Beautifully Broken

Perfectly Imperfect #3

by A.L. Russell

Phoebe never expected her life to change when she applied for a job at Unfrid Machinery. But meeting Hudson, the towering, Viking-esque CEO, shifts everything.

Fascinated by Phoebe, Hudson offers her the job on the spot, feeling something for the first time since his failed marriage. As he battles the emotional scars left by his ex-wife, Hudson struggles with a side of himself he’s desperate to suppress.

Phoebe’s life has been an uphill battle with an absent, alcoholic mother and a childhood in the foster care system. She keeps people at arm’s length, but Hudson is determined to dismantle her walls with patience and warmth.

Little by little, Phoebe starts to let him in. But their passionate, secret romance faces a strict no-dating policy at work. Just as they fall in love, a dark shadow from Phoebe’s past threatens everything.

Blackmail and buried secrets force Phoebe to confront her deepest fears. In this intense contemporary romance, you’ll explore passion, healing, unshakable loyalty, and trust. Phoebe and Hudson’s journey is as heartwarming as it is steamy.

Can they overcome the shadows of Phoebe’s past and the dangers of the present, or will her secrets tear them apart?

583 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 30, 2024

Reviews

[Peony Lian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully Broken left me in awe, especially when it came to the author’s writing style. A.L. Russell has this incredible way of making emotions leap off the page. The writing is smooth and immersive, pulling you into every moment, whether it’s a quiet, tender exchange or a scene charged with tension. I could feel the weight of every emotion, and that’s a rare gift in a book.

What really stood out was the way Russell portrayed Hudson and Phoebe’s relationship. Their communication was so natural and satisfying, and it felt like watching two real people work through their issues with honesty and openness. Even when they were battling their own traumas, they still made space for each other, and that balance was beautiful to witness.

And let’s talk about the spicy scenes—wow. 🔥 They were on another level. The chemistry between Hudson and Phoebe was electric, and the author did an amazing job building that intensity without rushing things. It was passionate, intimate, and definitely added another layer to their connection.

Overall, I loved this book! The emotions, the writing, the characters—it all came together so perfectly. I enjoyed every minute of it and can’t wait for more!

[Gini Rex · Rating 5 out of 5]

A.L Russell is the Queen of writing relatable characters!
Beautifully Broken follows Phoebe and Hudson, and the chemistry between these two is phenomenal! I also need to add that I love how Phoebe the FMC is 6 foot, it is so refreshing to not just have some tiny little main character!

There was a moment in this book that had me actually sit up and gasp out load! The suspense subplot in this story was incredible, and exactly my vibe!

If you want a contemporary romance, with characters that actually have realistic and relatable relationships then look no further than Beautifully Broken!
Plus the added bonus that this story is set in QLD Australia, written by an Australian!

Highly recommend reading Maybe Probably and After You which are books 1&2 in the Perfectly Imperfect series before jumping into this one.

Again I just need to say how absolutely incredible this story is, and how much I love and adore A.L. Russell’s writing.

[Cheryl Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely fantastic I could not put it down and I highly recommend to anyone over the age of 18 I would highly recommend reading the first two books that's just my opinion but I absolutely love this authors writing style her character development the twists and turns you go through in these books and just overall the story itself I would highly recommend checking your trigger warnings but after that just dive in and devour this book like I did if I could give this book 200 Stars I absolutely would

[Aussieindiereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I know this is exactly where I'm supposed to be. Right here, in this imperfect, chaotic, beautiful mess we've made."

OMG! What an emotional roller-coaster this book was. This had all the feels from page one and hooked me in. Huddy is now my new book boyfriend. The trauma that these characters had from their past lives, then to find each other and heal together, was beautiful. And the plot twist! I did not see that coming!

This is one of my new all-time favourites.

[alisha jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3 in the perfectly imperfect series.( Please read book 1 & 2 first)

I absolutely love this book and the way A L Russell writes she draws you into this story in such a way that keeps you wanting more.

I love Phoebe & Hudson so much - The chemistry and connection these two had is off the charts, but what i really love is how they always communicated with each other was so beautiful. The spice you get is hot damn, you may need a cool shower after those scenes. I adore how real all her characters are flaws & trauma and all.

There are moments in this book that had me gasping and on the edge of my seat, you should of heard the voice notes i was sending out.

[Vanicia Tuffel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely amazing! I literally was gripped by the first page! The characters were on point! Phoebe and Hudson’s story literally made me feel every emotion! Both broken in some way but their paths to each other was absolutely beautiful! There were some twists that I did not see coming. But it made the story more beautiful I couldn’t put this book down! I loved every minute of it!

[Wendy Bird · Rating 5 out of 5]

A. L. Russell never fails to disappoint, and Beautifully Broken is no exception. She's a master at depicting trauma, survival, and healing, so the journey may break your heart, but it's always worth it. Icing on the cake? The spice is delicious, and the MMC is a golden retriever Viking. Enough said.

[Nicola · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ - ARC

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3 of the Perfectly Imperfect Series does not disappoint! This book is so well written and keeps you guessing. We have two broken people trying to find their way in the world. It’s all fun and games until their worlds collide! Phoebe applies for a job and meets Hudson. He’s the CEO of the company, and his fascination with her leads to some feelings he hasn’t felt in years. She finds him good-looking and feels a connection, BUT she needs the job and refuses to let anything get in the way. The tension is palpable between these two! If a secret romance, blackmail, and hidden old secrets making drama is your thing; this book is for you! Go and get you a copy!!!!

[Tiff Hills · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read for me. Absolutely loved this book. Highly recommend reading the first 2 as the characters interwind. But even every side character was perfectly written. Certain parts had me crying and my heart being ripped out all over again and others I was giggling and kicking my feet like a school girl. I love how well the mental health awareness is there. You can tell so much thought/research and love went into this book even on the front cover, which is absolutely stunning btw. The tension, the spice, the banter, the characters, the story, the plot and twists. Absolute perfection.