules after all, and I’ve always been competitive.
I thought her being my stepsister would keep us apart forever, but it’s the damage we did trying to resist each other that sealed our fate. And yet, despite the ways we’ve betrayed each other over and over, I can’t let her go.
What we have could almost be love if it didn’t hurt so much.
My heart, black and broken as it may be, will always belong to the girl with sad eyes. Are we damaged beyond repair, or do we dare try one more time?
This is book one of the Pretty Broken Duet.
- GenresRomanceSports Romance
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 5, 2023
101 people are currently reading
177 people want to read
About the author
Kimberly Carrillo
20 books302 followersKimberly Carrillo is a storyteller from the Pacific Northwest, currently living in a small town with her teenage son and a house full of pets. The author of the romantic suspense Destroy Series, and other books, Kimberly writes tales of beautiful, messy love. When she isn’t reading or out supporting her son at sports events she can be found moving a cat off her keyboard so she can help the heroine find the love that she deserves.
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Follow her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kdcarrilloau...
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www.kimberlycarrilloauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
August 28, 2024
The author forgot the plot. She started with a forbidden story , enemies to lovers, colleges to lovers to step brothers and finished with mafia, r**pe, revenge, cheating, and stupid stuff
December 5, 2023
“Pretty Broken Things” is a spinoff duet from the Pretty Monsters Trilogy. Albeit it is deemed as a standalone, there are several characters and themes mentioned that would be helpful if the trilogy is read.
There is a backstory between Tessa and Ford—they do not get along. Tessa is wealthy and is perceived to be the stuck-up princess, whereas Ford is the jock that lives in a trailer getting knocked around by his father. The other underlying story is the criminal world involvement and schmex trafficking.
However, Tessa and Ford connect on their commonality of toxic parents, eventually leading to sharing even more. They become step-siblings. Tessa’s father and Ford’s mother suddenly marry.
There is one tragedy after another with these two characters. They couldn’t catch a break. Tessa’s father is highly controlling and does everything he can to stop Ford and her from being together. Ford is constantly battling his pride regarding Tessa, and Tessa struggles with her fears of abandonment.
Some transitions of time didn’t quite flow, but it didn’t impact the story’s plot for me. I still enjoyed the story. “Pretty Broken Things” did leave on a cliffhanger; it’s a duet, and the next book will be about next month.
I am looking forward to it.
I received a copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
There is a backstory between Tessa and Ford—they do not get along. Tessa is wealthy and is perceived to be the stuck-up princess, whereas Ford is the jock that lives in a trailer getting knocked around by his father. The other underlying story is the criminal world involvement and schmex trafficking.
However, Tessa and Ford connect on their commonality of toxic parents, eventually leading to sharing even more. They become step-siblings. Tessa’s father and Ford’s mother suddenly marry.
There is one tragedy after another with these two characters. They couldn’t catch a break. Tessa’s father is highly controlling and does everything he can to stop Ford and her from being together. Ford is constantly battling his pride regarding Tessa, and Tessa struggles with her fears of abandonment.
Some transitions of time didn’t quite flow, but it didn’t impact the story’s plot for me. I still enjoyed the story. “Pretty Broken Things” did leave on a cliffhanger; it’s a duet, and the next book will be about next month.
I am looking forward to it.
I received a copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 22, 2024
The entire last 40 percent of this book made no sense at all. It was all over the place. I honestly have no idea what was going on. It was a mess. I plan to skim book 2 just so that I can see the dumpster fire
December 7, 2023
I have been begging for a book about Ford ever since he came on the page in the Pretty Monsters trilogy so I was thrilled when I found out that Kimberly was going to give us not just one book but a duet. Now I will say that you don’t have to have read the Pretty Monsters trilogy to read this duet, but I do highly recommend it. Granted, I may be a little biased because that is the trilogy that introduced me to Kimberly Carrillo’s work and I loved every minute of those book. But I do truly believe that it will give some context to some of the things that happen in this book as well as the next one. Plus you know, that’s where I first met Ford.
I’ve made no secret that I’ve always loved Ford and that Tessa was never my favorite character, but I also knew that there was so much more to their story that what we previously knew. I also knew that the truth to everything was probably somewhere in the middle so I was beyond happy that we actually get to go back and get their origin story so to speak. Their relationship and the problems that crop up from it and the fall out from all of it, was so much more complicated and heartbreaking than I would have ever suspected. We also find out what was going on during the Pretty Monsters trilogy that made Tessa do some of the things that she did, but we didn’t know about before now. All of that together just added all new dimensions to Tessa’s character that makes you see her in a completely different light.
I enjoyed seeing old characters from the Pretty Monsters trilogy as well as meeting new characters in this book. Benji is probably my favorite of the new characters and I can’t wait to see where Kimberly takes him in the future. I feel like she outdid herself with the angst here because it’s palpable throughout the entire book. I honestly can’t wait for the conclusion to this duet and for Ford and Tessa to get their HEA.
Merged review:
I have been begging for a book about Ford ever since he came on the page in the Pretty Monsters trilogy so I was thrilled when I found out that Kimberly was going to give us not just one book but a duet. Now I will say that you don’t have to have read the Pretty Monsters trilogy to read this duet, but I do highly recommend it. Granted, I may be a little biased because that is the trilogy that introduced me to Kimberly Carrillo’s work and I loved every minute of those book. But I do truly believe that it will give some context to some of the things that happen in this book as well as the next one. Plus you know, that’s where I first met Ford.
I’ve made no secret that I’ve always loved Ford and that Tessa was never my favorite character, but I also knew that there was so much more to their story that what we previously knew. I also knew that the truth to everything was probably somewhere in the middle so I was beyond happy that we actually get to go back and get their origin story so to speak. Their relationship and the problems that crop up from it and the fall out from all of it, was so much more complicated and heartbreaking than I would have ever suspected. We also find out what was going on during the Pretty Monsters trilogy that made Tessa do some of the things that she did, but we didn’t know about before now. All of that together just added all new dimensions to Tessa’s character that makes you see her in a completely different light.
I enjoyed seeing old characters from the Pretty Monsters trilogy as well as meeting new characters in this book. Benji is probably my favorite of the new characters and I can’t wait to see where Kimberly takes him in the future. I feel like she outdid herself with the angst here because it’s palpable throughout the entire book. I honestly can’t wait for the conclusion to this duet and for Ford and Tessa to get their HEA.
I’ve made no secret that I’ve always loved Ford and that Tessa was never my favorite character, but I also knew that there was so much more to their story that what we previously knew. I also knew that the truth to everything was probably somewhere in the middle so I was beyond happy that we actually get to go back and get their origin story so to speak. Their relationship and the problems that crop up from it and the fall out from all of it, was so much more complicated and heartbreaking than I would have ever suspected. We also find out what was going on during the Pretty Monsters trilogy that made Tessa do some of the things that she did, but we didn’t know about before now. All of that together just added all new dimensions to Tessa’s character that makes you see her in a completely different light.
I enjoyed seeing old characters from the Pretty Monsters trilogy as well as meeting new characters in this book. Benji is probably my favorite of the new characters and I can’t wait to see where Kimberly takes him in the future. I feel like she outdid herself with the angst here because it’s palpable throughout the entire book. I honestly can’t wait for the conclusion to this duet and for Ford and Tessa to get their HEA.
Merged review:
I have been begging for a book about Ford ever since he came on the page in the Pretty Monsters trilogy so I was thrilled when I found out that Kimberly was going to give us not just one book but a duet. Now I will say that you don’t have to have read the Pretty Monsters trilogy to read this duet, but I do highly recommend it. Granted, I may be a little biased because that is the trilogy that introduced me to Kimberly Carrillo’s work and I loved every minute of those book. But I do truly believe that it will give some context to some of the things that happen in this book as well as the next one. Plus you know, that’s where I first met Ford.
I’ve made no secret that I’ve always loved Ford and that Tessa was never my favorite character, but I also knew that there was so much more to their story that what we previously knew. I also knew that the truth to everything was probably somewhere in the middle so I was beyond happy that we actually get to go back and get their origin story so to speak. Their relationship and the problems that crop up from it and the fall out from all of it, was so much more complicated and heartbreaking than I would have ever suspected. We also find out what was going on during the Pretty Monsters trilogy that made Tessa do some of the things that she did, but we didn’t know about before now. All of that together just added all new dimensions to Tessa’s character that makes you see her in a completely different light.
I enjoyed seeing old characters from the Pretty Monsters trilogy as well as meeting new characters in this book. Benji is probably my favorite of the new characters and I can’t wait to see where Kimberly takes him in the future. I feel like she outdid herself with the angst here because it’s palpable throughout the entire book. I honestly can’t wait for the conclusion to this duet and for Ford and Tessa to get their HEA.
November 22, 2023
This is a different review than I normally do. I wasn’t aware that reading the pretty monsters trilogy would help understand what was going on towards the ending of the books.
Ford and Tessa couldn’t be more different. She is from the wealthy side of town and he is from the wrong side of the tracks. They have been going to school together for years but their paths really only cross when she demands he tell his mom to back off of dating her dad. Which is news to him and things don’t go her way. But over time they start to realized maybe they aren’t that different. Both have neglectful and absent parents and they are both so lonely. Over time a relation develops but it’s threatened by the return of their parents. Time and space should make everything easier to handle.
Throughout the book I really rooted for ford and Tessa but several places I wanted to smack him so freaking bad. Having mutual friends with an ex can he so freaking hard to handle and It’s shown in this book so well. Sometimes it seems like romance books are all about the fantasy and when one is written that is so close to real life it hits home. And it hits hard. Some moments in their story are so raw I feel them deep in my soul and I’m still pissed off at how much I cried. I’m still on the fence about ford. I really wanted to keep rooting for him and Tessa but their toxic backgrounds seem to keep them. Hurting each other. The last little bit of the book kind sped past and I almost felt like maybe it could have been another book entirely. But after finishing this book I found out that there was a whole trilogy where they were first introduced that I probably should have read first. So don’t be like me. Go read the pretty monsters trilogy and then this one.
Ford and Tessa couldn’t be more different. She is from the wealthy side of town and he is from the wrong side of the tracks. They have been going to school together for years but their paths really only cross when she demands he tell his mom to back off of dating her dad. Which is news to him and things don’t go her way. But over time they start to realized maybe they aren’t that different. Both have neglectful and absent parents and they are both so lonely. Over time a relation develops but it’s threatened by the return of their parents. Time and space should make everything easier to handle.
Throughout the book I really rooted for ford and Tessa but several places I wanted to smack him so freaking bad. Having mutual friends with an ex can he so freaking hard to handle and It’s shown in this book so well. Sometimes it seems like romance books are all about the fantasy and when one is written that is so close to real life it hits home. And it hits hard. Some moments in their story are so raw I feel them deep in my soul and I’m still pissed off at how much I cried. I’m still on the fence about ford. I really wanted to keep rooting for him and Tessa but their toxic backgrounds seem to keep them. Hurting each other. The last little bit of the book kind sped past and I almost felt like maybe it could have been another book entirely. But after finishing this book I found out that there was a whole trilogy where they were first introduced that I probably should have read first. So don’t be like me. Go read the pretty monsters trilogy and then this one.
December 4, 2023
***ARC Review*** 3.5 stars rounded to 4. I really loved the original Pretty Monsters trilogy. I was excited to get more of Ford and Tessa's backstory. The original trilogy had so much found family, that was one of my favorite things about it. This spinoff delivered that as well for the most part. I appreciated getting Tessa's POV. It was heartbreaking and we as the readers KNEW NOTHING about Tessa before this story. I feel so bad for what I assumed about Tessa previously, I was so wrong. She deserves so much more. Interestingly, this spinoff made me dislike Ford and Shane. I hope that in the "to be continued" there is MUCH more groveling, communication, listening and understanding from Ford (and Shane, even Jen to be honest). I can't say I have forgiven them and it will take a lot for me to do so. The story itself was fast paced, it felt a bit rushed at times. Some of the continuity occasionally seemed off, but overall it read consistent with Pretty Monsters. Reading the Pretty Monsters trilogy first IS A MUST and then I would recommend this book for anyone who enjoyed Pretty Monsters, you learn so much about the side characters.
July 2, 2024
this book started out good but turned bad really fast
This books started out good. Poor boy rich girl. Turned step siblings ( that wasn’t even part of the book) the “ falling in love” was really rushed and then the book just jumped around introduced new characters one after another. The hero slept with 3 people and then the heron becomes best friends with them. This was not a forbidden romance. This was 326 pages of crap. Poor writing style. What the fuck was the plot. I mean the main character gets SAed.
This books started out good. Poor boy rich girl. Turned step siblings ( that wasn’t even part of the book) the “ falling in love” was really rushed and then the book just jumped around introduced new characters one after another. The hero slept with 3 people and then the heron becomes best friends with them. This was not a forbidden romance. This was 326 pages of crap. Poor writing style. What the fuck was the plot. I mean the main character gets SAed.
December 5, 2023
This book had me feeling so many emotions. I really liked the story but it does end on a cliffhanger. This is about the on again off again love story between Ford and Tessa. I really liked Tessa's character. I started out liking Ford but by 2/3 into the book his decisions were making me angry. But I can't wait to see what happens to Ford and Tessa in the next book. This book will have you feeling all of the emotions. I recommend.
December 6, 2023
Starting this book, i was excited to have something to totally pull me in. About two-thirds of the way through my heart hurt, and i was crying. I stayed up way too late just to finish it. I really need the second book, STAT!
Ford can not get out of his own way. This boy OMG. Tessa, well, she does some growing in this book and some of it from horrible experiences. This book, to a turn that I did not see coming, so hold on and enjoy the ride.
Ford can not get out of his own way. This boy OMG. Tessa, well, she does some growing in this book and some of it from horrible experiences. This book, to a turn that I did not see coming, so hold on and enjoy the ride.
November 28, 2023
This book took me on a roller coaster of emotions. Ford and Tessa have on again off again romance that at times gets a little frustrating with decisions Ford makes. My only negative regarding their story is be prepared for a cliffhanger and secondly with so many new characters introduced towards the end it does leave your head in a spin. Bring on book 2 as I really need to know where these two go from here.
December 8, 2023
Holy cow!!!tessa and Ford’s book had me on the edge of my seat and craving more. The emotional rollercoaster ride of a life time this book is. I couldn’t put the iPad down because I had to read it all!!! Can’t wait for the second book to come out.
December 4, 2023
I just love Ford and Tessa’s story so far. Lots of roller coaster of emotions. Two people from different sides of the track. Went through so many different emotions. Could not put it down. Totally need the next one. Just loved it.
June 29, 2024
I stayed up late to finish this book so I could return it to KU and never think about it again.
April 12, 2025
Kimberly, Kimberly, Kimberly, girl! The rollercoaster ride that is the “Pretty Broken” duet is not one to be missed. I do not even know where to start with this book! The chokehold that is has on me will be hard to shake anytime soon.
I went into this book completely blind, and I am so glad I did! In book one, “Pretty Broken Things,” we meet our MMC, Ford, who is anything but your typical star quarterback. Coming from the poor side of town, Ford attends high school in a wealthy neighbourhood, which is a stark contrast to his reality of an absent mother and an abusive father. But Ford is not the only character from a broken home. Our FMC, Tessa, also grapples with a painful family dynamic. To Ford and their classmates, Tessa is the perfect little rich girl. However, the truth is far darker: she has been abandoned by both her parents—her mother left when she was in her early teens, and her father chooses the comfort of his office over being present at home. Their stories of struggle and resilience intertwine in a powerful way that drew me in from the very first page!
The internal struggles within both Ford and Tessa are portrayed with such raw authenticity that it's impossible not to feel deeply invested in their journey. Each character grapples with their past traumas, and as they begin to heal, the shadows of their histories threaten to pull them back into darkness. Their love becomes a double-edged sword—offering solace and hope but also forcing them to confront their deepest fears and insecurities.
What sets this romance apart is how it goes beyond just the external conflicts. Kimberly masterfully delves into themes of identity, belonging, and the fight for one's own happiness. Tessa's struggle with her self-worth and Ford's battle with the weight of his upbringing create a rich emotional landscape that is both heartbreaking and relatable. The climax is intense and unexpected, straying from the typical resolutions we're accustomed to in romance novels. Instead of a straightforward resolution, we're faced with a culmination of choices that put everything they’ve fought for on the line, making the stakes feel incredibly high. It’s this unpredictable path that kept me on the edge of my seat, rooting for them to find their way back to each other amidst the chaos.
In the Broken Duet, the physical connection between Ford and Tessa is masterfully woven into the narrative, adding a tantalizing layer that complements their emotional journey. The stunningly crafted sensual scenes are not just filler; they deepen the complexity of their relationship and amplify the tension throughout the story. Kimberly’s vivid descriptions create an atmosphere that is both steamy and immersive, ensuring that readers feel every spark and every heated moment between the characters.
From the very first chapter, the chemistry between Ford and Tessa is electric, capturing the reader's attention and drawing them into a world where desire and vulnerability coexist. The intimate moments are beautifully written, striking a perfect balance between passion and sensuality without crossing into gratuitous territory. Each encounter is meticulously crafted, allowing readers to experience the growing bond between the characters on both physical and emotional levels.
A 4-chilli spice rating is well-deserved, as the sexual tension continuously builds, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Just when you think you know what to expect, the story surprises you with a new twist that elevates the interaction between the two, making each scene feel fresh and exhilarating. Ultimately, the passion in this duet enhances not only the romance but also the characters’ growth, making them journey all the more compelling.
I went into this book completely blind, and I am so glad I did! In book one, “Pretty Broken Things,” we meet our MMC, Ford, who is anything but your typical star quarterback. Coming from the poor side of town, Ford attends high school in a wealthy neighbourhood, which is a stark contrast to his reality of an absent mother and an abusive father. But Ford is not the only character from a broken home. Our FMC, Tessa, also grapples with a painful family dynamic. To Ford and their classmates, Tessa is the perfect little rich girl. However, the truth is far darker: she has been abandoned by both her parents—her mother left when she was in her early teens, and her father chooses the comfort of his office over being present at home. Their stories of struggle and resilience intertwine in a powerful way that drew me in from the very first page!
The internal struggles within both Ford and Tessa are portrayed with such raw authenticity that it's impossible not to feel deeply invested in their journey. Each character grapples with their past traumas, and as they begin to heal, the shadows of their histories threaten to pull them back into darkness. Their love becomes a double-edged sword—offering solace and hope but also forcing them to confront their deepest fears and insecurities.
What sets this romance apart is how it goes beyond just the external conflicts. Kimberly masterfully delves into themes of identity, belonging, and the fight for one's own happiness. Tessa's struggle with her self-worth and Ford's battle with the weight of his upbringing create a rich emotional landscape that is both heartbreaking and relatable. The climax is intense and unexpected, straying from the typical resolutions we're accustomed to in romance novels. Instead of a straightforward resolution, we're faced with a culmination of choices that put everything they’ve fought for on the line, making the stakes feel incredibly high. It’s this unpredictable path that kept me on the edge of my seat, rooting for them to find their way back to each other amidst the chaos.
In the Broken Duet, the physical connection between Ford and Tessa is masterfully woven into the narrative, adding a tantalizing layer that complements their emotional journey. The stunningly crafted sensual scenes are not just filler; they deepen the complexity of their relationship and amplify the tension throughout the story. Kimberly’s vivid descriptions create an atmosphere that is both steamy and immersive, ensuring that readers feel every spark and every heated moment between the characters.
From the very first chapter, the chemistry between Ford and Tessa is electric, capturing the reader's attention and drawing them into a world where desire and vulnerability coexist. The intimate moments are beautifully written, striking a perfect balance between passion and sensuality without crossing into gratuitous territory. Each encounter is meticulously crafted, allowing readers to experience the growing bond between the characters on both physical and emotional levels.
A 4-chilli spice rating is well-deserved, as the sexual tension continuously builds, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Just when you think you know what to expect, the story surprises you with a new twist that elevates the interaction between the two, making each scene feel fresh and exhilarating. Ultimately, the passion in this duet enhances not only the romance but also the characters’ growth, making them journey all the more compelling.
April 19, 2025
I started my journey on this author's work with the Pretty Monsters Trilogy. A lot of the characters are in the trilogy as "side characters". Ford and Tessa play a role in that series but I'm so glad that we get their story because it's a lot more than the impressions we get in the other series. You don't have to have read it first to enjoy this book and I don't know if it will change your impression of these characters. These are different points of view from the same time/life events. In this we get a real view of Tessa and Ford vs the assumptions or limited interactions of Sin and Raven. I do think this book is one I wish I was reading along with the audio so I could stop and highlight quotes! "Two broken people whose edges might cut each other", was a quote that left impact. This forbidden love "step siblings", isn't a trope I usually would seek out but it's so much more. I definitely need the next book to know what happens, if these two broken people can heal together or if they'll leave each other bleeding out! I was so drawn in by this audiobook. I will say characters that I thought I wouldn't like changed my opinion of them and one that "seemingly" had things more together and had overcome demons surprised me by how much they were still struggling/dealing with. I don't want to spoil any of the book because I want you to have authentic feelings like I did. While listening and things were unfolding, I think my opinions on the characters were constantly evolving. So yes read/listen to this one and Pretty Monsters trilogy if you think it even sounds remotely interesting.
April 14, 2025
Off the bat, I couldn’t help but appreciate the depiction of ‘rich kids’ who still aren’t having all their needs met and the way Carillo seemed to really capture loneliness for these kids. If you enjoy indulging in some YA drama, I recommend this one, it’s got substance.
This was an addictive read, it gripped me early in. Imagine my delight when it crossed over with another world of Carillo’s, thought it contained some spoilers. (I was provided with books 1 & 2 by the audio publisher to read/review, but denied book 3. While I’m a smidge disappointed in the spoiler, I appreciate the update. Pretty Monsters Trilogy, FYI.)
GUYS! I NEED BOOK 2 LIKE I NEED AIR-OMFG.
YA.
Academy vibes.
V!rg!n heroine.
Rich kids.
“Pseudo-inc3$t.”
Football.
Domestic v|0lence.
Football.
Fresh starts.
Suspense.
SA.
Trafficking.
Vengeance.
Overall:
This read was excellent. It refreshed the sting of the rejection of Pretty Monsters 3 😂 , but honestly worth it. Addictive read.
Carillo really captured the moment a person changes into something else completely—and I am so very here for it. Well done!
4 stars.
🎧 Audio:
This is a fantastic production, excellent narrators and perfect overall sound quality.
5 stars. 🦩
This was an addictive read, it gripped me early in. Imagine my delight when it crossed over with another world of Carillo’s, thought it contained some spoilers. (I was provided with books 1 & 2 by the audio publisher to read/review, but denied book 3. While I’m a smidge disappointed in the spoiler, I appreciate the update. Pretty Monsters Trilogy, FYI.)
GUYS! I NEED BOOK 2 LIKE I NEED AIR-OMFG.
YA.
Academy vibes.
V!rg!n heroine.
Rich kids.
“Pseudo-inc3$t.”
Football.
Domestic v|0lence.
Football.
Fresh starts.
Suspense.
SA.
Trafficking.
Vengeance.
Overall:
This read was excellent. It refreshed the sting of the rejection of Pretty Monsters 3 😂 , but honestly worth it. Addictive read.
Carillo really captured the moment a person changes into something else completely—and I am so very here for it. Well done!
4 stars.
🎧 Audio:
This is a fantastic production, excellent narrators and perfect overall sound quality.
5 stars. 🦩
May 26, 2025
3.5 Stars
Pretty Broken Things is the first book in the Pretty Broken Duet. It is an enemies to lovers, Poor boy/rich girl, sports, forbidden, step- siblings romance. This one is a roller coaster ride of emotions. It's action packed. You get steam, toxic families, and all the feels with a cliffy at the end that will have you screaming. I am interested to see where Tessa and Ford's story goes next in book 2.
Michael Joss & Phillipa Miller did a great job with this story and these characters.
Pretty Broken Things is the first book in the Pretty Broken Duet. It is an enemies to lovers, Poor boy/rich girl, sports, forbidden, step- siblings romance. This one is a roller coaster ride of emotions. It's action packed. You get steam, toxic families, and all the feels with a cliffy at the end that will have you screaming. I am interested to see where Tessa and Ford's story goes next in book 2.
Michael Joss & Phillipa Miller did a great job with this story and these characters.
August 22, 2024
Negative stars if possible. What the H dumped on this girl was just unbelievable. He was one of the worst H I have ever read. Total abuser. His friends were all assholes to. I don't know how the h even survived or even loved him he sleeps with others and she sleeps with 1 other person after once again he mentally abused her. He lasts after the girls he sleeps with and calls them hus baby, or pretty girl and then when he isn't with them any longer he is good friends or best friends with them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2024
Pretty Broken Things is my first read by this author and what an introduction it is! This is Ford and Tessa's story and they have quite the story. These two take angst and toxic romance to a whole other level. They come from completely different worlds and in spite of everything they have to overcome it seems they may be ok in the end. This book ends on a cliffhanger. I can't wait for book 2!
April 30, 2024
He is from the wrong side of the tracks while she isn't. She is born with a silver spoon. They have a few things in common such as home life parents absent or drunks abusive. They are perfect for each other and seem to be a little bit toxic for each other. They keep coming back to each other. You must read this book series. It's awesome. BTW tissues
April 15, 2024
Wow! This book is one heck of a ride! Tessa and Ford have some major trauma that causes them to understand and need each other. They try to protect each other which causes so much pain. There are some very dark topics within this book so make sure you're comfortable with them before starting.
September 5, 2024
This book started out promising. Then, it's as if a different author came in and wrote an entirely different book. There was so much going on and so many new people introduced that it was hard to keep up. It turned into a jumbled mess.
April 23, 2025
This book is all over the place. It feels like the author is trying to fit as many tropes in 1 book as possible. It's a slow read. If they keep it enemies to lovers it would have been good. I liked the narrators, Michael Joss and Phillipa Miller.
July 15, 2025
3.5/5⭐️
So the beginning part of this book had me completely hooked. But then it kind of took a turn into something else and turned into a mafia book. I feel like I read two different books mashed up together. It wasn’t bad, but the transition wasn’t seamless.
So the beginning part of this book had me completely hooked. But then it kind of took a turn into something else and turned into a mafia book. I feel like I read two different books mashed up together. It wasn’t bad, but the transition wasn’t seamless.
May 25, 2024
Awesome read
WOW! That ending! She sacrificed so much! And none of it was apreciated! He was broken! But that does NOT excuse his behavior!!
WOW! That ending! She sacrificed so much! And none of it was apreciated! He was broken! But that does NOT excuse his behavior!!
May 28, 2024
While the writing was good - this story was all over the place.
March 19, 2025
I feel generous giving this two stars. It started promising, and then made an unexpected turn into a book version of a really bad telenovela.
April 12, 2025
This book has so many different genres throughout. It starts as a bully romance then becomes an abuse survivor, then the mafia!!! There’s so many layers, I was hooked. An amazing performance.
#pfp
#pfp
April 21, 2025
Wow! So many quotes from this story I loved. And the moment I realized the connection this story had to the Pretty Monsters trilogy I'd listened to awhile ago- shock but it also made me so much more invested, realizing that niggling feeling these characters were familiar wasn't just in my imagination. So much angst and suspense in this story as these young characters try to find their way in life... reminds me of the teenage drama tv shows I watched back in the day. Can't wait for the next to come to audio to finish Ford and Tessa's story!
May 30, 2025
3.5 stars
Pretty Broken Things (Pretty Broken Duet #1) is a sports, forbidden romance.
I really enjoyed the connection build up, in the beginning, between Ford and Tessa. The back and forth drama, the struggles and toxic family situation made it an entertaining read. Their story started off really engaging, but I was taken out of it about halfway through. To better understand the second half, it’s best if you read Pretty Monsters series first. That being said, I felt like the second half was just a recap of that series and took away from Ford and Tessa’s book. I still plan to read book two in this duet, because I need to know how their story ends.
Michael Joss and Phillipa Miller did a really nice job narrating this book. Good portrayal of characters.
Pretty Broken Things (Pretty Broken Duet #1) is a sports, forbidden romance.
I really enjoyed the connection build up, in the beginning, between Ford and Tessa. The back and forth drama, the struggles and toxic family situation made it an entertaining read. Their story started off really engaging, but I was taken out of it about halfway through. To better understand the second half, it’s best if you read Pretty Monsters series first. That being said, I felt like the second half was just a recap of that series and took away from Ford and Tessa’s book. I still plan to read book two in this duet, because I need to know how their story ends.
Michael Joss and Phillipa Miller did a really nice job narrating this book. Good portrayal of characters.
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