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Broken

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Ciera Treat thought she was going to the doctor's office to get good news. Maybe she and her husband could finally have a baby. What she gets instead is her husband telling her he doesn't want a baby with her, a wife who's overweight and doesn't look feminine enough for him. He's already found somebody new.Broken and alone, Ciera can't imagine anyone who has been hurt more than her and is able to hold their head up. That is, until the day she meets sweet little Melly and her single daddy. Ciera finds it hard to believe in second chances, especially when everything her ex-husband found wrong with her is still true.This time around, things might be different, because Melly is broken too, but will her daddy want to stay with Ciera once he learns the truth?

68 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 22, 2014

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142 people want to read

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Teona Bell

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5 stars
102 (39%)
4 stars
65 (25%)
3 stars
68 (26%)
2 stars
19 (7%)
1 star
4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Kara.
419 reviews2 followers
November 1, 2014
Another good one

I gave this book 5 stars because it deserved it. this author did a spectacular job with this writing in this book. she really delved into the whole issue with self esteem. where someone else's opinion can make you feel low about yourself. also her feelings on falling for someone else's child. this was a very good book. kudos to the author. I would recommend this book to all my friends.
Profile Image for Musings of A Romance Junkie.
311 reviews92 followers
October 25, 2014
This is my second read from author Teona Bell, and I liked it.

Ciera Treat is a natural-haired thickum (YAY) whose marriage abruptly ends when she and her husband are told that she is the cause for their not being able to conceive a baby. Heartbroken and alone, Ciera wallows in self-pity and begins to question her value as a woman. She meets a handsome stranger and his daughter in the store one day, and she is smitten with both father and daughter. Nathan is a widower committed to raising his daughter Melody, or Melly, as she's affectionately known. Melly is a special needs child who is as smart as a whip! While she has to use sign language to communicate, she is not hearing-impaired, but her vocal chords are damaged. She's funny, energetic, and so sweet.

Even two years after her divorce, Ciera is still suffering from personal defeat-feeling worthless and unlovable as a woman because of the horrible things her ex-husband ingrained in her. Self-confidence shattered, she treads lightly with Nathan and Melly. She feels as if she allows herself to feel, she'll actually fall in love with them both but end up hurt in the end. And this is what frustrated me!!!!

Nathan has done everything in his power to assure Ciera that he is the real deal. He loves her as is-her short, kinky hair, her voluptuous breasts, her thick thighs...Yet no type of reassurance seemed to ease her fears-even to the end of the story. I wanted to shake this woman! And Melly...Oh that sweet, little girl. You will just want to eat her up!

I do recommend this book if you're looking for a quick, sweet read, and the cover! The models on the cover depict the characters in the book perfectly-down to the clothing!
1 review
May 10, 2018
Interracial Love: is the feeling of affection shared amongst two people from different racial backgrounds.

Honestly, after reading the synopsis of the book, I became intrigued. Broken by Teona Bell must be one of the most relatable stories I’ve ever read. Bell’s way of describing each character, makes them come to life. The thought of a woman being told she can't have children and having your husband fall out of love with you is hurtful. But to know that one day you will meet a beautiful little girl with a FINE daddy who will eventually have you falling for him is priceless. Let's not forget that the main two characters are a black woman and a white man. OMG! Interracial love, I AM ALL IN!

Regrettably, Bell had me confused and left wondering at the beginning of the book because of how fast the scenes throughout the chapters switched. Besides the misconception of events, I also hated how there were typos (just a few), but it makes you wonder if the editors took their time to edit the book before having it published. Other than those few things, I enjoyed the novel.

Without further ado allow me to introduce you to my favorite characters (main three):

Cierra Treat, the Plain and Strong heroine, who is also a hard-working African American wife, and an artist, who wants nothing more than to bear children for her husband. However, she can’t. Because of this, her husband (Tony aka the douchebag) decides to call it quits and leave her for another woman, which makes Cierra feel less of a woman (mainly because he feels like she let herself go). She gives up on relationships and feels like it’s the end of the world. That is until she meets Melly.

Melly is a non-verbal three-year-old who shares the same birthday with Cierra. (She's the reason why Cierra eventually gets to meet her knight and shining armor, Nathan.) If it weren’t for her, Cierra would still be probably alone.

Nathan, the good ole, Caucasian old-school hero, who would do anything for his beautiful daughter. He is an ex-military widower, who only has time to care for his daughter. After meeting Cierra that all changes. Who invites a stranger to a three-year old’s birthday party? (spoiler alert) Anyway, Nathan is the ultimate “love you for you” sweetheart.

Let’s take a glance at my take on the book:

A woman wants nothing more than a simple life: husband, career, house and car, and especially a child of their own. It is the woman’s job to carry that child for 9plus months androgen gives birth, but for Cierra, she soon finds out she won’t be doing either. At first, the couple thought they couldn’t have children because of Tony (remember the irrelevant douchebag), but the doctor ensures that Cierra is the reason.

After receiving this devastating news, Cierra immediately starts to feel less of a woman and instead of Tony making her feel better, he made them worse. Not only was she not able to have children, but she’s about to find out that her husband of 7 years no longer loves her and has been disgusted with her the entire time (well most of the time). The child would have made him stay, but that would only make matters worse. No one should want to stay because of a baby. In the long run, that person will start regretting things and feeling as if they were in this situation with no way out. To make matters more difficult, Tony was already seeing someone else that he had dreams of marrying.

A couple of years later, Cierra gets enough strength to celebrate her 30th birthday. Little did she know, she was about to miss her prince charming with the help of his princess. While looking for birthday candles, Cierra sees a little girl struggling. Like any other sane person, she offers helps. After helping her, Cierra looks around to see who is with the little girl but see’s no one. She tries to talk to the little one, but she is mute. A few seconds later here comes Mr. Prince Charming himself.

At this point, the first thing that would come to my mind is, “Where were you when this child wondered off on her own?”. I understand children wander off on their own and half of the time they move fast but come on; she could have gotten kidnapped just that quick.

I don’t want to spoil the book. So, I’ll fast forward a little.

Things seem to be going right for the two, but of course, Cierra is playing hard to get which makes Nathan want her more. He is waiting for her to open up to him so that he can get to know her, but she refuses. After all, she still feels like she doesn’t know him from Adam to Eve. Honestly, if it weren’t for Melly, Cierra would have called it quits. By the way, she loves Melly like her own.

Months later, Cierra finds out she is six weeks pregnant, and it scares the hell out of her. But deep down inside she’s excited. Nathan has now fallen in love with her even more. Think about it if the doctor told you that you couldn’t have kids at one point and now suddenly the gates of heaven open up and you find out you’re pregnant. That is amazing! Okay, so that’s all I’m giving you because I don’t want to be the one considered as a novel spoiler! You will have to the read the book yourself to find out what happens. Just know that the ending will make you very happy.

Besides the book being only twelve chapters long (not sure if that’s good or bad), the ending makes up for the mistakes throughout it. I know that all books cannot possibly be about sex, but I do feel strongly about “sex selling.” This novel just had to be one of them. Don’t get me wrong the cuteness of the little girl is adorable but if you take her away and leave the two, all you have is sex. Their relationship, in my opinion, was very genuine but the sex made it more intense and exciting.

Just a side note: while reading about Cierra and thinking of how strong-minded she felt she was at one point, I instantly thought about Joan Wilder.

Oh, before I forget let me tell you about Kathy. Kathy is the most annoying person in the novel. Like I don’t even understand why Bell added her. She needs to exit at stage left. Don’t get me wrong it is nice that she’s been a good friend to Nathan. SHE HAS GOT TO GO. I wish I could have been in the book to slap her. To me, she's an Airhead.

If I had to recommend this book to a friend, I can’t say if they would read it or not. Although it is an enjoyable read, the synopsis the author gives makes it a little hard to understand. Bell has other novels that I plan to read this summer. I am hoping that they are 10x better than this one. (I wonder if this novel has a part two.)

In my opinion, the average feminist with time on her hand looking for something to read would find this novel interesting. However, for the arrogant feminist, this one isn’t for you. When it comes to romantic tropes, Cierra and Nathan share a mixture of unrequited love, military, and tortured hero. (Fuse Literary) Being that Nathan is ex-military and Cierra felt like there was no need for her to be in love ever again. The two are compatible.

Ok before I go, let’s talk about the sex. I know I said I wouldn’t spoil it, but this is another reason why I think you should read Broken. Have you ever read a novel or watched a movie with a sex scene that made you feel like you were the one having sex? Well, me neither, HA! But that’s beside the point, Bell’s image of the sex between these two lovebirds will have you on the edge of your seat. I should admit one thing I found to be a little disturbing, was the fact that he massaged her butthole (too kinky for me). Like OMG, buddy your hand/finger does not belong there. You can tell that Nathan really enjoyed every aspect of her body although Cierra disliked it. Okay, that’s enough.

Overall between the love of a precious little girl, her father, and a complete stranger; to the sex scene; to the happy ever after ending. This book gets a four-star rating from me. I know, I have a love-hate novel-ship. Yes, I just made up a word.

Below is a list of websites where you can find the novel, I hope you enjoy it as I did.
• Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Broken-Teona-B...
• SCRIBD: https://www.scribd.com/book/254006738...



449 reviews
November 3, 2014
Impulsive buy that proved GOLDEN!!!

Reading stories especially love stories always gives me a unexpected hope. This story was no different! Reading the story of Ciera and her resilience through heartbreak was AWESOME! Nathan's willingness to never let her go or give up on her but call her on attitude and lack of openness.
I enjoyed the story and didn't feel it was rushed but I would have liked more story.
Profile Image for Layeshia.
379 reviews
December 26, 2014
broken

This was a good enough story however there was some holes that were left open for instance what happened to the husband did he have a child or not have a child and what about this chick that wanted to replacehis wife what happened to her?
Profile Image for Rainy_dai.
32 reviews1 follower
November 8, 2014
Great read

Great story line just wish it was longer!!! I was able to picture myself in the characters definitely a must read
Profile Image for Nancy  L Thompson.
2,158 reviews15 followers
November 11, 2014
Very good story

This book had tears in my eyes cause I could relate. A very believable and beautiful story. I was sold
10 reviews
November 14, 2014
Great book

good plot and story line keeps you interested in all the characters luv it luv it next book please soon
Profile Image for Shirley C. Temple.
34 reviews3 followers
November 14, 2017
I'm Glad I Waited For This!

I read a description of this book over a year ago and I wanted to read it, but it was no longer on Amazon at that time. When I saw it recently I knew I had to read it, and I'm glad I did! I loved this story! It grabbed me from the beginning. I could feel immediately the love Ciera felt for Melly and the uncertainty she felt about being with Nathan. The only problem I have with the book is i wish it were longer!
Profile Image for Bella.
130 reviews2 followers
April 1, 2018
Short but sweer read

Ciera Treat and her husband have been trying to have a baby for the longest time with no success. When they go to the doctor to find out what is happening she finds out that the she has an abnormal uterus. She is heartbroken… to top it off her husband unceremoniously leaves her. Telling her that he does not want to have a baby with her and as she is now overweight she is not feminine enough for him. This knocks her confidence down to the floor.

Fast forward to now, she is in the grocery store and she meets a sweet little girl called Melody or Melly for short. She also meets Melly’s dad, Nathan McAvoy a widower totally dedicated to taking care of his little girl.

Ciera is broken and made to feel less than what she deserves. Nathan was so patient with her, being there for her and most important of all, he loved her just as she was.

This was a short story but well-written however it left with some unanswered questions which perhaps would have been answered if the book was a bit longer.
15 reviews
December 25, 2017
Awesome

This was a great read. Love found a place with people who deserved it for which they were all broken.
Profile Image for Jenelle.
7 reviews1 follower
April 7, 2018
I loved it! I thought it was a well written, engaging story. It was short and I would have loved to follow the characters more.
11 reviews
November 9, 2018
This was a sweet story about healing. Truly loved it
Profile Image for Deitriah.
262 reviews2 followers
January 10, 2021
This book had me all in my feelings. I was laughing, crying and smiling. A sweet short read.
Profile Image for Robin.
133 reviews22 followers
December 7, 2014
Romance Rating: 5 of 5
Hotness Rating: 3 of 5
Storyline/Plot Rating: 3 of 5
Happily-Ever-After Rating: 5 of 5

My Overall Rating: 4 of 5

The story was short, but it was well written.
I related to the characters in the story and found them to be people I could imagine knowing or wanting to know.
I loved all the stories that were going on - I loved the sweetness of romance, I loved the heat of lust, and I loved the joy of the quiet times together that makes you feel like you are a family. That moment where you realize that there is a sense of connection that took the whole of your being and joined it with another, and while you remained your own person you had also become part of a greater whole through your love.

It's really true.
We are strongest where we have been broken.
Profile Image for Dorel.
4,349 reviews38 followers
November 17, 2014
This is the first book I read by Teona Bell. I loved this book's story line. I loved the hot & steamy scenes. I didn't like Tony or Cathy they got on my nerves. My heart broken for Ciera. I was also very happy for Ciera. I loved Melly I thought she was so adorable. I loved Nathan's character. I loved the ending. I loved this book so much that I brought another book of Ms. Bells. Awesome job Ms. Bell
Profile Image for Tony.
1,668 reviews
November 10, 2014
This story needs expanding, it has everything it needs to be an interesting novel. As a short story it leaves a bit to be desired because it ends with the reader wondering what happens to this character or another and who was that person or did this get resolved, etc.
7 reviews
February 1, 2017
Love It!!

One Of The Best books I've read in a long time. Broken will give you hope when you want to give up! I recommend this book to all women who have experienced brokenness or is broken.
Profile Image for Mspraise50.
1,597 reviews65 followers
December 13, 2014
I really enjoyed the story. I did want to shake Ciera a few times but I love how Nathan was consistently loving and patient with her!
5 reviews1 follower
November 29, 2014
Loved it

Couldn't put it down., Read from beginning to end great love story would love to see more of this couple.
6 reviews
January 2, 2015
Great book

The story line was great. I love bwwm stories and this one was amazing my only complaint is that it was a little short for my liking.
7 reviews
April 4, 2016
Great

I love this book it was sad but when she found love in the end great he didn't let her run from her emotions
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

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