Breaking Good

Rags to Riches #4

by Madeline Ash

He wasn’t good for her. He never would be.

At eighteen, Stevie Case finally surrendered to her attraction to bad boy Ethan Rafters, sharing one night with him before she graduated and he skipped town on a one-way road to destruction. Years later, Stevie has hit back life’s curveballs and is no stranger to hard work, but when she finds herself working for Ethan, who’s turned his life around, her world shatters not only because their chemistry is still fierce and undeniable but because fate separated them before she could tell him he has a son.

Ethan desperately wants to be a good father and a partner yet he believes he’ll never be normal. The chaos that defines his life has destroyed his relationships, yet Stevie’s acceptance of his flaws tempts him with a life he thought impossible.

Dare he risk Stevie’s life of hard-fought stability for his own chance at happiness?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Second Chance, Amazon, Own, Childrens

250 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2017

About the author

Madeline Ash is an Australian contemporary romance author and a two-time RITA Award finalist. She writes novels with sensitivity, humour, and heart.

Reviews

[Sue Gerhardt Griffiths]

The 4th and final book in the brilliant Rags to Riches Series.

Byron Bay

Stevie and Ethan’s story.

Stevie is a single mum and tomboyish

Ethan is a former bad boy and is struggling with ADHD

This novella provides insight into the complexities of ADHD

An unanticipated storyline, uniquely written.

We catch up with the main characters from the other Rags to Riches books which I l😍ve

A superb, sweet, sensitive and heartwarming tale

[Doris]

A second chance romance that will get to your heart. After longing for each other during high school Stevie and Ethan take that step right before Ethan leaves town. There are a lot of things in play for these soul mates from adult ADHD to realizing what was once believed and now finding out how wrong that information was. Will Stevie and Ethan be able to overcome everything that has come along during their long time separation? This was a very sweet second chance romance.

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley for a freely given and honest review.

[Coco.V]

💝 FREE on Amazon today (2/19/2018)! 💝

[Heather andrews]

I really liked Ethan I thought he was sweet, "Ethan’s grip loosened, and she moaned as the vee of her thighs slipped to press over his erection. She had his singlet off between one ragged inhale and the next. ‘Can we do this?’ His voice was strained in her ear. ‘I don’t— if you’re not—’ I enjoyed this book.

[Sohinee Reads & Reviews (Bookarlo)]

Liked it. I don't get to read much of second chance romance stories. This was in fact the first one that I read. It was a nice read. The female protagonist isn't the usual "beauty queen". So, that was a new thing. Also, the hero wasn't overly handsome. Both of them felt humanly and not like Barbie and Ken.

At times, the plot dragged a bit but overall it's a nice simple story of second chances.

[Smileyelena Attard]

Was an easy read. Wouldn't read the series

[Sara Bauer]

A heartfelt book that deals with some really tough issues ... and true love.

[Ellie]

Thumbs up

This was a surprisingly good read. I'll admit I went into it not expecting much. I'm always wary of new-to-me writers, particularly lately. But I was quickly drawn in and invested in the story, despite the fact that Ms. Ash has a unique style that took a while for me to get the hang of. That should in no way be taken as a negative. It's hard to pinpoint the exact reason why her style was unusual, but one reason is that this story was told in third-person. When just about everything in the genre these days is written in first-person, adjusting to third takes a minute. As per with third person, internal dialogue was heavy and I felt like I was being 'told' a story rather than shown by the characters. I'm not a fan of that style of storytelling, but it worked for this particular book. This was a deeply emotional tale with a moderate level of angst and some parts just wouldn't have had the same impact had they been conveyed through dialogue. And Ms. Ash's prose is lovely - very lyrical and flowing without being pretentious or too dramatic. I have to say that her love scenes in particular are beautiful. Some of the very best I've read.

The book wasn't without flaws, obviously. No book is. What kept this from being a five-star read for me wasn't really plot related, per se.

**possible mild spoilers**


I don't know if the writer has children or has spent any time with them, but going off the portrayal of Zach I would assume not on both counts. First off, no - and I mean no - 7-year-old boy behaves like that. I don't care how precocious he is. I could see 12 or 13, possibly, but not 7. He was too adult and too articulate in both speech and explaining his actions. The other issue I had with him was that he was a proper brat. He controlled his mother, not the other way around, and that resulted in me having a problem with the heroine.

I have just finished this book and it is telling that I cannot recall her name. The way she let her child dictate her life and happiness made me see her as a very weak person, when the intent - I believe - was to portray her as a resilient woman with strength. And she was in so many areas. But I'm a mother myself and there is no way I'd let my kid run roughshod over my personal life and I don't respect mothers that allow it in their own lives. I understand putting your kid first and wanting them to be happy. I understand insuring their feelings of security and making sure they know how much they matter. But you don't walk away from a burgeoning, loving relationship like she had with Ethan - the kid's father, incidentally - just because your kid throws a tantrum. In real life, if you always put everyone first and deny your own happiness, you will not only wind up alone, but bitter and resentful. That's how it works. Stevie (remembered her name!) had many positive qualities. But instead of being a parent and making it clear to her son that he had no right to dictate her life and making the decision herself, she let the kid call the shots. If he hadn't 'given permission' she would have walked away and taken EVERYTHING from poor, sweet Ethan. He loved her and his son so much and had never felt like he was worthy of anyone, and she was willing to lay waste to his life because that kid didn't want them together. Uh, how about no? She needed to quit being the brat's friend and be a proper parent, and for this reason I couldn't like her.

Despite the above issues, I still very much enjoyed the story. It was all about Ethan for me, the 'bad boy' who was so misunderstood, who didn't actually have a bad bone in him. He really pulled at the heartstrings. The secondary characters were well-developed and remained mostly on the fringes, which I appreciated.

I rate Breaking Good 3.5 stars and definitely recommend it. Very satisfying read.

[Rhonda Parsons]

Depth

I loved every minute of this book. It had such depth of the characters that I could actually feel the torment, anguish and love. I had an adult child with ADD and it was a very difficult challenge but one that hopefully taught me a lot. Thank you for this amazing book.

[Marsha Keeper Bookshelf]

Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf

Breaking Good has many layers that will draw the reader in to Stevie and Ethan’s story. As teens they’d had one night together before Ethan left town never to be seen or heard of again. Stevie believed that he was dead… she was wrong. While on vacation with her young son, Zach, she answers an ad for a painter in order to pick up some additional cash. When she meets the man who’s hired her Stevie’s world tilts and everything she thought she knew for certain is in question.

Ethan had his reasons for leaving. He’s carved out a new life, a better life… and now he has to find a way to put this woman who he’s always wanted and an unknown son into his life. And he’s clueless on how to accomplish that. He wants desperately to be a good father, he understands that there was no way that Stevie could have told him about Zach. Yet he believes because of his own issues that he could never be a good father or the man that Stevie need in her life. Without giving away spoilers, I have to say that many people deal with Ethan’s issue on a daily basis. He has made the decision to not ask more out of life, and now has to question that decision when Stevie and Zach enter his life. When the right person loves you, it’s amazing what can be faced together.

I enjoyed this couple’s story very much. They have a lot to face, but together they can do anything. Ethan must come to that conclusion on his own. Stevie has to deal not only with finding Ethan alive but with the aftermath of telling her son that his father is dead. This family has a lot to deal with and it won’t be easy putting the pieces together to make them work. Following their journey to finding that special kind of love was heartbreaking at times,, frustrating at others but it was their obvious love for each other and their son that made this story flow so easily.

I would recommend Breaking Good for any reader who enjoys going deeper into the personal conflicts that make up a couple and a family. It’s a good solid romance with believable characters placed in difficult circumstances. Love can conquer anything… it might take a little time and stubbornness but it is possible as Stevie and Ethan prove.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this novel. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this story.*

[Book Gannet]

4.5 stars.

I really enjoyed this return to Byron Bay. Second chance romances are some of my favourites, but I really liked how this one added a twist to the proceedings. Stevie and Ethan’s one night might have ended in an unexpected baby, but the reasons why Ethan doesn’t think he’s good for Stevie weren’t the usual kind of bad boy angst I was expecting.

I loved Ethan. He’s successful and sweet, yet has a completely messed up view of himself because of his ADHD. I really liked how his thought processes were shown in the book, the constant switch from one subject to another and how he really struggled to focus. It’s not the most important thing about him, but it is important and I liked that it played a strong role in the person he was and the choices he made.

I liked Stevie too, especially the way she sees Ethan. She is so very good for him – and he’s pretty good for her – and I admired her strength and determination. I also liked how telling Ethan was hard, but so was coming to terms with bringing him into her life.

Then there is Zach, the son, who is amazing most of the time, precocious always, and also has the makings of a major dictator. As amazing as his relationship with Stevie was, there were times when I just wanted her to take control a little more. She gives him far too much power. However, their relationship is strong and key to everything and it works really well.

From the very start, I found this an absorbing, entertaining and often emotional read. The characters are nicely developed, the relationship are difficult and interesting and complicated and the whole thing was pure enjoyment, with bonus beach loveliness. I look forward to seeing what this author comes up with next.

(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)

[MJ]

Overall it was pretty good apart from the intelligent, switched on, 'good' parent, repeatedly (historically and once in this book) letting her child (who's only now 7), set the rule that she isn't allowed to date.

This isn't a considered decision about timing, things happening in his life, the guy being dodgy brothers or anything like that... This is a repeated story of the kid getting a hint of 'your thinking of dating!?! NOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!'. And that order being followed by a 'yes sir, perhaps I'll date when he's an adult and he'll be easier to deal with.' WTF!?!

Anyway. She's completely Dr Phil/The Nanny's love child in every other aspect of her life and parenting, but with this, for the story, she folds like a wet paper towel and runs with no thought to why or the fact that a child is setting rules for an adult that would be harmful for them all long term. Not to mention her years of torment with this was sorted with a quick convo she never thought to have! That kind of writing bugs me if you didn't catch it ;)

[Stephanie Bolen]

How dare you

As if I don't have enough things to worry about. Duh, with my family history I can't ever lose myself in alcohol or drugs cause I'd probably never be found again. And of course, there's the fact that some of us go crazy in our twenties. Now, because my brain is different I'm more likely to get divorced as well. And yeah already knew the brain interferes with holding down a job. That's where brain training comes in. Focus step by step, is it three times or six times around to clean a pate? Find out. Store it til it becomes routine and you don't think about it. Patterns don't allow the ADHD room to maneuver. And it's called circular thinking because at some point we always come back to our original thought. It just takes a while. But seriously, just cause our brains fire more neurons in an hour than most people do all day doesn't mean there is something wrong with us. We aren't crazy. ADHD doesn't mean I can't have friends or love. It doesn't even really define me. It makes my life harder sometimes but I deal. And I wanted to kick Ethan in the head and say stop with the self loathing. I can do a repetitive task for hours, day, years and never get bored. I have a radio that plays songs constantly in my head, most of them I love. Find the good in whatever situation you are in, or at least the parts that don't suck. Cling it those parts because those are what will spur you on to tomorrow. Wallowing in the can't just sticks you somewhere you don't want to be.

[Naomi]

I actually really liked this book.

The two main characters have their share of dysfunctionality, but their relationship progressed in a far healthier way than many of the romance books I have read. Where many romance books rely on their characters keeping secrets from each other to keep the drama until the end of the book, this one had them being honest with each other and it was the everyday knocks of life that kept the drama going.

They were lovely people and, despite the attraction they felt all the way back in high school, they took the time to get to know each other and by the end of the book I was satisfied that they really should be together.

The one thing I struggled with was the way their son was written. He was a seven-year-old boy, but I often felt he was written a bit to old for his age. I know that all kids are different, but as the mother of a nine and eleven-year-old boy, he didn't sit right with me. His speech, humour and overall behaviour were better suited to a kid two or three years older. Even the fact that Stevie sent him up to have a shower and put himself to bed while she went to talk to her sister just didn't sit right with me. At that age, I think you would still tuck them into bed and kiss them goodnight, and then go and have your conversation. And if she had done that, he probably wouldn't have run off.

[Patricia Brioux]

Okay, although I wasn’t all ga-ga over this read, I still think it to be super cute, heartbreakingly beautiful, and had a great message. That line, “[w]hy does difference automatically mean I have to explain myself to a stranger?” hit so close to home. It not only worked stunningly in context with these two characters and just the overall storyline of this book but it has been a question I have continuously asked myself for what seems like forever. The chances of me ever finding the answer is slim to none, I know, but I have theorized that it’s one of two things: curiosity OR one’s own bigotry. I have hope it weighs heavier in the former rather than the later, but that could very well be my heart leading over my head, which sickens me. I have recently realized that I can only choose the course of my own life, that I have no bearing over someone’s else’s, so…I hope that one day, god willingly far down the road, that the family I choose to surround myself with, won’t remember me by the clothes I had on my back, the degrees I had hanging on my wall, nor the car sitting in my laneway. I hope they will remember me as someone with a good heart, who treated everyone with the utmost respect, and who chose love over judgement.

*A beautiful read questioning the power of words and how they evidently have the power to shape us.*

[Meche]

This book has everything right. the romance is well done (although a bit exaggerated that they are still in Love after just one night), she is a good mother, the topics are handled well, but somehow I was bored, I skipped thru the paragraphs because I wanted to finish quickly.
The guy, Ethan has adhd and honestly I have never met someone with such a intense case, but I found it so eye rolling when he said he would never be a good parent or partner because he gets distracted easily... like dude... it's not that big of a deal, don't be a drama queen.

Also I liked the son, but him deciding over his mother's love life? wtf. Yes, it's good he has a say, but she is his mother and it is her life. As long as he isn't abusive or toxic she doesn't need anyone's opinion, so HIM throwing a tantrum was way too *alert: spoiled child ahead* for me. I was raised by a mother that would have destroyed me if I would have spoken to her the way he did. it made me uncomfortable.

the book deserves more stars, but I didn't enjoyed it because something annoyed me. Sorry

[Cindy]

I got this as a freebie on Amazon. Book 4 in the series, but can be enjoyed as a stand alone. There are characters from previous books in this story that make appearances, but they don't distract. This is an Aussie romance.

I really liked this story! The H/h are likable. The hero leaves high school due to debilitating ADHD that makes life a misery. The heroine has big plans to become an engineer. The night before he leaves town for good, they have sex. He leaves & she finds out she's pregnant. She finds out he's drinking & doing drugs. She decides not to contact him. Then she finds out he died.....

Not really. 8 years later they meet up again & he finds out about his child. What happens after, the emotions & angst seem very real. The author doesn't rush our H/h to the alter. There's a lot to process & things to get through. There IS a HEA. I recommend & I might check out more from this author.

[Margaery]

I have an idea why this book was nominated for a literary award. It told a story which illustrated true life. There are a plethora of books about star-crossed lovers, coming-of-age, and secret babies. But the plot is almost always the same, there is only a small or minor amount of struggle between the characters and individually. They have a somewhat uncomplicated and unchallenging storyline to a happy ending.

Ethan and Stevie's story did not follow the popular tropes. I can enumerate all the good stuff this book has but I may not because... spoilers. Let's just say, if you are a single mother, you will definitely connect with Stevie's choices and concerns. As complex as Ethan's character is, Stevie is compelling. I normally love reading from male perspectives but in this book, I enjoyed the female character's viewpoint more. Nonetheless, Ethan is downright awe-inspiring as well.

[Joy]

I have only just discovered Madeline Ash. Until I read her book ‘You For Christmas’ at the start of January 2018, I was not aware of her beautiful prose. Now I am keen to read everything she has written.
Book four of this series ‘Breaking Good’ won the 2017 RWA Rita award, and rightly so. It is such a good story. Madeline tells the tale of Stevie, a single Mum, and her struggle to bring up her son Zach. The delicious hero in this story is Ethan, who compliments Stevie’s character in every way. It is a friends and lovers reunited story, and it has all the feels.
I don’t want to give away any spoilers so I won’t go into detail about the story line. I will say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I am a big fan of Madeline’s writing.

[My_every_day_chilling]

Having ADHD myself I could relate to the MMC and I loved feeling his struggle. His character was very well portrayed and I loved him.
I wanted to give the story itself a 4 star because I really enjoyed it, but one thing bothered me and I couldn't let it go. I'm a visual reader so I will look at the couple on the cover and use them as reference to the characters in my mind when I read. But I really hate it when the people on the cover are different to the ones in the book. It really really really bugged me that I was imagining the FMC of the cover with her nice long hair only to find out she has short spiky hair - it throws me off big time.
But if that doesn't bother you, you'll really enjoy the story.

[Louise Wilson]

The hero in this book has ADHD, making for an interesting novel for those interested in the impact of ADHD. Thankfully the people I know who suffer from ADHD are on the meds for it. The meds are expensive, but they make a huge difference to daily life for those inheriting this condition, and the people around them.

I must admit I found the heroine's son Zach to be overdrawn, often annoying, sounding more like an adult with his comments and demands, and not like a child in the early years of primary school.

It was good to see the author focus on the growing acceptance and understanding developing between the protagonists. They took their time to figure out how to make things work for them. There's a place in the world for everyone!

[Linda C. May]

Puzzles

Ethan is a puzzle. His mind is a puzzle to him. From our introduction to him as a high school student, we know life is hard for him to understand. Stevie is the one person who really appreciates him. After years of struggling with ADHD, Ethan is reunited with the only woman who accepted him as he was. Time had only made their love grow. There were still obstacles to face, including their own son he didn't know existed. This is a beautiful story and a true depiction of what it is like to live with ADHD.

[Christine Halse]

Great read!!

I normally don't read romance books but got this one for free and for some reason just started reading. I will say I love how Madeline's mind works! I will admit I read this all in one sitting and enjoyed every emotional turn it took. I found myself wondering how I would have reacted if it was me and followed these reaction from everyone's respective. I will say she has just gained a new fan and I will be recommending her books to my fellow readers!! Great read and sorry I don't do spoilers......

[Carole Mckee]

Terrific!

I loved this story. From the very first page until the last, this story kept me turning the pages. What I love the most about it is the realistic characters. Stevie is a woman who works hard as a laborer to support her son, Zack. Ethan has ADHD, a real problem suffered by many people. Zach is a typical child, who worries about change and abandonment. Nobody is perfect, and that's why I enjoyed this story. Well, Felix may be perfect, but maybe not. Great book. I loved it.

[S.M. Spencer]

What an emotional story - I loved the dynamics between the main characters, especially Stevie & Zach. I usually prefer books with more action, but I was given this book as a gift, and boy I'm glad I read it, even if it wasn't my "normal" style. The writing is lovely, and the characters are all likeable and the circumstances believable. And the ending - loved it. A fabulous Australian romance. Well done Ms Ash.

[Kelly]

The main characters in this book were a refreshing change to the ones I typically read. They both had their imperfections and were not your typical beautiful people with the usual issues. Stevie and Ethan’s relationship was beautifully told and you couldn’t help but be rooting for them. Zach was a perfect secondary character and the angst you felt from him felt real, my heart couldn’t help but ache for them all. A quick read that had minimal angst but high emotions definitely worth a read.

[Denise Vasak]

This was a quick, emotionally sound read. The author wastes no time setting the tone/idea of the main couple. It's done well and conveys all the desire exhibited in a short space of writing. Even once we jump ahead, the big moments aren't dragged out and fretted over unnecessarily.

I will say that that 7-year old had too much "free will"/control over everything but I enjoyed this quick read. I'd definitely read more in this series.

[Whit]

Although I mostly enjoyed this story, I had a problem with Stevie giving Zach, her 7 year old son, so much power over her adult decisions.
Too many of my 14 and 15 year old students are overwhelmed with anxiety because they are burdened with responsibilities their parents should be handling.
That being said, I loved how Ethan faced his difficulties with ADHD and didn't let it, for the most part, prevent him from pursuing a relationship with Stevie and Zach.

[Pbiis314]

darn good book

First time reader with this author and I loved it. Her writing style is third person but it was kinda refreshing. I loved the main characters, both Ethan and Stevie. I also loved the topic of ADHD…it was addressed with reverence and realism (a topic that is personally prevalent in my household). Truly a very good read. I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Carol Tietsworth]

I don't often use five stars, because then there's no need to try hsrder

In this vase, five stars only because there aren't six or seven. I read a lot, a lot, an extraordinary amount, not bragging, and I read, copy edit for a living,so even more reading. You'd think I would be jaded, but I am not.
I loved this story from the get go, and cried through the last pages.
Kudos!