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Down Broken Lane

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Camille Ray only has three rules:
One, never let them find you.
Two, cover all tracks.
Three, don’t ache for another man again.

Camille is desperate to sever ties to the city she narrowly escaped, even if that means moving to the middle of nowhere. With a forged identity and a fresh start, she’s determined to lead a quiet life. Which means keeping her distance from her new neighbor. The very furthest thing from her mind is indulging in her taste for dangerous, handsome men.

Dawson McGill is on the run and in need of a place to stay. A haven cut out of the Smoky Mountains in a small, North Carolina town seems as good a refuge as any to lay his demons to rest.

But Camille and Dawson have more in common than their first encounter suggests. When both of their pasts come storming back into their lives, they must acknowledge the repercussions of every lie they ever told. Or reap the deadly consequences.

424 pages, Paperback

Published February 29, 2024

11 people are currently reading
225 people want to read

About the author

Amber Hart

7 books211 followers
Amber Hart is the author of several romance novels for teens and adults. She lives on the Florida coast with her husband and sons. For more, you can find her on social media.

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5 stars
34 (28%)
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59 (49%)
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24 (20%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
Profile Image for Jessica .
2,651 reviews16k followers
March 7, 2024
I was excited to try out a new romantic suspense author, but unfortunately the lack of suspense in this one left me wanting more from this book. The heroine is on the run and hiding out from something, but we don't know what. She's living in a small town when the hero, also running from something, shows up and wants a job and a place to live. About 80% of the book is just them going about their daily lives and growing closer. I wanted a little bit more stakes or even just a hint of something scary, but we didn't really get that. Nothing really happens in the small town and it was hard for me to stay engaged in the story, especially with how much they just talked about the weather. Then, the last 15% is where the action comes in and it was just over so fast. I was expecting much more engaging plot with higher stakes, which I didn't get.
Profile Image for emilyjo_reads.
202 reviews9 followers
February 19, 2024
This was really good! I typically try to avoid books that are outright marketed as “suspense/suspenseful” because #anxiety but this was not at all as suspenseful as I was expecting. Don’t get me wrong though, I had like 400 questions the entire time and even more predictions. Turns out I was mostly wrong about all of them 🙃. Which is so refreshing. I love being wrong and caught off guard even if it’s about the smallest details.

This story is told in a first person/dual POV from our MC’s. We also get “before” chapters that come up from time to time to give us glimpses from the past, which reveals itself more and more as the story progresses.

I enjoyed Camille and Dawson as characters and their character development. Their slow burn/complicated romance kept me interested. I adored the side characters as well. I love the small town everybody knows everybody and their business type. Mr. Hill is a ride or die and I love him.

I was completely immersed in the small and picturesque town, the way the scenery was described was incredibly beautiful. If this is a real place, I want to visit!

The only “critique” I have (if you could even call it that) would be that I wish the last 10% of the book was a little longer or more drawn out with the reveals. I’m just a sucker for little details and love an ending that is a little more drawn out. But I still did enjoy the way it ended. I will absolutely be recommending this book for people to read!

Thank you to @amberhartauthor and @greyspromo for providing me with a free ebook to read in exchange for my honest review!
Profile Image for Heather Anderson.
555 reviews46 followers
February 28, 2024
Tropes: Romanic Suspense, Small Town, Slow Burn, Secret Past, Forced Proximity

TW: Domestic Violence (graphic)

Thank you to the author and Grey's Promotions for providing me with an E-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!

Camille is on the run from her past and has to set up a new life for herself in a small town, Darlington, where no one can track her. She has three rules that she stands by: 1) Never let them find you, 2) Cover all tracks, and 3) Never fall for another man again. Camille has been following those rules for 1 year, until this mysterious man, Dawson, comes into town. Dawson is on the run as well, and when these two paths cross, they can't deny the pull between them.

This book is told in Dual POV and has chapters that include flashbacks from time to time. I enjoyed Camille and Dawson as characters, and I loved the plot of the story. Even though this book was a slow burn, it is a quick read because of how the author keeps you wanting more with each chapter you read. I love small town romances, but throw in a little suspense, and I'm sold! I really liked how the author included flashbacks from the characters past because each time a flashback came up, the story was revealing itself a little more and more each time. Some of the flashbacks do include triggering aspects, mainly domestic violence, and it can get really graphic. I really liked the side characters as well! I appreciate the small side story of Luke, and how him and Camille became friends -- which led Dawson becoming this jealous alpha -- which I LOVE. I really loved the ending, even though it was done quickly. This was my first book by this author, and after reading this book, I'm definitely going to check out some of her other work because her writing style is beautiful!
Profile Image for Bryana Napthen.
275 reviews4 followers
February 28, 2024
Thank you @amberhartauthor & @greyspromo for the arc 🫶🏼

A small town, slow burn, romantic suspense? Say less.

This book was a little slower paced for me, the beginning is a lot of buildup and clues but it slowly started revealing more and I was constantly trying to figure out the ending. I loved the “before” scenes and the dual POV aspect.

I was very suspicious of Dawson at first, but he definitely grew on me and you can just feel the chemistry between him and Camille. I also really enjoyed Luke and his story and friendship with Camille!

Read this if you like:
❄️ slow burn
✨ secret past
❄️ forced proximity
✨ heroine in danger
❄️ alpha hero
✨tension/angst
Profile Image for Nicola “Shortbookthyme”.
2,385 reviews135 followers
February 29, 2024

I really enjoyed reading Down Broken Lane. This is my first novel written by Amber Hart. Her writing was engaging and solid.
The story is full of suspense that keeps you wanting to read on to find out what the ending is going to be.
I loved the romance aspect with the two main characters, Camille and Dawson. They both have so much to overcome. Their chemistry and relationship was intense as they heal together.
I am looking forward to reading more Amber Hart books!

#shortbookthyme #amberhartauthor #downbrokenlane #yournextread #booksbooksbooks #suspense #mystery #romanticsuspense #booksofinstagram #arcreviewer #bookreviewer #bibliophile #arcreader #supportauthors #reading #bookstagrammer #contemporaryromance #booklover #bookstagram
Profile Image for Sydney B.
473 reviews26 followers
February 24, 2024
“𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘸𝘰 𝘵𝘺𝘱𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦, 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦’𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘦𝘵𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘰𝘯 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘦, 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯’𝘵 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵, 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘧 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵. 𝘗𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳.”

4/⭐️
1/🌶️

The suspense!! I literally devoured this book because I was so intrigued and had to get answers! Camille is hiding from her past, and Dawson has his own secrets. I loved the flashbacks we got, and how it gave us some answers while also creating more questions. I just wanted to scream WHO ARE YOU DAWSON!!

I loved their chemistry and the pull between them. The added jealousy of Camille and Luke’s friendship was just so good. I truly didn’t know where this book was going to go, all I know is that I needed Camille and Dawson to end up together.

“𝘊𝘢𝘯 𝘐 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘺 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘥? 𝘊𝘢𝘯 𝘐 𝘣𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘺? 𝘉𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘊𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦.” 🥹

I loved the ending so much. When we finally get answers, I screamed. Not such why I wasn’t prepared for it, but it made it that much better that I didn’t predict it.

I loved this author’s writing style, and can’t wait to read more by her 🫶🏼

tropes - romantic suspense, forced proximity, he falls first, alpha hero
Profile Image for Diana.
330 reviews59 followers
March 1, 2024
Down Broken Lane
by Amber Hart
Available Now - Happy Release Day!

This is the first book I’ve read by Amber Hart. It’s a romantic suspense book and I really enjoyed it! The author did a great job of balancing the suspense/mystery and romance.

It’s told in dual POVs and goes from past to present. The story flowed.

It’s a very slow burn, but it works. The undeniable chemistry between the FMC and MMC is intense. Loved the banter between the two!

The suspense had me on edge. Early on I kept thinking I had the storyline figured out, but I was so wrong. It was intriguing and kept me guessing. It was hard to put the book down. Each chapter kept me wanting more. The twist at the end was good, I did not see it coming.

What to expect:
✨ Small town
✨ Found family
✨ Forced proximity
✨ He falls first
✨ Alpha Hero

Thank you to author Amber Hart and Grey’s Promo for this e-ARC. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Krystal - nerdy_book_lover_1987.
641 reviews54 followers
February 22, 2024
I love a good suspenseful read. Throw in a slow burn romance, small town and on the run and I'm all here for it. The characters were well written and I loved seeing the now as well as some flashbacks to the past.

I'm giving this four stars because it wasn't really suspense heavy until the very end and even that was done quickly which was a little disappointing but that's ok, it was still a good read and would recommend it for something quick and easy to read and just to have a fun time with. All around a very solid book!
Profile Image for Janilyn Kocher.
5,125 reviews115 followers
February 29, 2024
With every new mystery or thriller I’m immensely curious as to the backstories of the main characters. I want to know what they’re running from or running toward.
Dawson and Camille both have plenty to hide but the small NC community takes both in with few questions.
The flashbacks revealed more of Camille’s story than Dawson’s. I had to wait until Hart revealed his secrets in a timely fashion.
The heat between the two was hot enough to scorch the Great Smoky Mountains.
My favorite character was Mr. Hill and I loved how he dispensed advice and the manner in which he did it.
I read this book in one sitting because I was that engrossed.
Thanks to Grey’s Promotion and Amber Hart for the early copy.
Profile Image for Anika Riewe.
4 reviews
September 30, 2024
Finished in just one day! It was such cozy and sweet little read that really transported you to chilly days in a small town, it kept me giggling and kicking my feet the whole time.
Profile Image for Shelley.
95 reviews4 followers
March 7, 2024
I found the story to be well-written, but a bit too descriptive, which was somewhat distracting. I was unable to fully immerse myself in the story, and as a result, I didn't feel much of a connection with the main characters. While I did want to root for Camille and Dawson, I was more intrigued by some of the side characters and Camille's past and wished to read more about them. Overall, it's not a bad book, but for me, something was missing in the chemistry between Dawson and Camille.
Profile Image for Susie Lee.
22 reviews2 followers
March 9, 2024
I devoured this book!
It’s a cozy suspense romance!
It was the perfect balance of mystery and slow burn romance.

The main characters and side characters are perfection!
This book is both plot and character driven! You fall in love with every character as soon as they come on the page.
This is not a high action suspense it’s perfect for someone who wants mystery without the high stress of a thriller. As I thriller and romance lover I was captivated from the very start! I loved the MMC and FMC!
Profile Image for Read All About It.
2,043 reviews23 followers
March 3, 2024
This is my first book by this author. She wove a storyline that was intriguing and suspenseful. A slow burn romance that had me hooked.
Camille and Dawson were both hiding secrets that come out in the explosive conclusion.
Profile Image for ~lil maso~.
1,932 reviews49 followers
February 29, 2024
Reviewed by Robyn for Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner

This romantic suspense story is set in a small town called Darlington in North Carolina. Camille meets Dawson at her workplace, the general store, where he enquires about her camper for rent. It’s basically a like-meets-like situation, and they non-verbally agree to stick their noses out of each other’s business.

The whole feel of the story is one of a town with supportive local people who like to know everybody’s business as well. With Dawson, Camille, and Luke, I instantly became obsessed with finding out what these character’s background stories are and what could happen to them in the future. The flashbacks from each main character are vital clues, and yet there are some incredible twists to surprise and entertain in the final part of the book.

This is a slow-burn romance and I love how the spicy aspect of a romance didn’t overtake the storyline. The romance is more realistic as I don’t think anybody trying to hide would be willing to trust others implicitly. The chemistry between Dawson and Camille is definitely there and both can feel its obvious pull.

I could think of nothing better than to visit this town or area after the fabulous descriptions in the storyline. It made it so easy to visualise each scene, as well as a longing to travel there. Being a new author to me, I am delighted to have found another author with a writing style I enjoy.

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*

Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Profile Image for Claudia |✨Cushin Violeta's Bookish Realm✨.
1,624 reviews56 followers
March 4, 2024
𝑻𝒆𝒎𝒑𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑺𝒍𝒐𝒘 𝑩𝒖𝒓𝒏 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑺𝒖𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒆...

𝑻𝑹𝑶𝑷𝑬𝑺/ 𝑩𝑶𝑶𝑲 𝑯𝑰𝑮𝑯𝑳𝑰𝑮𝑯𝑻𝑺 :📑

💌 Small Town
💌 Romantic Suspense
💌 Secretive Past and Secrets
💌 Ex-Military hero
💌 Forced Proximity
💌 Slow burn vibes

𝑴𝒀 𝑹𝑬𝑽𝑰𝑬𝑾: 📝

This one takes you into a cozy ride in the beginning as we get to know Camille and her life in the small town of Darlington. She's a hard worker and is liked by everyone. Even though it's just been a year of settling into a new life yet Camille loves being where she is.

Everything is going as usual and life is good but Camille feels the spark of something after a long time when she sees the new stranger in town.
For some reason he seems to pull her by his mysterious vibes.

Dawson requires work and also a place to live and somehow ends up being the new renter to Camille's camper.

But it's obvious that Dawson has secrets of his own and even though there are sparks flying between Dawson and Camille, yet how can she allow someone like him into her life after the secrets that she herself is hiding?!

Interspersed within the chapters are flashes of the past and honestly I was so eager to find out to whom these flashes belonged.

The suspense angle was really good as we see bit by bit Camille's past and her secrets and I have to say those parts really made me emotional when we come to know her side of the story.

But the biggest twister was so shocking I definitely didn't see that one coming. Wow.

I loved experiencing the sweetness of these two coming closer, their eyes speaking for them and yet them fighting every step of the way what they feel for each other.

The big reveal was definitely my favourite part as I was so freaking surprised and definitely didn't see that angle happening.

I loved Camille's character a lot because of her strength and not giving up no matter what.❤️
Profile Image for Susanna.
48 reviews
March 4, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Tropes:
- Slow burn
- He falls first
- both mc w/ a past
- small town (in winter)

Spice level: 🌶️/5

possible triggers: DV

Review:
I loved Camille and Dawson. Especially, Dawson. He would do anything for that girl. Either is chop wood or build her a new kitchen. 😉 From the beginning, I knew I was going to like the book. Every chapter I was thinking of the possibilities of the ending or all the maybes of who Dawson was and why he was really there. I was right with most of my predictions and i love that, literally felt accomplished. Now at 65% I knew I was going to love it so much!! The ache I got in my chest when I saw maybe there was chance with Camille and Luke, like girrlll you better not and imagining how angry Dawson lookled while watching their interactions, another thing I absolutely LOVED!!
The side characters played such a huge part for Camille and I loved them plus the towns vibes. It was so Stars Hollow (Gilmore Girls) for her. Especially with her past she was running from, her soul NEEDED it.
Finally, the plot twist... MY HEART. When it was all revealed. and the foot finally dropped, because the whole time every time I was think, is it dropping now? or now?, the next few chapters.
and then Dawson during and after was like book boyfriend, no no scratch that... book HUSBAND.

If you want a slow burn romance, suspense filled/build up tension, and the foot dropping fast and hard speed reading the last 70% or so SO SO fast, this'll be the book for you.

Based off the a free copy from author and greypromo!! Thank you so much for this opportunity.
2,298 reviews91 followers
February 28, 2024

I wrote this review for Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner.
This romantic suspense story is set in a small town called Darlington in North Carolina. Camille meets Dawson at her workplace, the general store, where he enquires about her camper for rent. It’s basically a like-meets-like situation, and they non-verbally agree to stick their noses out of each other’s business.

The whole feel of the story is one of a town with supportive local people who like to know everybody’s business as well. With Dawson, Camille, and Luke, I instantly became obsessed with finding out what these character’s background stories are and what could happen to them in the future. The flashbacks from each main character are vital clues, and yet there are some incredible twists to surprise and entertain in the final part of the book.

This is a slow-burn romance and I love how the spicy aspect of a romance didn’t overtake the storyline. The romance is more realistic as I don’t think anybody trying to hide would be willing to trust others implicitly. The chemistry between Dawson and Camille is definitely there and both can feel its obvious pull.

I could think of nothing better than to visit this town or area after the fabulous descriptions in the storyline. It made it so easy to visualise each scene, as well as a longing to travel there. Being a new author to me, I am delighted to have found another author with a writing style I enjoy.
Profile Image for Chloe Dearman.
33 reviews3 followers
March 8, 2024
Ratings: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶🌶🌶
Down Broken Lane follows Camille Ray as she escapes her previous life to start anew in a small town hidden in the mountains, Darlington, NC. She vows to never return to her old life by instating some new rules - 1) Never let them find you, 2) cover all tracks, and 3) don’t ache for another man again. When Dawson McGill comes to town, she begins to break one of her rules. She can’t let herself fall, though - he has just as many secrets as she does.

Let me start by saying, I’ve never read a book by Amber Hart before but boyyyyy let me tell you this will NOT be my last! This book read so well for me and I was hooked from the beginning. I wanted to know what Camille was running from and I wanted to know what Dawson was hiding. This book kept me on edge because I was waiting for the shoe to drop on Camille, while also waiting for their rapidly increasing sexual tension to turn into more. And let me just say, the tension in this book was HOT. It was definitely a slow burn, but it was well worth it. There isn’t as much spice considering the burn doesn’t come to a boil until about 80% in, but it was still good, well executed smut eliciting the rating I gave it.

One of the aspects I loved the most was seeing how well Camille fit into this new world. She found people to care for her and to confide in, and the elders of the town care for her as if she was their own without questioning where she came from. This had a very well written “found-family” trope and I ate it up. I also loved how Dawson and Camille genuinely has an interest in getting to know each other. They knew they were both hiding from something in their past life, but that didn’t get in the way of their budding relationship. There was no third act break up and they do get their HEA, but I loved seeing the character building on both of their parts in how they get there. They both grow so much in tearing down their walls and letting others in.

Overall this was a super cute book. I definitely wasn’t expecting the twist at the end, but it made everything come full circle. If you liked Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan, this book has similar vibes. Definitely check your triggers before reading, because this has aspects of DV that could be triggering to some. Happy reading!
Profile Image for Victoria.
223 reviews4 followers
February 28, 2024
(ARC REVIEW )

Wow, where to begin with this book. There are many thoughts that come to mind, but the one that sticks out the most to me is this book was slow burn heaven with a touch of small town bliss or so the author wants you to think. This book was a complete build up for these two main characters. This story was full of secrets, pain, and their past trying to catch up to them. Camille was just a normal woman trying to get by and make a normal life for herself in the shadows, and in comes Dawson with his own secrets and past and their worlds colliding pushing them both into the spotlight towards each other. If only they could live happily ever after...sadly though they have too many secrets and their past is coming straight for them.


Overall, the story was very captivating and held my interest. I found myself wanting to know where Camille and Dawson's story would end up. I wanted to know how they got to where they were in present time. The Author did an amazing job flushing out Camille back story and the flashbacks. It added a really nice touch to the story. I would have liked to see a bit more of Dawson's backstory though. The romance between the two was fire and electric. The Slow burn was off the charts. You could tell the chemistry between them from the start.

Lastly, enjoyed the side characters in the small town and thought that it added the found family aspect to the story nicely.
Profile Image for Dibbers Dob.
18 reviews
March 10, 2024
I’ve been in a book funk lately and have been weary to try new Arcs or even my favorite books. It’s not fun to get in those moods. But I got an email reminding me of this book and decided to try it. I’m so happy I did! It got me out of my funk! This book is both a bit of mystery/ thriller and a romance, something I’ve wanted for a while. The author does a fantastic job creating the town and the setting. I can really picture Darlington and its residents.
The author also does a great job at weaving the memories in with the present. I really enjoyed the weaving of the two.
Camille has created such a charming life for herself after escaping her past. She has her books, a job she enjoys with a good boss, and towns people she likes, even if she does keep everyone at a distance. And a cat that adopted her.
Dawson was so guarded but so sweet. He really showed her that not all men were like her ex and that it was ok to let your guard down.
The ending was so good! It was exciting and so nerve wracking but so good! I was up so late finishing it! Without too much of a spoiler I could have used a little bit of a more concrete ending but I won’t go into specifics 🤐 I just would have loved the two of them settling down in that small town that loved them so much.
I couldn’t put it down, I needed to know their stories and if they got the peace they were searching for and maybe a happily ever after together. 🤔
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for LaPrea.
388 reviews6 followers
February 25, 2024
ARC REVIEW
Pub Date: February 29
Thank you to the author!
Leaving the past behind and not ever wanting to be found can cause you to live a quiet and protective life. Camille moves to a small, recluse town in North Carolina. All she wants is to stay hiding so that her secrets don’t come and find her. Dawson is also trying to stay hiding…so what happens when these two secrets begin to reveal themselves?

Trigger warning: Domestic Violence.

This is my first book by Amber Hart and it is a really good one. The dual POVs are perfectly done, I love the length of chapters and the writing style. The imagery given throughout the book makes you truly feel like you are there. Whether Camille is swimming in the ocean or simply existing in her little cabin. I fell in love with their story and it took an unexpected turn that I was NOT prepared for. The whole time I’m thinking about what exactly Dawson is running away from, and that takes a turn which is really exciting!!

There are so many side characters too that I love like Mr. Hill being someone Camille can lean on like a father figure. Mrs. JoAnne is your typical old lady who just has you cracking up. The romance in the story is so good, it’s a slowwww burn which I LOVE and when they finally connect. It’s everything you could ever wish for.

Overall I would recommend this book!! Such a good read!
Profile Image for Cristie Sluberski.
363 reviews7 followers
March 7, 2024
✨ 𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 ✨

𝑫𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝑩𝒓𝒐𝒌𝒆𝒏 𝑳𝒂𝒏𝒆 𝒃𝒚 𝑨𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓 𝑯𝒂𝒓𝒕
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒊𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆:
❤️ small town romance
❤️ romantic suspense
❤️ FMC & MMC on the run
❤️ secret pasts
❤️ pinch of open door romance
❤️ slowww burn
❤️ dual POV

Camille finds herself in a small town in the state of North Carolina trying to rewrite her story. Camille has left an awful situation & is laying low & living a very simple life. A handsome man named Dawson ends up moving to the same small town & rents Camille’s camper from her. There is definitely mutual attraction there, but with Camille’s past she is not one to let very many into her secluded and secretive life. Dawson is also hiding secrets & doesn’t want to reveal too much to Camille either about why he has moved to the same town as her.

I love a romantic suspense & with all of the unknown secrets being kept by Camille & Dawson, I found myself wanting to turn the page more & more to find out what they were hiding from each other! There are references to Camille’s past so there is a dual timeline, but it wasn’t confusing at all to keep up with. The build up of the romance was kiiiiiilling me so the slow burn was almost a bit too slow for me. If you love a good slow burn with all the suspense, this one is definitely for you!!
Profile Image for Katherine M.
622 reviews30 followers
February 18, 2024
I enjoyed this book. It was a slow burn, small town, romantic suspense with some mystery and secrets and lies intertwined. I was drawn in from the first page, as the writing was descriptive and engaging. I was entranced and immersed into this world. I really like Camille and Dawson’s characters, as well as the townsfolk people. There were really some emotional parts as well, and some of the story may trigger some people, so be warned. You will be surprised at the end how things play out, so I would go in blind to this. For most of it, it feels like a slow moving romance where they both have pasts, but ends up being so much more.

I really did like the story but for what it was/ended up to be in the end, I feel like it was way too slow of a burn. Between 35-80% was really slow moving and could have been condensed. I really also wish there was more explained at the end and wish there had been an epilogue. I really wanted to see more of their relationship, once it finally got there. And I would have like the ending part to have been in the middle and drawn out with more detail. But that’s my opinion on the storyline. I did enjoy the story though.
Profile Image for Noel.
257 reviews1 follower
February 29, 2024
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Tropes:
Slow burn
Forced proximity
Tension (some angst)
Romantic suspense
Small town

Romantic suspense is a genre I have been trying to read more of for the past 6 months. Overall, I enjoyed this one! I don't usually like high angst with certain genres but I do like it with suspense novels and I would describe this as low angst until the last portion. I think I was looking for a bit more from this book, just a little more oomph.

I enjoyed the small-town descriptions and the side characters. I enjoyed Camille's relationship with Luke. The book is also in dual POV which is great, and has chapters from before that sort of piece things together as the book progresses. There are some pretty graphic DV descriptions.

Overall, I liked Camille and Dawson together, they had good chemistry and I liked the jealousy we saw from Dawson regarding Luke. Very low spice in my opinion and the ending felt a bit rushed. This genre isn't something I read often so I would give it a 4 star, closer to a 3.75 because it felt sort of dull for the first half of the book. I would be interested still in reading the author in the future.
Profile Image for CHELSEA.
374 reviews48 followers
February 29, 2024
This might be the book for you if you enjoy:
Romantic suspense
dual POV
past/present timeline
small town
slooooow burn
secret pasts
heroine in danger

Camille and Dawson meet while living in the small town of Darlington. Dawson is looking for a place to live and Camille just so happens to have a place for him to rent. There is an obvious attraction there but they both have so many secrets from their past lives that they aren't willing to share & it keeps them from getting to close to others. However, they can't ignore their attraction for one another. Talk about tension and angst between these two! I was fully invested in wanting to know about each of their pasts, what they were hiding, and if they were more connected than it seemed....If you like small town romance with a bit of suspense and mystery factor then pick up this book! It was my first Amber Hart book and it won't be my last!

Thank you, Amber Hart and Grey's Promotions for selecting me for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Profile Image for Paige (paigersturnspages).
286 reviews15 followers
March 8, 2024
❄️Arc review❄️

Down Broken Lane by Amber Hart

Welcome to Darlington

The only thing more treacherous than keeping a deadly secret is not keeping it.

❄️Small Town
💙Romantic Suspense
❄️Neighbors x Close Proximity
💙Slow Burn
❄️Secret Past
💙Grumpy x Sunshine
❄️No third act breakup
💙Dual Pov

Please check your tw before reading.

This is totally giving julia roberts in sleeping with the enemy vibes. I absolutely love that movie!!

Dawson is new in town and decides to rent a camper from the reclusive Camille who works at the general store. They become closer and closer as time goes on, but they both won't let one another close enough to tell the truth about what they're running from.

Camille doesn't want to be found, but Dawson tries so hard to become her friend first, but the chemistry between them from the first moment they met was instant. Not insta love though, the slow burn, the tension, the soft grazes, and longing looks. Man, when they kissed was I giggled and kicked my feet.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨️
🌶

Available Now!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Maddy.
227 reviews1 follower
February 29, 2024
So so many thanks to Greys Promotions for this ARC of Down Broken Lane!

I really enjoyed the mystery vibes intertwined with the romance in this book, it kept me hooked the whole time. The combination of those two plots with Hart’s already excellent writing style made for an excellent read. Somehow Hart’s words have a way of really setting the scene and making you feel like you’re living the story instead of reading it.

Camille and Dawson both have pasts, and they both are reluctant to share. Hart includes just the right amount of information in the form of flashbacks or dreams to keep you wanting to continue reading and find out what’s next. The constant push and pull of both Camille and Dawson’s secrets, mixed with their undeniable draw to one another is captivating! I absolutely loved reading this book, and found it to remind me of other novels with a mystery subplot that I enjoyed.
Profile Image for Ashley Jasper.
1,851 reviews24 followers
March 1, 2024
A woman on the run and a man with a secret of his own is right up my alley and the reason I made Broken Down Lane by first read from Amber Hart. And I wanted to like it, truly I did but it fell a bit flat for me.

That being said, I liked Camille. She was brave and determined to start over on her terms. It was lonely, never letting anyone close, but necessary to survive. Until a stranger rolled into town. It was hard to catch a pulse on Dawson at first. He was very closed off but willing to work hard. He had to he was on a mission after all...

I did enjoy the building of their relationship but found myself wanting more of the danger and drama that the blurb promised. Because when things finally came to a head, it was intense and what I had been waiting for. Secrets revealed, truths told and decisions to be made between these two people who were brought together in less than ideal circumstances and found something they thought they wouldn't, love. 
Profile Image for Sarah.
591 reviews28 followers
February 25, 2024
I am a big fan of a romantic suspense. Give me secrets, some mystery and a protective hero and I am THERE. This delivered on all of those and then there was the chemistry and tension leading to a delicious slow burn romance that had me fully inverted in Dawson and Camille’s well deserved HEA.

Both Camille and Dawson have come to the small town of Darlington for similar (while also very different) reasons and are both holding onto a whole lot of secrets. But when their paths cross they can’t deny the pull between them, or the sparks igniting every time they’re close.

The incredible way Amber set the scene had me completely immersed, feeling like I was right there in Darlington. She introduced us to complex characters who had amazing growth throughout the story and the way their pasts, struggles and the current threats against them was built up had me fully invested. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what was going to happen next.

I enjoyed how we got Camille’s flashbacks, along with the before chapters. It added to the level of mystery and suspense, building it up to a point where I was on edge about what was going to happen next. So much happened in the last 15% of this, and I thought I had it figured out but i was wrong.
Profile Image for Emma (thecaffeinatedbookaholic).
615 reviews11 followers
February 27, 2024
Two individuals with more secrets than they’re willing to share, who both end up in the same small mountain town…what could possibly happen? I quite literally had more questions than answers at the beginning when we first meet Dawson. He shows up in town, and Camille is immediately drawn to him. Not exactly what she’s looking for when she chose the small town for the anonymity, but neither of them can stay away. These two are definitely a slow burn, but I loved that it gave us time to learn more about their backstories before everything came to a head ( let’s be real, it’s a suspense…it’s all going to hit the fan at some point). This one had so many twists, I never knew what was going to happen next. I once again solidified my status as “never going to be a detective” because there was so much I didn’t see coming! This was my first Amber Hart book, and I enjoyed it!
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