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Broken
More than Oliver’s leg is broken after a skiing accident. The months spent in the hospital and enduring physical therapy leaves him bitter and insecure. His lover of four years, Joel, represents all he fears his weak and disfigured leg has stolen – the ability to live an active and carefree life.
Joel endlessly tries to lift Oliver from his despair, but after being rebuffed one too many times, he suggests they take a break and moves out.
After a long lonely week, Oliver is both delighted and terrified when Joel suggests they meet to talk things through. He discovers that Joel plans to make amends by helping Oliver realize he can still enjoy the snow. From Joel’s old apartment to the snowy peaks of a Canadian ski resort, Oliver and Joel will face their greatest fears together and with a little luck and a lot of trust, rekindle their love.
Joel endlessly tries to lift Oliver from his despair, but after being rebuffed one too many times, he suggests they take a break and moves out.
After a long lonely week, Oliver is both delighted and terrified when Joel suggests they meet to talk things through. He discovers that Joel plans to make amends by helping Oliver realize he can still enjoy the snow. From Joel’s old apartment to the snowy peaks of a Canadian ski resort, Oliver and Joel will face their greatest fears together and with a little luck and a lot of trust, rekindle their love.
66 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 18, 2014
1 person is currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Raine Norman
3 books3 followersA lifelong avid reader I began writing when housebound following a leg injury. It is now pretty much a compulsion to the extent that I get 'twitchy' if I can't get to write on a daily basis.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 31, 2015
I like to try new things. I’m always up for a challenge. Actually, I have trouble denying a bet or a dare so please don’t ever dare me to ride a super scary roller-coaster or eat something icky. I will do it and I will hate you all the while! ;)
So, I get a little giddy during our ‘weeks’ we have periodically on the blog. New-to-me author is always a fun one. Scroll through the list of debut authors from last year and dive in.
I liked this book, I liked the writing, I liked the style…but I didn't love it.
Plain and simple, it needed more. I’m not exactly sure what, but something.
Like when you are cruising along going slightly uphill and you just need that extra oomph to get you there.
An established couple teeters on the edge of the point of no return. A few years into their relationship Oliver has an accident. As it often happens, not only was his leg broken during the snowy crash, but his spirit was as well. He sinks into a pit of despair. He hurts, everything hurts and he mourns the loss of his old self. His younger, hotter partner stands by his side; well, he tries to. Oliver can’t fathom why Joel is still with him. The differences between them were easy to conquer when he was complete, but now? He’s a hot mess and pushes his lover away. His self-loathing radiates from him and he finally succeeds in forcing Joel to walk away.
Yet once he’s gone, true panic settles in.
What has he done?
Can he take it back?
Will Joel love him again, or is he too broken?
I honestly believe that a few more chapters would have filled what I was missing. Maybe a bit more history or flashbacks would have done the trick? Or possibly another secondary character to include further justification for why they were perfect for one another, that might have done it.
I certainly felt their struggles, both of them. The emotions were strong and both men drew me in. Returning to the ski village is the moment of truth. Joel knows what to do, but Oliver has to let him. I desperately wanted Oliver to let him.
It was almost there, a little bit more and I could have easily added an extra star.
*3 just-okay stars*
So, I get a little giddy during our ‘weeks’ we have periodically on the blog. New-to-me author is always a fun one. Scroll through the list of debut authors from last year and dive in.
I liked this book, I liked the writing, I liked the style…but I didn't love it.
Plain and simple, it needed more. I’m not exactly sure what, but something.
Like when you are cruising along going slightly uphill and you just need that extra oomph to get you there.
An established couple teeters on the edge of the point of no return. A few years into their relationship Oliver has an accident. As it often happens, not only was his leg broken during the snowy crash, but his spirit was as well. He sinks into a pit of despair. He hurts, everything hurts and he mourns the loss of his old self. His younger, hotter partner stands by his side; well, he tries to. Oliver can’t fathom why Joel is still with him. The differences between them were easy to conquer when he was complete, but now? He’s a hot mess and pushes his lover away. His self-loathing radiates from him and he finally succeeds in forcing Joel to walk away.
Yet once he’s gone, true panic settles in.
What has he done?
Can he take it back?
Will Joel love him again, or is he too broken?
I honestly believe that a few more chapters would have filled what I was missing. Maybe a bit more history or flashbacks would have done the trick? Or possibly another secondary character to include further justification for why they were perfect for one another, that might have done it.
I certainly felt their struggles, both of them. The emotions were strong and both men drew me in. Returning to the ski village is the moment of truth. Joel knows what to do, but Oliver has to let him. I desperately wanted Oliver to let him.
It was almost there, a little bit more and I could have easily added an extra star.
*3 just-okay stars*
February 24, 2014
This was just what I needed after finishing a very emotional book. I really enjoyed the story, the writing was very good and there was just enough conflict to keep it interesting without killing you with angst.
I'd definitely read more from this author.
I'd definitely read more from this author.
February 26, 2014
I liked it, I did, but it needed a bit more meat than what I got in the 40 or so pages on my Nook. I liked both characters, but when dealing with an established couple going through a tough time, I would have liked a bit more in depth backstory for them. And I didn't quite buy the rapidity with which Oliver changed his outlook.
Still, an enjoyable read. I really liked the way the author showed that Joel was just as affected by the accident, even if it was in a different, less physical, way. I also liked that a nice female was included who proved a good friend to them both.
I received a free copy from the publisher. A positive review was not promised in return.
Still, an enjoyable read. I really liked the way the author showed that Joel was just as affected by the accident, even if it was in a different, less physical, way. I also liked that a nice female was included who proved a good friend to them both.
I received a free copy from the publisher. A positive review was not promised in return.
March 9, 2014
Hearts on Fire Review
****4 1/2 stars****
Original Review Published here: http://heartsonfirereviews.com/?p=25415
Oliver has had a rough few months. He broke his leg so badly that it has left multiple scars as well as a noticeable limp. While Oliver is continually reminded that he should be thankful for having a leg at all goes unnoticed as he drowns in self-pity.
Joel is Oliver’s boyfriend and is the opposite of Oliver. He is much more athletic. A competition between Oliver and Joel is what left Oliver with his leg broken. Joel takes a week long break to reassess his relationship with Oliver because he is over Oliver’s self-pity.
The chemistry between Oliver and Joel is blistering. The sex scenes were hot and spicy. My biggest issue is that Oliver seems to expect Joel to leave him and is waiting for Joel to leave. The only thing that bugs me about this story is we don’t really get why after a five year relationship why Oliver thinks Joel will leave him.
At 44 pages, this book is a wonderful sweet story. I found it well written with a much better ending than I expected. The characters are interesting and realistic. I hope we get to see these characters again in the future. Overall, this is a great book.
****4 1/2 stars****
Original Review Published here: http://heartsonfirereviews.com/?p=25415
Oliver has had a rough few months. He broke his leg so badly that it has left multiple scars as well as a noticeable limp. While Oliver is continually reminded that he should be thankful for having a leg at all goes unnoticed as he drowns in self-pity.
Joel is Oliver’s boyfriend and is the opposite of Oliver. He is much more athletic. A competition between Oliver and Joel is what left Oliver with his leg broken. Joel takes a week long break to reassess his relationship with Oliver because he is over Oliver’s self-pity.
The chemistry between Oliver and Joel is blistering. The sex scenes were hot and spicy. My biggest issue is that Oliver seems to expect Joel to leave him and is waiting for Joel to leave. The only thing that bugs me about this story is we don’t really get why after a five year relationship why Oliver thinks Joel will leave him.
At 44 pages, this book is a wonderful sweet story. I found it well written with a much better ending than I expected. The characters are interesting and realistic. I hope we get to see these characters again in the future. Overall, this is a great book.
April 9, 2014
Bookman Reviews Broken by Raine Norman
http://www.mrsconditreadsbooks.com/?p...
REVIEW: In this relatively short novel, Raine Norman weaves a strong story of hurt-physical and emotional- and what it is going to take to make Oliver and Joel’s romance stronger than before or abandon it completely.
Oliver is bitter over all of the things that he can no longer do, Joel is bitter that nothing he tries seems to help. Both are being swallowed up by their lack of closeness, until Joel is so frustrated the he leaves their home. Both miss each other dearly but do not know what to do to repair the damages.
Joel entices Oliver to go on a trip to a ski resort, where closeness brings them time to remember just what they love about each other, and that they were meant to be together. Joel convinces Oliver to try things that he was afraid of. Helping Oliver regain his self confidence in himself and rejuvenate their love-which was always there.
Very enjoyable characters and a strong plot, make this an encouraging story for anyone who has faced loss.
I hope we hear a lot more from Ms Norman
http://www.mrsconditreadsbooks.com/?p...
REVIEW: In this relatively short novel, Raine Norman weaves a strong story of hurt-physical and emotional- and what it is going to take to make Oliver and Joel’s romance stronger than before or abandon it completely.
Oliver is bitter over all of the things that he can no longer do, Joel is bitter that nothing he tries seems to help. Both are being swallowed up by their lack of closeness, until Joel is so frustrated the he leaves their home. Both miss each other dearly but do not know what to do to repair the damages.
Joel entices Oliver to go on a trip to a ski resort, where closeness brings them time to remember just what they love about each other, and that they were meant to be together. Joel convinces Oliver to try things that he was afraid of. Helping Oliver regain his self confidence in himself and rejuvenate their love-which was always there.
Very enjoyable characters and a strong plot, make this an encouraging story for anyone who has faced loss.
I hope we hear a lot more from Ms Norman
February 20, 2014
This turned out to be a lot sweeter and happier than I was expecting and I was pleasantly surprised.
Oliver was in a skiing accident and hurt his leg pretty badly. Since the accident he has lost a lot of self worth. Constantly berating himself, second guessing his boyfriend Joel's love, becoming moody and snappish. Joel decides to take a week break to let Oliver think and During this time Oliver see what kind of man he has become and he understands now why Joel decided on this break. This is about the only slightly angsty part of the book and without spoiling the plot I can't go into much more, but there is a turn of events and Oliver and Joel find their way again.
Oliver was in a skiing accident and hurt his leg pretty badly. Since the accident he has lost a lot of self worth. Constantly berating himself, second guessing his boyfriend Joel's love, becoming moody and snappish. Joel decides to take a week break to let Oliver think and During this time Oliver see what kind of man he has become and he understands now why Joel decided on this break. This is about the only slightly angsty part of the book and without spoiling the plot I can't go into much more, but there is a turn of events and Oliver and Joel find their way again.
September 18, 2014
It's rare to get a well done established couple romance but that's what this short novella was. IMO the author did a great job of showing why these two men who loved each other where at a turning point in their relationship. Everyone who has been part of a couple has been here. What made it a romance is the lovely, simple way the men reconnected. Yes, it's a bit easy and fixed in a weekend but this is HEA, not happily-figuring-life-out-daily.
February 20, 2014
Excellent writing with a warm cadence I really enjoyed. If you’re in the mood for a sweet, non-angsty story, you’ll love this. Raine Norman did a great job of writing a complete story with no shortcuts but I would have loved to stay in the characters’ lives just a little longer.
March 8, 2014
2.5 stars.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews