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Wrecked Roommates #5

Broken Instrument

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Hadley says she hates her brother.
But I know the truth.
She hates that she loves him.
Because it’s hard to love an addict.
Honestly, I don’t even love myself most days.
But I can see her falling for me.

She doesn't know her brother and I are cut from the same cloth, though.
She doesn’t know I’ve already lost everything because of my addiction.
She doesn’t know that’s why I push her away.
Why I refuse to claim her, the same way I refuse to reclaim my role as front man for my band.

But she’s testing my limits.
I’m not sure how much longer I can withstand Hadley before I fall for her and ruin us both.
When I do, she’ll never forgive me.
And neither will I.

Audible Audio

Published September 26, 2022

313 people are currently reading
3122 people want to read

About the author

Kelsie Rae

57 books8,561 followers
Kelsie is a sucker for a love story with all the feels. When she's not chasing words for her next book, you will probably find her reading or, more likely, hanging out with her husband and playing with her three kiddos who love to drive her crazy.

She adores photography, baking, her yorkie, Bob, and her devon rex, Mara. And now that she's actively pursuing her writing dreams, she's set her sights on someday finding the self-discipline to not binge-watch an entire series on Netflix in one sitting.


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5 stars
1,289 (44%)
4 stars
1,056 (36%)
3 stars
476 (16%)
2 stars
54 (1%)
1 star
6 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
Profile Image for Closet Romance Reader.
1,233 reviews19 followers
May 10, 2022
Oh my heart! It was sure working overtime with this one! Broken Instrument was the fifth book in Kelsie’s Wrecked Roommates series. It was heartbreaking but also uplifting! Perfect way to end this great series!!

Fender’s time in rehab had changed him for good but would he be able to keep up with his new life? Everything he ever wanted had continued on without him and he wasn’t sure where he really belonged. Meeting Hadley seemed to be the answer he was looking for until his old life started creeping back in. Would he ever be able get past it?

So many emotions. I felt every one of them deep in my soul. I don’t think you can read this book without being affected. This was my favorite book of the series! I loved getting to watch them navigate their new worlds and figure out how to move on. Even though this was the end, I am hoping we will still get to see glimpses of these guys!!
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,211 reviews220 followers
March 31, 2022
5 star Review Broken Instrument (Wrecked Roommates) by Kelsie Rae

Both Fender and Hadley have had hard lives and the baggage that they bring from the past is in danger of destroying their chance at happiness.
This was such a heartbreaking, emotional story that took me on a roller coaster of a read. There are subject matters that some may find disturbing such as Fender recovering from his drug addiction, having come close to destroying his world.
From the moment they meet there is a strong connection between Fender and Hadley. For me these two are meant to be and are each others soul mate.
Broken Instrument is a fast paced story of overcoming adversity, of taking a chance on love.
Profile Image for Naughty Nightie.
842 reviews15 followers
March 31, 2022
I loved Fender's story. Kelsie hooks you in from the start and keeps you turning the pages until the end. Fender and Hadley meet by accident when she gets in trouble with her landlord over a dog she's not supposed to have. Fender ends up with Pixie the dog pretending Hadley was his sister and was dogsitting for him. Fender and Hadley have an attraction to each other from the beginning but Fender is afraid to get too close. He thinks if he goes too far with Hadley it will send him spiraling back into the path of addiction again. You will be in love with Fender, Hadley, and Pixie by the end of this story.
I received an arc for my honest review for NNBB. If you love a sweet romance with two characters who have demons in their past you will love this story.
Profile Image for Jaime Reynolds.
1,945 reviews23 followers
March 26, 2022
Whew!! This story is the best in the series and it may be my favorite this author has written. You can’t read this and not be affected by their story. Fender and Hadley are two characters who have suffered and gone through so much yet they continue to fight for their happiness. Overcome their demons and strive to be the best they can. You have to read this. It is so much more than a romance and will make you feel all the things.
Profile Image for Michellelovesreading.
1,483 reviews174 followers
August 28, 2024
This book was Amazing. I couldn’t put it down. I’m excited for the next series
Profile Image for Angie.
602 reviews7 followers
April 13, 2022
An incredible heartbreaking yet romantic love story. This one really gets to you. Drug abuse is a main point in the plot of this story. So trigger warning for that.
Hadley and Fender have amazing chemistry from the moment they meet. Crazy circumstances that may be under.
When Fender comes back from rehab trying to sort out his life, Hadley seems to appear and aid him along.
Little do we know how much they need to peice each other's lives back together.
This is a crazy, intense, fast-paced story involving a Rockstar, a writer, and addiction. The fact that they can find happiness and love amongst their greatest downfall is truly wonderful.
The characters and story are phenomenal. I really enjoyed this book. Pixie, the dog, is also a sweetheart. And the key to their happiness.
5 stars
Profile Image for Atlanta Whitlock.
907 reviews12 followers
April 3, 2022
Out of all of the books in this series, I think this one will hot close to home to many people as Kelsie Rae writes about such a sensitive topic and I honestly applaud the way that she’s wrote this book. Fender was always such an interesting character right from when this series started, and it’s clear from the beginning that there’s so much going on with him but still he’s got to work through a lot of things, and luckily in this book we actually get to see all of the demons that he’s battling with.
It's such an eye opener with everything that Fender goes through, and it’s great getting to experience it all from him as there’s been four books before this one so we’ve only seen glimpses of him and now we get an explanation as to how things have actually gone.
I honestly feel for Hadley because she knows deep down something isn’t right when it comes to the disappearance of her brother, she knows that he has his own issues, but still she can’t work out why after cleaning things up for himself and his daughter, why he’d go out of his way to just wreck it. But still, not having any answers as to what’s going on must be hurting her, I know how she feels as I’ve been put in her position just things were slightly different. But I can understand the emotions that she’s going through as honestly it hurts not having any answers.
I actually can’t fault this story and enjoyed every minute of it, she captured how Hadley was feeling perfectly, as honestly, I’ve been through those emotions and it’s honestly heart-breaking having to experience everything that she goes through.
I find that both Hadley and Fender actually help each other a hell of a lot without realising that they are pretty cute together but also they are good for one another.
I honestly loved everything there was and I wouldn’t want anything changed, I honestly have no idea if Kelsie is planning on writing any more books for this series, but if not, I think she’s brought it together pretty nicely and I’m excited to read more of her work.

Fender has his own issues going on, he’s just gotten out of rehab and is now trying to figure out what he plans on doing with his life, but still he knows he has a long way to go. Now that he’s back he has no idea if he’s going to go back to being the frontline man for his band Broken Vows or if he’s just going to give up completely. But still he knows that for now he has to work towards staying clean and not end up going back down the dark path of his brother Marty.
When he happens to step in to help this amazing kind hearted girl, he honestly can’t believe his luck, what makes it even better is that there’s already a connection there even though this is the first time of them meeting. With Fender offering to help look after Hadley’s brother’s dog due to the fact that she can’t keep him at her apartment, he does his best to make sure that anything that happens involving the dog he lets Hadley know.
With Hadley so torn up over her brothers disappearance she has no idea what’s going on or if she’ll find him considering so far there’s not been much luck.
With both of them broken in their own ways, it’s clear that they both might be the key to each other and building themselves back up again.
Will Fender figure out what he wants to do in life, whether that’s going back to Broken Vows, leaving the music industry for good or even just going off on his own and starting from scratch??? Will Hadley be able to find her brother and be able to give her niece the news she is hoping for in terms of where her dad is???
Profile Image for Chris.
1,926 reviews17 followers
April 3, 2022
Broken Instrument is a story that is going to grab your attention right from the start and keep you completely engaged all the way through. It deals with the heavy subject of addiction and all the challenges that come with it. Drug addiction affects not just the addict but friends and family also and this story takes us to both sides of this problem.
I absolutely loved Fender and Hadley together. They had that spark but they also had to work at their relationship and in the end understanding, patience and love won out! Was it easy? No! Was it worth it? Yes!
Fender was one of the founders of the band Broken Vows until his drug addiction took over his life. He is a beautiful broken soul trying to find his way back after his downfall, but it takes one special lady to simply be there for him, listen without judgement and accept him as he is that truly gives him the extra boost to continue on his sober path. He has to do it for himself but he also needs to let in the people who care about him the most. What he doesn’t realize is that Hadley may have saved him but he also saves her in return.

Profile Image for Jackie Wright.
6,523 reviews131 followers
April 6, 2022
I’m really not sure where to start with my review for Broken Instrument, I’m not sure I have the words to do this emotional and at time heartbreaking romance justice so I guess I need to just tell how Fender and Hadley made me feel as I joined their roller coaster of love.
Fender is removing from his drug addiction and it seems he has traded one addiction for another only this time it’s a woman he’s addicted to. From the moment Hadley and Fender met you know they share a bond, a connection that shouldn’t be broken but it’s going to take a lot of love and patience for this couple to get their HEA. So will Fender open up and let the people in that he cares about the most or will he push them away just when he needs them….
A beautifully written, heartbreaking story that took over my life, i loved everything about this lve story but what took it to another level was watching this broken soul learning to love and trust his soulmate. There is no doubt that dealing with drug addiction is a heavy subject but Ms Rae covers this subject and all it’s problems with compassion and love.
Profile Image for Tracey Vuolo.
733 reviews18 followers
April 8, 2022
Broken Instrument took me on a shattered journey as it tugged on my heartstrings in more ways than one and I was holding my breath as I waited to see who would make it to the other side! Fender and Hadley bring out the best in each other, but also trigger the worst and it’s as powerful as it is gut wrenching and I was hanging on every moment.

By the way, can I just say I love Pixie and humans don’t deserve dogs, but we are so lucky to have them! I was so glad to see Gibson and his awesome big brother mend their relationship in this book. But in the next moment, someone I asked the author to kill in a different book showed up and I still wanted her to make it happen in this one. Read it for yourself to see if she finally listened to my suggestion….who am I kidding, I practically begged her in my mind as I turned the pages!

Kelsie wove a tough story of fighting addiction in a poetic way that was as beautiful as it was gut wrenching. But she did it in such a way that filled me with hope, compassion, love and forgiveness as I rooted for these characters and even more importantly this couple.
Sometimes being broken helps give a life changing perspective to people that need it most. It’s what you do with the broken pieces that matter and can change your life for the better forever!

Tracey, Reviewer & Blogger @Life Reads With Friends
Profile Image for Vilma .
905 reviews1 follower
April 8, 2022
I never really liked Fender, I always thought he was broken, but also selfish and entitled. This book gives you an in depth look at a truly broken Fender, trying to put the past behind him and embrace his new future. And each obstacle or reminder of his past bad boy days is a test and a struggle to embrace who he is now.

This last rehab stint truly changed him, but he is still faced with triggers and has to reach deep to maintain his sobriety. Hadley seems to be a calming influence for his troubled thoughts, she helps to ground Fender. Their original connection Pixie is Hadley's brother Bud's dog, and Bud was a 'friend' of Fender from his bad boy days.

I'm so glad to have read this, which changed my opinion of Fender. He may not be my favorite of the Wrecked Roommates, but I'm proud of the person he is finally becoming.
Profile Image for Jess.
3,184 reviews27 followers
March 18, 2022
I knew - KNEW - Fender was a redeemable character.
Yes, he was a screwup before rehab, but he’s came out much stronger and put together. He’s a great guy without drugs. He just never knew his own self worth.
Then he meets Hadley and Pixie.
Pixie sure helps mend his broken and jagged pieces. She’s his biggest supporter. His distraction. And probably his best friend all rolled into one very lovable dog. Dogs really are man’s best friend!
Hadley is his friend first. It isn’t until later that they become more. She accepts for him even though she knows all about addicts thanks to her brother. To me, that alone makes her a strong character.


I thought this story well written and the timing was perfect. It didn’t feel rushed - which I hate!
And I loved seeing glimpse of previous characters.
Profile Image for Melissa.
786 reviews9 followers
April 5, 2022
I love Fender. From the previous books you see a little bit of Fender, but he remains a mystery. Now we get his story. Fender has just finished rehab. But is keeping to himself because he has a lot to work through. When he goes to visit his former hookup, her neighbor is caught with a dog that isn’t allowed. Hadley is arguing with her landlord over a dog that she is watching when a guy she doesn’t know steps in and helps her. Turns out that Fender knows Hadleys brother. With no other option she lets Fender take the dog. But they stay in contact and a friendship starts to form. Fender isn’t ready for more, but he’s drawn to Hadley. This was a touching story. Both Fender and Hadley have been through a lot. I was glad to see Fender get the happy ending that he deserved.
Profile Image for Shirley.
854 reviews6 followers
April 7, 2022
I've loved this series and getting to know each and every one of they guys and their other halves. Broken Instrument couldn't be more aptly named. Fender and Hadley are both broken, in different ways for sure, but what happens when these two broken people find their way to each other? Theirs is a journey filled with doubt, growth, finding their own way, and coming to terms with unfortunate inevitability. Along the way they start to realize that just maybe, they can make something of their future...together. Of course there are hiccups and bumps in the road to overcome, but their journey is definitely worth diving in to.
Profile Image for Becca Whaley.
1,663 reviews6 followers
April 8, 2022

This one hit me hard in allllllllll my feels …..
Seriously if you have ever dealt with addiction whether it’s yourself or someone you love ….
I honestly don’t know if I can put into words what this book made me feel….
I shed so many tears reading these pages …. I’ve loved Fender from book one of this series and my heart has broken for him over and over again….
But to see his story finally be put on pages and to feel everything it made me feel was just so therapeutic. My heart still hurts for the broken little boy who became this strong amazing man.. who loves bigger and better than he should be able to… and don’t even get me started on the heroine Hadley …. Such a strong independent heroine even tho she’s a total introvert and is so not use to being seen ….

So yeah anyways !!!!! Y’all get ready for this book because every once in awhile there is a book that imbeds itself into your soul and THIS IS ONE OF THOSE BOOKS !!!!!
Profile Image for Mari Acosta.
259 reviews10 followers
April 2, 2022
I've been waiting for Fender's story since book one! As usual, Kelsie Rae did not disappoint. Hadley was a great addition to the group of fabulous female characters we already know and love in this series, and she definitely gave Fender exactly what he needed. Pixie was also a welcome addition that added just enough adorableness to counteract the heartbreak a bit. I'm excited to see where Mia ends up and oh so happy that this world and these characters can keep going. Of course, that's just true, Kelsie Rae, for you, and that's why we love her! On to the next!
Profile Image for Cindy Hughes.
1,636 reviews11 followers
April 6, 2022
Fender’s book was amazing! After seeing him in the previous books, it was good to finally get his story. Fender and Hadley have had hard lives. Both carry their own baggage. From the moment they met their connection and chemistry was wonderful. They complete each other. Pixie was the highlight of the story! Broken Instrument is a fast paced, intense, crazy story that will grab you and keep you reading until the end! I loved it and once you read Fender, Hadley and Pixies story, you’ll love it too!
Profile Image for Lauren.
1,011 reviews2 followers
April 7, 2022
Fender’s book was everything and more! I was desperate for his book and it did not disappoint in any way at all.
I really liked Hadley, she has her own issues but they both help each other without realising just how much. Their chemistry was on fire!
Kelsie Rae did the most amazing job of telling a heartbreaking and emotional story but in the most beautiful way.
It was raw and real and the perfect addition to an absolutely amazing series.
Profile Image for Kim Gauger.
3,298 reviews6 followers
March 20, 2022
So wow oh wow is Fender amazing!! I mean yeah he was addicted to drugs, and yeah he kinda had to go to rehab but man did this book seal the deal. The way he is so broken, how he feels I guess undeserving of anything hits the mark. She comes in and changes everything for him and his mindset and I loved it. He’s so broken and no one knew in the prior books just how much. I loved this book so much!
Profile Image for Lana-White Hot Reads.
1,210 reviews23 followers
March 23, 2022
Fender and Hadley are perfect for each other. Fender is trying to redeem himself by coming to terms with his new life after coming out of rehab and losing his band. A surprise situation put Fender and Hadley together and instantly they click. She gets him and vice versa. The chemistry between them is hot and this book sure put closure to this series.
1,030 reviews6 followers
April 6, 2022
Beautiful and moving story.

Gosh, I really loved Fender and Hadley’s story. Their slowly built friendship and love; their inner struggles and demons; their strength for each other - was so moving and beautiful. This Wrecked Roommates Series really is something very special.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,666 reviews9 followers
April 7, 2022
Broken Instrument (Wrecked Roommates Book Five) by Kelsie Rae. Another good addition to a great series. Entertaining story with complex characters, intense connections, turmoil and angst, along with emotion and redemption. I enjoyed this story and would recommend book, series, and author to others. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Nicole.
53 reviews
April 8, 2022
As usual Kelsie Rae never disappoints!! This was Fender’s story.
Fender has just come out of rehab and is working on getting his life back together when he meets Hadley. Fender and Hadley are a perfect match. I was so glad to see Fender get his happily ever after! This was a perfect ending to this amazing series!
50 reviews
April 8, 2022
Fender Hayes struggles with addiction. Hadley Rutherford struggles with watching her brother struggle with addiction. She helps him cope with his demon. He helps her get her writing muse back. Together they fall in love. And then there's Pixie the dog.

I thoroughly enjoyed this HEA and conclusion to the Wrecked Roommates Series.
Profile Image for Caroline Doig.
5,456 reviews49 followers
April 9, 2022
Fender is an addict he’s lost his band to his brother and now he’s lost and all alone until he saves Hadley from getting kicked out of her apartment. I loved this emotional story it’s a hard and sad life for an addict and Fender is really hard on himself and Hadley makes him feel things that he’s too scared to feel. This is a fantastic story and I definitely recommend this book.
4,561 reviews19 followers
April 11, 2022
I absolutely loved the dual, first person point of view of the story which is always a deal breaker for me.
Reading Fender's point of view was painful sometimes, he was so broken. I loved his point of view. Amazing read, I read it in one sitting.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Livy White.
89 reviews2 followers
December 11, 2024
This was my favorite of the series (by leagues, if I’m honest). This couple felt the most relatable in a lot of ways. It felt like the hurdles they had to leap were more realistic, so I was more invested. And having read the “don’t let me” series already made me even more excited knowing that this leads into that one. Also 3/5 🌶️ since that wasn’t an option for the review.
15 reviews
April 7, 2022
I’ve been waiting for Fenders Story!

I read this in one sitting and loved it completely! Great Job, Kelsie! I wanted to protect Fender, Hadley, Pixie, Isabella and Mia at all cost. I will most likely reread fenders story again and again
Profile Image for Aimee Lombardo.
736 reviews2 followers
April 7, 2022
Wow, Broken Instrument was a fabulous story!!

I loved how bothe Fen and Hadley had a lot of faults that they both worked together to over come.

This story grabbed me by the heart and didn't let me go.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews

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