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Broken
Katherine
Broken just means different
That's what I am, broken. I lost myself in the shadows of what I was supposed to be versus what I became. Someone took that from me, so when my instabilities become reality, I find myself a knight in pink socks.
It was supposed to be fun for the summer. Except, the fun became despair. Despair became reality and I didn't know if I could do it alone.
Everything was great until I went home for my high school reunion.
Westley
Love is a miscommunication between two people.
She's always been the girl next door, the one of my dreams. What I want, I can't have. I'm not who she wants, but I'm who she needs.
I had a whole summer to make her mine. To have her in every way possible only to have everything ripped away with a few heartbreaking words.
Everything sucked in my life until I went home and saw her again.
Does Broken mean unlovable? Or can they find what they need?
Broken just means different
That's what I am, broken. I lost myself in the shadows of what I was supposed to be versus what I became. Someone took that from me, so when my instabilities become reality, I find myself a knight in pink socks.
It was supposed to be fun for the summer. Except, the fun became despair. Despair became reality and I didn't know if I could do it alone.
Everything was great until I went home for my high school reunion.
Westley
Love is a miscommunication between two people.
She's always been the girl next door, the one of my dreams. What I want, I can't have. I'm not who she wants, but I'm who she needs.
I had a whole summer to make her mine. To have her in every way possible only to have everything ripped away with a few heartbreaking words.
Everything sucked in my life until I went home and saw her again.
Does Broken mean unlovable? Or can they find what they need?
218 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 19, 2024
5 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
June 5, 2024
Broken just means different
That's what I am, broken. I lost myself in the shadows of what I was supposed to be versus what I became.
An emotional rollercoaster of a read, its deep and touches on subjects that are relatable.
You couldn't help but feel all of the emotions with Kitty and West, and wish nothing more than their happiness.
I loved to see the Mental Health Rep!
Tropes:
- Grumpy/Sunshine
- Mental health rep
- Brothers best friend
- Second chance
That's what I am, broken. I lost myself in the shadows of what I was supposed to be versus what I became.
An emotional rollercoaster of a read, its deep and touches on subjects that are relatable.
You couldn't help but feel all of the emotions with Kitty and West, and wish nothing more than their happiness.
I loved to see the Mental Health Rep!
Tropes:
- Grumpy/Sunshine
- Mental health rep
- Brothers best friend
- Second chance
April 22, 2024
Oofff, what a good story! An all consuming one at that! Kitty and West are so beautifully broken, and I couldn't get enough of them! This was an easy 5 star read for me! And I'm so sad to see it end!! 10/10 recommend
April 22, 2024
I received this book as an ARC so I wasn’t 100% sure what to expect going in.
I did enjoy West and Kitty’s story and how beautiful broken they are.
I merely rated this 4⭐️ as I felt this wasn’t necessarily for me, the tropes were a bit cliched but overall it was a good read.
I did enjoy West and Kitty’s story and how beautiful broken they are.
I merely rated this 4⭐️ as I felt this wasn’t necessarily for me, the tropes were a bit cliched but overall it was a good read.
April 7, 2024
Absolutely amazing!! This book it true to its title. I broke me in the best way. I cant count the times I cried and how many times I wanted to murder everyone around Kitty and West!!! This book has so many emotions, trauma and love that you feel through the pages. This is a must read. Those ending updates did provide closure for those that are not worth mentioning!! Kitty and West are ENDGAME!!!!
April 7, 2024
A great story with some spicy scenes and emotional character development! Very enjoyable and definitely worth a read!
April 21, 2024
Broken really did have me ugly crying during the first 100 pages. My heart absolutely hurt for Katherine (Kitty).Please check trigger warnings before reading. The love that West has had for Kitty for years gave me so much hope. This really had me feeling all my emotions!! Especially when I saw the “five years later” 😭😭The connection between West and Kitty was just amazing. I hateddddd Kitty’s family!! I love the authors writing and ability to make me have such strong feelings. I highly recommend, just remember to have Kleenex on hand. An emotional rollercoaster with a beautiful ending.
May 14, 2024
Broken is actually the first book I’ve read by Whitnay Edes and it was good!!!!
Broken deals with some heavy stuff. West and Kitty’s story isn’t all rainbows and butterflies. It was deep and very emotional. What these two go through and deal with had me in tears. I wanted to grab these two characters and put them in a room just to keep out everyone around them.
This story was beautifully broken. I had to go through every emotion but the ending was worth it!!! These characters hold a special place in my heart. This is a great story to read when you’re looking for a tear jerker.
Broken deals with some heavy stuff. West and Kitty’s story isn’t all rainbows and butterflies. It was deep and very emotional. What these two go through and deal with had me in tears. I wanted to grab these two characters and put them in a room just to keep out everyone around them.
This story was beautifully broken. I had to go through every emotion but the ending was worth it!!! These characters hold a special place in my heart. This is a great story to read when you’re looking for a tear jerker.
April 8, 2024
"Broken just means different. It's a different view of life, we're all a little broken."
This book was all the feels. Whitnay Edes has made another masterpiece. This is definitely going into my favourites folder for me to reread again and again.
Katherine was truly a troubled individual. Something traumatic happens to her and instead of her family being there to love and support her, they put her down. Her family and the people around her took one mistake she made and held it against her for everything. When people keep putting you down and expecting the worst from you, you tend to just allow it to happen. Katherine just gave up trying to be better when there was no one who would support her. However, she didn't realize she had a hero in the wings, rooting for her. When she finally sees all Westley is willing to do for her, she decides it might be better to let him go, instead of bringing him down. She was self-sacrificing and a strong individual. I was amazed at how she was able to deal with all the negativity in her life and try to turn it all around, so she could finally have the life she always wanted.
Westley has been in love with Katherine for quite awhile. He thought he knew how to be with her, but it all blew up in his face. Finally he just acts on his feelings and embraces what he could have with Katherine. He truly does fight for what he wants and is willing to change his whole life so he can be with Katherine. However, when you are being pushed away constantly, there are only so many times you can be told you are unwanted before you finally accept it and leave.
Their relationship was beautiful to read. The young love which is given up because Katherine doesn't want to hold Westley back, and Westley doesn't want to go against the wishes of Katherine. They were both misunderstood on what they wanted for the other. They were both fighting for having the other live a better life, but they each thought that better life looked differently than the other. They needed the time apart so they could grow into themselves more and fully figure out what they wanted. I am glad they each finally got the happy ending they truly deserved.
This book was all the feels. Whitnay Edes has made another masterpiece. This is definitely going into my favourites folder for me to reread again and again.
Katherine was truly a troubled individual. Something traumatic happens to her and instead of her family being there to love and support her, they put her down. Her family and the people around her took one mistake she made and held it against her for everything. When people keep putting you down and expecting the worst from you, you tend to just allow it to happen. Katherine just gave up trying to be better when there was no one who would support her. However, she didn't realize she had a hero in the wings, rooting for her. When she finally sees all Westley is willing to do for her, she decides it might be better to let him go, instead of bringing him down. She was self-sacrificing and a strong individual. I was amazed at how she was able to deal with all the negativity in her life and try to turn it all around, so she could finally have the life she always wanted.
Westley has been in love with Katherine for quite awhile. He thought he knew how to be with her, but it all blew up in his face. Finally he just acts on his feelings and embraces what he could have with Katherine. He truly does fight for what he wants and is willing to change his whole life so he can be with Katherine. However, when you are being pushed away constantly, there are only so many times you can be told you are unwanted before you finally accept it and leave.
Their relationship was beautiful to read. The young love which is given up because Katherine doesn't want to hold Westley back, and Westley doesn't want to go against the wishes of Katherine. They were both misunderstood on what they wanted for the other. They were both fighting for having the other live a better life, but they each thought that better life looked differently than the other. They needed the time apart so they could grow into themselves more and fully figure out what they wanted. I am glad they each finally got the happy ending they truly deserved.
April 22, 2024
🧐 First of people! Never judge a book by its first chapter! My initial thoughts on this book during the prologue was that it's gonna be a 3-4* read at most, a stalker romance BUT GOSH WAS I WRONG!
🔥 Whitnay bought the spice, the emotions, the turns and twists and much more! I was in chokehold several times during this book and got to the end of it before I realized I didn't annotate any of it! Of course, I had to make the "noble sacrifice" of reading it again so you lovely person reading my review, would have a better insight. Quotes have been added to my instagram post.
🏷️ One thing I absolutely loved was how true W. Edes stayed to the personality of her characters. Swimming in a sea of emotions, the description in this book is going to break you then fix you up once again. I really strongly suggest, read the trigger warning before jumping into it, as it's going to dig into you and drag you into the depths of the pages before you know and there's no coming back before you read "The end".
🌸 What made the 5 star a really strong five was the unique epilogue. Without spoiling too much, I really liked the way the strings were tied up and the creativity of how inclusive it was.
📚 If you're a dark romance reader, I implore you not to miss this book! It's available now, freshly released on 19th April!
🔥 Whitnay bought the spice, the emotions, the turns and twists and much more! I was in chokehold several times during this book and got to the end of it before I realized I didn't annotate any of it! Of course, I had to make the "noble sacrifice" of reading it again so you lovely person reading my review, would have a better insight. Quotes have been added to my instagram post.
🏷️ One thing I absolutely loved was how true W. Edes stayed to the personality of her characters. Swimming in a sea of emotions, the description in this book is going to break you then fix you up once again. I really strongly suggest, read the trigger warning before jumping into it, as it's going to dig into you and drag you into the depths of the pages before you know and there's no coming back before you read "The end".
🌸 What made the 5 star a really strong five was the unique epilogue. Without spoiling too much, I really liked the way the strings were tied up and the creativity of how inclusive it was.
📚 If you're a dark romance reader, I implore you not to miss this book! It's available now, freshly released on 19th April!
April 19, 2024
What an emotional ride this book was and I loved every second of it. Katherine is in high school and has a twin brother George. George is best friends with Westley. Westley got Kat in trouble quite a bit from her mom as kids. One night out leads to Kat changing everything about herself and how she sees herself in the mirror. Her dad doesn’t pay any attention to her and her mom and brother despise her. They won’t let her explain what happened. It’s all about appearances. West is the only one who listens, sticks by her side. West and George are headed to Yale in the fall and Katherine wasn’t accepted into college but after gradation Katherine and West decided to travel until it’s time for him to head to Yale and Kat stays behind. West has loved Kat for a long time and will drop everything for her. Kat keeps West at arm’s length. She forces West to go back East, he leaves, and ignores all Kat’s calls. Fast forward five years for a high school reunion and there’s a few surprises. Will Kat keep West at arms length? Please read the trigger warnings.
April 16, 2024
There are so many ways that this book hits you right in the feels. You have the boy next door who is absolutely in love with the girl across the street. And she absolutely "hates" him because of childish crap that's happened. BUT as with any good love story, there's always such a fine line between passion and anger and love and hate and boy oh boy do we see that here. Whitnay does a phenomenal job of showing true emotional responses to what could really be true situations between these characters. So heartbreaking and so heart wrenching that it makes you feel like she took your heart for a roller coaster ride through the mud. I could spend hours talking about how well she does showing the power feeling control after trauma and healing from severe mental health and traumatic experiences, but I'll let you just read the book and see that for yourself. Kudos Whitnay, this book is exceptional. Absolutely exceptional.
June 23, 2024
This is my first book by Whitnay Edes, and sweet heavens it BLEW me away.
Broken, no doubt the perfect title for this story, because that exactly what the FMC is.
Kitty, how much heartbreak and betrayal can one person take and keep going? Kitty is an absolute mess, at no fault of her own, but I think she is my favorite I've read.
Strong, determined, brave and broken.
Wes, I adore him, but I want to slap him a hug him all at the same time, his intentions where pure, but completely wrong, but he was a child so I wont fault him too much for that.
Both these characters are betrayed by the people who are suppose to love them the most.
Broken is a consuming, heartbreaking story of love, growth and finding yourself.
It's not an easy one, so if you have triggers definitely check those, but it's definitely a MUST READ.
Thank you to Tease Me Pr and Whitnay Edes for the review copy.
Broken, no doubt the perfect title for this story, because that exactly what the FMC is.
Kitty, how much heartbreak and betrayal can one person take and keep going? Kitty is an absolute mess, at no fault of her own, but I think she is my favorite I've read.
Strong, determined, brave and broken.
Wes, I adore him, but I want to slap him a hug him all at the same time, his intentions where pure, but completely wrong, but he was a child so I wont fault him too much for that.
Both these characters are betrayed by the people who are suppose to love them the most.
Broken is a consuming, heartbreaking story of love, growth and finding yourself.
It's not an easy one, so if you have triggers definitely check those, but it's definitely a MUST READ.
Thank you to Tease Me Pr and Whitnay Edes for the review copy.
October 29, 2024
Broken doesn't mean bad 🥺
West was a best friends with her brother and frequently picked on Kat (Kitty). Kitty never understood why he was such a jerk.
As she got older, she felt more empty and hated herself. She spiraled after getting mixed up with Knox (massive jerk) and ending up getting arrested senior year. Her family distanced themselves from her and when she thought she had no one, West wanted to show her what it feels like to live before he left for college.
Honestly though, she flipped it in him and the two of them spent the summer having an amazing time. But feelings are gross 😝 so we have a some heartbreak. Years later, there is a second chance.
I love that not once did West try to fix her. He loved her "darkness", just wanting to understand her and show her that she can be loved. He never wanted to give up their happy ending that they could have.
* mental health * crappy family * surprise kid *
West was a best friends with her brother and frequently picked on Kat (Kitty). Kitty never understood why he was such a jerk.
As she got older, she felt more empty and hated herself. She spiraled after getting mixed up with Knox (massive jerk) and ending up getting arrested senior year. Her family distanced themselves from her and when she thought she had no one, West wanted to show her what it feels like to live before he left for college.
Honestly though, she flipped it in him and the two of them spent the summer having an amazing time. But feelings are gross 😝 so we have a some heartbreak. Years later, there is a second chance.
I love that not once did West try to fix her. He loved her "darkness", just wanting to understand her and show her that she can be loved. He never wanted to give up their happy ending that they could have.
* mental health * crappy family * surprise kid *
April 20, 2024
I loved this book and binged my way through it featuring a 4am finish because I could not just put it down and go to bed.
Grumpy FMC meets golden retriever MMC, Katherine and Westley’s story is amazing. I love how the characters aren’t typical, with typical hobbies and that it takes a different direction to most books I’ve read. Due to some of the tropes it’s not a book I would normally read but it had me hooked. The spice is just enough for someone who’s dipping into smut without being over the top and wonderfully written, if you’re not a big smut reader, *chef’s kiss* (can’t say I relate to that haha).
Easy read with (mostly) likeable characters and let me tell you I went through so emotions reading this. I ugly cried at one point but so worth it. The end was just want I needed too! Would definitely recommend.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5 Stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 Spice
Grumpy FMC meets golden retriever MMC, Katherine and Westley’s story is amazing. I love how the characters aren’t typical, with typical hobbies and that it takes a different direction to most books I’ve read. Due to some of the tropes it’s not a book I would normally read but it had me hooked. The spice is just enough for someone who’s dipping into smut without being over the top and wonderfully written, if you’re not a big smut reader, *chef’s kiss* (can’t say I relate to that haha).
Easy read with (mostly) likeable characters and let me tell you I went through so emotions reading this. I ugly cried at one point but so worth it. The end was just want I needed too! Would definitely recommend.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5 Stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 Spice
May 7, 2024
🥀**PLEASE BE MINDFUL OF YOUR OWN TRIGGERS **🥀
I LOVED the black cat x golden retriever vibes, although it seemed a little.. I’m not sure forced is the right term but still. I adored Kitty and West’s relationship blossom both romantically and spice wise. I just wish it wasn’t as angsty(?) with the “I’m so broken, you can’t love me” being thrown in each chapter multiple times idk. (Also yes I do know that’s literally the whole plot and title lol)
It was a easy read, but I wish it was longer and more fleshed out in some parts personally!
I liked (and hated) the other characters as well and felt they had actual personality instead of just being there for sake of story. And in saying that, absolutely LOVED the unique epilogue!!!
Also we love to see the mental health rep! I think it was portrayed very well 🫶🏻
Overall,
Solid 4/5✨
I LOVED the black cat x golden retriever vibes, although it seemed a little.. I’m not sure forced is the right term but still. I adored Kitty and West’s relationship blossom both romantically and spice wise. I just wish it wasn’t as angsty(?) with the “I’m so broken, you can’t love me” being thrown in each chapter multiple times idk. (Also yes I do know that’s literally the whole plot and title lol)
It was a easy read, but I wish it was longer and more fleshed out in some parts personally!
I liked (and hated) the other characters as well and felt they had actual personality instead of just being there for sake of story. And in saying that, absolutely LOVED the unique epilogue!!!
Also we love to see the mental health rep! I think it was portrayed very well 🫶🏻
Overall,
Solid 4/5✨
October 13, 2024
When one night changes everything for Kathrine she becomes a completely different person. Westley has always loved Katherine even if he showed it in the wrong ways, he struggles with how to talk to her and becomes super awkward. Katherine. is a broken soul who is on a very destructive path when one night goes very wrong Westley ends up being the person to save her. This book will break your heart and while you watch Kitty (katherine) push Westley away time and time again he does everything he can to show her she is not worthless. It takes 5 years to pass before everything comes to light and secrets are revealed. Katherine has so much growth it was a journey of self discovery and healing. This book was the perfect emotional ride that was beautifully written. A must read. I was given this book as an ARC for my honest review.
October 24, 2024
This wasn't the typical forbidden brothers best friend or even the typical stalker or boy next door book. This combined a bit of everything and it doesn't disappoint!
I think the MCs are pretty well-developed. We get to know Kat's issues throughout the book - it's not just an info dump at the beginning. It makes her a 'real' person and you can empathize with some of what she goes through. West definitely has his own issues but he never truly waivers from his feelings.
There were some spicy scenes but they were short and not too spicy. I'd probably say 2 peppers, if that.
The end of the book is a quick "where are they now" with the entire cast of characters. It's unneeded but interesting. There's also a chapter or more of another of Whitnay's books. All in all it was a great book. I'll probably read it again!
I think the MCs are pretty well-developed. We get to know Kat's issues throughout the book - it's not just an info dump at the beginning. It makes her a 'real' person and you can empathize with some of what she goes through. West definitely has his own issues but he never truly waivers from his feelings.
There were some spicy scenes but they were short and not too spicy. I'd probably say 2 peppers, if that.
The end of the book is a quick "where are they now" with the entire cast of characters. It's unneeded but interesting. There's also a chapter or more of another of Whitnay's books. All in all it was a great book. I'll probably read it again!
April 13, 2024
The story of Kitty had me captivated from the first chapter! Bullied growing up from those surrounding her broke my heart. When Westley observes a raw moment in Kitty's life we see young love blossom only to be broken and boy... did I want to punch some people in the nose! Fast forward 5 years, Kitty is back for her reunion and we see her see Westley again. The question is, can they make it back to each other with the distance, the unspoken truths and the lies that kept them apart??? And the Epilogue???!! One of my favorites!
April 20, 2024
Kat is in her last year of high school when one night changes her. She is now on a destructive path. West her twin brother’s best friend who she hates seems to be there to save her. West has been watching her and wants her, but there is so many obstacles. Will Kat let West be there for her ? Great characters and storyline Highly recommended Amazing Book I love West and Kat and their dynamic and character development. Great supporting characters. This book has angst, sarcasm, and mental health representation. Read your trigger warnings and then go read this book. I have depression and anxiety the author definitely did this right.
July 28, 2024
My heart.
This book was so emotional and so so good. I especially loved the ending updates!
West and Kitty, a match made in well not a match made. They've known each other forever and maybe just maybe West tormented Kat growing up.
Kat's family took a major toll on her mental health and how she viewed herself. She thought she wasn't enough and didn't want to taint West's life with how broken she felt she was.
It started out as a summer spent trying to find herself and ended...well you'll just have to read to see how it ends.
This book was so emotional and so so good. I especially loved the ending updates!
West and Kitty, a match made in well not a match made. They've known each other forever and maybe just maybe West tormented Kat growing up.
Kat's family took a major toll on her mental health and how she viewed herself. She thought she wasn't enough and didn't want to taint West's life with how broken she felt she was.
It started out as a summer spent trying to find herself and ended...well you'll just have to read to see how it ends.
December 16, 2024
An emotional rollercoaster. One night is all it takes to change everything. West was a best friends with her brother and frequently picked on Kat (Kitty). Kitty never understood why he was such a jerk. As she got older, she felt more empty and hated herself. She spiraled after getting mixed up with Knox (massive jerk) and ending up getting arrested senior year. Her family distanced themselves from her and when she thought she had no one, West wanted to show her what it feels like to live before he left for college.
July 18, 2025
Hoooooo
^ That’s the sound I let out several times while reading this because there are some spectacularly hot scenes throughout. That’s right, the author had me panting. In addition to the passion, this book conveys so well how that little liar called mental illness can convince us we are unloveable when that couldn’t be further from the truth. I also enjoyed that a music playlist accompanied the book. Excellent song selections. I dare you to read this book. Don’t be shy, kitty. You’ll be glad you did.
^ That’s the sound I let out several times while reading this because there are some spectacularly hot scenes throughout. That’s right, the author had me panting. In addition to the passion, this book conveys so well how that little liar called mental illness can convince us we are unloveable when that couldn’t be further from the truth. I also enjoyed that a music playlist accompanied the book. Excellent song selections. I dare you to read this book. Don’t be shy, kitty. You’ll be glad you did.
April 15, 2024
*ARC Review*
What a change this read was for me, I actually enjoyed this read more than I thought I would.
Times I did find the story a little difficult to keep up with but that being said the story was interesting, I would have easily read a 400–500-page book just to have some more of the story brought to the pages.
The characters had life to them, and I loved that! The little glimpses into the characters of the books lives at the end was a nice touch.
What a change this read was for me, I actually enjoyed this read more than I thought I would.
Times I did find the story a little difficult to keep up with but that being said the story was interesting, I would have easily read a 400–500-page book just to have some more of the story brought to the pages.
The characters had life to them, and I loved that! The little glimpses into the characters of the books lives at the end was a nice touch.
April 20, 2024
This was a fantastic book. Kitty, George and West were friends until she changed. Even though West was mean to her he still loved her and looked for her. He saw that she was crying out for help and wanted to be there for her. She was in a dark place but no one cared but him. She pushed him away but he still defended her. This was heartbreaking, impacting, deep rooted emotions, intimate, with betrayal but there love. I loved this book it was a page turner.
April 21, 2024
This book made me feel so many emotions. It broke my heart the way Kat's family treated her and how she felt she didn't deserve to be happy. I also love Kat and Wes. Wes made my heart melt and you can definitely tell he loves Kat. I will definitely be looking into more books by Whitnay Edes because I really loved this one. I also want to say that the cat on Kat's chapters and lighthouse on Wes chapters really made me happy. 😀
April 20, 2024
Guys this book was a wild ride. The mental health struggles that the FMC goes through are so relatable. And the unwavering love the MMC has for her is just beautifully written. Even though their relationship started very rocky I am so glad that, after everything, they found their happily ever after!!
April 20, 2024
Guys this book was a wild ride. The mental health struggles that the FMC goes through are so relatable. And the unwavering love the MMC has for her is just beautifully written. Even though their relationship started very rocky I am so glad that, after everything, they found their happily ever after!!
August 4, 2024
Such an amazing story this title fits perfect for this book. Kat goes through a huge heart break that causes her to make a change in her personality! While Wes has had a crush on her his whole life! He tried to show it in the wrong ways at first! They end up falling in love but going there opposite ways but reconnected! Such an amazing read and can't wait to read more by you!!!
April 15, 2024
I want more of this book! I loved the way you wrote the characters and the way you made me feel pulled into the book! Can't wait to see what else happens in the future with your books!
April 17, 2024
This is an emotional and spicy read that is beautifully written and I could feels like the emotion from the words of this story. This book is amazing read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews