Heart Broken

by Katy Berritt

My name is Lisa Novak. I’m a CPA. I’m also engaged—or I was until my fiancé of nine years, yes, you read that right—nine years, announced he was in love someone else. A man named Brandon.
Now I’m off to the Big Apple to re-invent myself. And I hate it. I hate my job, I hate my apartment. I hate the subway. The only thing that makes it even half-way bearable is this kind of weird, but cute bike messenger who might just have a crush on me. I don’t know, but he makes me laugh.
I’m Josh Albright. I’m a bike messenger. I love my job, I love New York City, and I love my old orange bicycle named Betsy. And yeah, I have a crush on Lisa Novak. I also have a few secrets I’m keeping from her. Like the fact that I’m really—I mean, really—smart. And that I invented this video game that everyone is playing. And the fact that I’m crazy rich.
And then there’s my father.

542 pages, Paperback

Published August 1, 2025

About the author

Author Katy Berritt loves to write stories about not-so-perfect heroes, quirky heroines and
off-the-wall secondary characters that bring laugh-out-loud humor to the story. 
​
Her debut book, The Candy Capers, is due out May 26, 2022. Readers’ Favorite gave it a
Five Star Review commenting, "When you find a romantic comedy that is hard to put
down, you can be assured that you have found an author with a rare talent. The Candy
Capers ticks all the right boxes." –Readers' Favorite
NYT Best Selling Author Lisa Kleypas says:
“Sexy, smart and charming—the Candy Capers is an absolute joy to read. Katy Berritt
has a flair for creating vivid characters, rapid-fire dialogue and a quirky plot that propels
you along at a breakneck pace. Treat yourself to this dazzling debut!”
​Katy lives in New York City, a city rich in history, weird residents and fantastic
neighborhoods, a treasure trove to draw upon when writing.

Reviews

[Pamela Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This grumpy vs sunshine couple won me over from the get-go. Of course, Lisa has her reasons to be miserable, and seriously, seriously heartbroken. But quirky, open-minded, and heart-on-his-sleeve, Josh Albright…? Well, he is truly ‘bright’ in every sense of the word, and I fell head over heels in love with the man. Honestly, I don’t think stressed-out, down-in-the-dumps Lisa stood a chance. Berrit did a wonderful job weaving the secrets and the reasons the characters work so hard to hide them into the story. And magic happens when the truth finally comes out into the open. I wholeheartedly loved this book. HEART BROKEN made for a rip-roaringly fun ride.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jacquelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Heart Broken” was funny. The amusing plot involved a broken heart, a fiancé’s confession, an interesting admirer, using the sister’s matchmaking services, going on disastrous dates after each disastrous date, hilarity, getting to know the CPA, an interfering mom, an interesting race, oh no… a stint in a hospital, a diabolical dad, being deceitful but with a caveat, more heart-wrenching deeds from the bad dad, an elaborate plan, a sincere confession, more disastrous dates, a grand gesture, no more lying, and what an ending. Moreover, Lisa and Josh, the protagonists, were soulmates and gushed with chemistry.

Additionally, I appreciated the author’s writing style, which featured well-written characters, a fascinating setting in New York, a delightful storyline, and vivid descriptions that included imagery, figurative language, humor, and down-to-earth word choices that created an upbeat tone, as evident in lines like “I have a mother too, who I love.” All right, that was stretching the truth a tad. Sure, she loved her mother, but she tried to avoid her because, well, nut job. And controlling. And interfering. “So, yeah, I love my mom, but I don’t bring her on dates.” Overall, I liked the hilarious narrative.
I received a copy for free and am giving my honest review voluntarily.

[Cheryl Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't image what Lisa felt when her fiance of several years suddenly, out of no where tells her he is gay. I mean, really? What a blow to your self confidence and a really crummy way to treat someone you supposedly love. I don't blame her for feeling like she had been lied to and basically was cheated on. I really like Josh's outlook on life and his basic character. He would be a great friend to hang out with. His fixation on Lisa is so darn cute. I was really rooting for him thru the whole book. This story is full of great characters, laugh out loud funnies. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Some of the dates that Lisa goes thru are hilarious, some down right scary. Her cat needs to find some courage! I really don't have a favorite part but I was furious during the bike race. I'm sure you will be too! I would definitely recommend this book.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa is a CPA wanting to find a special guy. Her sister has a dating service and sends her names of a few guys. Her impressions of her choices are humorous and unique. Josh is a messenger and has a crush on Lisa, loving to bring things to her. She thinks he is poor just judging by his bike and his clothes. When Josh hears her tell someone she hates rich people, he fears telling her. She hates liars even more. This book is full of caring people with funny stories to tell and big hearts. Great read!

[Denise Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story! I enjoyed the journey that Lisa and Josh embarked on. It was cute how tongue tied Josh got when he was around Lisa. I was rooting for him and really liked how Katy brought about the development of their friendship. The story flowed nicely and I felt like it wasn’t rushed and all over the place. Everything had its place and the characters all acted as one would expect. At no point did I think “as if”. There was the right amount of “drama” or obstacles that the couple had to overcome come in order to fully appreciate what they had. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Carolina CHC · Rating 4 out of 5]

A perfect light read—funny, romantic, charming, and easy to sink into.

Lisa Novak is organized and dependable, while Josh Albright, a tech genius with a daring streak, falls for her at first sight. His protectiveness sometimes borders on intense, but underneath it all he’s simply naive, sweet, and well-meaning.

Not everything is sugar and roses—some odd and unpleasant characters add tension—but it all comes together for a satisfying, feel-good ending.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. The characters were goofy, fun, and whimsical, and the plot had enough twists and turns to make it a fun read. The focus was mostly on the story, so although there were some fairly explicit steamy scenes, there weren't a lot of them, earning a 3.25/5 on my spice scale. Honestly, I can't wait for the next book in the series to come out.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Delia Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heart Broken is such a good book. Heart Broken starts with Lisa getting her heart broken. She enlists her sister, Amy, to set up some dates for her. Will she like the dates or will Lisa be single forever? Time will tell. I liked this one better than the first but I’m glad I read the first because there are some characters in this book from the first one. This is a romantic comedy and if you like this genre you should give this book a read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lisa J Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story of Josh and Lisa. With their chance meeting and how he might be the person she needs to heal her broken heart? But as she gets to know Josh , she has been set up by her sister on a number of dates which makes Lisa think of Josh in a different light. Looking forward to reading more of this series.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun read! Entertaining and wonderfully told!

Oh, what an adorable story. Lisa and Josh, and even his friends, are so much fun. The story is a little crazy, but so romantic. Definitely recommend!

[Suze82 · Rating 5 out of 5]

for who you are

Lisa and Josh´s story touched my heart, they are such wonderful characters and both derserve to be loved for who they are (just as we all do).