Breaking Perfect

by Elyse Heartwell

She was raised to be perfect. He was born to challenge the rules.
When silence becomes survival, what happens when someone finally hears you?

Geraldine Dawson has spent her life performing—hiding behind a flawless smile. Controlled, obedient, and composed. In a family where appearances are everything, her greatest rebellion is hating every second of it.

But Lucas King? He sees right through the mask.

Born with a pair of boxing gloves strapped to his hands and too many scars of his own, Lucas has no patience for perfection. He’s brash, blunt, and far too familiar with the kind of pressure that never lets up. When their worlds collide, sparks fly—but so do secrets.

As Geraldine’s tightly wound life begins to unravel, she faces an impossible stay silent and safe… or finally speak—and burn for something real.

Breaking Perfect is an emotionally raw, slow-burn romance about trauma, identity, and choosing your own voice when the world keeps trying to silence you. For readers who crave high-stakes love stories, haunting character depth, and poetic survival—this is for you.

For fans of Colleen Hoover and emotional slow burns with teeth.

375 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 2, 2025

About the author

Elyse Heartwell takes everyday survival and turns it into stories that aren’t afraid to bleed. Her writing is sharp, emotional, and unapologetically real—crafted for readers who crave the kind of fiction that leaves a mark.

Her books explore survival, silence, and the kind of resilience no one claps for—only lives through.

She’s based in South Africa, where she runs EH Creative Studio and builds stories like bonfires, believing that healing isn’t pretty—it’s powerful.

Breaking Perfect is her debut novel, written for anyone who’s ever felt like too much and not enough at the same time.

Reviews

[Jurnee Mccarty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really truly enjoyed this so much. It was absolutely amazing. It pulled on my heartstrings left and right. I’m usually not one for slow burn romances but this was beautifully done.

[Mille Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was actually brilliant, I did enjoy it very much, the book was heartbreaking and full of trauma and people trying to better themselves, the book itself included intense romance. She wanted to break free from her perfect life and he understood it and wanted to be there for her, trigger warnings -mental health including bipolar disorder- emotional abuse- anxiety and panic attacks- manipulation I’m sure I missed some

[Kat Tolley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a slow burner ! Loved getting to know the characters and the suspense of Geraldine and Lucas relationship

Read trigger warnings 💕.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book was extremely good. it kept me pulled in because I wanted to know what was going to happen between Geraldine and Lucas.

there are some things that could be triggering, so make sure you check your trigger warnings before diving in!!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing! This book was so good. I loved the slow burn! Kept me drawn in the whole time. Absolutely thrilling.Thanks for letting me be an ARC reader. Looking forward to reading more of your books!

Please check your trigger warnings before diving into the book can be triggering for some.

[Dayna Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨Arc Review✨

Thank you to the author Elyse Heartwell And @booksprout for sending me a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

-All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Breaking Perfect is a raw, emotional journey that pulls you deep into the messy, beautiful chaos of healing and self-discovery. Elyse Heartwell doesn’t shy away from the hard stuff—grief, trauma, and the fragility of trust—and that honesty is what makes this story resonate.

💔 What Hits Home

Complex Characters Who Feel Real
The protagonist’s struggle with imperfection and brokenness is portrayed with such sensitivity that you can’t help but root for her every step of the way. This isn’t just a romance; it’s a story about finding strength in vulnerability.

Emotional Depth & Growth
The narrative tackles tough themes like mental health and recovery with grace, never resorting to clichés or easy fixes. Instead, it honors the slow, difficult process of learning to trust and love again.

Supporting Cast Adds Heart
Friends and family aren’t just background noise—they play meaningful roles in shaping the protagonist’s path, adding layers of warmth and complexity.

🎭 Themes & Tropes

Healing after trauma

Second chances and self-acceptance

Slow-burn romance built on trust

Family and found-family dynamics

One of the standout strengths of Breaking Perfect is the rich cast of supporting characters. Friends and family aren’t just window dressing; they have their own stories and complexities that add depth to the narrative. The protagonist’s interactions with these people often serve as mirrors reflecting her own growth, setbacks, and moments of clarity.

The world Heartwell builds isn’t flashy or extravagant—it’s everyday life, filled with the ordinary struggles and small victories that make the story relatable and impactful.

✨ Final Thoughts

Breaking Perfect is a heartfelt, honest portrayal of recovery and hope. Elyse Heartwell invites readers into a world where broken things can still be beautiful, and where healing doesn’t mean perfection but progress. It’s a book for anyone who’s ever felt lost and afraid but dared to believe in a better tomorrow.

If you’re seeking an emotional, character-driven story that tackles tough themes with care and grace, this one’s definitely worth the read.

[Olivia Maroth]

Breaking Perfect hit me right in the chest. Geraldine’s struggle to hold herself together while her world demands perfection felt painfully real, and Lucas is the kind of flawed, protective, emotionally complex love interest I adore. Their slow-burn connection is electric without ever rushing the healing. I finished the last page feeling wrung out in the best way.

[Smutty Demi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very beautifull book about past trauma's and a perfect slow burn! The characters were very likeable and I want to read the rest of this! Definitly recommend!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elizabeth Haislip · Rating 3 out of 5]

i’m not one to like slow burn romances but this one was so beautifully written it was so hard to put down!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elyse Heartwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breaking Perfect is the kind of book that breaks you before it heals.

It will make you curse, get angry, shed a few tears. You will root for Geraldine every step of the way. Fall in love with Lucas and wish he was yours. You’ll probably hate Richard and wish Nick would just give him one solid jab. Just once.

In the end, I hope it will stick with you for a few days. Maybe make you feel seen, whether you’ve ever walked a fee steps in either of the characters’ shoes or not.

Most of all, I hope you enjoy it. And if it shines a light in some dark corner of your life, then it has achieved its ultimate goal.

Thank you for taking the time to read Breaking Perfect. 🌸

Ps. The series has only begun. ❤️