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If I Break #1-3
If I Break: The Complete Series
The complete If I Break Series Bundle. Includes If I Break, Before I Break, Almost Broken and Beautifully Broken.
This is not your typical happily ever after...
Lauren Brooks wants to do three things: Escape the small town she grew
up in, get accepted to her dream school in Chicago, and graduate
without drowning in debt. Now she’s working her ass off to do just
that.
With a full course load and a waitressing job at one of the hottest
night clubs in Chicago, she does not have time for distractions;namely
ones who only want to get into her pants. She’s been burned before.
Only a fool goes for a second round... With just two semesters left
until graduation, everything’s on track.
Until she meets Cal. Enter distraction.
At six-foot-two, with ebony hair, deep grey eyes, and a smile that
could only hide an agenda, she knows he’s trouble. And for the first
time in her life, a little trouble might be just what she needs.
No. What she wants.
It isn't like she’d ever marry the guy.
Until she does.
What she thinks will be her happily ever after, is only the beginning.
Cal has a secret. One that makes loving him come with a price, and
being his wife cost more than she bargained for.
This is not your typical happily ever after...
Lauren Brooks wants to do three things: Escape the small town she grew
up in, get accepted to her dream school in Chicago, and graduate
without drowning in debt. Now she’s working her ass off to do just
that.
With a full course load and a waitressing job at one of the hottest
night clubs in Chicago, she does not have time for distractions;namely
ones who only want to get into her pants. She’s been burned before.
Only a fool goes for a second round... With just two semesters left
until graduation, everything’s on track.
Until she meets Cal. Enter distraction.
At six-foot-two, with ebony hair, deep grey eyes, and a smile that
could only hide an agenda, she knows he’s trouble. And for the first
time in her life, a little trouble might be just what she needs.
No. What she wants.
It isn't like she’d ever marry the guy.
Until she does.
What she thinks will be her happily ever after, is only the beginning.
Cal has a secret. One that makes loving him come with a price, and
being his wife cost more than she bargained for.
985 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2015
973 people are currently reading
1130 people want to read
About the author
Portia Moore
28 books1,455 followersPortia Moore is an Amazon and iBooks bestselling author of romantic suspense, including the popular If I Break series, the Her series, and the Collided series, which combined have sold over one million copies across all platforms. Located in the chilly Midwest, her favorite vacations are anywhere that's hot and sunny with a beach, reading the same kind of heart-pounding, twisty, edge-of-your seat romantic thrillers that she loves to write. When that's not possible, she loves drinking wine, cooking (also with wine) and spending time with her little family of one human child and two furbabies, one that barks and one that meows.
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Want to read
September 28, 2017
📚 📌 FREE on Amazon US today (9/24/2017) 📌 📚
Complete trilogy: 3 books total! I have been meaning to read this EPIC story!
FREE: https://www.amazon.com/If-Break-BUNDL...
BLURB:
This is not your typical happily ever after...
Lauren Brooks wants to do three things: Escape the small town she grew
up in, get accepted to her dream school in Chicago, and graduate
without drowning in debt. Now she’s working her ass off to do just
that.
With a full course load and a waitressing job at one of the hottest
night clubs in Chicago, she does not have time for distractions; namely
ones who only want to get into her pants. She’s been burned before.
Only a fool goes for a second round... With just two semesters left
until graduation, everything’s on track.
Until she meets Cal. Enter distraction.
At six-foot-two, with ebony hair, deep grey eyes, and a smile that
could only hide an agenda, she knows he’s trouble. And for the first
time in her life, a little trouble might be just what she needs.
No. What she wants.
It isn't like she’d ever marry the guy.
Until she does.
What she thinks will be her happily ever after, is only the beginning.
Cal has a secret. One that makes loving him come with a price, and
being his wife cost more than she bargained for.
FREEBIES are often good for MORE than one day. I have gathered all my FREEBIES on a special shelf: Kindle-freebies (currently over 700 books)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...
December 20, 2018
4.5 Stars for the entire series, it progressively gets better.
January 31, 2018
4 stars for the roller coaster entertainment value
I was in the mood for drama/soap/some wtf?, etc. What a ride - this one was distraction and an entertaining ride. This has been in my TBR for a while. I don't like serial cliffie's as I like closure. Having the bundle was satisfying so I could read the entire story in one go. There is one more in the series. I want to read - but I don't have to.
The flashback flip-flop kind of annoyed me - it was done in every other chapter until everything was in the present. But, I had to keep reading. I liked this one almost as well as Black Lies .
A little bit of everything that had me up and down and wondering where the story was going. We had a love story with a dysfunctional relationship, secrets, mental illness/disorder, lies, hero is a jerk, hero leaves, surprise pregnancy, twists and turns, a witchy OW, hero's dad is a major jerk, more secrets, more lies, drama, heartbreak, more twists and turns, a good hero POV short, etc.
I had no idea that What Happens After is the story of H's jerk of a dad and mom. I did update my rating/review of it at https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I was in the mood for drama/soap/some wtf?, etc. What a ride - this one was distraction and an entertaining ride. This has been in my TBR for a while. I don't like serial cliffie's as I like closure. Having the bundle was satisfying so I could read the entire story in one go. There is one more in the series. I want to read - but I don't have to.
The flashback flip-flop kind of annoyed me - it was done in every other chapter until everything was in the present. But, I had to keep reading. I liked this one almost as well as Black Lies .
A little bit of everything that had me up and down and wondering where the story was going. We had a love story with a dysfunctional relationship, secrets, mental illness/disorder, lies, hero is a jerk, hero leaves, surprise pregnancy, twists and turns, a witchy OW, hero's dad is a major jerk, more secrets, more lies, drama, heartbreak, more twists and turns, a good hero POV short, etc.
I had no idea that What Happens After is the story of H's jerk of a dad and mom. I did update my rating/review of it at https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
September 28, 2015
This series is now ranked with my all time favorites.
Lauren and Cal are in a crazy whirlwind relationship and nothing is ever as it seems. All I can suggest is to atleast finish book one before passing judgment. I'll admit when I read book one I was saying things like "Really Lauren? I mean REALLY?" and getting so frustrated with her.
I've also never read a book that brought out such deep emotions along with curiosity. That was all just within the first book..
In my opinion this is a must read(the whole series). Just be ready to be angry, extremely sad and blown away. Buckle up because it's a wild ride.
Lauren and Cal are in a crazy whirlwind relationship and nothing is ever as it seems. All I can suggest is to atleast finish book one before passing judgment. I'll admit when I read book one I was saying things like "Really Lauren? I mean REALLY?" and getting so frustrated with her.
I've also never read a book that brought out such deep emotions along with curiosity. That was all just within the first book..
In my opinion this is a must read(the whole series). Just be ready to be angry, extremely sad and blown away. Buckle up because it's a wild ride.
November 23, 2015
This is a story of epic magnitude and it is broken down into several stories. I literally had to sit and think about this book after I read it, because it blew my mind. I was in shock after reading it and it left me with conflicting emotions. Tissues were needed in several places and oh my, definitely this book will challenge how you view certain subjects but I am so glad that I finished the book in full.
IF I BREAK—Tells about how the story gets set up. We get background on the MC in this series and in book 1 , we meet Cal and Lauren . Lauren is trying to stay in college, is putting her way thru college when she meets Cal. There connection was oh so instant and they found they couldn’t stay from each other, Soon, Lauren was back and the twists and turns in this story make you start to question who is what in this story. Kind of ends in a cliffhanger.
BEFORE I BREAK-- his is just a short novella from Chris's POV. Just tells you things in Chris’s Point of View and how he came to be. Does give your insight and his feeling.
ALMOST BROKEN-After everything ends in a cliffhanger, you see now what happened after the big reveal at the end of the first book . Lauren and Cal are trying to understand what happened and make sense of what happened .Right now she gets to know Chris as she does Cal and the handling of this is beautifully done. The guessing of which why she goes kept me on pins and needles.
BEAUTIFULLY BROKEN -- The truth will set you free and in that case, it is now out and Cal/ Chris now the truth. It has devastated him and it takes their relationship that they did have and it went straight into a tail spin. There were so many twists and turns in this story that I was so turned around. I felt so bad for both Lauren and Cal/Chris…they didn’t deserve this at all. I know they loved each other so much but OMG, seriously, were they ever going to get a HEA or was this it for them? The last two or three chapters seemed rushed and there was no epilpogue to tell me how Lauren and Ca/Chris were going. That would have been giung but overall this book was awesome and I loved all the twists and turns in the story.
My rating: 4.5 stars ****
IF I BREAK—Tells about how the story gets set up. We get background on the MC in this series and in book 1 , we meet Cal and Lauren . Lauren is trying to stay in college, is putting her way thru college when she meets Cal. There connection was oh so instant and they found they couldn’t stay from each other, Soon, Lauren was back and the twists and turns in this story make you start to question who is what in this story. Kind of ends in a cliffhanger.
BEFORE I BREAK-- his is just a short novella from Chris's POV. Just tells you things in Chris’s Point of View and how he came to be. Does give your insight and his feeling.
ALMOST BROKEN-After everything ends in a cliffhanger, you see now what happened after the big reveal at the end of the first book . Lauren and Cal are trying to understand what happened and make sense of what happened .Right now she gets to know Chris as she does Cal and the handling of this is beautifully done. The guessing of which why she goes kept me on pins and needles.
BEAUTIFULLY BROKEN -- The truth will set you free and in that case, it is now out and Cal/ Chris now the truth. It has devastated him and it takes their relationship that they did have and it went straight into a tail spin. There were so many twists and turns in this story that I was so turned around. I felt so bad for both Lauren and Cal/Chris…they didn’t deserve this at all. I know they loved each other so much but OMG, seriously, were they ever going to get a HEA or was this it for them? The last two or three chapters seemed rushed and there was no epilpogue to tell me how Lauren and Ca/Chris were going. That would have been giung but overall this book was awesome and I loved all the twists and turns in the story.
My rating: 4.5 stars ****
February 1, 2016
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*An arc was provided by the author in exchange for an honest opinion.*
For more reviews, visit
*An arc was provided by the author in exchange for an honest opinion.*
May 1, 2016
WOW WOW WTF WOW WTF WOW WTF WTF WTF
This was me reading this. It’s a long time since i was gripped. at some points my heart was beating so fast i thought i might have a heart attack. oh the feels this book put me through, i can honestly say i haven't felt this way about a book in a while. it grabbed me and kept me still until i had read the box set (all three books). both my mum and friend Suzanne had recommended this series to me but i just never got round to it. this books are not a bright easy read they are full of angst and have moments of utter mystery.
CAL -wow what hot sexy jerk, yeah i wanted a piece of him while i was reading, his attitude made him a jerk but his love for Lauren totally made him.
LAUREN- a bit of an airhead, was so swept away by his love for her and the great sex she didn't ask the most basic questions then became a nagging wife when things didn't go her way.
DEX- wow he plays the jerk card almost as good as cal but something tell me he isn't all bad and i bet him and Helen could have some great stories if they got there own book.
Helen - wow she is a sneaky character, part of me wanted to tell Lauren to run for the hills the minute she met her but i think Helen redeemed herself but he end.
Chris - he doesn't come in the first book i don't think but he is a bit of a wet dishcloth, he needs a backbone.
Mr Scott - i disliked him from the beginning and wondered what his agenda was, smarmy self righteous jerk.
Mrs Scott- lovely lady who is simply a loving mother who doesn't care about anything else but her family.
Lisa - now i find it odd that se is best mates with Chris and Aiden but when she reveals herself I'm left wondering about her.
Jenna - self absorbed bitch.
i don’t usually do a character pitch but the secondary characters and the inter mingling of the characters really MAKE this book. i wish i could give this more than 5* as it is truly a roller coaster of emotions. Dear Portia i cannot wait for the next book.
This was me reading this. It’s a long time since i was gripped. at some points my heart was beating so fast i thought i might have a heart attack. oh the feels this book put me through, i can honestly say i haven't felt this way about a book in a while. it grabbed me and kept me still until i had read the box set (all three books). both my mum and friend Suzanne had recommended this series to me but i just never got round to it. this books are not a bright easy read they are full of angst and have moments of utter mystery.
CAL -wow what hot sexy jerk, yeah i wanted a piece of him while i was reading, his attitude made him a jerk but his love for Lauren totally made him.
LAUREN- a bit of an airhead, was so swept away by his love for her and the great sex she didn't ask the most basic questions then became a nagging wife when things didn't go her way.
DEX- wow he plays the jerk card almost as good as cal but something tell me he isn't all bad and i bet him and Helen could have some great stories if they got there own book.
Helen - wow she is a sneaky character, part of me wanted to tell Lauren to run for the hills the minute she met her but i think Helen redeemed herself but he end.
Chris - he doesn't come in the first book i don't think but he is a bit of a wet dishcloth, he needs a backbone.
Mr Scott - i disliked him from the beginning and wondered what his agenda was, smarmy self righteous jerk.
Mrs Scott- lovely lady who is simply a loving mother who doesn't care about anything else but her family.
Lisa - now i find it odd that se is best mates with Chris and Aiden but when she reveals herself I'm left wondering about her.
Jenna - self absorbed bitch.
i don’t usually do a character pitch but the secondary characters and the inter mingling of the characters really MAKE this book. i wish i could give this more than 5* as it is truly a roller coaster of emotions. Dear Portia i cannot wait for the next book.
December 3, 2017
2 Stars for the full series (books 1-3. Book 1.5 is also included in the series bundle)
Wow, this series was a bit of a train wreck. I think liked it in general (what a weird ride) but the plot inconsistencies also ruined it for me, too. Overall, it’s not a bad read/series as long as you can look past the over-the-top drama, plot inconsistencies, and a likable but doormat heroine. As for Chris/Cal, I don’t even know where to begin with him. The ending felt rushed and unrealistic.
Warning: The series bundle does not included book three’s original ending. It stops where the newly released book four, Shattered Pieces, starts. If you want to read the original ending of the series, you will have to read the original book three, Beautifully Boken.
Considering I kept reading a series that I knew wasnt really working for me, I decide not to post my reviews of this series in my update feeds.
Wow, this series was a bit of a train wreck. I think liked it in general (what a weird ride) but the plot inconsistencies also ruined it for me, too. Overall, it’s not a bad read/series as long as you can look past the over-the-top drama, plot inconsistencies, and a likable but doormat heroine. As for Chris/Cal, I don’t even know where to begin with him. The ending felt rushed and unrealistic.
Warning: The series bundle does not included book three’s original ending. It stops where the newly released book four, Shattered Pieces, starts. If you want to read the original ending of the series, you will have to read the original book three, Beautifully Boken.
Considering I kept reading a series that I knew wasnt really working for me, I decide not to post my reviews of this series in my update feeds.
kindle-freebies
September 28, 2017kindle freebie 9/28/17
https://www.amazon.com/If-Break-BUNDL...
https://www.amazon.com/If-Break-BUNDL...
February 8, 2018
I originally started this series intending on reading just the first book but that instantly changed soon after I finished the last chapter. Thanks to Portia Moore I just had to get stuck into the next books in the season and that’s all I’ve done since I started yesterday, I just couldn’t stop myself.
This whole storyline has been insane and intense, going through what Chris/Cal goes through is insane, I have no idea how he copes and Lauren, she’s so strong and brace going through what she has to in this series.
The whole storyline is absolutely heartbreaking, I legit had to grab the tissues quite a few times, my eyes started leaking and my heart just hurt.
I’ve never read a book like this before and I really am glad I started this one. Portia Moore truly is an amazing author, this book has kept me hooked from page one. I can’t wait to read the next.
This whole storyline has been insane and intense, going through what Chris/Cal goes through is insane, I have no idea how he copes and Lauren, she’s so strong and brace going through what she has to in this series.
The whole storyline is absolutely heartbreaking, I legit had to grab the tissues quite a few times, my eyes started leaking and my heart just hurt.
I’ve never read a book like this before and I really am glad I started this one. Portia Moore truly is an amazing author, this book has kept me hooked from page one. I can’t wait to read the next.
November 19, 2015
My mind is still in a whirlwind after reading this story. I knew after I was done last night that I needed to sleep on it and then do my review. Yeah, Im still not there yet! Anyways, this story has so much going for it. The storyline, which I will say that I have never ever read about before and man once I knew what Cal's deal was, I was blown away. I'm talking like WTF type of re-action. However it was a good WTF. I pride myself on usually being able to figure the mysterious/suspense part of a story, yeah, not here. No clue. I also enjoyed the characters. I thought that they had alot of depth to them. Their vulnerability made them all the more real to me. I have never in my time of reading for so torn that even I didnt know what to do in Lauren's situation. I really felt bad for her but I thought that she handled the situation wonderfully even though she had her moments where I was doubting her, heck doubting myself. Im really trying to be spoiler free. Normally I read a few reviews to get a feel, for some reason I didnt with this one. Just read the blurb which I aint gonna lie, reading that to reading the story had me all deceived. In a good way of course. This just to me was a pleasantly, heartfelt surprise that gave me all the feels!! I wouldnt ask for anything different. Just wait, when you read this, you will be so engrossed with the story that you will not want to put it down!
Story 5
Sex 3
OVerall 5
Reviewed by Shay from Mommys a Book Whore
Story 5
Sex 3
OVerall 5
Reviewed by Shay from Mommys a Book Whore
December 1, 2015
5+ Phenomenal read!
Just as the synopsis say’s “This is not your typical happily ever after…”
This series is unlike any I’ve ever read.
The kind you want to read over and over just in case you might have missed a small detail because you want every emotion the series has to offers.
And it offers you every emotion.
The angst is off the chain.
The secrets haunt you in your sleep for what could possibly happen next.
The heat factor is an inferno yet discrete and with class.
I featured the complete series because there really is no stopping.
Like me, you may not sleep so trust me get The Complete if i break Series.
If you just want to try it, Book 1 “if i break” is free on all formats.
You will not put it down. Recommend to your friends, you will need someone to talk to about it.
Just as the synopsis say’s “This is not your typical happily ever after…”
This series is unlike any I’ve ever read.
The kind you want to read over and over just in case you might have missed a small detail because you want every emotion the series has to offers.
And it offers you every emotion.
The angst is off the chain.
The secrets haunt you in your sleep for what could possibly happen next.
The heat factor is an inferno yet discrete and with class.
I featured the complete series because there really is no stopping.
Like me, you may not sleep so trust me get The Complete if i break Series.
If you just want to try it, Book 1 “if i break” is free on all formats.
You will not put it down. Recommend to your friends, you will need someone to talk to about it.
October 10, 2018
After a lot of time analyzing, I think I have to reread these books. I understood them, and I think the author did a brilliant job but this is fantasy and in the real world nothing happens like that.
But I do have to say that I enjoyed reading them, and I'm glad that the author took a heavy topic to create something brilliant.
But I do have to say that I enjoyed reading them, and I'm glad that the author took a heavy topic to create something brilliant.
January 10, 2018
A brilliant box set and such and emotional roller-coaster of a read with the most complicated relationship I have read in a while.
So many twists and turns and heartfelt moments.
This box set is not the conclusion and there is one more book to the final epilogue
January 29, 2021
This bundle was free on amazon so I really can't complain. This was different than what I usually read which I liked. I basically went into it blind because the blurb didn't really make sense with the actual story, thought I was reading the wrong book at first.
The prequel gets 1 ⭐ it was really not needed and didn't even go with the rest of the story. Alot of details in here were different and made no sense once I got to the actual story. Also the writing in it was bad
If I Break & Almost Broken get 3.5 ⭐. I ended up actually liking the story. The premise was intriguing and the mystery that was Cal really sucked me in. I just had to Know more about him. Lauren annoyed me at times the way she treated her friends. She was naive at times.
Before we get to book 2, when get Chris's POV which was nice. I would've liked Cal's POV.
Book 2 dragged a little but I still couldn't stop reading. I had to know what would happen with Lauren/Chris/Cal. It ended in another twist so ofcourse I need to know what's next. I enjoyed the story enough so I'll be picking up the last books.
The prequel gets 1 ⭐ it was really not needed and didn't even go with the rest of the story. Alot of details in here were different and made no sense once I got to the actual story. Also the writing in it was bad
If I Break & Almost Broken get 3.5 ⭐. I ended up actually liking the story. The premise was intriguing and the mystery that was Cal really sucked me in. I just had to Know more about him. Lauren annoyed me at times the way she treated her friends. She was naive at times.
Before we get to book 2, when get Chris's POV which was nice. I would've liked Cal's POV.
Book 2 dragged a little but I still couldn't stop reading. I had to know what would happen with Lauren/Chris/Cal. It ended in another twist so ofcourse I need to know what's next. I enjoyed the story enough so I'll be picking up the last books.
November 21, 2015
There is so much to say on this series but freaking absolutely amazing. What an emotional rollercoaster this story was. I am actually not sure what to write on this review without giving anything away.
If you are looking for a romance story with a twist, and not your normal twist of cheating or instant love or anything that you have ever read before, pick this up. It is so much more than a romance story. It overcoming your past and becoming stronger. It's loving someone, no matter what is happening.
If you are looking for a romance story with a twist, and not your normal twist of cheating or instant love or anything that you have ever read before, pick this up. It is so much more than a romance story. It overcoming your past and becoming stronger. It's loving someone, no matter what is happening.
December 14, 2016
Hands down my all time favorite book ever written!!
2016 was made better just by reading this book.
I can not stress to you enough how important it is for you to read these books.
I can not stress to you enough how important it is to just buy the bundle NOW!
Even if you purchase and read on a Kindle. Those extra few minutes you loose to purchase messes up your reading time.
2016 was made better just by reading this book.
I can not stress to you enough how important it is for you to read these books.
I can not stress to you enough how important it is to just buy the bundle NOW!
Even if you purchase and read on a Kindle. Those extra few minutes you loose to purchase messes up your reading time.
November 6, 2015
Hard to describe this fantastic series. I feel emotionally drained but could not put this series down. Beautifully written with a rollercoaster ride. Portia is a real storyteller will look out for more of her books. Can she rival this one?
June 13, 2016
It took me longer than usual to finish this series. Could be to just life getting in the way, but I think it dragged a bit with all the flopping back and forth from past to present. It was a crazy story . Will be reading more from this author in the future.
May 22, 2022
I Give this Book a 3-3.5/5 Star Rating, Listing as 3.
This will definitely be in my favorite shelf though 😊
HEA(?): Yes, I would have to list it as Stamped HEA, the ending it quite abrupt, much too soon for everything that had happened right before it.
Relationship Type: M/F/M/M > MF
Heat: 2.5-3/5, if you’re in this for heat it’s mainly Fade to Black then is pretty much nonexistent later on. Even though I wish for more detailed/in-depth/more frequented scenes, the book is really enjoyable enough to accept the scenes as they are.
Romance: 4/5
Pacing: Well it was actually pretty good but towards the end, it’s very apparent everything got mushed/jam-packed together and the storyline got harder to follow and lost its depth, which then made it too fast and abrupt, and resolved waaaay to easily for Cal/Chris/Collin as well everything with Lauren.
I honestly don’t understand why the story was wrapped up with a ‘tolerable’ bow. That’s a major head scratcher for me, I was awaiting far more storyline, because the story needed it.
Honestly the last couple chapters of this Boxset is the Actual Climax of the Story, but then you get a weird brush-off and a Stamped HEA. Meaning I got an HEA ending if I liked it or not, I mean I did but..loooooots of questions are still left unanswered or things are unnaturally resolved.
Drama: 3.5-4/5
Suspense: 3-3.5/5
This is a really odd thing to say but I’m not entirely sure on what to rate this book, the Drama and Suspense is actually not upfront at all really (when you think back on it), there’s no actual depth in those directions which kinda stuns me when I closed/finished the book and thought back on what I read. There’s so many questions & answers, and POV’s that were never given or weren’t privy to the reader, that as a whole the book becomes more lacking than expected.
Again, I did enjoy this book but it should’ve been given more depth & attention due to the disorder it focuses on.
This is a great palate cleanser read, if you’re not really wanting something super in-depth.
This will definitely be in my favorite shelf though 😊
HEA(?): Yes, I would have to list it as Stamped HEA, the ending it quite abrupt, much too soon for everything that had happened right before it.
Relationship Type: M/F/M/M > MF
Heat: 2.5-3/5, if you’re in this for heat it’s mainly Fade to Black then is pretty much nonexistent later on. Even though I wish for more detailed/in-depth/more frequented scenes, the book is really enjoyable enough to accept the scenes as they are.
Romance: 4/5
Pacing: Well it was actually pretty good but towards the end, it’s very apparent everything got mushed/jam-packed together and the storyline got harder to follow and lost its depth, which then made it too fast and abrupt, and resolved waaaay to easily for Cal/Chris/Collin as well everything with Lauren.
I honestly don’t understand why the story was wrapped up with a ‘tolerable’ bow. That’s a major head scratcher for me, I was awaiting far more storyline, because the story needed it.
Honestly the last couple chapters of this Boxset is the Actual Climax of the Story, but then you get a weird brush-off and a Stamped HEA. Meaning I got an HEA ending if I liked it or not, I mean I did but..loooooots of questions are still left unanswered or things are unnaturally resolved.
Drama: 3.5-4/5
Suspense: 3-3.5/5
This is a really odd thing to say but I’m not entirely sure on what to rate this book, the Drama and Suspense is actually not upfront at all really (when you think back on it), there’s no actual depth in those directions which kinda stuns me when I closed/finished the book and thought back on what I read. There’s so many questions & answers, and POV’s that were never given or weren’t privy to the reader, that as a whole the book becomes more lacking than expected.
Again, I did enjoy this book but it should’ve been given more depth & attention due to the disorder it focuses on.
This is a great palate cleanser read, if you’re not really wanting something super in-depth.
October 31, 2017
Escape into My Reads Book Blog
I grabbed the If I Break series bundle #1-3 whilst it was free, and let me say I would have still paid money to read it! This series took me on a rollercoaster ride of raw emotions. The storyline was so addictive and twisted that it’s one of those books where the characters will always pull me back in for a re-read.
Lauren and Cal love each other deeply so it was inevitable that their relationship would lead to marriage. Not long after being married Cal’s actions start to make Lauren question her husband, and this sets the reader on a journey of suspense, heartache, questions, betrayal, lies, and a fight for survival and belonging.
If you love your jerk alpha male characters then Cal delivers this trait in spades. Cal is so alpha, he’s sexy, hot, knows the right words to say to raise the heat factor, he’s possessive, mysterious, complex and infuriating with his secrets and unwillingness to let Lauren in.
The storyline made me feel raw and exposed as I soaked up every ounce of pain and emotions the characters went through. It made me question what would be my breaking point through all the hardship and pain Lauren had to endure. I felt gripped to the storyline as my mind remained clueless as to why Cal behaved the way he did towards her, and why he deflected her questions, turning it around on her, and still leaving her no clearer than she was before. I felt so sorry for her even though at times she got on my nerves, and especially when I felt she was too forgiving. Grrr…
I was so caught off when the twist was revealed that I could not put this bundle down. I rated this bundle four stars because the editing was bad, and I mean there was duplicated words, letters missing etc. so it really needs re-editing as the errors were too detracting for a story that was so intense to read. Other than this I loved the bundle and can never get enough of Cal and Lauren. I have book #4 Shattered Pieces left to read and I can’t wait to delve back in with these characters.
I grabbed the If I Break series bundle #1-3 whilst it was free, and let me say I would have still paid money to read it! This series took me on a rollercoaster ride of raw emotions. The storyline was so addictive and twisted that it’s one of those books where the characters will always pull me back in for a re-read.
Lauren and Cal love each other deeply so it was inevitable that their relationship would lead to marriage. Not long after being married Cal’s actions start to make Lauren question her husband, and this sets the reader on a journey of suspense, heartache, questions, betrayal, lies, and a fight for survival and belonging.
If you love your jerk alpha male characters then Cal delivers this trait in spades. Cal is so alpha, he’s sexy, hot, knows the right words to say to raise the heat factor, he’s possessive, mysterious, complex and infuriating with his secrets and unwillingness to let Lauren in.
The storyline made me feel raw and exposed as I soaked up every ounce of pain and emotions the characters went through. It made me question what would be my breaking point through all the hardship and pain Lauren had to endure. I felt gripped to the storyline as my mind remained clueless as to why Cal behaved the way he did towards her, and why he deflected her questions, turning it around on her, and still leaving her no clearer than she was before. I felt so sorry for her even though at times she got on my nerves, and especially when I felt she was too forgiving. Grrr…
I was so caught off when the twist was revealed that I could not put this bundle down. I rated this bundle four stars because the editing was bad, and I mean there was duplicated words, letters missing etc. so it really needs re-editing as the errors were too detracting for a story that was so intense to read. Other than this I loved the bundle and can never get enough of Cal and Lauren. I have book #4 Shattered Pieces left to read and I can’t wait to delve back in with these characters.
December 7, 2016
If you need a suspenseful read with unbelievable and wreckable twists that will gut you over and over, read this series! I am still continuing the series and going to finish up Lisa's story and Aiden's story because if I made it this far, I need to know how their stories end as well.
Lauren falls hard for Cal but never understands why he disappears a lot in their relationship. Where does he go? Does he still love her? Is he in the CIA? Dying? Believe me, you will ask these same questions but the one that is the true answer, didn't see that one coming! I love this and it kept me going to the very end! I was even telling my friends about it who doesn't rea and they were always asking questions of what is happening next. Let's just say this is somewhat of a love square or maybe more? Read this series in order below!
Lauren & Cal's story:
If I Break
Before I Break (Cal's POV of If I Break)
Almost Broken
Beautifully Broken
Lisa's story: (love triangle with cheating)
What Happens After
Aiden's story:
The Trouble With Before
Lauren falls hard for Cal but never understands why he disappears a lot in their relationship. Where does he go? Does he still love her? Is he in the CIA? Dying? Believe me, you will ask these same questions but the one that is the true answer, didn't see that one coming! I love this and it kept me going to the very end! I was even telling my friends about it who doesn't rea and they were always asking questions of what is happening next. Let's just say this is somewhat of a love square or maybe more? Read this series in order below!
Lauren & Cal's story:
If I Break
Before I Break (Cal's POV of If I Break)
Almost Broken
Beautifully Broken
Lisa's story: (love triangle with cheating)
What Happens After
Aiden's story:
The Trouble With Before
November 25, 2017
I absolutely LOVED reading these books. It blew my mind in such lovely ways. I couldn't put them down. If you didn't like it... well, such is life.
I think I had a problem though...
I definitely should've written my review once I finished reading each book, but more often than not... I simply cannot bother to do it. I need to change this poor habit.
But back to what bothered me... I think it was the whole fighting thing, being so helplessly in love with him, and staying with him after each fight type thing. Like, grow some balls and put your foot down. How jaw-droppingly gorgeous can one man be for you to forget your worth?
But the answers in the end... damn.
Just read it.
You'll either like it or not.
I think I had a problem though...
I definitely should've written my review once I finished reading each book, but more often than not... I simply cannot bother to do it. I need to change this poor habit.
But back to what bothered me... I think it was the whole fighting thing, being so helplessly in love with him, and staying with him after each fight type thing. Like, grow some balls and put your foot down. How jaw-droppingly gorgeous can one man be for you to forget your worth?
But the answers in the end... damn.
Just read it.
You'll either like it or not.
November 21, 2015
5+ Stars. I love this book! It's actually a four book series bundle, 832 pages total. Lauren Brooks is a college student working as a cocktail waitress when she meets gorgeous Cal Scott. She's so smitten with him she doesn't see his lack of openness and its ramifications until it's too late. But no one could've seen what was coming. I sure didn't and it was exciting to be completely blindsided. The story was so engrossing, I was into it from the first page but it just kept getting better. I barely came up for air from beginning to end.
December 24, 2016
This series was something else not something I have awaited. I can only tell it was amazing and so very tense. You could never say what comes next.
First of all I couldn't put it down and that says a lot of itself. I was so drawn in this story that I wasn't able to think about anything else.
Secondly I can't imagine to be myself in such situation. How would I be able to handle just this? I seriously don't know. And that's probably why it's so amazing.
I don't want to tet any spoilers. I only can tell get it and read it.
First of all I couldn't put it down and that says a lot of itself. I was so drawn in this story that I wasn't able to think about anything else.
Secondly I can't imagine to be myself in such situation. How would I be able to handle just this? I seriously don't know. And that's probably why it's so amazing.
I don't want to tet any spoilers. I only can tell get it and read it.
November 8, 2015
This was a great new storyline! The first book captures you and all three make you hold on thru every twist and turn... And boy are there a lot of them. So well written that I literally and physically went thru EVERY emotion with Lauren. Definitely recommend to readers of all sorts! So great and captivating that I read all 3 books in 3 days.
November 17, 2015
I am completely dumbfounded. The twists and turns in this series....holy cow!!! I thought I had it all figured out and then the next chapter proved me wrong. I LOVE Lauren! She is amazing and resilient. Again, completely floored by this entire series. I was hooked from the beginning and I'm so glad I got to read it all at once.
November 21, 2015
*Received ARC of complete series for honest review.
Completely enthralled by the story. It will not disappoint. From beginning to end you will be going through the life of Lauren and Cal/Chris and their story of life, love and redemption.
Completely enthralled by the story. It will not disappoint. From beginning to end you will be going through the life of Lauren and Cal/Chris and their story of life, love and redemption.
September 23, 2015
Love the book but the editing of this book could have been much better.
October 13, 2015
Easily a 5 star series. Original. Heartbreaking.
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