Chelsea Redding’s life hasn’t turned out the way she expected. Her parents don’t approve of anything she does, and they disowned her only brother because of his heroin addiction. She dreams of finding forever with someone, but there’s only so much heartbreak she can take.
Lucas Redding has succeeded in one thing in his entire life: being the least favorite child. His little sister, Chelsea, is the only family he has left. And if something doesn’t change soon, he won’t even have her. He knows Chelsea has a limit of how much he can put her through and he’s about to reach it.
Chelsea is convinced Lucas can beat his addiction and she will do whatever it takes to help him, but between going to school, dancing, and falling in love, she only has so much time to scrape him off dingy bathroom floors and out of dark alleyways.
Can they help each other pick up the pieces of their broken lives? Or will Lucas’ addiction ruin any hope Chelsea has of having a normal life?
I don't know where to start.. it's taken me a LONG time to write my review, not because I didn't love it... it's because I love it TOO much. Broken is one of those books that stays with you, in your heart and head. The writing (as always) was flawless. There were no plot holes, no times when I had to re read a certain paragraph again and again to understand it.. it flowed really nicely. I love that it focuses mainly on a bother/sister relationship, with the added bonus of Juicy Jude (did someone say heart eyes emoji?!). This book is real. It is Raw. It is true. It WILL break you... and fix you... maybe break you some more.. I'm still broken. I sobbed. So so hard. I loved every part of this book, even the really really sad parts! Another job well done!! #2OCCAB
Why have I not heard of this author before? This book -- it is one I won't forget. The words, the feelings and the love shook me to the core, truly unraveling my emotions. Two great love stories -- so very different -- on such different levels running parallel. Both equally powerful and meaningful. One will wreck you -- the other will patch you back together. Three main characters that pack a punch in a story that is extraordinary and remarkable. It will make its mark on your heart. But be warned -- it is no fairytale. Not even close. It's real life -- filled with beauty, ugliness, happy, sad, love, hate, and just about any other emotion you can throw into the mix.
The writing is perfect -- amazing, really. The story starts off slowly but heavy with the sad and disastrous world it portrays. It is as it should be. The story moves on with a pace that includes ups and down, wins and losses, one step forward and two steps back. New people come into our lives when they're needed most. The sun shines and the clouds grow dark. Just when you're feeling really good, life's highway takes another twist and -- well, that's as far as I'm going to take you. I highly recommend this book. Every now and then, it's good to take a real look at life -- maybe the kind that doesn't really affect yours -- but maybe it does, or someone you love.
Finally, there's a light shining at the end of the tunnel. Love remains - even when life doesn't always go as we planned. The future is filled with new hopes and dreams to be fulfilled.
I love reading new-to-me authors and this is my very first Kimberley Hatch book. Upon starting Broken, I knew immediately that this was a different kind of romance novel. I am not sure if all of this authors book are unconventional but I really enjoyed this one because of it. This story is one that I haven’t read before, but still it hit me very close to home and brought out all the feels.
“Then write your own damn fairy tale. I’ll help you. We will do it together.”
At first when I started reading I didn’t know if this was a romance or the story of a brother and sister trying to overcome something very challenging. Something that people and their families struggle with every day. The premise of that alone had me very interested in the story, but add the sweet romance in and I was hooked. I read this all in one day. The authors writing was fluid and clean. The story was riveting and hit me right in the feels.
If you love a romance that will make you cry and give a different kind of story, check this one out!
Broken, wow, how to review this book..... First, I will say that it is wonderfully written. Kimberley Hatch as created an emotionally deep and heartrending story about the human spirit and how it can be trampled carelessly and what it will do to hide from the pain. But also how that broken spirit can be rebuilt one step at a time with love, patience and will.
Lucas is the black sheep of the wealthy Redding family. He parties, does drugs and is constantly in trouble. As the book opens, Lucas is in the hospital having OD'd and his issues don't get better. Chelsea Redding is the good girl. She loves her brother and it kills her to see him as he is. She tries to be his rock when all is falling apart and his parents wash their hands of him. It is a large burden but one she won't let go of. Chelsea finds an unlikely ally in Professor Jude Malcolm who becomes are part of her life and her calm within the storm
This is definitely a must read. Ms. Hatch has managed to write a story that is steeped in emotions but without overriding angst. The journey it takes you on has it's rocky points but it real and true. The characters are relatable as you cry along with Chelsea as she worries, pull for Lucas as you want to throttle him, and cheer for the budding relationship between Jude and Chelsea.
Sit in your favorite chair, beverage of choice, and the tissue box because once you start this one you will not be getting up until it is finished.
I truly adored this book. The message was a good one and I think with some more editing it could be so much more.
Chelsea was the only one who hasn't given up on Lucas. She bails him out of so many situations I'm surprised she has time for a life. She teaches ballet to small kids and goes to college. She wants to help families of addicts. Addicts who are like her brother. Lucas is an addict through and through. What started out with one drug snowballed into every drug known to man till he settled on heroin. He's been in and out of rehab so many times but nothing sticks. While being his only supporter Chelsea meets a charming man. He becomes so much more to her. Jude holds her hands and brings her to rescue her brother all the while saving Chelsea in little ways.
Books about addiction are hard. They may trigger memories people try to avoid. At times it was hard to read because some things hit home for me. This book truly touched my heart and I waffled with this rating. The timeline was hard to follow and I wasn't sure how much time passed between it chapter so it was a little off there. Also this book has some spelling errors thoughout. Yet at its core this book is beautiful so don't let my rating sway you from reading this gem.
You are killing me Kimberley Hatch! I know something bad is about to happen - I know it!
I love the story of Chelsea and Lucas. They are siblings who truly believe in each other and always try to put the other one first. Broken will leave you with a different way at looking at the world and other peoples problems. I don't want to tell you to much about this book because I like to go into books not knowing all the details. I enjoyed most of the twists and turns Ms. Hatch has planned for you in this book but some just made me do the ugly cry. Ms.Hatch I love your book but it BROKE me!
Wow!! This book was amazing!!!! It was my first book by this author. I personally have never known anyone with the issues discussed in the book. But my heart broke for Luke, for never feeling good enough,never feeling loved. Only loved by his sister Chelsea. And the way Chelsea stood by him no matter what. It felt good to see her find someone that not only loved her,but stood by her side and helped her cope with the situation with Luke. Jude & Neil were exactly what she needed when her own parents couldn't give her & Luke what they needed & wanted. As happy as I was, my heart was shattered by what happened to Luke. I really thought he would finally be able to get a happily ever after. It's a sad realization that when things are looking up,something can happen to change that. Such an intense book of unconditional love that you will never forget. I received this arc for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This will hold your attention from start to finish. This book has a wonderful main theme, family. You get to see the relationship between Chelsea and Lucas, and what experiences they endure to maintain their relationships. Lucas is fighting his own demons and, after being abandoned by all but his younger sister Chelsea, cannot seem to find a light at the end of tunnel. You get to see the love, anger, anguish, and torment that sometimes comes with standing by your family when all may seem lost.
This is wonderfully written and and excellent read for anyone...
A well thought out quick read, but because of the title about half way through I predicted the end. Nothing wrong with that, but I prefer not to know. Over all the story was fresh and new for romance novels. The characters were unique, but the romance aspect seemed to basic and a little forced. Although I liked the moral of the story that lead Chelsea to love. I look forward to reading another book by Kimberly Hatch
A beautifully painful journey through the human condition. It takes you from the highs to the lows of human emotions. Still in the midst of that there is at the heart of it, one of the sweetest love stories I've read recently. Keep your tissue box and butterfly net handy because this one is going to give you all the feels.
I absolutely loved this book.. soooo heartbreaking and beautiful all in one. I loved Chelsea & Jude.. I felt sooo for Lucas (Luke) trying to overcome a serious addiction.. Jude being a loving and strong man standing behind Chelsea's decisions to be there for Luke., when the rest of the family wouldn't...
Have tissues ready for this one... you are going to need em..
I really enjoyed this book. Having family with addiction issues, it really hit home to me. I liked how the story was told by both siblings. A well written story that just shows the heartbreak that can happen to both the addicted and those who love them. I look forward to reading more by this author.
I loved this unique love story about letting yourself live and be loved, the unbreakable love between siblings, and loving someone despite their flaws. Hatch really did her homework to make the details of this story painstakingly accurate and did a accurately job expressing the turmoil that drug use inflicts on everyone involved.
Beautifully heartbreaking. This book will completely take over your life while you're reading, and even when you're not. My full review is on 2OCC Reviews
I truly adored this book. The message was a good one and I think with some more editing it could be so much more.
Chelsea was the only one who hasn't given up on Lucas. She bails him out of so many situations I'm surprised she has time for a life. She teaches ballet to small kids and goes to college. She wants to help families of addicts. Addicts who are like her brother.
Lucas is a drug addict through and through. What started out with one drug snowballed into every drug known to man till he settled on heroin. He's been in and out of rehab so many times but nothing sticks. While being his only supporter Chelsea meets a charming man. He becomes so much more to her. Jude holds her hands and brings her to rescue her brother all the while saving Chelsea in little ways
Books about addiction are hard. They may trigger memories people try to avoid. At times it was hard to read because some things hit home for me. This book truly touched my heart and I waffled with this rating.
The timeline was hard to follow and I wasn't sure how much time passed between each chapter so it was a little off there. Also this book has some spelling errors thoughout and yet at its core this book is beautiful so don't let my rating sway you from reading this gem.
This book was phenomenal and I couldn't put it down. You instantly fall in love with the characters and begin rooting for Luke and Chelsea. I love how it was relevant, thought provoking, and how real the characters were and their emotions. I can't wait to read more books by this wonderful author!