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The Breakup Doctor #3
Heart Conditions
Breakup Doctor Brook Ogden has spent the last year sifting through the fallout from the disastrous decision that led to her unconscious uncoupling with boyfriend Ben Garrett. Despite advising her clients you can’t be friends with an ex, she and Ben have somehow begun to stitch together a friendship—one Brook hopes is slowly turning into more. That is, until Ben introduces his new girlfriend, Perfect Pamela, a paragon of womanly virtues who is everything Brook is not.
While Brook navigates her newly volatile emotional life, an unwelcome surprise shows up on her doorstep: the ex-fiancé who broke her heart two years ago—one month before their wedding. Between her ex’s desire to rekindle their attachment, her best friend Sasha’s unexpected crisis, and her own unsquelchable feelings for Ben, Brook finds herself questioning the personal progress she’s made in the last two years—and threatened with the highest-stakes Breakup Doctor failures she’s ever faced.
While Brook navigates her newly volatile emotional life, an unwelcome surprise shows up on her doorstep: the ex-fiancé who broke her heart two years ago—one month before their wedding. Between her ex’s desire to rekindle their attachment, her best friend Sasha’s unexpected crisis, and her own unsquelchable feelings for Ben, Brook finds herself questioning the personal progress she’s made in the last two years—and threatened with the highest-stakes Breakup Doctor failures she’s ever faced.
278 pages, Paperback
First published February 9, 2016
17 people are currently reading
484 people want to read
About the author
Phoebe Fox
48 books266 followersAuthor Phoebe Fox has been a contributor and regular columnist for a number of national, regional, and local publications, including the Huffington Post, Elite Daily, and She Knows. A former actor on stage and screen, Phoebe has been suspended from wires as a mall fairy; was accidentally concussed by a blank gun; and hosted a short-lived game show. She has been a relationship columnist; a movie, theater, and book reviewer; and a radio personality, and is a close observer of relationships in the wild. She currently lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband and two excellent dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
January 21, 2016
What a fun addition to this series!
When I read the first book (aptly called The Breakup Doctor) two years ago, I enjoyed it but found that my squeamishness due to self-inserting with the main character got in my way. Ultimately that lead me to dock the rating a bit, simply because I wanted to be honest about my enjoyment of the book.
Thankfully that was *much* less of an issue with this addition to the series, and I quite enjoyed it!
I actually haven't read the second book in this series, but in spite of that I thoroughly enjoyed this one - which means there's something to be said about the way the author has written the characters, I think. Having read the first book, however, I can tell you that there's a lot of genuine growth and development that has taken place on the part of our main characters, and I like that. I find sometimes in books it's hard to find that sort of change - so often it feels as though the author has had to force it, or that it's not quite right, doesn't fit the characters. That's not the case, here.
I think one of the biggest things I enjoyed here was the heart involved. I can empathise with these characters and what they go through. Job issues, romance, family worries, life decisions, break-ups, emotional crises... This book touches on it all, and in a way that's very real and understandable, and drew me in. We've all had bad break-ups, and we all have our worries about our friends, families, romantic entanglements and our future lives, and this series weaves those things together with the threads of true friendship, family connections and a hint of comedy, too.
The cast of supporting characters is awesome, and although you might expect a lot of sexual tension and build-up, this series relies more on conversation and the exploration of emotions - something that I find a bit unique in the flooded romance marketplace, to be honest, and something I really enjoyed.
I'm not sure whether or not this book is the last in the series, but I definitely enjoyed it and I will be keeping my eye out for future books from this author!
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
When I read the first book (aptly called The Breakup Doctor) two years ago, I enjoyed it but found that my squeamishness due to self-inserting with the main character got in my way. Ultimately that lead me to dock the rating a bit, simply because I wanted to be honest about my enjoyment of the book.
Thankfully that was *much* less of an issue with this addition to the series, and I quite enjoyed it!
I actually haven't read the second book in this series, but in spite of that I thoroughly enjoyed this one - which means there's something to be said about the way the author has written the characters, I think. Having read the first book, however, I can tell you that there's a lot of genuine growth and development that has taken place on the part of our main characters, and I like that. I find sometimes in books it's hard to find that sort of change - so often it feels as though the author has had to force it, or that it's not quite right, doesn't fit the characters. That's not the case, here.
I think one of the biggest things I enjoyed here was the heart involved. I can empathise with these characters and what they go through. Job issues, romance, family worries, life decisions, break-ups, emotional crises... This book touches on it all, and in a way that's very real and understandable, and drew me in. We've all had bad break-ups, and we all have our worries about our friends, families, romantic entanglements and our future lives, and this series weaves those things together with the threads of true friendship, family connections and a hint of comedy, too.
The cast of supporting characters is awesome, and although you might expect a lot of sexual tension and build-up, this series relies more on conversation and the exploration of emotions - something that I find a bit unique in the flooded romance marketplace, to be honest, and something I really enjoyed.
I'm not sure whether or not this book is the last in the series, but I definitely enjoyed it and I will be keeping my eye out for future books from this author!
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 23, 2016
HEART CONDITIONS will have you giggling out loud and shaking your head at the same time. How can Brook keep giving out such awesome advice on break ups and yet, does not follow her advice when it comes to her own relationships? Over the past three books in the Break Up Doctor series, I have come to really know and care about all the characters. Anyone who has ever had a break up experience will find themselves cheering for all of them to overcome the past, let it go, and learn to move on. Phoebe Fox has quickly become one of my favorite authors and as soon as I see she has a new book out, I run to it, not walk at a fast pace, but a total sprint to grab it and devour it! To me, Phoebe Fox's books are like a box of fine chocolates. Not to be eaten quickly but to be savored and enjoyed.
February 9, 2016
Doctor Brooke Ogden, has turned her practice helping people recover from broken up relationships. Her personal problems are hindering her life. Two of her ex-boyfriends are back in her life. Brooke has promised to help HBF Sasha with her agonizing decision on Sasha own crisis. Jake, Ben's dog adds humor to the book. I found a weak romance plot and the characters one-sided. The scene in adult babies could have been omitted.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from HENERY PRESS through Netgalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions are
Disclosure: I received a free copy from HENERY PRESS through Netgalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions are
October 13, 2016
Favorite Quotes:
“Pamela glanced down at her watch and made an adorable little mew of concern in her throat. On me it would have sounded like hawking up a loogie.”
“The most universally cherished breakup fantasy is this: that one day the person who dumped you will come crawling back, professing that he made a mistake, begging you to give him a second chance.”
“His face crumpled like plastic in a fire, and I wanted to hug him. But we were Ogdens, and sloppy public displays of affection were not our style.”
“He gave her a slow grin that would have quickened the pulse of a dead woman.”
“I'd been afraid to make a commitment until I finally had everything just perfect in my life, but I saw now that I'd be alone forever if that was my standard. Sometimes you just had to jump, and trust that you'd figure things out on the way down.”
“Tears – one more thing on the list of many that I was learning I couldn't control – coursed down my cheeks, and I still sat with my hands over my trembling mouth like a speak-no-evil monkey.”
“My heart seized for a beat before resuming its rhythm. Whatever it was he need to say to me, I would hear it. I owed him that, no matter how hard it might be for me to listen.”
My Review:
I had not read the 2 previous installments in this series, and while I am confident that they would be just as captivating and well-written as this one, I didn't need to. This volume had legs of its own and filled me in so well on the history that I never felt lost. While I am sure I may have enjoyed it even more after binge-reading the first two and having the full compliment of info, I can assure you, it was not necessary.
The feels in this superbly written book grabbed me from the start and held tightly to my typically cold heart throughout. And oddly enough, I was more than okay with that. I adored this book, beginning to end. I am so enamored that I want to go back and read every word this author has ever penned. I was engulfed in the story, and once I had started, I honestly didn't want to put my kindle down. Prepare yourself for humor, indecision, vacillation, and confused loyalties. I honestly didn't know whom to root for and it was not clear what the main characters of Brooke or Sasha had decided on until 95% into the book. I was enthralled, engrossed, and transfixed by the plot and writing. The characters were intriguing, likable, and relevant. The humor, banter, dialogue, and storyline were absolute perfection. And the shelter dog – well, silly me, but the very idea of him had me near tears.
“Pamela glanced down at her watch and made an adorable little mew of concern in her throat. On me it would have sounded like hawking up a loogie.”
“The most universally cherished breakup fantasy is this: that one day the person who dumped you will come crawling back, professing that he made a mistake, begging you to give him a second chance.”
“His face crumpled like plastic in a fire, and I wanted to hug him. But we were Ogdens, and sloppy public displays of affection were not our style.”
“He gave her a slow grin that would have quickened the pulse of a dead woman.”
“I'd been afraid to make a commitment until I finally had everything just perfect in my life, but I saw now that I'd be alone forever if that was my standard. Sometimes you just had to jump, and trust that you'd figure things out on the way down.”
“Tears – one more thing on the list of many that I was learning I couldn't control – coursed down my cheeks, and I still sat with my hands over my trembling mouth like a speak-no-evil monkey.”
“My heart seized for a beat before resuming its rhythm. Whatever it was he need to say to me, I would hear it. I owed him that, no matter how hard it might be for me to listen.”
My Review:
I had not read the 2 previous installments in this series, and while I am confident that they would be just as captivating and well-written as this one, I didn't need to. This volume had legs of its own and filled me in so well on the history that I never felt lost. While I am sure I may have enjoyed it even more after binge-reading the first two and having the full compliment of info, I can assure you, it was not necessary.
The feels in this superbly written book grabbed me from the start and held tightly to my typically cold heart throughout. And oddly enough, I was more than okay with that. I adored this book, beginning to end. I am so enamored that I want to go back and read every word this author has ever penned. I was engulfed in the story, and once I had started, I honestly didn't want to put my kindle down. Prepare yourself for humor, indecision, vacillation, and confused loyalties. I honestly didn't know whom to root for and it was not clear what the main characters of Brooke or Sasha had decided on until 95% into the book. I was enthralled, engrossed, and transfixed by the plot and writing. The characters were intriguing, likable, and relevant. The humor, banter, dialogue, and storyline were absolute perfection. And the shelter dog – well, silly me, but the very idea of him had me near tears.
December 20, 2015
Although I haven't read the other two books in The Breakup Doctor series this wasn't a problem with understanding the characters or the story; it easily stands by itself. While there is obviously a previous history between the characters this was easily integrated and the story flowed.
The main character, Breakup Doctor Brook Ogden is a relationship therapist with her own practice, weekly newspaper column and twice weekly radio appearance. Brooke is an interesting, well developed and believable character who doesn't always follow her own advice. Brooke's relationship with other characters varies from intense to amusing!
The title is certainly appropriate for the theme of the story.
The publisher's blurb is a good introduction to the story and does introduce some of the complexities of Brooke, her best friend Sasha, her ex-finance Michael and her ex-boyfriend Ben.
This is a good fun, amusing chick lit and an enjoyable read. A highly recommended read!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Henery Press for an ebook copy to read and review.
The main character, Breakup Doctor Brook Ogden is a relationship therapist with her own practice, weekly newspaper column and twice weekly radio appearance. Brooke is an interesting, well developed and believable character who doesn't always follow her own advice. Brooke's relationship with other characters varies from intense to amusing!
The title is certainly appropriate for the theme of the story.
The publisher's blurb is a good introduction to the story and does introduce some of the complexities of Brooke, her best friend Sasha, her ex-finance Michael and her ex-boyfriend Ben.
This is a good fun, amusing chick lit and an enjoyable read. A highly recommended read!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Henery Press for an ebook copy to read and review.
December 9, 2015
I have enjoyed reading this series! To be a breakup doctor has to be so difficult, especially when you struggle with following your own recommendations. Brooke struggles with following her own guidelines that she sets for her patients and now can see just how difficult moving on can be. What happens when the ex-fiance that left Brooke as the alter 2 years ago comes back and is wanting to make amends yet Brooke is still struggling with her feelings for her ex-boyfriend, who has already moved on? I loved the additional storyline with Brooke's best friend - it added a variety to the story!
Even though this is a series book, it can be read as a stand-alone.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Even though this is a series book, it can be read as a stand-alone.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 27, 2016
I'm a sucker for a story with dogs. But, since I'm also, ahem, a sophisticated, cultured, and discerning reader, I don't quite break out the shiny five-star reviews for "See Spot Run." (But Spot is awfully cute!) Lucky for me, there's Phoebe Fox and her books about Jake - oh, and those human characters, too.
In Heart Conditions, the third book of the Breakup Doctor series, Brook is still beating herself up for shooting her relationship with Ben (Jake's "dad") in the proverbial foot. Regardless of the train wreck that happened at the end of book two, Bedside Manners, Brook has managed to salvage a tentative friendship with Ben. He's seeing someone else, but Brook's feelings for him haven't changed, and she suspects he may still have feelings for her, too. Of course, as it does, life throws a big, clunky, metal wrench into the machine of Brook's life in the form of her ex-fiance, Michael. He's back in town and wants back into Brook's life. Faced with a murky path leading forward (the possibility of a do-over with Ben) or a well-lit path looking back (another try with Michael), Brook stalls as long as she can, trying to figure out just what her heart wants. (#TeamBen) (#WhateverPathMeansMoreJake)
Reading Phoebe Fox's books is just plain fun. Her characters are real and remind you, as a reader, of your our friends, family members, or exes. I snorted with laughter more than a couple of times reading the exchanges between Brook and her best friend, Sasha, who is warm, witty, and sharp in her own right, not just as a foil/sidekick to Brook. I feel a little like I'm gushing, but there is just so much to like and enjoy about Heart Conditions and the entire Breakup Doctor collection. It has quickly become a favorite and I am not above going back to re-read favorite or particularly memorable bits and pieces now and again. On the whole, the series is funny, poignant, witty, smart, and memorable. Certainly an outstanding set of books to have and keep on your home library shelves.
I received this book free from the publisher through NetGalley. I thank them for their generosity. In exchange, I was simply asked to write an honest review, and post it. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
In Heart Conditions, the third book of the Breakup Doctor series, Brook is still beating herself up for shooting her relationship with Ben (Jake's "dad") in the proverbial foot. Regardless of the train wreck that happened at the end of book two, Bedside Manners, Brook has managed to salvage a tentative friendship with Ben. He's seeing someone else, but Brook's feelings for him haven't changed, and she suspects he may still have feelings for her, too. Of course, as it does, life throws a big, clunky, metal wrench into the machine of Brook's life in the form of her ex-fiance, Michael. He's back in town and wants back into Brook's life. Faced with a murky path leading forward (the possibility of a do-over with Ben) or a well-lit path looking back (another try with Michael), Brook stalls as long as she can, trying to figure out just what her heart wants. (#TeamBen) (#WhateverPathMeansMoreJake)
Reading Phoebe Fox's books is just plain fun. Her characters are real and remind you, as a reader, of your our friends, family members, or exes. I snorted with laughter more than a couple of times reading the exchanges between Brook and her best friend, Sasha, who is warm, witty, and sharp in her own right, not just as a foil/sidekick to Brook. I feel a little like I'm gushing, but there is just so much to like and enjoy about Heart Conditions and the entire Breakup Doctor collection. It has quickly become a favorite and I am not above going back to re-read favorite or particularly memorable bits and pieces now and again. On the whole, the series is funny, poignant, witty, smart, and memorable. Certainly an outstanding set of books to have and keep on your home library shelves.
I received this book free from the publisher through NetGalley. I thank them for their generosity. In exchange, I was simply asked to write an honest review, and post it. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
September 23, 2016
5 Stars
Phoebe Fox did it to me again. I can’t read one of her books without breaking into a few bouts of ugly crying. It is so easy to connect with her main character, Brook that you forget that this whole scenario isn’t real; it’s only fictional. I slyly look around seeing if anyone is noticing my tears and if I might have to explain my sudden emotional-ness. I get the big lump in my throat too. The whole shebang. I walk around saying to myself, “breathe, breathe.”
The book starts out with Ben dating a new lady, the prefect woman, Pam. And Brook can’t hate her because she is just… perfect. Of course, that makes any scenes with Ben all the more awkward since she starts taking care of Ben’s dog, Jake, when he is working.
Then enter Michael. Yes, that Michael. The one who broke her heart and didn’t even make it to the cake tasting during the process of their wedding plans. But Michael has shed his late night musician vive and is now touting himself as Brook’s new promotional expert. First agenda … making Brook not go to one of her radio show appearances. I must not know how to play “the game” because this part of the book just gave me the willies. I am one of those people pleaser types and not doing my job to the best of my ability would make me break out into hives.
I don’t want to giveaway too much but it soon becomes a battle of Brook’s emotions… Ben or Michael? Who will she give her heart to? Or will she walk again alone again?
The entire mix is disrupted by her best friend Sacha (her brother, Stu’s, girlfriend) acting all sorts of weird and keeping secrets from her. Then Stu starts acting weird too and now Brook is determined to discover the cause of it all. And everything she tries backfires to the point that Brook wonders if she and Sacha will remain friends at all.
All in all, this was one amazing roller-coaster of a book that I definitely recommend to anyone. Check it out. It is book 3 in the Breakup Doctor series. Book 4 will be out soon called Out of Practice.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) from NetGalley in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the author, Phoebe Fox and the publisher, the amazing Henery Press for allowing me to read this title.
Phoebe Fox did it to me again. I can’t read one of her books without breaking into a few bouts of ugly crying. It is so easy to connect with her main character, Brook that you forget that this whole scenario isn’t real; it’s only fictional. I slyly look around seeing if anyone is noticing my tears and if I might have to explain my sudden emotional-ness. I get the big lump in my throat too. The whole shebang. I walk around saying to myself, “breathe, breathe.”
The book starts out with Ben dating a new lady, the prefect woman, Pam. And Brook can’t hate her because she is just… perfect. Of course, that makes any scenes with Ben all the more awkward since she starts taking care of Ben’s dog, Jake, when he is working.
Then enter Michael. Yes, that Michael. The one who broke her heart and didn’t even make it to the cake tasting during the process of their wedding plans. But Michael has shed his late night musician vive and is now touting himself as Brook’s new promotional expert. First agenda … making Brook not go to one of her radio show appearances. I must not know how to play “the game” because this part of the book just gave me the willies. I am one of those people pleaser types and not doing my job to the best of my ability would make me break out into hives.
I don’t want to giveaway too much but it soon becomes a battle of Brook’s emotions… Ben or Michael? Who will she give her heart to? Or will she walk again alone again?
The entire mix is disrupted by her best friend Sacha (her brother, Stu’s, girlfriend) acting all sorts of weird and keeping secrets from her. Then Stu starts acting weird too and now Brook is determined to discover the cause of it all. And everything she tries backfires to the point that Brook wonders if she and Sacha will remain friends at all.
All in all, this was one amazing roller-coaster of a book that I definitely recommend to anyone. Check it out. It is book 3 in the Breakup Doctor series. Book 4 will be out soon called Out of Practice.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) from NetGalley in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the author, Phoebe Fox and the publisher, the amazing Henery Press for allowing me to read this title.
December 20, 2015
This is the 3rd book in The Break Up Doctor series. I haven't had the pleasure to read books 1 and 2 but this did not deter me from enjoying book 3 and could easily be enjoyed as a stand alone novel. However, to appreciate the full journey of the characters I would thoroughly recommend reading books 1, 2 and 3.
Brook Ogden is a relationships counsellor and her practice as the Breakup Doctor with her newspaper column and radio show are doing well. However, Brook's own personal life is left a little tattered. After her sudden break-up from her fiancée 2 years ago which left her heartbroken Brook spiralled intro two further failed relationships. The last relationship was with Ben. Brook still has feelings for Ben and is torn with how the relationship ended. Brook has recently started to see Ben again, just as friends, as she helps out with dog sitting duties. However, Ben has moved on and is in a relationship with 'Perfect Pamela'. Can the shared love of Ben's dog, Jake, bring them back together?
However, nothing runs smoothly for Brook when an unexpected visitor turns up at her house - Michael, her ex fiancée who dumped her a month before her wedding. Brook is left with unanswered questions with Michael and is angry and confused whilst still holding fond memories of what they once had. Can they put the past behind them and start again?
This is the first book I've read by Phoebe Fox, I really enjoyed it. The text flowed well and I was zipping through the chapters wanting to find out what happens next. Phoebe has created such great characters and I loved Brook and Ben's friendship. This was a fun filled, heart warming, romantic novel with a 'will they, won't they' storyline.
Brook Ogden is a relationships counsellor and her practice as the Breakup Doctor with her newspaper column and radio show are doing well. However, Brook's own personal life is left a little tattered. After her sudden break-up from her fiancée 2 years ago which left her heartbroken Brook spiralled intro two further failed relationships. The last relationship was with Ben. Brook still has feelings for Ben and is torn with how the relationship ended. Brook has recently started to see Ben again, just as friends, as she helps out with dog sitting duties. However, Ben has moved on and is in a relationship with 'Perfect Pamela'. Can the shared love of Ben's dog, Jake, bring them back together?
However, nothing runs smoothly for Brook when an unexpected visitor turns up at her house - Michael, her ex fiancée who dumped her a month before her wedding. Brook is left with unanswered questions with Michael and is angry and confused whilst still holding fond memories of what they once had. Can they put the past behind them and start again?
This is the first book I've read by Phoebe Fox, I really enjoyed it. The text flowed well and I was zipping through the chapters wanting to find out what happens next. Phoebe has created such great characters and I loved Brook and Ben's friendship. This was a fun filled, heart warming, romantic novel with a 'will they, won't they' storyline.
February 8, 2016
'Heart Conditions' is a simple but good chick lit. It's the story of Brook 'The Breakup Doctor'. After messing things up with Ben, she is now trying to be friends with him when the man who broke up their engagement knocks on her door.
This one is a fresh, fast and easy to read story. The plot is a bit predictable and some events were dragged for too long. If you like chick lit, you would enjoy this one because it has all the elements of the genre and the ending is everything you would expect.
The characters were ok but they are the reason why I couldn't love the book. Brook is the typical "Do as I say, not as I do". As a therapist, she makes a living giving people advice on how to move on after a breakup. Of course, she is the first on doing the opposite of what she preaches. She is friend with an ex, still has feelings for him and forgives her ex-fiance. I'm ok with all of these because real people often do this but she needs to act her age and talk to people instead of assuming what they're thinking. Then, we have her best friend who is dating her brother, another one that should just talk to people and say what's really on her mind. And don't forget Ben, I could smack him. He and Brooke were impossible, please someone needs to man up and talk about what's really going on.
Now, Michael was the one I liked. I enjoyed when people prove that changing is real and possible. Maybe he only needed to grow up.
It's true that this book can be read as a standalone but I think that if you read all the books you will understand the characters evolution or, at least, I hope so. I need to believe that Brook was not always like this.
*** I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. ***
This one is a fresh, fast and easy to read story. The plot is a bit predictable and some events were dragged for too long. If you like chick lit, you would enjoy this one because it has all the elements of the genre and the ending is everything you would expect.
The characters were ok but they are the reason why I couldn't love the book. Brook is the typical "Do as I say, not as I do". As a therapist, she makes a living giving people advice on how to move on after a breakup. Of course, she is the first on doing the opposite of what she preaches. She is friend with an ex, still has feelings for him and forgives her ex-fiance. I'm ok with all of these because real people often do this but she needs to act her age and talk to people instead of assuming what they're thinking. Then, we have her best friend who is dating her brother, another one that should just talk to people and say what's really on her mind. And don't forget Ben, I could smack him. He and Brooke were impossible, please someone needs to man up and talk about what's really going on.
Now, Michael was the one I liked. I enjoyed when people prove that changing is real and possible. Maybe he only needed to grow up.
It's true that this book can be read as a standalone but I think that if you read all the books you will understand the characters evolution or, at least, I hope so. I need to believe that Brook was not always like this.
*** I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. ***
January 14, 2016
Heart Conditions is the third book in the entertaining Breakup Doctor Series, and it feels like the characters have all matured a bit since the last book. There are less zany moments, and it feels a bit more sedate this story. It is still a good story, and an enjoyable addition to the series, however if this is your first encounter, I would recommend starting with The Breakup Doctor.
I feel that you really do need to have read the previous books in the series, to get a proper grip on the characters and the back stories, as although its mentioned, I am not convinced it will work as a stand alone book.
Brook Ogden is once again torn between men, it seems like she never seems to know her own mind. Her best friend Sasha has got an unexpected predicament, which Brook tries, with her best intentions to help with. These are easily the best bits in the book, the various ways in which Brooke tries to help her friend, to make a decision about something vary important.
I really enjoyed Brooks interactions with her exes, both Michael and more recently Ben. It was great to see the return of Jake, Ben's gorgeous dog, and Brook ends up pet sitting for a while, and I loved seeing the gentle giant of Jake, getting up to doggy mischief.
Brook's Break Up Doctor practice is going from strength to strength, but we don't really get to know any of her patients this time around, which was a shame, as they were usually really good characters.
Heart Conditions is an enjoyable addition to the series, and I am already looking forward to seeing what Brook gets up to next.
Thanks to Henery Press and Netgalley for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.
I feel that you really do need to have read the previous books in the series, to get a proper grip on the characters and the back stories, as although its mentioned, I am not convinced it will work as a stand alone book.
Brook Ogden is once again torn between men, it seems like she never seems to know her own mind. Her best friend Sasha has got an unexpected predicament, which Brook tries, with her best intentions to help with. These are easily the best bits in the book, the various ways in which Brooke tries to help her friend, to make a decision about something vary important.
I really enjoyed Brooks interactions with her exes, both Michael and more recently Ben. It was great to see the return of Jake, Ben's gorgeous dog, and Brook ends up pet sitting for a while, and I loved seeing the gentle giant of Jake, getting up to doggy mischief.
Brook's Break Up Doctor practice is going from strength to strength, but we don't really get to know any of her patients this time around, which was a shame, as they were usually really good characters.
Heart Conditions is an enjoyable addition to the series, and I am already looking forward to seeing what Brook gets up to next.
Thanks to Henery Press and Netgalley for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.
October 24, 2015
[ I received this book free from the publisher through NetGalley. I thank them for their generousity. In exchange, I was simply asked to write an honest review, and post it. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising]
" It’s like boiling a frog— you just increase the heat so gradually he doesn’t even know he’s being cooked.”
"Breakup Doctor" Brooke Ogden, a sucessful local radio personality and weekly columist, has what she considers a dream job. However her personal life is far from pleasant. She might be a therapist but has yet to take her own advice.
First there was Michael, they were even engaged. Then Ben, but he wasn't ready. So, for the forseeable future its "me, myself and I". Then Michael returns, offering to help make her a household name. What he does he does well, he always had. Ben is still there as they prove just how hard as it is to remain friends with your ex. Thank goodness for Sacha and Stuart, always there when Brooke needs them.
Having never read the first two books in this series, I was fascinated to see how this publusher, known for cozy mysteries might handle "chick lit". Henery Press has chosen well in Phoebe Fox who writes as if you are her best friend and you're at the coffee shop bonding over lattes. It was a fast, heartwarming read and I will, keep my eye out for more in the Breakup Doctor series
" It’s like boiling a frog— you just increase the heat so gradually he doesn’t even know he’s being cooked.”
"Breakup Doctor" Brooke Ogden, a sucessful local radio personality and weekly columist, has what she considers a dream job. However her personal life is far from pleasant. She might be a therapist but has yet to take her own advice.
First there was Michael, they were even engaged. Then Ben, but he wasn't ready. So, for the forseeable future its "me, myself and I". Then Michael returns, offering to help make her a household name. What he does he does well, he always had. Ben is still there as they prove just how hard as it is to remain friends with your ex. Thank goodness for Sacha and Stuart, always there when Brooke needs them.
Having never read the first two books in this series, I was fascinated to see how this publusher, known for cozy mysteries might handle "chick lit". Henery Press has chosen well in Phoebe Fox who writes as if you are her best friend and you're at the coffee shop bonding over lattes. It was a fast, heartwarming read and I will, keep my eye out for more in the Breakup Doctor series
February 14, 2016
In Phoebe Fox's Heart Conditions, the 3rd installment in the Breakup Doctor Woman's Fiction series, she told us a compelling story with wonderful true emotions from the heart. For Brook Ogden, a Breakup Doctor on the radio and newspaper columnist, she gave advice to people about dealing with break-ups and moving on. Talking from experience, she suffered a tough heart-break on her own, when her fiancé Michael broke things up with her. Now, two years later, he's back and wants to win her back, while she's struggling with her own feelings with Ben Garrett, her recent ex-boyfriend and his recent flame. While she tried to compose herself, she's dealing with her best friend Sasha's dilemma of being a mother and a choice decision for her career. As for Brooke, she listened to her own heart and took her own advice on how to handle this situations for the better.
December 7, 2015
Enjoyable, heartfelt and funny!
Brook is a therapist that has endured a great heartbreak, and some serious meltdowns so she now specializes in breakups. She is torn about her broken relationship with her last boyfriend, Ben, and the reappearance of the man that left her one month before their wedding two years before, Michael.
This story is fast paced and is full of great advice about self-steam, relationships and forgiveness.
Note: I received copy free from Netgalley for review purposes.
Brook is a therapist that has endured a great heartbreak, and some serious meltdowns so she now specializes in breakups. She is torn about her broken relationship with her last boyfriend, Ben, and the reappearance of the man that left her one month before their wedding two years before, Michael.
This story is fast paced and is full of great advice about self-steam, relationships and forgiveness.
Note: I received copy free from Netgalley for review purposes.
January 30, 2016
The 3rd book in the series and I think I like this one the best so far. I feel like there was great advice given by the Breakup Doctor that we could all take to heart in our own lives, and at the same time she could apply this to her own life - once she realized it!
There are some fun twists - the return of the fiance that dumped her, some news with Sasha and Stu and even with her parents.
This book just felt real to me...not that the others didn't, but this one more so!
great series, check it out
There are some fun twists - the return of the fiance that dumped her, some news with Sasha and Stu and even with her parents.
This book just felt real to me...not that the others didn't, but this one more so!
great series, check it out
November 19, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. I found myself thinking about the characters and their problems/situations/dilemmas when I wasn't reading. The problems the characters have are realistic and entirely possible. I loved that Brook, the Breakup Doctor, is struggling with relationship issues herself. I found myself rooting for Ben, rather than Michael. I look forward to reading more by Phoebe Fox.
I received an ARC from NetGalley.
I received an ARC from NetGalley.
Read
March 23, 2016“As heartwarming as they are humorous—Fox’s books offer more than the usual chick lit fare, with a lot of heart and a smart, relatable heroine in Breakup Doctor Brook Ogden.” — Sarah Bird, Author of THE BOYFRIEND SCHOOL
January 22, 2016
Loved the book .Brooks story is great .I did worry whether she would chose the right man ,She did in the end .I also loved sasha and stu's story and was really happy at the end.I will look for more books by this author.I received this book free as part of goodreads giveaways
October 27, 2015
After finishing Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter, I was in need of a fun, light, entertaining book. Thank goodness I was approved for this! Fit the bill- review to come in Feb 2016.
January 20, 2016
Review To come
July 9, 2023
The Breakup Doctor is book one in The Breakup Doctor series. Bedside Manners is book two and Heart Conditions is book three. I haven’t gotten to book four yet.
This series will make you laugh, it may even make you cry, and I’m sure it will make you think back on some of your own relationships as in “been there, done that,” maybe even “got the T-shirt.” Brook and Sasha have been best friends all throughout their childhood and into their adult lives, which is a remarkable thing. They know the true meaning of friendship - being there for one another no matter what.
The Breakup Doctor starts this series off with Brook (who is a mental health counselor) losing her practice, but this only led to a huge opportunity, a door if you will, opening up for her, with Sasha’s insistence. Thus, began her Breakup Doctor practice. You will also be highly entertained with Brook’s own relationships. Funny in that she counsels people through their own breakups, quite effectively, but is unable to counsel herself. Sasha does that, and Sasha is very good at it.
Bedside Manners takes us through more of Brook’s relationships, her heartache, her what the heck did I just do moments and a surprising turn in Sasha’s life. One neither one of them saw coming, for the good but still … such an un-Sasha like thing. Brook also is moving her Breakup Doctor practices into other avenues finding out that she’s a really good counselor for others, but still not able to mend her own heart.
Heart Conditions leads us to the confrontation that Brook has needed to mend her own heart, to learn to forgive … Michael. I think if you have ever had your heart broken like Brook did, you’ll find through this series that we need to learn to forgive ourselves, look back at some of our mistakes and laugh at them, learn to forgive others before we can really move on.
At the heart of this series are some “real-life” lessons, I think, with a humorous twist. Ms. Fox takes on some pretty tough subjects but delivers them in a relatable, realistic way that most of us can relate to, but there are some underlying lessons we can all learn and benefit from.
If you’ve had your heart broken and need a good chuckle or two, maybe even an excuse to cry and let it out, give this series a read. Admittedly, this is not my typical read but I really enjoyed this series, chuckled a time or two, and now need to read book four to see how it all wraps up for Brook and Sasha.
This series will make you laugh, it may even make you cry, and I’m sure it will make you think back on some of your own relationships as in “been there, done that,” maybe even “got the T-shirt.” Brook and Sasha have been best friends all throughout their childhood and into their adult lives, which is a remarkable thing. They know the true meaning of friendship - being there for one another no matter what.
The Breakup Doctor starts this series off with Brook (who is a mental health counselor) losing her practice, but this only led to a huge opportunity, a door if you will, opening up for her, with Sasha’s insistence. Thus, began her Breakup Doctor practice. You will also be highly entertained with Brook’s own relationships. Funny in that she counsels people through their own breakups, quite effectively, but is unable to counsel herself. Sasha does that, and Sasha is very good at it.
Bedside Manners takes us through more of Brook’s relationships, her heartache, her what the heck did I just do moments and a surprising turn in Sasha’s life. One neither one of them saw coming, for the good but still … such an un-Sasha like thing. Brook also is moving her Breakup Doctor practices into other avenues finding out that she’s a really good counselor for others, but still not able to mend her own heart.
Heart Conditions leads us to the confrontation that Brook has needed to mend her own heart, to learn to forgive … Michael. I think if you have ever had your heart broken like Brook did, you’ll find through this series that we need to learn to forgive ourselves, look back at some of our mistakes and laugh at them, learn to forgive others before we can really move on.
At the heart of this series are some “real-life” lessons, I think, with a humorous twist. Ms. Fox takes on some pretty tough subjects but delivers them in a relatable, realistic way that most of us can relate to, but there are some underlying lessons we can all learn and benefit from.
If you’ve had your heart broken and need a good chuckle or two, maybe even an excuse to cry and let it out, give this series a read. Admittedly, this is not my typical read but I really enjoyed this series, chuckled a time or two, and now need to read book four to see how it all wraps up for Brook and Sasha.
March 2, 2016
Heart Conditions
And here we have another dog at the heart of the tale: Jake – who is clearly a prime candidate for a PAT dog in a hospital ward. And yet for whom does he provide reassurance? The patient? Or the therapist? Sometimes it is clearly both or neither.
And of course, PAT dogs are not owned by the person using them – just loaned, and this is the case here too.
Jake is a Great Pyrenean Mountain Dog. Which are very large and very furry. They are Strong Willed, Gentle, Confident, Fearless, Patient, Affectionate, Calm, Composed, and Serious.
As an adult, they are quiet indoors and content with longish daily walks and regular opportunities to stretch out. They resemble a majestic white bear. And as they like people they can easily mope when left alone for long periods. Hence the dog coming along to the therapy sessions in this story.
So this is a story with a therapist at the heart of it, who is certainly in need of the ‘therapist heal thyself’ sessions. Now in the UK a clinical psychologist for sure would need to have regular supervision to unload their concerns and to ensure that they do heal themselves, but here, of course, the therapist is dealing with dating disasters, break-ups, and people who can’t move on from a bad relationship. So a very specialised area, that, according to the book, is almost unique in its approach.
It is interesting how many people seem to use social media – especially Facebook to stalk their ex’s. I am not in that circle of people but do they really put down every date they have every time they have one? And update their status? So I checked this out and found it to be true. An article in the Mail online stated ‘this so-called Facebook 'stalking' can leave lasting damage by prolonging the distress, and it can even affect our future relationships.
In particular, the behaviour creates a cycle in which the site is used for reassurance, but ultimately makes us feel worse about the situation which makes us seek out further reassurance. ‘
Seeing an ex-partner flirting with other people, or changing their relationship status, triggers negative feelings, which leads them to seek a coping mechanism and the cycle is repeated.
Such behaviour can also make it harder for the 'stalker' to recover from the breakup, which may lead to more problems in future relationships.
Now our heroine comes from a family where the mother was quote controlling and almost OCD in her ‘everything has a place’. Although I have to say, if you really want to find your keys again, a bowl where you always put them is incredible useful – except when they aren’t there, as one of our car keys isn’t at the moment – and of course, coat hooks are essential items.
I hadn’t realised that lanais were used anywhere except in Hawaii, but it seems in this part of the Floridian countryside, they were – where homes were built alongside the canals – (and presumably the mosquitoes and no-see-ums too!) [photo] By the way, in case you haven’t come across no-see-ums they are the worst little biter ever and can get through most normal mosquito screens. They are tiny flies which are barely visible, but they have large dagger-like mouthparts with which they gash small holes in the skin through which they suck blood. Like mosquitoes, no-see-ums have an anticoagulant agent in their saliva and some people have a severe reaction to this foreign material being injected through the skin, myself included. Major red welts may form, some with tiny blisters in the middle. This is kind of reaction is not that uncommon and people getting welts may continue to have the symptoms for nearly two weeks. Two weeks – try months…
The technical name for the insect family of these tiny flies is Ceratopogonidae, and they are given various names worldwide - no-see-ums, punkies, biting midges, and sand flies. The adults are no more than 2 mm long, but their bite certainly feels like something larger. They are generally found in swarms (!) along seashores, and around lakes or rivers. They will bite any exposed skin, but they seem to prefer the arms, legs and back of the neck.
In my own experience they are difficult to avoid and we are back to the taste of your bacteria I guess here, as my son and I once got bitten so heavily by them, that we lost count at over 100 bites! Needless to say, I am refusing to go back to Florida as that is where they attacked me.
I was interested to see that the character Ben – the architect –was interested in green architecture and liked the High Line. We walked it recently and were very impressed by what had been done [photos] and there are a couple of projects in London that are trying to replicate the concept.
We also have the side story of someone who is pregnant and finding it very hard to come to terms with the concept of becoming a mother – and in fact thinks of the baby as a suckerfish draining the life out of her. I sort of know what this feels like from my own pregnancies – where the baby’s health is paramount and all the things you used to do are now not feasible for all sorts of reasons that mainly come back to being pregnant... [and in my case being constantly sick – I swore I had picked up the worst tummy bug ever initially as I lay on the couch moaning and being sick and dizzy when I stood up – even fainting at one stage – but yes, it was just our son making his initial presence known...]
So a story about love and getting over it – or not – and how therapy can be used to help and the therapist who needs her own sessions!
4 stars
December 14, 2017
I loved this book! It might be my favorite in the series so far. I guess after I wipe the tears off I can think about that. Excellent- wonderful series. I highly recommend it- get on it- what are you waiting for!
August 28, 2016
HEART CONDITIONS is the third book in Phoebe Fox's Breakup Doctor series which chronicles the adventures of therapist Brook Ogden as she helps her clients through heartbreak, while navigating her own relationships with family, friends, and lovers. The concept is a fresh take on the age-old notion of physician heal thyself. As a writer, it's the type or premise you read and think-- that's brilliant, why didn't I think of that? Here's what I loved about this book:
The chick lit thing: Earlier this year, Women Writers, Women's Books posted a great interview with Fox where she talked about the "chick lit" of today. I'm not going to bore you with the back story behind the great chick lit backlash of late 90's early 00's, but in summary the term came to be associated with stories about female protagonists driven by a laser-like focus on marriage that was only occasionally interrupted by their love of name brand shoes. The chick lit I've always loved (I promise, it has always existed) was about the women's story of finding her own strength with some humor (and often a romantic relationship) interjected along the way. Fox also views the genre in a similar way and HEART CONDITIONS is that story. If this is the new wave of chick lit then-- yes, please.
The ex-boyfriends-turned-friends story line: At the beginning of the novel Brook's ex-fiance, from two year ago returns. He has made big changes for the better and announces that he still loves her. At the same time she is just beginning a friendship with a more recent ex, for whom she still has feelings. These two events leave Brook navigating all these really interesting emotions around forgiveness and uncertainty and love. Fox deftly steers away from oversimplifying this into he hurt me and it's over forever or I still love him and will stop at nothing to get him back, making the story completely engaging and keeping the reader guessing. I'd also be remiss if I didn't mention that this lovely friends-to-lovers triangle reminded me ever so slightly of the Felicity/Ben/Noel dynamic from the 90's television show Felicity (which I might still have a slight obsession with).
The counseling stuff: I'll admit, I was a little nervous about Brook's profession in the book. I knew that I wanted to love it--because this is exactly the type of story that is my favorite and because of the author's aforementioned philosophy about chick lit. However, I have a graduate degree in counseling, and I needed Brook's theory to be on point. If it wasn't this would have been the one thing that turned me off on the story. Thankfully she was spot on. (Yes-- that is exactly how and why group counseling works!)
The craft beer drinking female main character: Done and done. I've made it known how I feel about the notion that ladies drinks must be pink, so whenever there's a main character who opts for something else I want to hug the author (and take her out for a beer).
This review appeared in the Books & Brews series on my blog. Want to know what beer to sip while you read it? Check out the full post: http://wp.me/p3kWXF-Hs
The chick lit thing: Earlier this year, Women Writers, Women's Books posted a great interview with Fox where she talked about the "chick lit" of today. I'm not going to bore you with the back story behind the great chick lit backlash of late 90's early 00's, but in summary the term came to be associated with stories about female protagonists driven by a laser-like focus on marriage that was only occasionally interrupted by their love of name brand shoes. The chick lit I've always loved (I promise, it has always existed) was about the women's story of finding her own strength with some humor (and often a romantic relationship) interjected along the way. Fox also views the genre in a similar way and HEART CONDITIONS is that story. If this is the new wave of chick lit then-- yes, please.
The ex-boyfriends-turned-friends story line: At the beginning of the novel Brook's ex-fiance, from two year ago returns. He has made big changes for the better and announces that he still loves her. At the same time she is just beginning a friendship with a more recent ex, for whom she still has feelings. These two events leave Brook navigating all these really interesting emotions around forgiveness and uncertainty and love. Fox deftly steers away from oversimplifying this into he hurt me and it's over forever or I still love him and will stop at nothing to get him back, making the story completely engaging and keeping the reader guessing. I'd also be remiss if I didn't mention that this lovely friends-to-lovers triangle reminded me ever so slightly of the Felicity/Ben/Noel dynamic from the 90's television show Felicity (which I might still have a slight obsession with).
The counseling stuff: I'll admit, I was a little nervous about Brook's profession in the book. I knew that I wanted to love it--because this is exactly the type of story that is my favorite and because of the author's aforementioned philosophy about chick lit. However, I have a graduate degree in counseling, and I needed Brook's theory to be on point. If it wasn't this would have been the one thing that turned me off on the story. Thankfully she was spot on. (Yes-- that is exactly how and why group counseling works!)
The craft beer drinking female main character: Done and done. I've made it known how I feel about the notion that ladies drinks must be pink, so whenever there's a main character who opts for something else I want to hug the author (and take her out for a beer).
This review appeared in the Books & Brews series on my blog. Want to know what beer to sip while you read it? Check out the full post: http://wp.me/p3kWXF-Hs
March 16, 2016
This review originally appeared on my blog at www.gimmethatbook.com.
Thanks to the author, Henery Press and NetGalley for offering me this review copy!
HEART CONDITIONS is the 3rd book in the Breakup Doctor series. Each book can be read as a standalone or in order, so I had no trepidation about reading this one as a single.
The Breakup Doctor is a relationship therapist who is having a hard time taking her own advice when it comes to her ex boyfriends. She still has feelings for one, and the other, who broke her heart, still has feelings for her. So there is a very tame triangle going on here, which should delight chick lit lovers everywhere.
In fact, this book is like a “how to” of chick lit: there is a strong yet vulnerable heroine, plus darkly handsome (and sometimes reticent) ex boyfriends, a best friend with a personal crisis, and drama on the job front. So many things to resolve before the book ends, plus gorgeous descriptions of clothing, clubs, and restaurants!
Brook is a likeable character, quick to solve other’s problems but totally unsure what to do with her personal life. She learns a startling truth about herself in the latter half of the book, thereby creating an explanation for some of her strange antics, such as bringing her pregnant friend to a BDSM club simply to get the pregnant one “more comfortable” dealing with babies. (The club caters to all sorts of BDSM situations, and there were people whose fetish was dressing up as a baby – diaper and all.) There is no explicit sex in the book, which was enjoyable. Some writers feel they have to insert a sex scene here and there to offset the saccharine romance, but if the romance is done right, as in HEART CONDITIONS, you don’t need sweaty gropes and moans.
The romantic tension was spot on, as Brook struggled to cope with her ex and his new girlfriend, who has looks, brains, and poise. Her internal monologues described exactly what every woman has gone through when encountering a still-fresh wound. Brook’s problems are real and eminently solvable, yet the answers don’t come easy. She must do some soul searching to discover what she wants, and most importantly, why.
This book was a pleasant and sometimes funny read. The chemistry between Brook and Sasha was authentic, even if Brook was occasionally not on the same page as her BFF. Almost all the problems were solved by the end of the book, plus new things are on the horizon for our Breakup Doctor that should prove to be interesting. Fans of author Phoebe Fox will be anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.
Thanks to the author, Henery Press and NetGalley for offering me this review copy!
HEART CONDITIONS is the 3rd book in the Breakup Doctor series. Each book can be read as a standalone or in order, so I had no trepidation about reading this one as a single.
The Breakup Doctor is a relationship therapist who is having a hard time taking her own advice when it comes to her ex boyfriends. She still has feelings for one, and the other, who broke her heart, still has feelings for her. So there is a very tame triangle going on here, which should delight chick lit lovers everywhere.
In fact, this book is like a “how to” of chick lit: there is a strong yet vulnerable heroine, plus darkly handsome (and sometimes reticent) ex boyfriends, a best friend with a personal crisis, and drama on the job front. So many things to resolve before the book ends, plus gorgeous descriptions of clothing, clubs, and restaurants!
Brook is a likeable character, quick to solve other’s problems but totally unsure what to do with her personal life. She learns a startling truth about herself in the latter half of the book, thereby creating an explanation for some of her strange antics, such as bringing her pregnant friend to a BDSM club simply to get the pregnant one “more comfortable” dealing with babies. (The club caters to all sorts of BDSM situations, and there were people whose fetish was dressing up as a baby – diaper and all.) There is no explicit sex in the book, which was enjoyable. Some writers feel they have to insert a sex scene here and there to offset the saccharine romance, but if the romance is done right, as in HEART CONDITIONS, you don’t need sweaty gropes and moans.
The romantic tension was spot on, as Brook struggled to cope with her ex and his new girlfriend, who has looks, brains, and poise. Her internal monologues described exactly what every woman has gone through when encountering a still-fresh wound. Brook’s problems are real and eminently solvable, yet the answers don’t come easy. She must do some soul searching to discover what she wants, and most importantly, why.
This book was a pleasant and sometimes funny read. The chemistry between Brook and Sasha was authentic, even if Brook was occasionally not on the same page as her BFF. Almost all the problems were solved by the end of the book, plus new things are on the horizon for our Breakup Doctor that should prove to be interesting. Fans of author Phoebe Fox will be anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.
February 21, 2016
Review first posted on my blog 'A Spoonful of Happy Endings': http://spoonfulofhappyendings.blogspo...
Brook Ogden loves her job as ‘the Breakup Doctor’; she can be heard on the radio twice a week helping listeners with their love problems, she has her own column in a local newspaper, and has patients coming to her own practice. However, next to helping others, Brook is also still dealing with the break-up between her and her ex Ben, who now has a new, almost perfect, girlfriend. Phoebe can’t help but still harbour some feelings for Ben, but her world is suddenly turned upside down when her former fiancé comes back to town, asking for her forgiveness. When her best friend Sasha also seems to need her more than ever, Brook tries to juggle everything going on in the best way she can, but how long will she manage before things start falling apart…?
Phoebe Fox’s ‘The Breakup Doctor’ series is getting better and better with each part and ‘Heart Conditions’ is my favourite one of Phoebe’s books so far. The series focuses on main character Brook Ogden, who is also known as the Breakup Doctor. Next to Brook’s interesting life as a professional who helps others overcome heartbreak, she also has her own love life to deal with, and combined this makes for some really entertaining reading. Before picking up this novel, I highly recommend reading parts 1 and 2 first. In order to enjoy this book as much as possible I think it’s important to know what the characters have been through and how they got to where they are now. ‘Heart Conditions’ picks up a few months after the second part of the series and it’s a great follow-up that held my attention from start to finish.
Brook is a fantastic protagonist; I’ve really come to love her, just like the group of secondary characters in the book such as Brook’s family, her best friend Sasha, and her ex Ben. I want to specifically mention Ben’s dog Jake, who is just the cutest thing ever, and I’m not even a big fan of dogs! Phoebe Fox’s writing is really well-paced and easy to fall into, and I thoroughly enjoyed the different aspects of the storyline, which made sure I didn’t get bored, not even for one minute. Overall, ‘Heart Conditions’ is another great read by author Phoebe Fox; a thoroughly enjoyable, fast-paced and engaging third part of a great book series which I definitely recommend to any chick lit fan out there!
Brook Ogden loves her job as ‘the Breakup Doctor’; she can be heard on the radio twice a week helping listeners with their love problems, she has her own column in a local newspaper, and has patients coming to her own practice. However, next to helping others, Brook is also still dealing with the break-up between her and her ex Ben, who now has a new, almost perfect, girlfriend. Phoebe can’t help but still harbour some feelings for Ben, but her world is suddenly turned upside down when her former fiancé comes back to town, asking for her forgiveness. When her best friend Sasha also seems to need her more than ever, Brook tries to juggle everything going on in the best way she can, but how long will she manage before things start falling apart…?
Phoebe Fox’s ‘The Breakup Doctor’ series is getting better and better with each part and ‘Heart Conditions’ is my favourite one of Phoebe’s books so far. The series focuses on main character Brook Ogden, who is also known as the Breakup Doctor. Next to Brook’s interesting life as a professional who helps others overcome heartbreak, she also has her own love life to deal with, and combined this makes for some really entertaining reading. Before picking up this novel, I highly recommend reading parts 1 and 2 first. In order to enjoy this book as much as possible I think it’s important to know what the characters have been through and how they got to where they are now. ‘Heart Conditions’ picks up a few months after the second part of the series and it’s a great follow-up that held my attention from start to finish.
Brook is a fantastic protagonist; I’ve really come to love her, just like the group of secondary characters in the book such as Brook’s family, her best friend Sasha, and her ex Ben. I want to specifically mention Ben’s dog Jake, who is just the cutest thing ever, and I’m not even a big fan of dogs! Phoebe Fox’s writing is really well-paced and easy to fall into, and I thoroughly enjoyed the different aspects of the storyline, which made sure I didn’t get bored, not even for one minute. Overall, ‘Heart Conditions’ is another great read by author Phoebe Fox; a thoroughly enjoyable, fast-paced and engaging third part of a great book series which I definitely recommend to any chick lit fan out there!
February 9, 2016
Originally posted on: http://www.albainbookland.com/2016/02...
Heart Conditions is the third installment of The Break Up Doctor Series. I guess it could be read as a stand-alone but I'd recommend reading the previous books first as there's quite a lot of back story to all the characters. When I first started reading this series, I didn't really warm to the Break Up Doctor herself, Brook Ogden. I found her quite immature and too impulsive but as the story has progressed, she has immensely grown as a character. Already on the second book, we saw a more mature Brook, ready to face her problems and not hide any more and this third book reinforces this.
The second book ended quite badly for Brook and Ben, her latest love interest (something that disappointed me greatly as I was a big fan of Ben and his great dog). Now, six months later, Brook is finally feeling a bit more stable emotionally and is ready for love again, aka Ben. The only problem is he has moved on and found Perfect Pamela. But this is not the only obstacle in them rekindling their love. Brook's ex fiance and love of her life is back.
I enjoyed reading about Brook's ex fiance as he was, basically, the one who started everything. I think it helped me understand Brook better as we learnt all she went through with him in detail. Plus, it was good to catch up with Brook's friend Sasha. She is a bit down in this book for motives we don't know and I kind of missed her lively personality and her solve-it-all attitude but it made for a positive change to see Brook as the problem-solver, trying her best to help her friend and not the other way round.
All in all, I think Heart Conditions is a great addition to the series. I was able to connect with Brook and really warm to her in this installment and my love for Ben only grew bigger. Also for his dog, who is back with his mischievous ways. If you haven't checked this series yet, I recommend you give it a go as it's full of fun, laughs, some tears and lots of good (and some bad) tips for break ups, and love in general!
Heart Conditions is the third installment of The Break Up Doctor Series. I guess it could be read as a stand-alone but I'd recommend reading the previous books first as there's quite a lot of back story to all the characters. When I first started reading this series, I didn't really warm to the Break Up Doctor herself, Brook Ogden. I found her quite immature and too impulsive but as the story has progressed, she has immensely grown as a character. Already on the second book, we saw a more mature Brook, ready to face her problems and not hide any more and this third book reinforces this.
The second book ended quite badly for Brook and Ben, her latest love interest (something that disappointed me greatly as I was a big fan of Ben and his great dog). Now, six months later, Brook is finally feeling a bit more stable emotionally and is ready for love again, aka Ben. The only problem is he has moved on and found Perfect Pamela. But this is not the only obstacle in them rekindling their love. Brook's ex fiance and love of her life is back.
I enjoyed reading about Brook's ex fiance as he was, basically, the one who started everything. I think it helped me understand Brook better as we learnt all she went through with him in detail. Plus, it was good to catch up with Brook's friend Sasha. She is a bit down in this book for motives we don't know and I kind of missed her lively personality and her solve-it-all attitude but it made for a positive change to see Brook as the problem-solver, trying her best to help her friend and not the other way round.
All in all, I think Heart Conditions is a great addition to the series. I was able to connect with Brook and really warm to her in this installment and my love for Ben only grew bigger. Also for his dog, who is back with his mischievous ways. If you haven't checked this series yet, I recommend you give it a go as it's full of fun, laughs, some tears and lots of good (and some bad) tips for break ups, and love in general!
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March 15, 2016Brooke and Ben aren’t together, and they try to be friends. She becomes closer and closer with Jake, Ben’s dog. Everything seems good between Ben and Brook’s friendship until Ben finds Pamela, a perfect woman, beautiful, blonde with a career. Brook thinks that Pamela is everything that she isn’t. While Ben and Pamela are on the weekend and while Ben working Brook is here to care about Jake. There is Stu Brook’s brother and Sasha her best friend still together, but Sasha is hiding something and Brook want to discover what is it. Michele, Brook’s ex-fiancée, is back, and everything gets complicated.
This is the third installment of this series; the first one is The Breakup Doctor, second one Bedside Manners. I love this series because of the author’s style and narrative tone. While I read all three books, I have felt that I read my best friend’s diaries or like I listen how my friend tells me her story. The story is so real and pleasantly told that you don’t have to feel that you read and is easy to connect with characters.
Brook is well known as breakup doctor she helps people to continue with their lives after a breakup. But she is in a similar situation, Sasha her best friend has her problems who will help her to get through this. I enjoy reading about Brook like I told you before I feel like I know her very well. She is the bright person who knows how to deal with every kind of situation. Her parents are back together, and I love to read about their dinners or conversations, I like to read about when the family is together because recently I lost my mom (RIP, mommy) and I miss that feeling.
Sasha and Stu are so cute together, and it’s pleasant to read where their relationship goes, their doubts and little issues, especially I like Brook’s intentions to help Sasha to deal with her issue that was hilarious.
I recommend this book to chick lit lovers and to everyone who wants to read well written romantic comedy about love, breakups, family, and friendships.
This is the third installment of this series; the first one is The Breakup Doctor, second one Bedside Manners. I love this series because of the author’s style and narrative tone. While I read all three books, I have felt that I read my best friend’s diaries or like I listen how my friend tells me her story. The story is so real and pleasantly told that you don’t have to feel that you read and is easy to connect with characters.
Brook is well known as breakup doctor she helps people to continue with their lives after a breakup. But she is in a similar situation, Sasha her best friend has her problems who will help her to get through this. I enjoy reading about Brook like I told you before I feel like I know her very well. She is the bright person who knows how to deal with every kind of situation. Her parents are back together, and I love to read about their dinners or conversations, I like to read about when the family is together because recently I lost my mom (RIP, mommy) and I miss that feeling.
Sasha and Stu are so cute together, and it’s pleasant to read where their relationship goes, their doubts and little issues, especially I like Brook’s intentions to help Sasha to deal with her issue that was hilarious.
I recommend this book to chick lit lovers and to everyone who wants to read well written romantic comedy about love, breakups, family, and friendships.
March 6, 2016
Just when I thought Brook's life couldn't get more complicated, her ex-fiance reenters her life and wants a second chance to regain what they supposedly had.
'Walking out on you was the best thing I ever did.'
What?? How do you come back and say that to someone you had professed to love? And then there's Sasha, Brook's best friend. I love her and the depth of her friendship. She has no qualms about telling Michael what she thinks of him and what she will do to him if he hurts Brook again. She's got her best friend's back! We should all have a best friend like that.
I laughed out loud at the part where they end up at a party where half of the adults there were wearing diapers. I was not expecting this to happen in the story and it cracked me up. It is amazing the level of support those two friends have for each other.
And Brook burned bridges with the guy I thought/hoped she would end up with. Ben falls for 'Perfect Pamela'. I loved this nickname that Brook gave to Ben's new girlfriend! Haven't we all felt that way when a loved one moves on to someone else, 'they must be perfect'?
'Ben's girlfriend was the kind of woman you never, ever want the ex you still have very complicated feelings for—despite the fact that it was you who torpedoed the relationship—to date.'
I loved the first two books in this series and I loved going back to check up on Brook in book #3. One of the great things about this series is the growth and change we see in each of the characters. The books are not just the same old, same old where the characters aren't learning from their mistakes. They actually move forward with their lives and relationships change.
I can't wait for the next installment from the Breakup Doctor!
'Walking out on you was the best thing I ever did.'
What?? How do you come back and say that to someone you had professed to love? And then there's Sasha, Brook's best friend. I love her and the depth of her friendship. She has no qualms about telling Michael what she thinks of him and what she will do to him if he hurts Brook again. She's got her best friend's back! We should all have a best friend like that.
I laughed out loud at the part where they end up at a party where half of the adults there were wearing diapers. I was not expecting this to happen in the story and it cracked me up. It is amazing the level of support those two friends have for each other.
And Brook burned bridges with the guy I thought/hoped she would end up with. Ben falls for 'Perfect Pamela'. I loved this nickname that Brook gave to Ben's new girlfriend! Haven't we all felt that way when a loved one moves on to someone else, 'they must be perfect'?
'Ben's girlfriend was the kind of woman you never, ever want the ex you still have very complicated feelings for—despite the fact that it was you who torpedoed the relationship—to date.'
I loved the first two books in this series and I loved going back to check up on Brook in book #3. One of the great things about this series is the growth and change we see in each of the characters. The books are not just the same old, same old where the characters aren't learning from their mistakes. They actually move forward with their lives and relationships change.
I can't wait for the next installment from the Breakup Doctor!
December 23, 2015
I don’t usually like to jump into a book mid-series but I made an exception in this case as this book sounded like so much fun. With this being book 3 and my having enjoyed it so much, I can certainly say that you can read this as a stand-a-lone without having to read the earlier books. Although I definitely want to read the first two books now!
So Brook, the Breakup Doctor, is torn between two men; her ex-fiancé Michael and her ex-boyfriend Ben. It’s a bit like team Edward or team Jacob in the Twilight saga – the reader will end up rooting for one or the other, just as I did. Michael appears to have changed since breaking off his wedding to Brook and Ben seems to have moved on by dating Perfect Pamela. One is available, one is not – which one has captured Brook’s heart?
I have to say that my favourite character was Ben’s dog, Jake. He reminds me of Scooby Doo – he’s so hilarious and loving that I eagerly looked forward to his appearances. Thankfully, Phoebe Fox seemed to enjoy writing about Jake as he is almost one of the main characters himself. I had many laugh out loud moments thanks to his escapades.
There’s also an interesting little story going on with Brook’s best friend, Sasha who is in a relationship with Brook’s brother, Stu. Brook helps Sasha through a dilemma in a most unconventional way, which I found very amusing. Sasha has a difficult decision to make and I thought it was handled very sensitively.
The Breakup Doctor was just the thing to put a smile on my face and I would heartily recommend a dose of this when you’re feeling blue.
I received this e-book from the publisher, Henery Press, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
So Brook, the Breakup Doctor, is torn between two men; her ex-fiancé Michael and her ex-boyfriend Ben. It’s a bit like team Edward or team Jacob in the Twilight saga – the reader will end up rooting for one or the other, just as I did. Michael appears to have changed since breaking off his wedding to Brook and Ben seems to have moved on by dating Perfect Pamela. One is available, one is not – which one has captured Brook’s heart?
I have to say that my favourite character was Ben’s dog, Jake. He reminds me of Scooby Doo – he’s so hilarious and loving that I eagerly looked forward to his appearances. Thankfully, Phoebe Fox seemed to enjoy writing about Jake as he is almost one of the main characters himself. I had many laugh out loud moments thanks to his escapades.
There’s also an interesting little story going on with Brook’s best friend, Sasha who is in a relationship with Brook’s brother, Stu. Brook helps Sasha through a dilemma in a most unconventional way, which I found very amusing. Sasha has a difficult decision to make and I thought it was handled very sensitively.
The Breakup Doctor was just the thing to put a smile on my face and I would heartily recommend a dose of this when you’re feeling blue.
I received this e-book from the publisher, Henery Press, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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