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The Broken Heart Playlist
Perfect for fans of Katherine Center, The Broken Heart Playlist is a single-parent, slow-burn, emotional romance.
Kate Miller is an extraordinary food stylist. She employs a whole host of tricks to make food look deliciously perfect, from painting grill lines on a steak to using mashed potatoes for an ice cream shoot.
But Kate is also living an extraordinary lie. The survivor of a brutal marriage, she’s stylized her life to present a perfect facade, hiding her brokenness and loneliness from everyone around her. The only love in her life? Her eight-year-old daughter. There’s no room for anyone else.
Until a handsome stranger with his own set of tricks moves onto her street. Suddenly, Gideon Walker and his therapy dog are everywhere, charming her family, winning over her daughter, and taking an unwelcome interest in her life.
The man who seems to know too much about her has invaded her small town. Against all odds, he also seems intent on breaking down her walls and invading her heart.
But Gideon is not without his own secrets. And if Kate gives in to their undeniable attraction, the truth could bring them together or tear them apart forever.
Kate Miller is an extraordinary food stylist. She employs a whole host of tricks to make food look deliciously perfect, from painting grill lines on a steak to using mashed potatoes for an ice cream shoot.
But Kate is also living an extraordinary lie. The survivor of a brutal marriage, she’s stylized her life to present a perfect facade, hiding her brokenness and loneliness from everyone around her. The only love in her life? Her eight-year-old daughter. There’s no room for anyone else.
Until a handsome stranger with his own set of tricks moves onto her street. Suddenly, Gideon Walker and his therapy dog are everywhere, charming her family, winning over her daughter, and taking an unwelcome interest in her life.
The man who seems to know too much about her has invaded her small town. Against all odds, he also seems intent on breaking down her walls and invading her heart.
But Gideon is not without his own secrets. And if Kate gives in to their undeniable attraction, the truth could bring them together or tear them apart forever.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 17, 2024
38 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
About the author
Lara Martin
5 books64 followersLara Martin writes books about imperfect people living messy lives, falling in love, and fighting for their happily-ever-after. She’s lived in South Africa and Australia, and now calls a cozy village in England her home. She's a mom to two kids, an animal lover, and her champion of a husband is always the first reader of her novels.
She likes her book heroes with humor, muscles, stubble, and a wild side. When she’s not writing, she can be found haunting local coffee shops in search of the next story to make your heart race.
https://www.instagram.com/laramartina...
She likes her book heroes with humor, muscles, stubble, and a wild side. When she’s not writing, she can be found haunting local coffee shops in search of the next story to make your heart race.
https://www.instagram.com/laramartina...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
September 10, 2025
4⭐
Genre ~ contemporary romance
Setting ~ Brown Oaks (not sure where it is)
Publication date ~ October 17, 2024
Est Page Count ~ 335 (41 chapters +e)
POV ~ single 1st
Featuring ~ single mom, references to a traumatic past, close proximity, slow burn, neighbors to lovers, small town, no steamage
Kate (31) & Gideon
Kate is a divorced, single mom to 8 year old Lissett. She’s not looking for a relationship since she doesn’t want to get hurt like she previously was by her ex husband. But there’s just something about her new neighbor, Gideon, that makes her tingle, but also makes her wonder why he moved in right across the street so quickly.
Kate is a food stylist. How fun does that sound? I never think too much about what the food looks like in the ads, but it seems like the author did a great job of researching what all goes into performing this job well.
Gideon comes off really sweet, but you can just tell there’s a mystery behind him. Could this secret be the very thing that breaks Kate all over again? Or can she forgive and forget and embrace a second chance at happiness?
Gideon and his dog Uno volunteer with the Reading Dog Therapy Program. I love how Lissett's struggles were incorporated into the storyline and how Uno was a big help with that. I mean who wouldn't love to read to a giant greyhound.
I’m never a big fan of 3rd act breakups, but this one was warranted. I do feel like it actually should have lasted longer, which seems odd for me to say.
Overall, an emotional journey of slowly learning to love and trust again after heartbreak and trauma.
Series notes:
Not technically listed as a series, but her sister, Tess, from Phishing for Love plays a significant role, so I’d suggest reading that one first.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ X
Genre ~ contemporary romance
Setting ~ Brown Oaks (not sure where it is)
Publication date ~ October 17, 2024
Est Page Count ~ 335 (41 chapters +e)
POV ~ single 1st
Featuring ~ single mom, references to a traumatic past, close proximity, slow burn, neighbors to lovers, small town, no steamage
Kate (31) & Gideon
Kate is a divorced, single mom to 8 year old Lissett. She’s not looking for a relationship since she doesn’t want to get hurt like she previously was by her ex husband. But there’s just something about her new neighbor, Gideon, that makes her tingle, but also makes her wonder why he moved in right across the street so quickly.
Kate is a food stylist. How fun does that sound? I never think too much about what the food looks like in the ads, but it seems like the author did a great job of researching what all goes into performing this job well.
Gideon comes off really sweet, but you can just tell there’s a mystery behind him. Could this secret be the very thing that breaks Kate all over again? Or can she forgive and forget and embrace a second chance at happiness?
Gideon and his dog Uno volunteer with the Reading Dog Therapy Program. I love how Lissett's struggles were incorporated into the storyline and how Uno was a big help with that. I mean who wouldn't love to read to a giant greyhound.
I’m never a big fan of 3rd act breakups, but this one was warranted. I do feel like it actually should have lasted longer, which seems odd for me to say.
Overall, an emotional journey of slowly learning to love and trust again after heartbreak and trauma.
Series notes:
Not technically listed as a series, but her sister, Tess, from Phishing for Love plays a significant role, so I’d suggest reading that one first.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ X
September 12, 2025
ugh this was such a cute single mom romance 🥹 and with a TWIST !! discovered the author with this novel this def wont be my last read by them 🤭
October 31, 2024
I’d fight the world for you, Kate,” he says, his voice quiet. “I’d fight every single person, but there’s one person I can’t fight, one person who’d defeat me every time. That person is you. The part of you too scared to fall in love with me.”
Kate Miller, a talented food stylist, hides her painful past behind a perfect image. Following an abusive marriage, she’s focused solely on her eight year old daughter, leaving little room for anyone else—until Gideon Walker arrives. With his therapy dog and mysterious charm, he finds a way into Kate’s guarded life. But as their undeniable connection deepens, secrets from Gideon’s past threaten to either bring them together or drive them apart.
💭 My Thoughts:
I love stories that explore brokenness because with it comes hope and healing—and that’s exactly what this book offers!
Kate was an immediately enjoyable and relatable character. Although I haven’t shared her experiences personally, I just wanted to give her the biggest hug. Kate struggled knowing her worth and letting people get to know her. In fact, in her abusive marriage, she lost a lot of her identity and didn’t know if she would ever find the real Kate ever again.
As Gideon broke through Kate’s walls, his own revelations were both surprising and thought provoking. I never saw the major plot twist coming! This story definitely makes you think and feel deeply!
Read if you enjoy:
🍂Slow-burn romance
🍂Neighbors to lovers
🍂He falls first
🍂Single mom protagonists
🍂Therapy dogs (Greyhounds!)
🍂Playlists that match the seasons and story
🍂Spunky grandma
🍂Surprising plot twists
🍂A peek into the world of food styling
🍂Strong, supportive families
🍂Hope after heartbreak
🍂 Happy Endings
Content: closed door, no language, panic attack on page, references to abusive marriage.
Kate Miller, a talented food stylist, hides her painful past behind a perfect image. Following an abusive marriage, she’s focused solely on her eight year old daughter, leaving little room for anyone else—until Gideon Walker arrives. With his therapy dog and mysterious charm, he finds a way into Kate’s guarded life. But as their undeniable connection deepens, secrets from Gideon’s past threaten to either bring them together or drive them apart.
💭 My Thoughts:
I love stories that explore brokenness because with it comes hope and healing—and that’s exactly what this book offers!
Kate was an immediately enjoyable and relatable character. Although I haven’t shared her experiences personally, I just wanted to give her the biggest hug. Kate struggled knowing her worth and letting people get to know her. In fact, in her abusive marriage, she lost a lot of her identity and didn’t know if she would ever find the real Kate ever again.
As Gideon broke through Kate’s walls, his own revelations were both surprising and thought provoking. I never saw the major plot twist coming! This story definitely makes you think and feel deeply!
Read if you enjoy:
🍂Slow-burn romance
🍂Neighbors to lovers
🍂He falls first
🍂Single mom protagonists
🍂Therapy dogs (Greyhounds!)
🍂Playlists that match the seasons and story
🍂Spunky grandma
🍂Surprising plot twists
🍂A peek into the world of food styling
🍂Strong, supportive families
🍂Hope after heartbreak
🍂 Happy Endings
Content: closed door, no language, panic attack on page, references to abusive marriage.
October 21, 2024
The Broken Heart Playlist was an emotional, slow burn, grumpy sunshine, single parent romance. With a storyline that kept me hooked, characters that were multi-faceted, and a fabulous happily ever after, I enjoyed this book so much! With joy, heartache, secrets, friendship, and love laced through the pages, I devoured this book so quickly!
Jenna had a new neighbor, and she was nervous because of her past. She was someone who loved to be well prepared, organized, and tried her best to know everything about those that surrounded her. As someone who had survived a physical and emotionally abusive relationship, she liked to have all her ducks in a row. So, while she could be prickly and closed off at times, she was so easy to like. Her love for her daughter, family and job made her so easy to connect with.
While Gideon was a mystery, I loved him and his therapy dog Uno! He didn’t seem daunted by Jenna and her weary and skeptical ways. With a slow and steady hand, he started to build a rapport with Jenna. Uno did too! And I loved watching that progression! Add in his compassion towards Jenna’s daughter, whelp I was a goner. Gideon had a calm presence, and he was so thoughtful, caring, and saw so more than what’s on the surface. It will be impossible for everyone not to fall for this man and his kindhearted dog!
With rich and emotional moments, like in the coffee shop, sitting on his porch drinking coffee, Toto, and so much more, this story held me in the palm of its hand. I loved watching the thoughtfulness of scenes. And I loved watching Gideon and Uno's ability to weave into Jenna and her daughter Lisset's life. Especially with how Lisset influenced how things proceeded. Getting Uno ready was one of my favorites! These characters are truly everything!
Rounding out this story were relationships with her grandma, parents, Aaron, and her sister Tess. My favorite was the sisterly love between Jenna and Tess. I loved how much the sisters trusted one another, how they could confide in each other. Even though it wasn’t perfect. Jenna and Tess could fight or bicker in the blink of an eye, but it felt so real. So, while this book can easily be read as a standalone, I can’t recommend also reading Tess’ story, Phishing for Love! It’s one of my top favorites of this year! The romance from that book, along with some quirks like grandma and google, carry through to this book.
The Broken Heart Playlist was a heartwarming, slow burn, emotional, feel-good story! I even cried three times when reading. It was impossible not to feel everything Jenna felt. There was a twist at the end, that was a shocker. And I wish it would have played out differently. But The Broken Heart Playlist was a memorable story, and I can’t wait to read whatever Lara Martin writes next!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
For more of my reviews, please visit:
Blog * Personal Instagram * Blog Instagram * Facebook * Twitter * Bloglovin * Feedly
I’m not a fan of tall, powerfully built men. I know what damage they can do. With their words. And their hands.
Jenna had a new neighbor, and she was nervous because of her past. She was someone who loved to be well prepared, organized, and tried her best to know everything about those that surrounded her. As someone who had survived a physical and emotionally abusive relationship, she liked to have all her ducks in a row. So, while she could be prickly and closed off at times, she was so easy to like. Her love for her daughter, family and job made her so easy to connect with.
Gideon’s thoughtfulness is stirring inside me the tiniest flicker of hope. Which I need to snuff out immediately. The last thing I need in my life is a man who stirs up that emotion. Hope carves out a hole for vulnerability and I can no longer afford to be vulnerable.
While Gideon was a mystery, I loved him and his therapy dog Uno! He didn’t seem daunted by Jenna and her weary and skeptical ways. With a slow and steady hand, he started to build a rapport with Jenna. Uno did too! And I loved watching that progression! Add in his compassion towards Jenna’s daughter, whelp I was a goner. Gideon had a calm presence, and he was so thoughtful, caring, and saw so more than what’s on the surface. It will be impossible for everyone not to fall for this man and his kindhearted dog!
“Go on a date with me,” he says.
“No.”
He lets out a humorless laugh. “I thought that would be your answer.”
“Then why did you ask?”
“In the hope that one day you’ll say yes.”
With rich and emotional moments, like in the coffee shop, sitting on his porch drinking coffee, Toto, and so much more, this story held me in the palm of its hand. I loved watching the thoughtfulness of scenes. And I loved watching Gideon and Uno's ability to weave into Jenna and her daughter Lisset's life. Especially with how Lisset influenced how things proceeded. Getting Uno ready was one of my favorites! These characters are truly everything!
“She’s so unbelievably stubborn,” I say in disbelief. “It’s so frustrating she won’t accept help.”
He smiles at me for a second too long. “She sounds exactly like someone I know.”
And then he ambles away into the fading evening light, leaving me standing open- mouthed on my porch staring after him.
Rounding out this story were relationships with her grandma, parents, Aaron, and her sister Tess. My favorite was the sisterly love between Jenna and Tess. I loved how much the sisters trusted one another, how they could confide in each other. Even though it wasn’t perfect. Jenna and Tess could fight or bicker in the blink of an eye, but it felt so real. So, while this book can easily be read as a standalone, I can’t recommend also reading Tess’ story, Phishing for Love! It’s one of my top favorites of this year! The romance from that book, along with some quirks like grandma and google, carry through to this book.
“I don’t like the person I was in my marriage.” My fingers twist. “I don’t even know if I like myself much now.”
“Fortunately, I like you enough for the both of us.” Gideon says it so firmly, so unwaveringly, a lump forms in my throat.
The Broken Heart Playlist was a heartwarming, slow burn, emotional, feel-good story! I even cried three times when reading. It was impossible not to feel everything Jenna felt. There was a twist at the end, that was a shocker. And I wish it would have played out differently. But The Broken Heart Playlist was a memorable story, and I can’t wait to read whatever Lara Martin writes next!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
For more of my reviews, please visit:
Blog * Personal Instagram * Blog Instagram * Facebook * Twitter * Bloglovin * Feedly
November 7, 2024
I was so excited to read this one from Lara Martin and it delivered! I have come to love her writing style and her creative and beautiful stories.
Kate Miller is a successful food stylist and single mom. She has been hurt majorly in the past and has kept her heart locked up the past 4 years. She is good at keeping everyone at an arm's length so her and her daughter are safe. When her handsome neighbor Gideon moves in she has no desire to get to know him. When she starts to run into him and his therapy dog, Uno, everywhere he begins to find a way into her guarded life.
This is such an emotional love story. Kate was holding onto so much and I could immediately feel all that she was going through. She doesn’t know how to mend all those shattered pieces of herself. Gideon is truly a special man. He is patient, helpful, and always there for her. He never pushes her too far to get her to open up. The dialogue is amazing and I enjoyed the conversations between these two. Grandma once again is a hoot and brings some humor to the deeper story with her ongoing battle with google. I love her and all her nuggets of wisdom! Although Kate has been badly broken this is a story of hope, finding love, and trusting again. I received a message that past hurts do not determine your future. Lara Martin is so good at bringing on those surprising twists and I never saw the one in this book coming. I literally raced through the pages to see how it would end, I was so shocked! I also need to mention the romantic tension was out of this world. The story wrapped up beautifully with another secret revealed at the end.
Lara Martin has found her way onto my list of favorite authors and I can’t wait to read her next book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Content Awareness - Abusive relationship in the past.
Kate Miller is a successful food stylist and single mom. She has been hurt majorly in the past and has kept her heart locked up the past 4 years. She is good at keeping everyone at an arm's length so her and her daughter are safe. When her handsome neighbor Gideon moves in she has no desire to get to know him. When she starts to run into him and his therapy dog, Uno, everywhere he begins to find a way into her guarded life.
This is such an emotional love story. Kate was holding onto so much and I could immediately feel all that she was going through. She doesn’t know how to mend all those shattered pieces of herself. Gideon is truly a special man. He is patient, helpful, and always there for her. He never pushes her too far to get her to open up. The dialogue is amazing and I enjoyed the conversations between these two. Grandma once again is a hoot and brings some humor to the deeper story with her ongoing battle with google. I love her and all her nuggets of wisdom! Although Kate has been badly broken this is a story of hope, finding love, and trusting again. I received a message that past hurts do not determine your future. Lara Martin is so good at bringing on those surprising twists and I never saw the one in this book coming. I literally raced through the pages to see how it would end, I was so shocked! I also need to mention the romantic tension was out of this world. The story wrapped up beautifully with another secret revealed at the end.
Lara Martin has found her way onto my list of favorite authors and I can’t wait to read her next book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Content Awareness - Abusive relationship in the past.
February 4, 2025
Rating: 4.5 stars ⭐️
This is my third book I have read and enjoyed by indie author Lara Martin!!! I remember when she first reached out to me regarding her debut novel and now her third book, The Broken Playlist, publishes today! This story was based on character Kate Miller, who was featured in her second book, Phishing for Love. Lara wrote an emotional love story that tugs at your heart and has you rooting for her characters. I laughed, gasped out loud and even shed tears. I always appreciate how Lara can write a clean story with a closed door scene, which is how I prefer my romcoms. I highly recommend all her books, especially this one!
I received an advanced electronic copy from author Lara Martin. Thank you for the opportunity to preview this book for an honest review.
This is my third book I have read and enjoyed by indie author Lara Martin!!! I remember when she first reached out to me regarding her debut novel and now her third book, The Broken Playlist, publishes today! This story was based on character Kate Miller, who was featured in her second book, Phishing for Love. Lara wrote an emotional love story that tugs at your heart and has you rooting for her characters. I laughed, gasped out loud and even shed tears. I always appreciate how Lara can write a clean story with a closed door scene, which is how I prefer my romcoms. I highly recommend all her books, especially this one!
I received an advanced electronic copy from author Lara Martin. Thank you for the opportunity to preview this book for an honest review.
November 7, 2024
This is one of those books that I’m not sure I can do justice to. I am completely in love with it, and I literally could not put it down.
It’s beautifully written, with complex and well fleshed characters. It’s funny and sweet, but with SO much depth and emotion to it. The romance was amazing, and had a unique twist to it that had me gasping.
Kate Miller, a talented food stylist, hides her painful past as a survivor of an abusive marriage. She’s become very guarded, and the only person she’ll let into her heart is her eight-year-old daughter.
Enter Gideon Walker, a charming stranger and his therapy dog who move in to the house across the street. He seems to turn up everywhere, and soon wins over Kate’s family and her daughter. Oddly, he seems to know a lot about Kate.
With a strong attraction between them, Gideon is intent on breaking down Kate’s walls and winning her heart. But Gideon has some secrets of his own.
What I loved:
Slow burn romance
Grumpy ~ Sunshine
Prickly but lovable FMC
MMC gives off Thor vibes
Uno 🐕
Banter between Kate and her sister
Character named Suzan
Thor references
Grandma and Google
Sassy and wise Grandma
Lisset’s birthday party
Their first date
Rollercoasters
Epilogue
The Broken Heart Playlist is a fantastic and compelling book, and one of my favorite reads of 2024.
Many thanks to the author for a copy!
It’s beautifully written, with complex and well fleshed characters. It’s funny and sweet, but with SO much depth and emotion to it. The romance was amazing, and had a unique twist to it that had me gasping.
Kate Miller, a talented food stylist, hides her painful past as a survivor of an abusive marriage. She’s become very guarded, and the only person she’ll let into her heart is her eight-year-old daughter.
Enter Gideon Walker, a charming stranger and his therapy dog who move in to the house across the street. He seems to turn up everywhere, and soon wins over Kate’s family and her daughter. Oddly, he seems to know a lot about Kate.
With a strong attraction between them, Gideon is intent on breaking down Kate’s walls and winning her heart. But Gideon has some secrets of his own.
What I loved:
Slow burn romance
Grumpy ~ Sunshine
Prickly but lovable FMC
MMC gives off Thor vibes
Uno 🐕
Banter between Kate and her sister
Character named Suzan
Thor references
Grandma and Google
Sassy and wise Grandma
Lisset’s birthday party
Their first date
Rollercoasters
Epilogue
The Broken Heart Playlist is a fantastic and compelling book, and one of my favorite reads of 2024.
Many thanks to the author for a copy!
November 18, 2024
I was so excited for Kate to have her own story after meeting her in Phishing For Love.
I love that this book was separated into seasons, each with their own playlist!! Such a nice touch.
The slow burn romance is definitely for me and I really enjoyed that it was closed door. I don't always feel like reading hardcore sex scenes, haha!!
The ending threw me and I've been thinking about it since I finished the book six days ago. I'm still undecided how I feel. It certainly evoked a strong reaction and a whole lot of emotions. I'll leave it at that. :)
Memorable shoutout: The Unique Food Museum!! I was laughing sooooo hard at that!!
My thanks to Lara Martin for this gifted copy!!! I can't wait for your next book!!!
I love that this book was separated into seasons, each with their own playlist!! Such a nice touch.
The slow burn romance is definitely for me and I really enjoyed that it was closed door. I don't always feel like reading hardcore sex scenes, haha!!
The ending threw me and I've been thinking about it since I finished the book six days ago. I'm still undecided how I feel. It certainly evoked a strong reaction and a whole lot of emotions. I'll leave it at that. :)
Memorable shoutout: The Unique Food Museum!! I was laughing sooooo hard at that!!
My thanks to Lara Martin for this gifted copy!!! I can't wait for your next book!!!
November 5, 2024
I absolutely love Lara Martin. She a great author and a lovely person to follow on Instagram.
Sadly, this isn’t my favorite of her novels. Too much was revealed in the last five percent of the book, and there was no time to process this information or see how it played out. As a reader, this information dump felt like someone telling you something huge and then walking away. Everything wrapped up too quickly and neatly for my liking.
Despite this, I appreciated the themes of healing and forgiveness in this novel.
Sadly, this isn’t my favorite of her novels. Too much was revealed in the last five percent of the book, and there was no time to process this information or see how it played out. As a reader, this information dump felt like someone telling you something huge and then walking away. Everything wrapped up too quickly and neatly for my liking.
Despite this, I appreciated the themes of healing and forgiveness in this novel.
October 26, 2024
I was so excited to read this one because it’s by one of my favourite indie authors, Lara Martin. As usual, she did not disappoint! I was addicted to this story and didn’t want to stop reading. Here’s what I loved about it:
Kate is a food stylist, and the descriptions of the work she did were so interesting.
The writing style flowed really nicely and was a lot of fun.
Gideon was the perfect MMC and I loved him so much. He was such a kind and nurturing person.
Kate is a single mom, and I always love reading about characters that are parents. I can relate to the story so much more.
The epilogue isn’t your typical romance wrap-up. It’s still super cute, but there’s a darker element to the ending that kept things interesting.
There’s a reading therapy dog named Uno. I don’t think I need to explain myself anymore than that.
I loved this one and can’t wait for Lara’s next release.
Thank you to the author for my gifted copy!
Kate is a food stylist, and the descriptions of the work she did were so interesting.
The writing style flowed really nicely and was a lot of fun.
Gideon was the perfect MMC and I loved him so much. He was such a kind and nurturing person.
Kate is a single mom, and I always love reading about characters that are parents. I can relate to the story so much more.
The epilogue isn’t your typical romance wrap-up. It’s still super cute, but there’s a darker element to the ending that kept things interesting.
There’s a reading therapy dog named Uno. I don’t think I need to explain myself anymore than that.
I loved this one and can’t wait for Lara’s next release.
Thank you to the author for my gifted copy!
October 26, 2024
Lara Martin has done it again.
The emotion, tenderness and care that she writes into her characters is absolutely beautiful. I found as soon as I started this book I fell in so deep with Kate and Gideon that I could stop reading. I loved Kate for her wounded strength and how she fought so hard to come back to herself after the trauma she'd endured. Her love and devotion for her daughter Lisset was beautiful and I love that it was her daughter that slowly allowed her to open up to Gideon. Gideon was every bit of the gentle giant. I loved his reading program, Uno was the sweetest dog ever and his bond with Lisset was just so beautiful.
I loved this story, it was beautifully paced and the characters have stayed with me since I finished. I struggled a bit on how hard Kate was pushed to get out of her comfort zone at points. I realize the intentions were good, but she’d had quite a traumatic relationship prior so that was a bit hard for me. I was surprised by some of the revelations at the end of the book but was happy with how they were resolved. This book further cements my love of Lara's books.
Thank you Lara for the ARC of this beautiful story.
The emotion, tenderness and care that she writes into her characters is absolutely beautiful. I found as soon as I started this book I fell in so deep with Kate and Gideon that I could stop reading. I loved Kate for her wounded strength and how she fought so hard to come back to herself after the trauma she'd endured. Her love and devotion for her daughter Lisset was beautiful and I love that it was her daughter that slowly allowed her to open up to Gideon. Gideon was every bit of the gentle giant. I loved his reading program, Uno was the sweetest dog ever and his bond with Lisset was just so beautiful.
I loved this story, it was beautifully paced and the characters have stayed with me since I finished. I struggled a bit on how hard Kate was pushed to get out of her comfort zone at points. I realize the intentions were good, but she’d had quite a traumatic relationship prior so that was a bit hard for me. I was surprised by some of the revelations at the end of the book but was happy with how they were resolved. This book further cements my love of Lara's books.
Thank you Lara for the ARC of this beautiful story.
October 26, 2024
4.75 ⭐️
gideon walker is the standard & i will accept no less 🙂↔️
this story was raw with emotion, authentic with love and heartfelt with… well, everything.
kate is a single mum who has sworn off love and relationships ever since divorcing her ex-husband and moving back to her hometown. but what happens when the hunk who moves in next door seems to be everywhere she goes?!!
eeek kate + gideon’s love story completely melted my heart through seeing how attentive, caring and supportive he was with her. and oh my gosh, him with lisette (kate’s daughter) was so cutie 🥲🤍
ahhh, i simply loved this one so much and can’t recommend this one enough 🫠 this is my favourite book from lara and i can’t wait to see what she does next !!!!!
gideon walker is the standard & i will accept no less 🙂↔️
this story was raw with emotion, authentic with love and heartfelt with… well, everything.
kate is a single mum who has sworn off love and relationships ever since divorcing her ex-husband and moving back to her hometown. but what happens when the hunk who moves in next door seems to be everywhere she goes?!!
eeek kate + gideon’s love story completely melted my heart through seeing how attentive, caring and supportive he was with her. and oh my gosh, him with lisette (kate’s daughter) was so cutie 🥲🤍
ahhh, i simply loved this one so much and can’t recommend this one enough 🫠 this is my favourite book from lara and i can’t wait to see what she does next !!!!!
October 11, 2024
4 stars.
❄️ The vibes:
- Single mom
- A therapy reading dog named Uno
- Neighbors
- A really sweet kid
- A secret
- Closed door
🍂 My thoughts:
I loved seeing Kate in action at her job as a food stylist. It was so interesting to me and I loved those scenes. (Also I need justice for coworker, Joel, immediately😻).
❄️ Speaking of characters I loved, as soon as we met Gideon with his dog, Uno, at the library reading with kids, I knew I was done for. And the way that he knew when to push and when to back off was exactly what Kate needed. She needed someone who could be kind and gentle while also taking lead when necessary. Gideon was the perfect balance to Kate, and I was completely enamored.
🌳 And Kate’s daughter was such a cutie. Lisset’s journey really tugged at my heart strings. Seeing her connection with Uno and with Gideon was so adorable. I also loved seeing Tess again. Tess never held back her punches with Kate- and that sisterly love was so real for me. And don’t even get me started on grandma. My love for grandma is deep and wide. 😭🖤 We all need a grandma like this one.
☀️ The humor that Lara puts in her books is the perfect amount for me because the characters will say things that just make me laugh out loud and feel real to me and it’s funny while not actively TRYING to be funny. There’s a grandma who is a little bit unhinged but I actually don’t mind because Lara’s stories all have a more serious tone that I feel like the grandma humor works for me because it gives just a smidge of lightheartedness that’s nice to have.
🖤 The last 5% took me for a loop- and that’s the only thing that gave me any hesitation at all with this read. The first 95% was 5 stars and beyond and the last 5% docked a star. The end will be one you love or hate- but it will 100% gaurenteed leave your jaw on the floor. Don’t come sue me.
🖤 This story was unique in the character backstories and occupations and that felt so refreshing to me. As always - Lara pulls me in HARD with her books, they’re always a really great time for me. I’ll read anything she writes at this point.
Note- closed door
Check for CW if you have concerns.
Release date: October 17, 2024
Thank you so much to Lara Martin the gifted copy.
❄️ The vibes:
- Single mom
- A therapy reading dog named Uno
- Neighbors
- A really sweet kid
- A secret
- Closed door
🍂 My thoughts:
I loved seeing Kate in action at her job as a food stylist. It was so interesting to me and I loved those scenes. (Also I need justice for coworker, Joel, immediately😻).
❄️ Speaking of characters I loved, as soon as we met Gideon with his dog, Uno, at the library reading with kids, I knew I was done for. And the way that he knew when to push and when to back off was exactly what Kate needed. She needed someone who could be kind and gentle while also taking lead when necessary. Gideon was the perfect balance to Kate, and I was completely enamored.
🌳 And Kate’s daughter was such a cutie. Lisset’s journey really tugged at my heart strings. Seeing her connection with Uno and with Gideon was so adorable. I also loved seeing Tess again. Tess never held back her punches with Kate- and that sisterly love was so real for me. And don’t even get me started on grandma. My love for grandma is deep and wide. 😭🖤 We all need a grandma like this one.
☀️ The humor that Lara puts in her books is the perfect amount for me because the characters will say things that just make me laugh out loud and feel real to me and it’s funny while not actively TRYING to be funny. There’s a grandma who is a little bit unhinged but I actually don’t mind because Lara’s stories all have a more serious tone that I feel like the grandma humor works for me because it gives just a smidge of lightheartedness that’s nice to have.
🖤 The last 5% took me for a loop- and that’s the only thing that gave me any hesitation at all with this read. The first 95% was 5 stars and beyond and the last 5% docked a star. The end will be one you love or hate- but it will 100% gaurenteed leave your jaw on the floor. Don’t come sue me.
🖤 This story was unique in the character backstories and occupations and that felt so refreshing to me. As always - Lara pulls me in HARD with her books, they’re always a really great time for me. I’ll read anything she writes at this point.
Note- closed door
Check for CW if you have concerns.
Release date: October 17, 2024
Thank you so much to Lara Martin the gifted copy.
October 18, 2024
Another great book by Lara Martin! I thoroughly enjoyed this one. I was excited for Kate’s story after meeting her in Phishing for Love. And Kate was such a great character. She was such an emotionally complex character. I adored Lisset and Gideon. They were the perfect compliments to Kate. I enjoy how Lara writes each of her characters- so full of humanity and emotion. They all have their own relatable flaws and she makes it easy for you to fall in love with her characters and their stories. This had a great slow-burn romance filled with angst and tension. It was really well done.
I did feel that some of the reveals at the end threw me off a bit, and it took some time to process them. But overall, I still really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend.
-closed door
-emotional
-single mom
-slow burn
-he falls first
-reverse grumpy/sunshine
I did feel that some of the reveals at the end threw me off a bit, and it took some time to process them. But overall, I still really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend.
-closed door
-emotional
-single mom
-slow burn
-he falls first
-reverse grumpy/sunshine
January 27, 2025
4.5/5
I am a mess. OH MY WORD. I devoured this in a day!! It’s fine , I’m fine. Gahhh . Ugh. This book was….. if you adore Katherine center, this book has totally similar vibes. Basically I’m in love with Gideon. That’s all. Kate and Liss! Also cameos from Tess and Aaron! Ugh. This book was so good….
I am a mess. OH MY WORD. I devoured this in a day!! It’s fine , I’m fine. Gahhh . Ugh. This book was….. if you adore Katherine center, this book has totally similar vibes. Basically I’m in love with Gideon. That’s all. Kate and Liss! Also cameos from Tess and Aaron! Ugh. This book was so good….
October 20, 2024
One of the things I appreciate about Lara Martin’s writing is how relatable her characters are and how real everything feels. In fiction, there’s some embellishment to get the point across, but some stories take that liberty too far. With Lara, her characters feel like people you know or have read about. She even gives the surrounding neighborhood a personality, making you feel at home. To be honest, I may have felt this way because I read “Phishing for Love” first. While you don’t necessarily need to read that book, it introduces characters and references situations that will deepen your connection with this story. If you prefer not to, Lara provides enough background so you won’t miss the point. In either case, “The Broken Heart Playlist,” like Lara’s other books, pulls you into a world where secrets are kept and pain is hidden. You’ll find yourself racing through pages, hoping for a happily ever after because these characters, whom you’ll come to know and love, deserve nothing less.
To the outside world, Kate is a force to be reckoned with. As a food stylist, she is talented and focused, having made a name for herself. In her personal life, her family respects her boundaries, accepting that the Katherine they knew is gone, replaced by Kate – a woman made of steel with her daughter Lisset as her only focus. She doesn’t need friends or affection; she just needs to keep her life balanced as a single mother. This facade protects her. Behind closed doors, only Kate knows the haunting pain of the life she once lived with Oliver and how deep the scars still go. Or so she thought. It wasn’t until she met her new neighbor, Gideon, that she realized someone could see right through her. For the first time in a long time, the walls Kate has built to protect herself are starting to crumble, and she doesn’t know what to do. Her brain tells her to trust the lessons from her past, but her heart is ready to embrace the future. The problem is, the person ready to capture her heart has secrets that could also destroy it.
This book grabbed my attention from the start. After reading “Phishing for Love,” I was already eager for Kate’s story. We were given clues that something happened with Kate and her ex-husband, but the more you read, the more you realize you know as much as her family because Kate hid the truth. Nothing prepares you for how bad it was. When she finally shares what she went through, you might need a moment. Lara does a great job of not traumatizing the reader but makes it clear that Kate was in an emotionally, psychologically, and physically abusive relationship. If this may trigger you, please take this under consideration. Lara delivers the emotional impact of Kate’s experience without explicit details, but it’s worth mentioning.
I always love the characters Lara creates, and hanging out with Tess again is a treat. It was fun being inside Kate’s head to see how much she loves, admires, and appreciates her sister, despite Tess driving her crazy. Their text messages and interactions were some of the best parts of the story. I absolutely adored Lisset. You can’t help but be wrapped around that firecracker’s finger. Between her and Uno, your heart melts. Lara made Lisset true to life – not a perfect little angel but a real eight-year-old with sass, frustration, and stubbornness.
Among all the characters, there’s Gideon. I don’t know how to describe him without giving away why he’s one of my new book boyfriends, but he embodies all the things you could want. However, by the end of the book, you might feel conflicted about what he reveals to Kate. Even I’m still deciding if I’m okay with it or a bit creeped out. My reaction wasn’t unexpected, and Lara even has the characters acknowledge it, which helps. No matter what, what you learn about Gideon in the epilogue will blow everything else out of the water, residual ick factor included!
What amazes me is how, despite going through all the seasons in this slow-burn romance, I didn’t feel it dragged out. Each season brought something new – hope, change, adventure, and growth in the characters. It’s like watching a plant grow with a time-lapse camera. Lara did a fantastic job moving everything along, and you don’t realize how much time has actually passed!
As always, Lara keeps her books squeaky clean, which I love. Like Sarah Adams, she can make a kiss one of the most heated, intimate moments between two people. There was so much tension between Gideon and Kate that by the time they kissed, the intensity filled in any blanks about what went down off-page.
The moment I picked up “The Broken Heart Playlist,” I knew I wasn’t putting it down anytime soon. With Gideon, sweet Uno, Lisset, Tess, Kate, and the rest of the gang, I knew I was in for something special. I’m curious if we’ll get Kenzie’s story anytime soon. I’d love to stay in this world a bit longer, but whatever magic Lara creates next will surely be just as good.
To the outside world, Kate is a force to be reckoned with. As a food stylist, she is talented and focused, having made a name for herself. In her personal life, her family respects her boundaries, accepting that the Katherine they knew is gone, replaced by Kate – a woman made of steel with her daughter Lisset as her only focus. She doesn’t need friends or affection; she just needs to keep her life balanced as a single mother. This facade protects her. Behind closed doors, only Kate knows the haunting pain of the life she once lived with Oliver and how deep the scars still go. Or so she thought. It wasn’t until she met her new neighbor, Gideon, that she realized someone could see right through her. For the first time in a long time, the walls Kate has built to protect herself are starting to crumble, and she doesn’t know what to do. Her brain tells her to trust the lessons from her past, but her heart is ready to embrace the future. The problem is, the person ready to capture her heart has secrets that could also destroy it.
This book grabbed my attention from the start. After reading “Phishing for Love,” I was already eager for Kate’s story. We were given clues that something happened with Kate and her ex-husband, but the more you read, the more you realize you know as much as her family because Kate hid the truth. Nothing prepares you for how bad it was. When she finally shares what she went through, you might need a moment. Lara does a great job of not traumatizing the reader but makes it clear that Kate was in an emotionally, psychologically, and physically abusive relationship. If this may trigger you, please take this under consideration. Lara delivers the emotional impact of Kate’s experience without explicit details, but it’s worth mentioning.
I always love the characters Lara creates, and hanging out with Tess again is a treat. It was fun being inside Kate’s head to see how much she loves, admires, and appreciates her sister, despite Tess driving her crazy. Their text messages and interactions were some of the best parts of the story. I absolutely adored Lisset. You can’t help but be wrapped around that firecracker’s finger. Between her and Uno, your heart melts. Lara made Lisset true to life – not a perfect little angel but a real eight-year-old with sass, frustration, and stubbornness.
Among all the characters, there’s Gideon. I don’t know how to describe him without giving away why he’s one of my new book boyfriends, but he embodies all the things you could want. However, by the end of the book, you might feel conflicted about what he reveals to Kate. Even I’m still deciding if I’m okay with it or a bit creeped out. My reaction wasn’t unexpected, and Lara even has the characters acknowledge it, which helps. No matter what, what you learn about Gideon in the epilogue will blow everything else out of the water, residual ick factor included!
What amazes me is how, despite going through all the seasons in this slow-burn romance, I didn’t feel it dragged out. Each season brought something new – hope, change, adventure, and growth in the characters. It’s like watching a plant grow with a time-lapse camera. Lara did a fantastic job moving everything along, and you don’t realize how much time has actually passed!
As always, Lara keeps her books squeaky clean, which I love. Like Sarah Adams, she can make a kiss one of the most heated, intimate moments between two people. There was so much tension between Gideon and Kate that by the time they kissed, the intensity filled in any blanks about what went down off-page.
The moment I picked up “The Broken Heart Playlist,” I knew I wasn’t putting it down anytime soon. With Gideon, sweet Uno, Lisset, Tess, Kate, and the rest of the gang, I knew I was in for something special. I’m curious if we’ll get Kenzie’s story anytime soon. I’d love to stay in this world a bit longer, but whatever magic Lara creates next will surely be just as good.
November 8, 2024
A romance novel that starts light but holds under waves of pain. Kate is a single mother to Lisette and is comfortable in her button up way of life. She’s got her food styling job and raising a pre teen daughter to fill her days and she wants nothing else. Her heart cannot cope with opening up even a little after the pain of her marriage leaving cracks in her confidence.
Until Gideon arrives across the street. And somehow seems to infiltrate her small town with his charming disposition … including Lisette. And if it wasn’t Gideon with the charm, it was his dog Uno who helps teach kids how to read.
Kate just can’t do it. It’s hard to even think of trusting another man. The damage done physically and emotionally left scars of mistrust… until that man arrived in her life.
I definitely started the book and felt like it was a holiday type of romance book: light and fluffy. But somewhere around 40%, it turned into something heavier that left the writing deeper. And that is when the author got me. I love exploring grief and pain through love and resilience which this book does.
It weaves between heavy and light throughout but the most common thread is about love’s journey esp when you’re carrying the pain of your past with you.
Ps. The Gross Food Museum sounds disgusting. No thank you.
Until Gideon arrives across the street. And somehow seems to infiltrate her small town with his charming disposition … including Lisette. And if it wasn’t Gideon with the charm, it was his dog Uno who helps teach kids how to read.
Kate just can’t do it. It’s hard to even think of trusting another man. The damage done physically and emotionally left scars of mistrust… until that man arrived in her life.
I definitely started the book and felt like it was a holiday type of romance book: light and fluffy. But somewhere around 40%, it turned into something heavier that left the writing deeper. And that is when the author got me. I love exploring grief and pain through love and resilience which this book does.
It weaves between heavy and light throughout but the most common thread is about love’s journey esp when you’re carrying the pain of your past with you.
Ps. The Gross Food Museum sounds disgusting. No thank you.
November 7, 2024
What I’ve come to really enjoy with @laramartinauthor books is the love in her writing, the raw emotion and the heartfelt prose. Lara’s latest novel, 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝗸𝗲𝗻 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁 is no exception.
I very quickly became immersed in this story of Kate and Gideon. Their attraction to one another is palpable, in the most tender of ways.
Divorcee Kate is raising her eight year old daughter Lisset single handedly after a tumultuous and dangerous marriage. Hurt and afraid not to let that happen to her and her daughter again, Kate is very guarded. With the help of her loving family and recently moved in neighbour Gideon, I loved how this story developed and how Kate and Gideon’s lives intertwine in the most unexpected of ways.
Amongst some heavy topics, I thought the author weaved in some really lovely uplifting scenes alongide fantastic, well constructed supporting characters. I liked how this story followed the seasons and of course as the title suggests, enjoyed the song recommendations for each.
A story of hope, of trust and learning to love again, this is a fantastic story that I highly recommend adding to your #tbr!
4.5 🌟 ✨
I very quickly became immersed in this story of Kate and Gideon. Their attraction to one another is palpable, in the most tender of ways.
Divorcee Kate is raising her eight year old daughter Lisset single handedly after a tumultuous and dangerous marriage. Hurt and afraid not to let that happen to her and her daughter again, Kate is very guarded. With the help of her loving family and recently moved in neighbour Gideon, I loved how this story developed and how Kate and Gideon’s lives intertwine in the most unexpected of ways.
Amongst some heavy topics, I thought the author weaved in some really lovely uplifting scenes alongide fantastic, well constructed supporting characters. I liked how this story followed the seasons and of course as the title suggests, enjoyed the song recommendations for each.
A story of hope, of trust and learning to love again, this is a fantastic story that I highly recommend adding to your #tbr!
4.5 🌟 ✨
December 18, 2024
5 stars! I couldn’t put this book down. Gideon’s quiet patience stole my breath away. There was so much to love about this book: Aaron’s protectiveness of Kate, Lisset’s reading journey, Uno and The Reading Dog program, Tess’ fierce loyalty, Kate’s healing journey, the blind taste test scene, the slow burn, the banter, GG’s love and advice, and ALL THINGS GIDEON.
October 14, 2024
Kate is an exceptional food stylist, using a whole slew of tricks to make food look deliciously perfect. She is also the survivor of a brutal marriage and has stylized her life into the perfect façade, hiding her brokenness and loneliness from those closest to her. The sole love of her life is her eight-year-old daughter, Lisset. A handsome stranger moves onto their street and uses his own tricks to charm Kate, slowly breaking down her walls and invading her heart. But Gideon has his own secrets, and if Kate leans into their undeniable attraction, the truth could risk everything they’ve built.
THE BROKEN HEART PLAYLIST features the POV of a single mom and a slow burn romance.
I adored that the book was separated into seasons (winter, spring, and summer) with a short playlist for each. This was such a neat aspect.
I loved seeing Kate’s work as a food stylist and was truly captivated by the tricks she uses to make food look its best. Truly one of the coolest jobs I’ve read a character doing. A special mention to her colleague Joel, who I hope we get to see in a future book with his own HEA.
Kate is a single mom who has been through a difficult marriage and is now, a few years after the fact, still picking up the pieces. I loved the strength of her character, her self-discovery, and relearning how to live and love. Gideon is an absolute gem of a gentleman, as is his dog Uno (who I absolutely adored). I loved how patient, kind, and caring he is. He is protective and knew exactly when to push and retreat with Kate, allowing for the perfect balance between them.
I loved the emotional connection that develops between Gideon and Kate over the course of the story and couldn’t help rooting for them from the beginning. There are some swoon worthy moments with ample amounts of angst and tension as their relationship deepens. The taste testing scene is simply amazing 🥵.
The remaining characters in this book are also excellent. I loved Lisset and the journey she takes as well as the connection she forms with Uno and Gideon – so sweet. I adored seeing Aaron and Tess (main characters from this author’s Phishing for Love) heavily featured within these pages – the love and support they provide for Kate and Lisset is so heartwarming and special.
The ending threw me for a bit of a loop and wasn’t at all what I was expecting. I liked how the author tied it off though.
Regardless, I’ll continue to read anything Lara chooses to write!
Many thanks to the author, Lara Martin, for gifting me an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! All opinions shared are my own.
THE BROKEN HEART PLAYLIST features the POV of a single mom and a slow burn romance.
I adored that the book was separated into seasons (winter, spring, and summer) with a short playlist for each. This was such a neat aspect.
I loved seeing Kate’s work as a food stylist and was truly captivated by the tricks she uses to make food look its best. Truly one of the coolest jobs I’ve read a character doing. A special mention to her colleague Joel, who I hope we get to see in a future book with his own HEA.
Kate is a single mom who has been through a difficult marriage and is now, a few years after the fact, still picking up the pieces. I loved the strength of her character, her self-discovery, and relearning how to live and love. Gideon is an absolute gem of a gentleman, as is his dog Uno (who I absolutely adored). I loved how patient, kind, and caring he is. He is protective and knew exactly when to push and retreat with Kate, allowing for the perfect balance between them.
I loved the emotional connection that develops between Gideon and Kate over the course of the story and couldn’t help rooting for them from the beginning. There are some swoon worthy moments with ample amounts of angst and tension as their relationship deepens. The taste testing scene is simply amazing 🥵.
The remaining characters in this book are also excellent. I loved Lisset and the journey she takes as well as the connection she forms with Uno and Gideon – so sweet. I adored seeing Aaron and Tess (main characters from this author’s Phishing for Love) heavily featured within these pages – the love and support they provide for Kate and Lisset is so heartwarming and special.
The ending threw me for a bit of a loop and wasn’t at all what I was expecting. I liked how the author tied it off though.
Regardless, I’ll continue to read anything Lara chooses to write!
Many thanks to the author, Lara Martin, for gifting me an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! All opinions shared are my own.
November 4, 2024
Thank you to author Lara Martin for sending me a copy of this novel. I truly enjoy all of your novels, and I love reading your work!
“Gideon’s love is not the ocean, but the lighthouse. It’s a love that offers shelter and protection.”
I knew I was going to love this one right from the beginning: Grumpy sunshine, slow burn romance, single parent romance, cross-over characters from Phishing for Love (Lara’s prior novel), an intriguing storyline, and a happy ending.
It was a quick and easy read, and I enjoyed going along for the ride! I had a slight suspicion about the plot twist, and in full transparency, I’m still not sure how I feel about it. But I was not upset about it enough to take away from the rest of the novel.
I really look forward to reading what Lara writes next.
“Gideon’s love is not the ocean, but the lighthouse. It’s a love that offers shelter and protection.”
I knew I was going to love this one right from the beginning: Grumpy sunshine, slow burn romance, single parent romance, cross-over characters from Phishing for Love (Lara’s prior novel), an intriguing storyline, and a happy ending.
It was a quick and easy read, and I enjoyed going along for the ride! I had a slight suspicion about the plot twist, and in full transparency, I’m still not sure how I feel about it. But I was not upset about it enough to take away from the rest of the novel.
I really look forward to reading what Lara writes next.
October 26, 2024
This is the third book by indie author Lara Martin and I love her easy writing style and how she creates such relatable characters.
The Broken Heart Playlist centres on food stylist and single mum, Kate and her daughter Lisset. Kate's exhusband treated her badly and their marriage was an abusive one leaving Kate broken, insecure and guarded. All that matters to her is her daughter and family. Until she meets Gideon...
I relished the slow burn romance and the sizzle of tension between Kate and Gideon. Lisset is a great little character who added much humour to the story, along with some truly laugh out loud moments from Grandma and her antics with Google. It was lovely to see characters from the previous book (but you don't need to have read "Phishing for Love" prior to this one) I also enjoyed how this book is broken up into seasons with songs to compliment each segment of the story. It gave the story greater depth for me.
I did think the revelations at the end were a little surprising and left me feeling a bit unsettled. Definitely not a predictable ending but overall I enjoyed the journey with these two characters.
Thank you Lara Martin for giving me the opportunity to read this and providing me with a digital copy.
The Broken Heart Playlist centres on food stylist and single mum, Kate and her daughter Lisset. Kate's exhusband treated her badly and their marriage was an abusive one leaving Kate broken, insecure and guarded. All that matters to her is her daughter and family. Until she meets Gideon...
I relished the slow burn romance and the sizzle of tension between Kate and Gideon. Lisset is a great little character who added much humour to the story, along with some truly laugh out loud moments from Grandma and her antics with Google. It was lovely to see characters from the previous book (but you don't need to have read "Phishing for Love" prior to this one) I also enjoyed how this book is broken up into seasons with songs to compliment each segment of the story. It gave the story greater depth for me.
I did think the revelations at the end were a little surprising and left me feeling a bit unsettled. Definitely not a predictable ending but overall I enjoyed the journey with these two characters.
Thank you Lara Martin for giving me the opportunity to read this and providing me with a digital copy.
October 28, 2024
Lara Martin puts in her bio that she writes about “imperfect people living messy lives”. This is so true and it’s what I love so much about her books! You get individuals who have been thru and are overcoming severe things and you get to see them working thru.
In the broken heart playlist you have Kate a Single mom who is victim of past abuse. This story gives you her growth and learning to trust and love herself again. Lissett is her 8 yr old daughter who stops reading for unknown reasons. Ah my heart really broke for this sweet girl. Gideon becomes their neighbor and he has Uno a reading therapy dog who slowly help Kate and Lisset.
This book was such a heartwarming emotional story which will keep you invested in how their relationship will play out.
I will say the ending had a twist that left me shocked. I think I’m still processing it all lol.
In the broken heart playlist you have Kate a Single mom who is victim of past abuse. This story gives you her growth and learning to trust and love herself again. Lissett is her 8 yr old daughter who stops reading for unknown reasons. Ah my heart really broke for this sweet girl. Gideon becomes their neighbor and he has Uno a reading therapy dog who slowly help Kate and Lisset.
This book was such a heartwarming emotional story which will keep you invested in how their relationship will play out.
I will say the ending had a twist that left me shocked. I think I’m still processing it all lol.
October 25, 2024
There are so many things I adored about this book! I devoured it in just a couple of days - I couldn’t put it down! I loved how it was divided into seasons and how each season had its own playlist. I could almost predict the “vibe” of each section of the book based on the songs she picked to go along with it. I adored Gideon - he was so respectful of Kate and really paid attention to her needs throughout. And who doesn’t love a big, attractive man with a soft spot for dogs? Kate was a dynamic, complicated character and I enjoyed watching the ways she changed and grew over the course of the story. I also loved Kate’s family and the cameos from Tess and Aaron (from her last book, Phishing for Love) throughout. I laughed out loud at many parts (especially the unique food museum scenes and her grandma’s google antics 😂) and found myself really rooting for all the characters.
Though there are cameos from Lara Martin’s second book, I’d say this one can be read as a standalone romance easily! Give The Broken Heart Playlist a try if you enjoy :
▫️Slow burn romance
▫️Single parent
▫️Sweet dog sidekicks
▫️Grumpy/ sunshine vibes
Though there are cameos from Lara Martin’s second book, I’d say this one can be read as a standalone romance easily! Give The Broken Heart Playlist a try if you enjoy :
▫️Slow burn romance
▫️Single parent
▫️Sweet dog sidekicks
▫️Grumpy/ sunshine vibes
October 19, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
After reading Phishing for Love and meeting Kate (Tess’s sister), we knew that we couldn’t wait to read more about her! The Broken Heart Playlist follows Kate, a food stylist and single mom, who is trying to get her life back together after the end of her very bad marriage. For the past four years, she has been able to hide her loneliness until a handsome stranger moves in across the street and is suddenly everywhere she goes.
The book was separated into seasons and we thought that was very clever! It was fun seeing and listening the songs associated with each. Gideon was a breath of fresh air and the perfect contrast to Kate’s rigid life and personality. It was really nice to see how he was able to change Kate’s view on things and tear down her walls. We absolutely loved how he treated Lisset with kindness and built a cute friendship. The twist close to the end had us gasping and couldn’t put the book down!
Lara really knows how to captivate us and we can’t wait to see what she writes next!
Many thanks to @laramartinauthor for the e-book ARC in exchange for our honest review. The Heart Break Playlist comes out TODAY! Thursday October 17th, 2024.
Read if you like:
▪️Single Mom
▪️Slow Burn
▪️Forced Proximity (Neighbours)
▪️Therapy Dogs named Uno!
▪️Closed Door
After reading Phishing for Love and meeting Kate (Tess’s sister), we knew that we couldn’t wait to read more about her! The Broken Heart Playlist follows Kate, a food stylist and single mom, who is trying to get her life back together after the end of her very bad marriage. For the past four years, she has been able to hide her loneliness until a handsome stranger moves in across the street and is suddenly everywhere she goes.
The book was separated into seasons and we thought that was very clever! It was fun seeing and listening the songs associated with each. Gideon was a breath of fresh air and the perfect contrast to Kate’s rigid life and personality. It was really nice to see how he was able to change Kate’s view on things and tear down her walls. We absolutely loved how he treated Lisset with kindness and built a cute friendship. The twist close to the end had us gasping and couldn’t put the book down!
Lara really knows how to captivate us and we can’t wait to see what she writes next!
Many thanks to @laramartinauthor for the e-book ARC in exchange for our honest review. The Heart Break Playlist comes out TODAY! Thursday October 17th, 2024.
Read if you like:
▪️Single Mom
▪️Slow Burn
▪️Forced Proximity (Neighbours)
▪️Therapy Dogs named Uno!
▪️Closed Door
October 17, 2024
Highly Recommended!
Having read all three of Lara Martin's books, I can say I've enjoyed each one, but The Broken Heart Playlist has become my favorite!
4.5 STARS!
GOOD TO KNOW:
*Her POV
*Reverse Grumpy Sunshine
*Small town
*Single mom
*He falls first
*Slow burn
*Emotional
*Clean, only kisses
WHAT I LIKED:
*Emotional Roller Coaster: This book took me on a roller coaster of emotions, which was the best part. There were plenty of light and funny moments, as well as deeper, more serious scenes. Some scenes, like the one at the Food Museum, really made me laugh.
*The characters: I loved meeting Kate and her daughter Lissette. They both felt so real, especially Kate with her past problems and how she faced them with Gideon's help. The love story between Kate and Gideon was beautifully written. It was a slow burn, and Gideon’s patience in making Kate fall for him was captivating.
*Interesting Details: I enjoyed learning about different things like Kate's job as a food stylist, greyhound dogs, and reading programs involving dogs. It was all very entertaining. I also liked seeing the grandmother and other characters from previous books again.
Overall, It is a fantastic read that keeps you engaged from start to finish!
Rating:
Writing: 5 stars
Plot: 4 stars
Romance: 5 stars
Total: 4.5 stars
Having read all three of Lara Martin's books, I can say I've enjoyed each one, but The Broken Heart Playlist has become my favorite!
4.5 STARS!
GOOD TO KNOW:
*Her POV
*Reverse Grumpy Sunshine
*Small town
*Single mom
*He falls first
*Slow burn
*Emotional
*Clean, only kisses
WHAT I LIKED:
*Emotional Roller Coaster: This book took me on a roller coaster of emotions, which was the best part. There were plenty of light and funny moments, as well as deeper, more serious scenes. Some scenes, like the one at the Food Museum, really made me laugh.
*The characters: I loved meeting Kate and her daughter Lissette. They both felt so real, especially Kate with her past problems and how she faced them with Gideon's help. The love story between Kate and Gideon was beautifully written. It was a slow burn, and Gideon’s patience in making Kate fall for him was captivating.
*Interesting Details: I enjoyed learning about different things like Kate's job as a food stylist, greyhound dogs, and reading programs involving dogs. It was all very entertaining. I also liked seeing the grandmother and other characters from previous books again.
Overall, It is a fantastic read that keeps you engaged from start to finish!
Rating:
Writing: 5 stars
Plot: 4 stars
Romance: 5 stars
Total: 4.5 stars
October 20, 2024
I've now read all three of Lara Martin's books and while I enjoyed all of them, this is my favorite! Gideon is my new book boyfriend!
Kate is a good stylist and mom now trying to find happiness and stability after escaping an abusive marriage. She's hidden her pain and loneliness from her family and everyone around her until Gideon and his therapy dog move in suddenly across the street. While her walls are still up, for some reason she feels Gideon is a safe person to unload on and over time, they become close and Kate can even envision a life with Gideon. But Kate doesn't realize that Gideon has his own secrets and they might just rebuild Kate's walls again.
I really thought the character development was great. There is a loose connection between this book and Lara Martin's last book, Phishing for Love, but it isn't necessary to have read that one first. Kate's trauma from her marriage is portrayed really well and I think Gideon's character is the perfect fit for her.
There is some miscommunication (kind of) in this one and that is definitely not my favorite trope in a book. I think in this one it played out fine, however the resolution did seem awfully fast and easy.
I found Kate's job as a food stylist really interesting and I enjoyed reading the scenes where she was working - I could read a whole book about food styling! I thought that career was a unique twist and something I hadn't read about before.
Overall, I thought this was a good, clean romance, perfect for anyone just getting into romance or who prefers more closed-door romance.
Thank you to the author for the digital ARC. My review is honest and voluntary.
Kate is a good stylist and mom now trying to find happiness and stability after escaping an abusive marriage. She's hidden her pain and loneliness from her family and everyone around her until Gideon and his therapy dog move in suddenly across the street. While her walls are still up, for some reason she feels Gideon is a safe person to unload on and over time, they become close and Kate can even envision a life with Gideon. But Kate doesn't realize that Gideon has his own secrets and they might just rebuild Kate's walls again.
I really thought the character development was great. There is a loose connection between this book and Lara Martin's last book, Phishing for Love, but it isn't necessary to have read that one first. Kate's trauma from her marriage is portrayed really well and I think Gideon's character is the perfect fit for her.
There is some miscommunication (kind of) in this one and that is definitely not my favorite trope in a book. I think in this one it played out fine, however the resolution did seem awfully fast and easy.
I found Kate's job as a food stylist really interesting and I enjoyed reading the scenes where she was working - I could read a whole book about food styling! I thought that career was a unique twist and something I hadn't read about before.
Overall, I thought this was a good, clean romance, perfect for anyone just getting into romance or who prefers more closed-door romance.
Thank you to the author for the digital ARC. My review is honest and voluntary.
October 16, 2024
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Thank you to Lara Martin for an advanced digital copy of this book. My thoughts are my own.
This story is a delightful mix of heartwarming moments! We’ve got a single mom, an adorable therapy dog named Uno, sweet neighbors, and a precious little kid with a secret! And let's not forget the tantalizing closed-door suspense that keeps you on your toes! 🐾✨
I was absolutely captivated by Kate as she rocked her job as a food stylist! 🍽️ Those scenes were so fascinating, and I’m officially on Team Joel for some serious justice! 😻 And then there’s Gideon—oh my goodness! From the moment he showed up at the library with Uno, I was smitten! 💖 His perfect blend of gentle support and leadership was just what Kate needed. I’m all in for this dreamy duo!
Kate’s daughter, Lisset, is the cutest little gem! Watching her bond with Uno and Gideon melted my heart! 💞 And Tess? Talk about sisterly love—she keeps it real with Kate, which I adore! And Grandma? Don't get me started! 😭🖤 We all need a quirky grandma like her! Lara’s humor throughout the book is spot-on—funny without trying too hard, with just the right touch of lightness! 🌟
The last 5% threw me for a loop, but it’s definitely a jaw-dropper! This book is so unique, and I’m officially a die-hard fan of Lara! Can’t wait for more! 📚💖
Thank you to Lara Martin for an advanced digital copy of this book. My thoughts are my own.
This story is a delightful mix of heartwarming moments! We’ve got a single mom, an adorable therapy dog named Uno, sweet neighbors, and a precious little kid with a secret! And let's not forget the tantalizing closed-door suspense that keeps you on your toes! 🐾✨
I was absolutely captivated by Kate as she rocked her job as a food stylist! 🍽️ Those scenes were so fascinating, and I’m officially on Team Joel for some serious justice! 😻 And then there’s Gideon—oh my goodness! From the moment he showed up at the library with Uno, I was smitten! 💖 His perfect blend of gentle support and leadership was just what Kate needed. I’m all in for this dreamy duo!
Kate’s daughter, Lisset, is the cutest little gem! Watching her bond with Uno and Gideon melted my heart! 💞 And Tess? Talk about sisterly love—she keeps it real with Kate, which I adore! And Grandma? Don't get me started! 😭🖤 We all need a quirky grandma like her! Lara’s humor throughout the book is spot-on—funny without trying too hard, with just the right touch of lightness! 🌟
The last 5% threw me for a loop, but it’s definitely a jaw-dropper! This book is so unique, and I’m officially a die-hard fan of Lara! Can’t wait for more! 📚💖
October 16, 2024
I love reading Lara Martin’s books they’re always so easy to read and full of humor. This one hit different there were some difficult topics.
I love how the characters from the previous books crossover to this story. This can be read as a standalone, but I recommend to read the other two books. To get a better understanding of the characters.
The Broken Heart Playlist, is Kate’s story. Kate is a single mom who survived a brutal marriage. There’s self discovery and second chance. I instantly liked Gideon and his dog Uno! All the characters are so likeable, I adore Lisset!
I love how the characters from the previous books crossover to this story. This can be read as a standalone, but I recommend to read the other two books. To get a better understanding of the characters.
The Broken Heart Playlist, is Kate’s story. Kate is a single mom who survived a brutal marriage. There’s self discovery and second chance. I instantly liked Gideon and his dog Uno! All the characters are so likeable, I adore Lisset!
October 14, 2024
When hunky Gideon moves in next door to Kate, she is thrown. It has been so long since she has even thought about another man, with all her time going into her job and caring for her daughter Lisset. Gideon is open about his interest in Kate but after an abusive relationship with her ex husband, she is on guard. Can she allow herself to heal and love again?
Lara Martin always delivers. She is a constantly good writer so I was excited to get stuck into this book. Her writing style is so easy to read that I admit, I savoured the story, reading slowly and making the most of taking her words in. I absolutely adored this story! Lisset was such a fantastic character and I appreciated that she played a big role in the story. If you like your romances with a splash of humour and emotion, then this is the book for you
Lara Martin always delivers. She is a constantly good writer so I was excited to get stuck into this book. Her writing style is so easy to read that I admit, I savoured the story, reading slowly and making the most of taking her words in. I absolutely adored this story! Lisset was such a fantastic character and I appreciated that she played a big role in the story. If you like your romances with a splash of humour and emotion, then this is the book for you
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