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Cape Isle #3

Broken Pieces

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Zack: I made a promise to myself the day I met Lexie Sinclaire—a promise that I would protect her. What I didn't expect was to fall in love with my best friend. For eighteen years I have kept my feelings for her a secret, always waiting for the right time to tell her. So, when that time finally comes, the unthinkable happens and I find myself doubting if she is the one who can mend my broken pieces.

Lexie: I never realized Zack's true feelings for me. I should have seen them all along, but I didn't and now it may be too late. My strong best friend is crumbling, barely holding on. I'm scared that his broken pieces are too fractured and I'm not sure if I'm capable of holding them together.

**This book can be read as a standalone.

264 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2016

8 people are currently reading
173 people want to read

About the author

Allie Able

8 books219 followers
Allie Able is a romance writer, who tries to juggle her time between being a mother and a author. Allie was raised in a small town in Mississippi and now resides in Florida. Reading and writing romance has always been her first love. She decided to pursue her dreams of becoming a writer full-time, when the characters dancing around in her head wouldn't stop demanding her attention. Now she can be found sitting at her desk, feeding her coffee addiction, as she creates heartbreaking romance with spicy ever afters.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for AC Book Blog .
1,003 reviews137 followers
August 15, 2016
Broken Pieces (Cape Isle # 3) by Allie Able ~ 4.5 Stars

Zack: I made a promise to myself the day I met Lexie Sinclaire—a promise that I would protect her. What I didn't expect was to fall in love with my best friend. For eighteen years I have kept my feelings for her a secret, always waiting for the right time to tell her. So, when that time finally comes, the unthinkable happens and I find myself doubting if she is the one who can mend my broken pieces.

Lexie: I never realized Zack's true feelings for me. I should have seen them all along, but I didn't and now it may be too late. My strong best friend is crumbling, barely holding on. I'm scared that his broken pieces are too fractured and I'm not sure if I'm capable of holding them together.



Broken Pieces is a standalone, friends to lovers romance.

Gosh, what a beautiful story this was! Love comes in all forms – in Broken Pieces, Allie showcased a gorgeous love story between a man and a woman, love between friends and a love between mother and son.

In the prologue, we were introduced to Zack and Lexie as children. They met each other in the playground shortly after Zack lost his father and moved to a new town.

“Your daddy must have been really special. My momma says that God only picks the special people to go to heaven early.”

Those little words Lexie uttered were meant to comfort a little lost boy, but little did she know that her kind words saved him a year later. After that day, Zack made a promise that he would protect his new little angel friend. What he did not expect was to fall in love with her.

Fast forward 18 years, Zack has grown into handsome, sexy firefighter. He is not short of women falling over for him. Zack casually dates women but never has a real relationship or falls in love. He knows where his heart belongs but is too afraid to ruin the friendship he has with Lexie. Lexie has also grown into a beautiful woman. She is a bit quirky and has absolutely no brain to mouth filter but that’s what Zack loves most about her. Lexie recently broke up with her boyfriend and is not in a hurry to dive into another relationship, especially since she hasn’t been able to shake off her stalker ex. Lexie and Zack continue to spend time with each other but sometimes the heart has its own mind and you cannot fight your feelings forever. Lexie begins to have more than a platonic friendship toward Zack. Will Zack and Lexie finally give in to their hearts and give love a chance???

This book has a little bit of everything I want in a romance – a whole lot angst, passion, and romance. Allie really nailed the passion parts guys – get ready to be all hot and bothered with some of the scenes. There is also a little bit of drama with Lexie’s ex-boyfriend – the way Zack went all alpha protecting Lexie is quite sexy and swoony. The last part of the story also got me all teary seeing the love Zack has for his mother. Zack and Lexie’s relationship was tested in light of tragedy but the love and bond they have for each other runs beyond deep. Lexie has always been a compassionate and caring person. Can she help mend Zack’s heart and put his broken pieces back together once again?

I have to give Broken Pieces an A for an awesome storyline – sweet, sexy, emotional. The writing is by far the best of all Allie’s works – nice pace, kept me guessing and intrigued from the beginning until the end. The way she narrates the scenes throughout the book just make me want to pack a bag and move to the ocean. I adore this author and her story - Friends to lovers is one of my favorite romances. Short and sweet - LOVED it. Give it a go!!! <3


Profile Image for Kizzy.
1,071 reviews35 followers
August 16, 2016
4.5 stars ❤❤

I am such a fan of this author's work. When I read the first 2 books in the series, I was hooked. To find out that Lexi was getting a book, I couldn't wait to dive in.

Lexi and Zack have been best friends since they were 10. He has been in love with her for so long and of course everyone knows but her. Zack..what a sweetheart! I loved how he treated Lexie and was always there for her. She never knew her worth and didn't have the best relationships with men. Things start to change between them, and we are drawn into such an amazing and beautiful friends to lovers story.
When things get bad for Zack, can Lexie be there for him as he's always been for her? Talk about the feels! I had tears running down my face for the both of them. Can they put themselves back together after all that happened? You have to read to find out!! Allie knocked this one out of the park!! This is one story you don't want to miss! Looking forward to Jenna next :)

Profile Image for Candy Box.
386 reviews11 followers
August 17, 2016
This is the first book I have read by Allie! I was lucky enough to receive an advanced readers copy through a blog I help for an honest review.
Hot Girls Read
This series of books can be read as a standalones. But after reading this book I will be reading book 1 and 2 and 4 when it releases.
Zach and Lexi's story is truly amazing. I love a best friend turns lovers romance story. I feel like there just isn't enough of them out there. I am in awe at how beautifully written is book is. Everything about this book had me flipping my Kindle pages like a mad woman. I was jumping for joy and then the next I was crying like a baby. I loved this book so much!
The reason I wanted to read this book is because of the cover. As soon as I seen it I knew right then I had to read the words beneath the cover. I was captivated by it.
The book inspired me to take everyday like it's my last. Keeping things inside and not letting people know what's in your heart could lead to a sad and lonely life. Don't always assume those around you know what you are thinking or feeling. Even your best friend.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a #uglycry and and a #hea!
Profile Image for Kaitie.
1,149 reviews36 followers
July 29, 2016
The tears are drying on my face as I calm down to write this review. Im not even sure to really start. I've adored Lexie's spunk since the moment I met her in Scattered Pieces. And Zack, he's a firefighter so need I say more? Anyways best friends to lovers are my absolute favorite stories to read and this one sure did not disappoint! Lexie and Zack are perfect for each other! I see a lot of myself in Lexie and I think that's partly why I love her so much. Her spunk, her attitude, and her love for life. I mean what's not lovable. And Zack, there aren't any words to really describe him because he is with your a doubt perfect! But what happens when all of that is tested and life as you know it blows up in your face? True love never dies even with the most horrific circumstances. Love never fails. Zack and Lexie are the perfect example of this. Allie has created a town in Cape Isle that I wish I could live in with characters that I wish were real! My heart is happy and full after finishing this incredible story!
213 reviews
August 11, 2016
The words I thought of when I read this story are: ROMANCE, PASSION, SUSPENSE, REALISTIC and LIFE CHANGING DRAMA.

I loved this story as a standalone and as another book in an awesome series where the characters are strong and passionate through some crazy events. This book devels into issues that any couple might deal with at any time in there life. How important is to be there for someone you care about. Zack defends Lexi when a crazy ex rears his ugly head after a year of stalking her and Lexi supports Zack when death hits home. This is a phenomenal story that was worth everyone of my tears.

I would give this story more than five stars if possible!!!!!! I cannot wait for Allie Able’s next story!!!
Profile Image for Becca Taylor.
Author 17 books322 followers
July 24, 2016
Once I started this book, I couldn't put it down. I love a good romance that starts from a long friendship. Zack is sweet, loving and alpha. Lexi, what can I say, I love her. She's feisty, sweet and spicy. Their story is sizzling hot. Scorching hot. Off the charts full is heat. But it's also true to life; love grows over time, sometimes the pieces take a little time to fit just right.
Profile Image for Chantal.
176 reviews12 followers
August 16, 2016
Allie has possible rendered me speechless with the depths of this book. She knows how to pull you in with a few great words and keeps you waiting more throughout the entire book. This book was about "Broken Pieces" and how to put yourself back together again.

Lexie works at Summer's bakery and is some what oblivious to what is right in front of her. She has been for years and it's all starting to catch up with her. Her ex is stalking her and she simply just blows it off.

Zack is a fireman and fairly new to his station. He had been in love with one woman and only her from the time he was little. He would move heaven and earth just to make her smile. But she isn't aware of his affections other than he's her best friend.

Zack decides to take matters into his own hands and express how he truly feels about Lexie. She is starting to develop more than friend like feeling toward him. So day by day their friendship grows into something more. They experience ups and downs but yet Zack still holds a candle for only Lexie. Zack's mother gets sick and her fate takes a change for the worse. This literally shakes the foundation they have built and both are struggling to stay afloat.

Can Lexie be the woman Zack needs during this difficult time? Will Zack continue to push Lexie away until they are so broken beyond repair?

This book spoke to on such a deep level because I have a close person in my life who is dealing with ovarian cancer. You will need an entire box of tissues to get through some parts but that is what makes this such an incredible book to read. Awesome job Allie! You have a special place in my heart and so does this book now!
255 reviews
August 16, 2016
Allie Able and her amazingly heartfelt stories never cease to amaze me. This story caused me heartache with an extra dose of ugly crying. I was dying to read Lexie and Zack's story since I first met Lexie in Scattered Pieces. She's that spunky, fun, loving, and all around amazing girl. I had no idea what to expect when It came to this story but I wasn't dissapointed, that's for sure. Zack was a pleasant surprise and an amazing human being, like all of Allie's heroes tend to be. She had me at Best friends to lovers and again when I found out Zack was a firefighter, I mean you can't get much better than that!

this book is real, this book is true to heart, and this book will make you ugly cry. And it is definitely Allie Able's best book yet. I'm sad that there is only one book left in this series but I'm dying to read Jenna's story too!! This can be read as a standalone, actually of the books I'm this series can be, but I suggest reading them all, because you won't want to miss a second of it.
Profile Image for Kelly Molloy.
109 reviews
August 17, 2016
I was so intrigued by these two characters from previous books that I was bouncing for this! Two friends who have shared highs and lows, lived and shared life together.
This book tells their story as true feelings are revealed and new ones are discovered!
Coming out of a bad relationship Lexie has moved home and working in her friends bakery she is enjoying life being back home but she has her ex weighing on her. She a big character bold, spontaneous and u never know what she will say but so loveable!!
Zack is a sweet, protective man who will do anything for his best friend that he has loved quietly for years, he will melt your heart and wish that you will find your Own Zack!

I got all the feels with this one that you look for in a romance, the author really draws you in and holds you there! I didnt want to put it down!!
This series just keeps getting better with each book!!
Thank you Allie Able for another amazing book!!
Profile Image for Rebecca Barber.
Author 17 books312 followers
August 16, 2016
Allie Able does it again!

Can Zack be any more adorable? He's been in love with his best friend from the moment she flicked her golden pig tails in his direction in the school playground.

After 20 years, somehow Lexie still hasn't realised that the guy in her life, the one who she relies on for anything and everything, is in love with her.

Zack can't take it a moment longer. Risking the most perfect relationship by exposing his heart he holds his breath and hopes that Lexie feels the same.

In the moment it appears that all of Zack and Lexie's dreams are coming true, old demons come out of the shadows, threatening to derail their happiness.

Allie does an amazing job of creating characters you can't help but to fall in love with as you ride the emotional roller coaster with them.

Zack may well just be the most adorably sweet male lead I've ever read. I want one!
Profile Image for The Magic of Books Blog.
285 reviews14 followers
August 14, 2016
Broken Pieces by Allie Able

5 stars
Reviewed by Donna

The words I thought of when I read this story are: ROMANCE, PASSION, SUSPENSE, REALISTIC and LIFE CHANGING DRAMA.

I loved this story as a standalone and as another book in an awesome series where the characters are strong and passionate through some crazy events. This book devels into issues that any couple might deal with at any time in there life. How important is to be there for someone you care about. Zack defends Lexi when a crazy ex rears his ugly head after a year of stalking her and Lexi supports Zack when death hits home. This is a phenomenal story that was worth everyone of my tears.

I would give this story more than five stars if possible!!!!!! I cannot wait for Allie Able’s next story!!!

Late Night Reviewer Donna
Profile Image for Jackie.
833 reviews57 followers
July 31, 2016
This book just shattered my heart and then (thankfully) put it back together. I haven't cried that much while reading a book in a really long time. I loved getting to read Lexie and Zack's story and catching up with the other characters from this series. I've always really liked Lexie with her spunk and sass. She is hilarious! Zack is such a sweet guy and incredibly patient to have held onto his feelings for Lexie for so long. I love how much he loved Lexie, flaws and all. These two are just perfect for each other!
Profile Image for Angie Box .
115 reviews13 followers
August 18, 2016
I was gifted a copy of this book for my honest opinion and I have to say this is an amazing book at times I was crying then laughing then at other times I wanted to throw my Kindle across the room this book brought out all of my emotions and I am a very emotional reader at times I was right there with them and the story line of best friend to lovers that really does happen. I gave this book five stars. This is the first book of Allie Able that I have ever read but she is on my must read list she is awesome.
Profile Image for Patricia Noblet.
Author 7 books39 followers
August 28, 2016
When a beautiful friendship turn to a beautiful love... Perfect Zach and his angel Lexie... We can just love them, and appreciate the way thier relationship change. I was happy to see lovely Zach having finally what he wanted, he deserved it. But i also hurt for him. Feelings are well described. The story is not uncommon, there's a little too much sex, but the characters are worth it. I really loved Zach, and his mother. And Lexie is funny and strong and different in a good way.
THANK YOU ALLIE ABLE for this ARC !
Profile Image for Amber Goodwin.
751 reviews40 followers
August 15, 2016
I loved Zack and Lexie! A great friends to lovers book. I love hope Lexie never even considered Zack as an option. Zack did an awesome job keeping his feelings hidden from her. They have so much history together but is their love worth it? Sometimes you have to take a chance even if it means you could lose your best friend. I balled towards the end of this book. Allie did an amazing job with this book. Can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
675 reviews
July 12, 2019
Book 3 is Lexie’s story. I wasn’t impressed with this book , yeah we get a storyline but it didn’t hold my attention like book 1&2 , and it seems like there always at it which spoils the story for me .fair enough a couple of times but when it goes beyond that it gets repetitive.
46 reviews
August 1, 2016
I knew from the moment i met Lexie in Shattered Pieces that her story would be an amazing one. Her spunk and attitude make it hard not to love her! This is absolutely a must read!
Profile Image for Neisha † The Poet †.
1,397 reviews36 followers
December 28, 2016
i was so interested when i first started on it, but when it got to to the vert first sexual scene i lost interest... dnf
Profile Image for Shannon Godwin.
3,114 reviews31 followers
June 19, 2017
This series is great!
I have fallen in love with all the characters and feel a connection with each of them. Zack & Lexie will have you rooting for them! I love how their relationship seems real. It's not an instant love. You see them grow into each other. I can't wait for the next book
Profile Image for Jules.
786 reviews4 followers
August 15, 2016
Broken Pieces did me in.. I'm still reeling from it and dread starting new books with this in my head.
Now, this is all meant in a good way!
I absolutely love this book! It drew me in, made me feel all at home and happy, then tore me apart. Thank godness this was not one to end on a cliffhanger, but ended up putting my Broken Pieces back together (see wht I did there? ;) )
Gotta be honest, this is the first book of Alie Able's that I have read, and these are truly stand-alones, so I had no problem following this book even if other characters might have been introduced in the previous books in the series, I never felt like I was missing out or not getting some connections.

Zach and Lexie sur had their problems and a very slow start (the book start with Zach wishing to admit his feelings for his best friends 18 years after meeting! Yes, Eightteen!) but they made me fall in love with their love! I love a good (best) friends to lovers romance, and this was one is great! The absolute best part was that for once it was not a girl always in love with her boy best friend, but actually the guy and she only comes to realize it later on, love that!

In the course of the book I've come to love Zach, who was silently pining away for his best friend, but always scared to go for it, afraid of losing his best childhood friend, but is then finally going for it, sharing his love with her, first slightly phsically then in words but never pushing her to do things she doesn't want to. My favorite part of this whole books?

I love how their relationship unfolds, it isn't all linear from first kiss to getting touchy-feely, to love to sex.. they are chaotic and real and just so adorable with their overreacting (Lexie) and calmnness (Zach), but they are the perfect combination.

I won't spoil the big drama at the end which tore me apart so much, but it is heart-breaking to see them just fade away from each other, and not in a "great drama in a book" kind of way, but just absolutely real and gritty, wihch I love about this book so much!

Can recomment this book to anyone interested in a great friends to lovers romance, but also anyone just looking for a well-written and thoght out romance book in general. One of my favorite romance books, ever! Definitely will check out all her other books now!
Profile Image for Yeri (wildflowerreader).
1,523 reviews78 followers
February 20, 2017
Best friends to lovers.

What can I say, I loved it. Zack and Lexie, they were just meant to be.
This story was lovely, sweet and sexy.

I'm a little surprised with Zack and his little secret and I think it's super sweet that he waited to give that part of himself to the only person he's ever loved.
I loved Lexie's firecracker spirit. The girl was just crazily awesome.

(Best way to stop a fight is to get the hose)

Vulnerable Pieces here I come. I'm really curious about Jenna. Been curious since she showed up in Scattered Pieces, I think this one will require a box of Kleenex.
Profile Image for Katy Birch.
471 reviews4 followers
February 15, 2017
Lexie and Zack

Lexi and Zack had been best friends from the age of 10. Zack had just lost his father and they had just movee. He met Lexie on the playground and had called her angel ever since.

Zack however had been in love with her for the longest time. He was even a virgin because he waited on her. He was scared to admit his feelings for her incase he lost her. They were close to each others parents and their friendship was really lovely to see. But as readere we were screaming for them together, and they did! Moving from best friends to lovers wasnt all that easy but they made it work. Their love shone through. They had a great relationship until Zacks mum died of Ovarian Cancer and thats when things truely got tough for them. But they got there in the end.

It was a very touching read and i have a soft spot for Lexie. Her character is fiesty and has no brain to mouth filter and it was great to see. I also like the fact it highlights ovarian cancer. Very well written.
Profile Image for Kelly - Words We Love By.
1,020 reviews12 followers
August 16, 2016
Just when I feel like I don’t have any of my heart left to give, Allie Able finds a way to take another Piece, with her new book in the Cape Isle Series, Broken Pieces. There are some books that touch you so much you just want to scream READ THIS BOOK, TRUST ME YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK! This is definitely one of those books.
This is the book of Lexie and how she finds love with the one person is wasn’t expecting, her best friend Zack. They don’t instantly fall in love and live happily ever after it’s a real story of two best friends. They meet as young kids on the school playground.
“And that day, I promised myself that I would
protect her. Every angel needs protection and that’s
exactly what Lexie was to me, an angel.” (Zack)
Even though their friendship grows Lexie never noticed the way Zack looks at her. But after her friend’s wedding she begins to notice a difference in Zack. At first she isn’t sure what’s going on and why all of a sudden she is seeing Zack in a new light.
“Don’t settle for someone who will handle you,
Angel. You weren’t meant to be tamed. You are
supposed to run wild until you find that someone
who loves you because of your crazy” (Zack)
These are only two swoon worthy parts I’m giving away. I never like giving away too much of a book because I like for them to be just as much of a surprise to you as it was to me. This book (and actually the whole series) isn’t a book you will easily forget about, the group of friends and family will become your friends and family. You will love the small town feel that Allie Able brings through in her books. I feel so much about these books that’s all I can tell you without giving everything away or just rambling on about how wonderful they are – so I will just say this – WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR GO READ THIS BOOK!
Profile Image for Eunice Lan.
86 reviews1 follower
August 29, 2016
Another great book coming form Allie Able, now that I have read all her books so far I can surely say that I love the way she writes and this book is no exception.
This book delivers the story of Zack and Lexie, they know each other since they were ten and have been best friends since then.
I loved Zack, he is now my favorite hero from the series, he is really a great man. I loved the way he treats Lexie and he is caring, sexy and has a billion dollar heart. The way he treats his mom and Lexie is really sweet. I also liked that he didn’t acted like an asshole but still has a dirty mouth (Nice guy in the day and dirty in the bed).
Lexie is feisty and sometimes very stubborn but a very strong woman. She has suffered a lot in relationship but she always returns to Zack. She always saw Zack as her best friend and her safe place.
As their relationship develops you can fall in love more and more with this characters. You can also enjoy small parts of the evolution of the previous couple in the series.
Apart from the love story the author also gave us the emotional part that breaks part of your heart but at the same time makes this book a great read, some of the bad parts in the plot will make you remember this book in a long time, totally book hangover after this.
Although this book is number three in the Cape Isle Series, it can be read as a standalone.
Profile Image for Grace.
64 reviews2 followers
August 24, 2016
Realistic couple/relationship =)

The relationship between Zack and Lexie sounds realistic ... not insta-love where they were both were unaware of their feelings for each other all these years and it struck them one day, "hey, why not give it a try since we got nothing better to do". Zack is a twenty-eight year old virgin who saved himself for the only girl who mattered, Lexie. Zack truly admired Lexie for everything she is and truly cherished what she means to him in his life. He is someone who loves deeply and takes care of what's his. He lost his dad at a young age but not due to abandonment like in most novels I read these days that filled the H with hate/inability to love... no, he had a good relationship with his dad but lost him to illness. The relationship between Zack and his mom, even the relationship between Lexie and his mom, were also very well expressed. What made this book so enjoyable to read is how believable they were as a couple. There were ups and downs in their relationship (as mentioned in the epilogue) as with any other normal couple and they found ways to make it back to each other... Really evoked many emotions... =D
Profile Image for Within The Pages Book Blog.
686 reviews16 followers
January 1, 2017
Friends...
Lovers...
Fear...
Heartbreak...
And More...

I just loved Lexie and Zack! Allie Able has done it again. Broken Pieces has you going through so many emotions - from love to hate to heartbreak and more. I felt so connected to both Lexie and Zack and I hurt when they hurt - I may have shed a tear or two. This book had me from the first chapter. The chemistry between Lexie and Zack was undeniable- whether they wanted to admit it or not.

Lexie and Zack have been best friends since they were 8 years old. Zack has been in love with Lexi for as long as he can remember and Lexie has no clue about his feelings. Can friends become lovers and it last?

After Zack is left to deal with an earth shattering event in his life. Lexie and his relationship is put to the test. Once again they face a predicament as to whether they can stick by each other for support.

Allie Able has made these characters come to life where you scream for joy when they are happy and shed tears when they are sad. I have truly enjoyed reading this series and can't wait to dig into the next book.
Profile Image for bee..
302 reviews3 followers
December 12, 2016
Oh my gosh swooooon.
Zack and Lexie are just the cutest! I love that they started out as friends.
There was one big plot inconsistency that was driving me bonkers but I'm really glad Allie fixed it up further down the track.
I devoured this book in a day!
Loving this series so much :D
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews