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Broken
Ugly...monster...freak.Ford Taylor has endured the whispers and the horrified stares his entire life. Rejected by both his family and strangers for the way he looks, he’s grown accustomed to his lonely life. His life is changed forever when Stella, the redheaded beauty he harbors a secret crush on, befriends him.Photographer, Stella Johnson, is fascinated by the quiet man with the unconventional looks. Her sweet nature and her ability to see Ford for who he really is slowly breaks down the walls he’s built around his heart. Their friendship soon blossoms into love.But when Ford’s insecurities and a dark secret from his past threaten their relationship, Stella must convince him that their love for each other is the only thing that matters.Author’s This book contains explicit and steamy sex scenes that may not be your cup of tea. It is intended for mature readers only.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2016
99 people are currently reading
2283 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Kelly
75 books693 followersElizabeth Kelly is a romance novelist who spends her days writing and pushing her cat Murray off the keyboard. She firmly believes that a person can survive solely on sushi and coffee, and only her husband's mad cooking skills prevents her from proving that theory.
She also writes contemporary and paranormal romance under her alter-ego "Ramona Gray".
She also writes contemporary and paranormal romance under her alter-ego "Ramona Gray".
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September 30, 2024
~𝟮.𝟮𝟱 ✧
♪♫ just a little change
small to say the least
both a little scared
neither one prepared
beauty and the beast ♪♫
☢ ᴀ ʙʀɪᴇꜰ ᴘꜱᴀ: ʜᴇʟʟᴏ ꜰʀɪᴇɴᴅꜱ 👋 ɪᴛ ɪꜱ ɪ, ᴊᴜʟɪᴀ - ʟᴏᴠᴇʀ ᴏꜰ ʙᴏᴏᴋꜱ & ꜱᴛᴜꜰꜰ. ᴛʜɪꜱ ɪꜱᴘʀᴏʙᴀʙʟʏ ɢᴏɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ʙᴇ ᴀ ʀᴀɴᴛ. ꜱᴏ, ɪꜰ ɪ'ᴍ ᴄᴏᴍɪɴɢ ᴀꜰᴛᴇʀ ʏᴏᴜʀ ꜰᴀᴠ, ᴋɪɴᴅʟʏ ᴍᴏᴠᴇ ᴀʟᴏɴɢ. ☢
✘ '𝗕𝗥𝗢𝗞𝗘𝗡' 𝗪𝗔𝗦… 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗯𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮 𝗯𝗶𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗜'𝗺 𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘁… which is… disappointing to say the least. I'd actually had my eye on this one for a while, and funny enough, 'BROKEN' started out pretty good.
The set up was engaging,
Despite that pretty intriguing setup, it quickly becomes apparent that,
➜ Ford Taylor is an annoying sad sack with no self confidence who needs to be dragged into a relationship with Stella.
✘✘ 𝗠𝗢𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗨𝗖𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗗𝗥𝗔𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗗 𝗸𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴, which again, who wants to read about that? See, at first, I understood. Ford has been told his whole life by almost everyone that he's so ugly that no one will ever want him. He's told that by his family, by the first girl he ever loved, by random people at a bar, etc. etc.
Thus, when Stella first makes her interest know I understood why he was wary. But, as the book went on he kept on being wary. Look at it this way, if you were a random stranger hearing about FordStella from just Ford you'd honestly believe that Stella hated Ford and wanted nothing to do with him.
Which *sighs deeply* IS TOTALLY NOT AT ALL TRUE. For goodness sake, Stella is so horny for Ford that at one point she pulls his pants down while he's sleeping and looks at his dick.
Seriously, any time Stella even glanced in Ford's this what she'd look like, ↯↯
At one point I for real wanted to ask her, 'honey are you good? do your legs hurt from assuming the position for so long?' Because jeez, it was almost excessive. But that's the thing, even after all of Stella's perving he still didn't believe in her feelings for him. It's Stella who has to pursue him, which… fine. That's fine…
but then… come to find out that...
✘✘✘ 𝗦𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗟𝗟 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝘂𝗿𝘀𝘂𝗲 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽… Here. Right here. This is where the book really started to grate on my nerves. See, not only does Stella have to keep pursuing Ford once they're in a relationship, but the author doesn't even show us their actual relationship. One minute they're finally getting together, and then the next moment it's two months later…
What. The actual. Fuck.
So, not only do we not get to see them together together, but we don't ever, not once, get to witness Ford fighting for Stella.
*takes calming breath*
Moreover, instead of getting actual couple time with StellaFord we get to witness Ford being a insecure bish who immediately breaks up with Stella the minute his shit family starts throwing insults. I - I can't. This was the point where I wanted Stella to stop chasing him. I wanted him to get his shit together and actually realize how much Stella loved and wanted to be with him… but alas, I was more likely to see unicorns fly.
✘✘✘✘ 𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗢𝗡𝗟𝗬 𝗗𝗜𝗗 𝗜 𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗟𝗜𝗞𝗘 𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗗, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗜 𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗼 𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗻'𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗮 𝗲𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿… because you know what? she felt too extra and quirky. You know those heroines who seem all over the place personality wise? Well that was Stella. One minute she's this badass confident woman strutting down the hall in her sky high heels. And in the next moment, she's suffering from word vomit, feeling extremely insecure, and ready to hide in a corner. Now, I don't mind those two extremes, because you know, we women have depth.
But, most of the time this kind of waffling just does not translate well in a story. I just - could not get a read on this girl.
Suffice it to say, Stella as a heroine just - did not work. Plus, why was she the one constantly doing all the work. Like - honey. At a certain point you need someone to chase you. And TBH, it seemed like she just wanted to hop on his 🍆✨, because this girl was deadass out here calling his face "unique." Excuse me while I laugh in the corner, cause from where I'm sitting that's a nice way of calling him ugly. ~ how sweet ~
✘✘✘✘✘ 𝗜𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗘𝗡𝗗, 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗯𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁… and I'm honestly super bummed that 'BROKEN' didn't work for me. 'BROKEN' had all kinds of light 'Beauty and the Beast' vibes that I was adoring. Plus, it featured not your typical conventionally attractive hero, along with a plus-size heroine. Basically, it sounded like an instant five star read… but alas…
Now, that said, I want to make it known that I didn't completely hate this book. There's a reason I rated it two and a quarter stars. That reason is, it was readable. The first fifteen percent, believe it or not, was actually quite good. I enjoyed Ford and Stella's meet-cute moments, and I was excited to see how things would progress. Now, that feeling didn't last long, but I digress.
All in all, 'BROKEN' has potential…
➜ and it's readable, sooooo 🤷♀️
So, if you have five bucks to spare and are in the mood for a "unique" hero, an all-over-the-place heroine, and a shit ton of family drama, then I say check this one out. I personally wasn't a fan, but I can see why some may have liked it.
♪♫ just a little change
small to say the least
both a little scared
neither one prepared
beauty and the beast ♪♫
☢ ᴀ ʙʀɪᴇꜰ ᴘꜱᴀ: ʜᴇʟʟᴏ ꜰʀɪᴇɴᴅꜱ 👋 ɪᴛ ɪꜱ ɪ, ᴊᴜʟɪᴀ - ʟᴏᴠᴇʀ ᴏꜰ ʙᴏᴏᴋꜱ & ꜱᴛᴜꜰꜰ. ᴛʜɪꜱ ɪꜱ
✘ '𝗕𝗥𝗢𝗞𝗘𝗡' 𝗪𝗔𝗦… 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗯𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮 𝗯𝗶𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗜'𝗺 𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘁… which is… disappointing to say the least. I'd actually had my eye on this one for a while, and funny enough, 'BROKEN' started out pretty good.
The set up was engaging,
➜ Ford Taylor (H), broken, ugly, monstrous. All his life he's been rejected by those around him because of his looks.
Enter, the redheaded bombshell, Stella Johnson (h). She's an aspiring photographer, and the minute she locks eyes with Ford she's enamored by his unique looks.
A friendship forms.
As Ford and Stella grow closer a romance begins to bloom. But, Ford has been burned before. For their burgeoning love to last they're going to have to fight for each other.
Despite that pretty intriguing setup, it quickly becomes apparent that,
➜ Ford Taylor is an annoying sad sack with no self confidence who needs to be dragged into a relationship with Stella.
✘✘ 𝗠𝗢𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗨𝗖𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗗𝗥𝗔𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗗 𝗸𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴, which again, who wants to read about that? See, at first, I understood. Ford has been told his whole life by almost everyone that he's so ugly that no one will ever want him. He's told that by his family, by the first girl he ever loved, by random people at a bar, etc. etc.
Thus, when Stella first makes her interest know I understood why he was wary. But, as the book went on he kept on being wary. Look at it this way, if you were a random stranger hearing about FordStella from just Ford you'd honestly believe that Stella hated Ford and wanted nothing to do with him.
Which *sighs deeply* IS TOTALLY NOT AT ALL TRUE. For goodness sake, Stella is so horny for Ford that at one point she pulls his pants down while he's sleeping and looks at his dick.
Seriously, any time Stella even glanced in Ford's this what she'd look like, ↯↯
At one point I for real wanted to ask her, 'honey are you good? do your legs hurt from assuming the position for so long?' Because jeez, it was almost excessive. But that's the thing, even after all of Stella's perving he still didn't believe in her feelings for him. It's Stella who has to pursue him, which… fine. That's fine…
but then… come to find out that...
✘✘✘ 𝗦𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗟𝗟 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝘂𝗿𝘀𝘂𝗲 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽… Here. Right here. This is where the book really started to grate on my nerves. See, not only does Stella have to keep pursuing Ford once they're in a relationship, but the author doesn't even show us their actual relationship. One minute they're finally getting together, and then the next moment it's two months later…
What. The actual. Fuck.
So, not only do we not get to see them together together, but we don't ever, not once, get to witness Ford fighting for Stella.
*takes calming breath*
Moreover, instead of getting actual couple time with StellaFord we get to witness Ford being a insecure bish who immediately breaks up with Stella the minute his shit family starts throwing insults. I - I can't. This was the point where I wanted Stella to stop chasing him. I wanted him to get his shit together and actually realize how much Stella loved and wanted to be with him… but alas, I was more likely to see unicorns fly.
✘✘✘✘ 𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗢𝗡𝗟𝗬 𝗗𝗜𝗗 𝗜 𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗟𝗜𝗞𝗘 𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗗, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗜 𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗼 𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗻'𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗮 𝗲𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿… because you know what? she felt too extra and quirky. You know those heroines who seem all over the place personality wise? Well that was Stella. One minute she's this badass confident woman strutting down the hall in her sky high heels. And in the next moment, she's suffering from word vomit, feeling extremely insecure, and ready to hide in a corner. Now, I don't mind those two extremes, because you know, we women have depth.
But, most of the time this kind of waffling just does not translate well in a story. I just - could not get a read on this girl.
𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗟𝗟𝗔: *𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗸𝘀 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝗻 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗵𝗲𝗲𝗹𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲*
𝗠𝗘: 𝗢𝗵𝗵𝗵, 𝘀𝗼 𝘀𝗵𝗲'𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗮𝗱𝗮𝘀𝘀, 𝗴𝗼𝘁 𝗶𝘁.
𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗟𝗟𝗔: 𝗜 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗺𝘆 𝗯𝗼𝗱𝘆… 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗱𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝘁 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗸𝘀.
𝗠𝗘: 𝗨𝗵𝗵𝗵𝗵… 𝗼𝗸𝗮𝘆 𝘀𝗼 𝘀𝗵𝗲'𝘀 𝗮 𝗯𝗶𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗱𝘆 𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗶𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲𝘀, 𝗴𝗼𝘁 𝗶𝘁.
𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗟𝗟𝗔: *𝗕-𝗦𝗟𝗔𝗣𝗦 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗱'𝘀 𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿* 𝗙*𝗖𝗞 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗕𝗜𝗧𝗖𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗧'𝗦 𝗠𝗬 𝗠𝗔𝗡!!
𝗠𝗘: 𝗪𝗮𝗶𝘁 - 𝘀𝗼 𝘀𝗵𝗲'𝘀 𝗮 𝗯𝗮𝗱𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗯𝗶𝘀𝗵?
𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗟𝗟𝗔: 𝗝𝗮𝘀𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗲, 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗴𝗵𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝗲… 𝗜 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗮 𝗳𝗮𝘁 𝗴𝗶𝗿𝗹 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗺𝗲.
𝗠𝗘: ↯↯
Suffice it to say, Stella as a heroine just - did not work. Plus, why was she the one constantly doing all the work. Like - honey. At a certain point you need someone to chase you. And TBH, it seemed like she just wanted to hop on his 🍆✨, because this girl was deadass out here calling his face "unique." Excuse me while I laugh in the corner, cause from where I'm sitting that's a nice way of calling him ugly. ~ how sweet ~
✘✘✘✘✘ 𝗜𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗘𝗡𝗗, 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗯𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁… and I'm honestly super bummed that 'BROKEN' didn't work for me. 'BROKEN' had all kinds of light 'Beauty and the Beast' vibes that I was adoring. Plus, it featured not your typical conventionally attractive hero, along with a plus-size heroine. Basically, it sounded like an instant five star read… but alas…
Now, that said, I want to make it known that I didn't completely hate this book. There's a reason I rated it two and a quarter stars. That reason is, it was readable. The first fifteen percent, believe it or not, was actually quite good. I enjoyed Ford and Stella's meet-cute moments, and I was excited to see how things would progress. Now, that feeling didn't last long, but I digress.
All in all, 'BROKEN' has potential…
➜ and it's readable, sooooo 🤷♀️
So, if you have five bucks to spare and are in the mood for a "unique" hero, an all-over-the-place heroine, and a shit ton of family drama, then I say check this one out. I personally wasn't a fan, but I can see why some may have liked it.
December 17, 2016
We're told that the hero of this story is a beast, that he's ugly and how strangers stare at him with pity and disgust -- that he has a face even his own mother couldn't love. How Ford is treated will make you sad and angry.
I hate to use the word "beast" to describe a man with a beautiful soul and heart. This is the love story of Stella & Ford, co-workers at an downtown office. She's an Administrative Assistant and Ford is an ex-military, gentle giant (at 6'6") that mans the security desk. He's an introvert and loner who loves to cook and draw with few friends and no romantic prospects. Stella is an outgoing talented extrovert with her eyes on becoming a professional photographer. Ford sees her and she definitely sees him, Monday through Friday with her goal to eventually include weekends.
Their relationship is non-existent until the day Stella can't find anywhere to sit except at Ford's lunchroom table, with his permission. He mumbles yes and the rest is history. She's interested in him and he secretly pines after her. As they become friends, Ford is beside himself with anxiety and angst fearing one day Stella will realize she doesn't want to be his friend. The relationship takes a turn at the company picnic which Stella gently coerced him into attending with her. They arrive separately, but soon Stella firmly discovers that Ford does indeed have a thing for her. He's mortified and runs away from his destiny, until the day that Stella is a victim of a robbery and Ford's protective side is unleashed. You can't run too far because your destiny always has a way of finding you.
We learn that ugliness comes in all forms but this is also a beautiful love story about how the power of words can harm, maim and uplift to ultimately heal a broken spirit and a broken heart. I l♥ved it!
I hate to use the word "beast" to describe a man with a beautiful soul and heart. This is the love story of Stella & Ford, co-workers at an downtown office. She's an Administrative Assistant and Ford is an ex-military, gentle giant (at 6'6") that mans the security desk. He's an introvert and loner who loves to cook and draw with few friends and no romantic prospects. Stella is an outgoing talented extrovert with her eyes on becoming a professional photographer. Ford sees her and she definitely sees him, Monday through Friday with her goal to eventually include weekends.
Their relationship is non-existent until the day Stella can't find anywhere to sit except at Ford's lunchroom table, with his permission. He mumbles yes and the rest is history. She's interested in him and he secretly pines after her. As they become friends, Ford is beside himself with anxiety and angst fearing one day Stella will realize she doesn't want to be his friend. The relationship takes a turn at the company picnic which Stella gently coerced him into attending with her. They arrive separately, but soon Stella firmly discovers that Ford does indeed have a thing for her. He's mortified and runs away from his destiny, until the day that Stella is a victim of a robbery and Ford's protective side is unleashed. You can't run too far because your destiny always has a way of finding you.
We learn that ugliness comes in all forms but this is also a beautiful love story about how the power of words can harm, maim and uplift to ultimately heal a broken spirit and a broken heart. I l♥ved it!
September 5, 2023
Ford (H) and Stella (h) were so precious together. It drove me a little crazy that they struggled to start their friendship and then to express their desire to date because both had insecurities, although Ford's were the ones that really held them back and it was completely understandable given how people treated him unfortunately. I loved that Stella was persistent and loving and spirited. Plus, she defended him and I ate up those scenes. These two are co-workers in the sense that Stella works in the building that Ford works security for and this is how they meet. Ford has an unconventional face that draws negative attention and Stella is plus size. It is a slow building and burning character and relationship-focused romance with no driving outside plot or villains, though one could argue that Ford's OTT family of assholes were villainous. Written in third person, dual POV. Slight ow drama with a couple of instances of ow being in scenes and jerks about H (one is a former lover of his who didn't want him back but did overshare the details of what had happened between them) and a slight om drama moment where H thinks h is on a date at a party, where she was actually hoping to focus on him. Neither are virgins, H had been celibate for years and unsure how long it'd been for h.
I spent a lot of the book wanting to hug Ford and to cheer Stella on as she battered at his walls, while still trying not to overwhelm him (though she does at times). Ford's an introvert in addition to his wariness of people because of how they react to his looks and Stella is an extrovert who also lacks a filter at times. I just loved them together. Plus, once the steam started rolling, these two were very hot together. Stella was also so reassuring during these moments, making him maintain eye contact and showing Ford how she desired him. But I actually enjoyed the non-bedroom scenes between them more like when Stella admired his talent as an artist or when Ford met her family and was enveloped in love. It was also great that both were actually artistic in their own ways with Stella loving photography and Ford sketching and how both wanted the other as a model.
Their mutual friends from work, Stella's family, and Ford's family's butler were all amazing side characters who were supportive and caring. Ford's family all deserved to get punched in the face. A couple of ow who popped up also deserved to be punched in the face. I stand with Stella on this (she has a fiery temper). I did wish that some of Ford's surviving military friends were shown on page or mentioned that they kept in touch with him or that he had moments of being with the friends he had without Stella present.
As hard fought as it was to get these two on the same page with their relationship, a bump in the road does happen, and it happens right after an emotionally heartrending time as well. But Stella persisted and she showed Ford she wasn't going anywhere. The epilogue is them living their HEA with kids some years later. It briefly touches on what they're doing, but as adorable as it was, I wanted more information on how they got from the reconciliation to this HEA and what kind of success were they having with their dreams? The epilogue was enough to make me smile but it also didn't completely satisfy me. This book has been recommended to me a couple of times and I do think it's a good read esp since I couldn't put it down.
I spent a lot of the book wanting to hug Ford and to cheer Stella on as she battered at his walls, while still trying not to overwhelm him (though she does at times). Ford's an introvert in addition to his wariness of people because of how they react to his looks and Stella is an extrovert who also lacks a filter at times. I just loved them together. Plus, once the steam started rolling, these two were very hot together. Stella was also so reassuring during these moments, making him maintain eye contact and showing Ford how she desired him. But I actually enjoyed the non-bedroom scenes between them more like when Stella admired his talent as an artist or when Ford met her family and was enveloped in love. It was also great that both were actually artistic in their own ways with Stella loving photography and Ford sketching and how both wanted the other as a model.
Their mutual friends from work, Stella's family, and Ford's family's butler were all amazing side characters who were supportive and caring. Ford's family all deserved to get punched in the face. A couple of ow who popped up also deserved to be punched in the face. I stand with Stella on this (she has a fiery temper). I did wish that some of Ford's surviving military friends were shown on page or mentioned that they kept in touch with him or that he had moments of being with the friends he had without Stella present.
As hard fought as it was to get these two on the same page with their relationship, a bump in the road does happen, and it happens right after an emotionally heartrending time as well. But Stella persisted and she showed Ford she wasn't going anywhere. The epilogue is them living their HEA with kids some years later. It briefly touches on what they're doing, but as adorable as it was, I wanted more information on how they got from the reconciliation to this HEA and what kind of success were they having with their dreams? The epilogue was enough to make me smile but it also didn't completely satisfy me. This book has been recommended to me a couple of times and I do think it's a good read esp since I couldn't put it down.
July 19, 2023
Stella being ready to fight anyone who called Ford ugly, even Ford himself. I love.
MAIN CHARACTER NAMES AND AGES
Stella Johnson (26) | Ford Taylor (late 20s, early 30s)
FEATURES
∘ beauty and the beast-esque romance
∘ stoic / sunshine dynamic
∘ coworkers to friends to lovers
∘ insecure mmc
∘ persistent and loving mmc
∘ artist main characters
REVIEW
My heart hurt so badly for how Ford was treated. He could not believe Stella would ever be attracted to him. I appreciated how stubborn she was and how quickly she was to reassure Ford. They were such a sweet couple.
The novel was fast-paced. Oftentimes, details were lost in how rushed everything was. There is a significant foundation, but it’s missing a lot of meat.
That aside, the story was a very sweet one. It’s a perfect quick read with plenty of heart.
OW/OM DRAMA past OW — the first (and only) woman Ford was with hurt this sweet man even more than he was
CHEATING none
THIRD ACT BREAKUP yeah — reconciliation via communication and reassurance
ENDING HEA — epilogue a few years into the future
POV dual / third person
SPICE LEVEL 3.5 / 5
RATING 4 / 5
MAIN CHARACTER NAMES AND AGES
Stella Johnson (26) | Ford Taylor (late 20s, early 30s)
FEATURES
∘ beauty and the beast-esque romance
∘ stoic / sunshine dynamic
∘ coworkers to friends to lovers
∘ insecure mmc
∘ persistent and loving mmc
∘ artist main characters
REVIEW
My heart hurt so badly for how Ford was treated. He could not believe Stella would ever be attracted to him. I appreciated how stubborn she was and how quickly she was to reassure Ford. They were such a sweet couple.
The novel was fast-paced. Oftentimes, details were lost in how rushed everything was. There is a significant foundation, but it’s missing a lot of meat.
That aside, the story was a very sweet one. It’s a perfect quick read with plenty of heart.
OW/OM DRAMA past OW — the first (and only) woman Ford was with hurt this sweet man even more than he was
CHEATING none
THIRD ACT BREAKUP yeah — reconciliation via communication and reassurance
ENDING HEA — epilogue a few years into the future
POV dual / third person
SPICE LEVEL 3.5 / 5
RATING 4 / 5
February 6, 2017
Ford and Stella are one of the most adorable couples that I've ever had the pleasure of reading about.
I love the Beauty and the Beast theme. This one stood out from the other ones I've read, because Ford kept his interesting face, and didn't run to plastic surgery to make his outside match his inside. Stella fiercely defended Ford at every turn, and Ford was an absolute doll. He was hesitant to love Stella, which was understandable, but the two were perfect for each other. Steamy love scenes and a great story.
I love the Beauty and the Beast theme. This one stood out from the other ones I've read, because Ford kept his interesting face, and didn't run to plastic surgery to make his outside match his inside. Stella fiercely defended Ford at every turn, and Ford was an absolute doll. He was hesitant to love Stella, which was understandable, but the two were perfect for each other. Steamy love scenes and a great story.
October 30, 2021
I loved the heroine SO FREAKING MUCH!!!!!! What an absolute queen! This was such a sweet story.
June 13, 2022
**4.2/5 stars**
I didn't know what to expect going into this, but I ended up really enjoying it. I thought that I would cry but I was delightedly surprised at how fun the story was, despite showcasing things like discrimination, self-esteem issues, social anxiety, etc.
I felt so bad for Ford. He was born with a face that people would consider ''ugly'' and he didn't deserve to be treated so badly by his family, just because of his unconventional looks. The sad part too was how he got so used to it, that he didn't believe that anyone could ever love him. Ford was like a gentle and tender giant who would sit alone during lunch, until Stella joined him and made conversation with him. It was adorable to see him tongue-tied and shy when it came to Stella because of his long time crush on her (or well, since she started working in the same building). He would blush easily, flee when his nervousness would be too much...He struggled a lot with his insecurities and his fears but was still very protective and caring, especially with Stella for whom he would literally do anything for. He was an artist and liked to draw her...The way he just fantasized about her was cute and hot. He'd been celibate for a while, about 10 years or so.
Stella was a force of nature. I absolutely loved how fiercely protective and supportive of Ford she was; always ready to defend him. She literally confronted anyone who would make fun of him, looked weirdly at him or said something mean about him. She was an extrovert, even if she had her own self-esteem issues due to her weight (she often called herself chubby...she was said to be tall, had a round stomach, full breasts, big tighs, etc.). I also appreciated her honesty and how she would seek communication when Ford would step back into his shell or push her away due to his insecurities and fears. She was straight forward, didn't take any bullshit and tried to see things on the positive side. She was a little bit dumb at times, but it added a lightheartedness to the story. I also loved how she would take the lead with Ford. A refreshing heroine for sure!
What I loved about them was the fact that they both liked each other, but they also had insecurities that stopped them from developing a more than friendly relationship. Him obviously because of his looks and how unconfident and undeserving he felt, and her because of her weight. The good thing was the ambiguousness of their relationship, where they would walk the line between friends and more than friends, building up their lust and hopes. There were some slight jealousy and possessive moments, causing slight drama but it would always be solved fairly quickly.
✔️HEA
✔️Standalone
✔️3rd person POV
✔️MCs age
✔️No cheating
✔️Slight OM/OW
✔️Push and pull
✔️Slight Separation
🔥 Steam level: 3.5/5
⚡ Content warning
⚡ Trigger warning
I would definitely recommend this book. It treats the discrimination issues in an interesting way where as a reader, it's not too heavy, yet we understand the way the characters are feeling. There are funny moments, some goofiness and butt loads of cute scenes that will lighten up the plot. Overall, a very cute story.
I didn't know what to expect going into this, but I ended up really enjoying it. I thought that I would cry but I was delightedly surprised at how fun the story was, despite showcasing things like discrimination, self-esteem issues, social anxiety, etc.
“She doubted anyone would have the courage to approach him and ask to sit at his table. If the sheer size of his body and the obvious hard line of his muscles didn’t deter them, his unconventional looks definitely did.”
I felt so bad for Ford. He was born with a face that people would consider ''ugly'' and he didn't deserve to be treated so badly by his family, just because of his unconventional looks. The sad part too was how he got so used to it, that he didn't believe that anyone could ever love him. Ford was like a gentle and tender giant who would sit alone during lunch, until Stella joined him and made conversation with him. It was adorable to see him tongue-tied and shy when it came to Stella because of his long time crush on her (or well, since she started working in the same building). He would blush easily, flee when his nervousness would be too much...He struggled a lot with his insecurities and his fears but was still very protective and caring, especially with Stella for whom he would literally do anything for. He was an artist and liked to draw her...The way he just fantasized about her was cute and hot. He'd been celibate for a while, about 10 years or so.
“When she had actually approached him, tugging on a strand of that amazing, flame-coloured hair, and asked to join him, he’d nearly run like a startled deer.”
Stella was a force of nature. I absolutely loved how fiercely protective and supportive of Ford she was; always ready to defend him. She literally confronted anyone who would make fun of him, looked weirdly at him or said something mean about him. She was an extrovert, even if she had her own self-esteem issues due to her weight (she often called herself chubby...she was said to be tall, had a round stomach, full breasts, big tighs, etc.). I also appreciated her honesty and how she would seek communication when Ford would step back into his shell or push her away due to his insecurities and fears. She was straight forward, didn't take any bullshit and tried to see things on the positive side. She was a little bit dumb at times, but it added a lightheartedness to the story. I also loved how she would take the lead with Ford. A refreshing heroine for sure!
He nuzzled her neck. “Does that mean you want me to keep going?”
“Yes,” she said breathlessly. “Make me feel good, big guy.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
What I loved about them was the fact that they both liked each other, but they also had insecurities that stopped them from developing a more than friendly relationship. Him obviously because of his looks and how unconfident and undeserving he felt, and her because of her weight. The good thing was the ambiguousness of their relationship, where they would walk the line between friends and more than friends, building up their lust and hopes. There were some slight jealousy and possessive moments, causing slight drama but it would always be solved fairly quickly.
✔️HEA
✔️Standalone
✔️3rd person POV
✔️MCs age
✔️No cheating
✔️Slight OM/OW
✔️Push and pull
✔️Slight Separation
🔥 Steam level: 3.5/5
⚡ Content warning
⚡ Trigger warning
I would definitely recommend this book. It treats the discrimination issues in an interesting way where as a reader, it's not too heavy, yet we understand the way the characters are feeling. There are funny moments, some goofiness and butt loads of cute scenes that will lighten up the plot. Overall, a very cute story.
November 4, 2019
Wow...this was so good! I love the Beauty and the Beast trope, and this has got to be one of the best versions I've read!
When people are treated unfairly and judged on their appearance, they usually go one of two directions in life: they either internalize all of the negative and literally become monsters, or they find an inner strength to rise above the nastiness. The Beast in this book - Ford - rises above it all. His character was tough, but also very sweet and shy. And his new best buddy/friend Stella? I LOVED her! She was funny, confident - and self-conscious at times - and ready to kick anyone's ass who treated Ford with disrespect. Stella actually struck me as a 'ride or die' chick. lol. Anyway - Ford and Stella were made for each other.
An excerpt:
“Excuse me?” The woman said. “You heard me,” Stella said irritably. “Go stare at someone else.” The woman flushed and walked away quickly. Ford’s mouth dropped open when Stella yelled, “Don’t think I didn’t notice you staring at his ass, lady!” She rolled her eyes as Ford continued to gape at her. “What?” She gave him an impish grin. “Was it too bitchy?” He blinked at her and she shrugged. “If you hook up with some random woman at the barbeque, I’ll be left all alone as the awkward third wheel, remember? I’m not letting you ditch me, dude.” “I – she wasn’t…” He trailed off and she arched her eyebrow at him. “She wasn’t what? Staring at your ass? Trust me, she was. I thought she was going to start drooling.” “She was staring at my face, Stella, and we both know why,” he muttered. “She’s not interested in me.” “Yeah, well, the way she was looking at your ass suggested she might have been,” she said stubbornly.
Besides having day jobs, I also like the fact that both the H/h blossomed through their artistic talents: Ford was a master at drawing, and Stella was a budding photographer. Art is therapy!
I'm wavering between four and five stars, and rated this 4.5. Why? Because for me, I'm kinda' tired of almost EVERY romance book ending with the couple having a baby, or a half dozen kids running around, etc. I like kids, but not every book has to end with the house with the picket fence, and the 2.5 kids. Does every HEA need the same damn ending? LOL
Re-read 11/4/19, because I LOVE it!
When people are treated unfairly and judged on their appearance, they usually go one of two directions in life: they either internalize all of the negative and literally become monsters, or they find an inner strength to rise above the nastiness. The Beast in this book - Ford - rises above it all. His character was tough, but also very sweet and shy. And his new best buddy/friend Stella? I LOVED her! She was funny, confident - and self-conscious at times - and ready to kick anyone's ass who treated Ford with disrespect. Stella actually struck me as a 'ride or die' chick. lol. Anyway - Ford and Stella were made for each other.
An excerpt:
“Excuse me?” The woman said. “You heard me,” Stella said irritably. “Go stare at someone else.” The woman flushed and walked away quickly. Ford’s mouth dropped open when Stella yelled, “Don’t think I didn’t notice you staring at his ass, lady!” She rolled her eyes as Ford continued to gape at her. “What?” She gave him an impish grin. “Was it too bitchy?” He blinked at her and she shrugged. “If you hook up with some random woman at the barbeque, I’ll be left all alone as the awkward third wheel, remember? I’m not letting you ditch me, dude.” “I – she wasn’t…” He trailed off and she arched her eyebrow at him. “She wasn’t what? Staring at your ass? Trust me, she was. I thought she was going to start drooling.” “She was staring at my face, Stella, and we both know why,” he muttered. “She’s not interested in me.” “Yeah, well, the way she was looking at your ass suggested she might have been,” she said stubbornly.
Besides having day jobs, I also like the fact that both the H/h blossomed through their artistic talents: Ford was a master at drawing, and Stella was a budding photographer. Art is therapy!
I'm wavering between four and five stars, and rated this 4.5. Why? Because for me, I'm kinda' tired of almost EVERY romance book ending with the couple having a baby, or a half dozen kids running around, etc. I like kids, but not every book has to end with the house with the picket fence, and the 2.5 kids. Does every HEA need the same damn ending? LOL
Re-read 11/4/19, because I LOVE it!
July 22, 2022
Stopped reading this book after the female main character just borderlines sexually assaults the guy when he's asleep even whilst her inner monologue say she wouldn't like it if the roles were reversed, but then thinks "she should be so lucky". I have no words to explain how messed up I found the entire situation so I just noped out of there. But all that aside, I just found the book boring. The guy was always going on about how no one wants him because he's ugly, and she was going on about no one wants her because of her weight, it's like we get it already do you have any other aspects of your personality?
October 13, 2020
Beauty and the beast type stories are my fave. This could be considered one, only by the fact that the hero is considered ugly. I love romance stories where one character is considered ugly/unattractive by most, but the love interest disagrees. Both characters are really lovable; I especially loved how Stella stood up for the hero repeatedly and tried really hard to break down his emotional walls. Ford was also a great character.
This is a very enjoyable, sweet, steamy read that I highly recommend.
This is a very enjoyable, sweet, steamy read that I highly recommend.
February 9, 2022
I'm easily distracted by thoughts on the subjectivity of beauty and attraction so "beast" stories rarely work for me. This time I kept trying to picture a super ugly guy; one who would elicit from his family and strangers alike the described reactionary horror. Failing to come up with anyone in my mental gallery of faces I asked google who provided a list of the 50 ugliest actors. Who knew Willem Dafoe and Ciaran Hinds (who made a perfect Captain Wentworth in Persausion btw) are ugly? I've updated my mental files and henceforth they'll be my go to guys!
Within what is supposed to be a feel sad then feel good catharsis of a book the lack of nuance is annoying. The moments when Stella rips into Ford's tormentors are satisfying but they would have been better if every character—decent or despicable—hadn't felt so cartoonish.
Within what is supposed to be a feel sad then feel good catharsis of a book the lack of nuance is annoying. The moments when Stella rips into Ford's tormentors are satisfying but they would have been better if every character—decent or despicable—hadn't felt so cartoonish.
December 29, 2016
Safety: mild other women drama.
We find out that Ford paid to have sex with one of his sisters friends years ago and said women comes in at the end of the book. She describes in detail what they did to the heroine which I could have done without. She's doesn't mean any ill will to the H or the h, just wants to clear the air. It wasn't necessary but that author was a little more original with her ending so I didn't mind it.
Very safe. H has been celibate for a long time and they are both very faithful to each other. Also has 3 days of separation.
We find out that Ford paid to have sex with one of his sisters friends years ago and said women comes in at the end of the book. She describes in detail what they did to the heroine which I could have done without. She's doesn't mean any ill will to the H or the h, just wants to clear the air. It wasn't necessary but that author was a little more original with her ending so I didn't mind it.
Very safe. H has been celibate for a long time and they are both very faithful to each other. Also has 3 days of separation.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2022
A heartwarming story about a fugly (or unique looking as the h says) gentle giant and a spunky curvaceous redhead. This author always knows how to combine (very) sweet with (very) steamy. With the right dollops of angst and humor.
I lurve how the h champions him, and takes down his rich, model-perfect family but they are conspicuously absent at the end.
The kiddie epilogue is perfect!♥️
I lurve how the h champions him, and takes down his rich, model-perfect family but they are conspicuously absent at the end.
The kiddie epilogue is perfect!♥️
January 8, 2017
Positively amazing
A remarkable Beauty and the Beast story for me it was perfection that tug your emotions and I loved it!
A remarkable Beauty and the Beast story for me it was perfection that tug your emotions and I loved it!
February 18, 2021
First read July 2020
Reread February 2021
Over the top with the family stuff, but these two characters are incredibly sweet together. Stella is one of my favorites, spicy and unwaveringly loyal. Ford is wounded from years of emotional abuse but his underlying gentle nature and kindness shows through. Wish their story was longer.
Reread February 2021
Over the top with the family stuff, but these two characters are incredibly sweet together. Stella is one of my favorites, spicy and unwaveringly loyal. Ford is wounded from years of emotional abuse but his underlying gentle nature and kindness shows through. Wish their story was longer.
August 18, 2025
I was interested in Elizabeth Kelly's Broken because I enjoy beauty and the beast pairings, and I also like a hero who's a little traumatized and instead of that making him a villain, he becomes someone who believes no woman could ever love him. Gimme the feels!!
I thought the beginning of the story was so, so sweet, and I liked that they both had insecurities that led to a slow burn relationship. Although Stella was a buxom bombshell, she still thought of herself as a chubby girl that no man would want, despite most of the men in this book finding her physically attractive upon first meeting her. Ford apparently had an ugly mug, but it seemed as though he may have just had coarse facial features that lacked symmetry. It's hard to really understand why his family hated him or why other girls would make fun of him, as he seemed to be just a but-him-face. Hot body but an okay-looking face.
Although I like that Stella was the ray of sunshine that brought light into Ford's life, I also wish that yearning heartache continued past the beginning. Ford was shrunken in, unable to believe that a woman would be genuinely friendly and kind to him, let alone a woman he was attracted to. Some GR reviewers say the villains are cartoonish, but Stella and Ford are too. So much so that I find it hard to believe that they both could misinterpret each other's intentions not just once, but multiple times. I think I needed a little bit more to suspend my disbelief. If Stella knows Ford is shy, she can't keep believing automatically that he doesn't want anything to do with her because he's not into her, especially when she sees things like how he folds a photograph of them together to show only her face.
This was a super cute read that I enjoyed, nonetheless.
I thought the beginning of the story was so, so sweet, and I liked that they both had insecurities that led to a slow burn relationship. Although Stella was a buxom bombshell, she still thought of herself as a chubby girl that no man would want, despite most of the men in this book finding her physically attractive upon first meeting her. Ford apparently had an ugly mug, but it seemed as though he may have just had coarse facial features that lacked symmetry. It's hard to really understand why his family hated him or why other girls would make fun of him, as he seemed to be just a but-him-face. Hot body but an okay-looking face.
Although I like that Stella was the ray of sunshine that brought light into Ford's life, I also wish that yearning heartache continued past the beginning. Ford was shrunken in, unable to believe that a woman would be genuinely friendly and kind to him, let alone a woman he was attracted to. Some GR reviewers say the villains are cartoonish, but Stella and Ford are too. So much so that I find it hard to believe that they both could misinterpret each other's intentions not just once, but multiple times. I think I needed a little bit more to suspend my disbelief. If Stella knows Ford is shy, she can't keep believing automatically that he doesn't want anything to do with her because he's not into her, especially when she sees things like how he folds a photograph of them together to show only her face.
This was a super cute read that I enjoyed, nonetheless.
November 1, 2016
Broken is my favorite Elizabeth Kelly book. It is amazing, it is a one sitting read so be prepared. It is a beautiful story about the redemption of Ford Taylor from the evils of his family, rejection and pain based on his outer looks. It is a story about beauty and that not all beauty lies on the surface but comes from a loving soul.
Ford’s redemption comes in the form of a chubby redhead with a beautiful soul, Stella Johnson. When the elevator opens and Stella steps out seeing Ford sitting on his own people whispering and staring at him, his life changes and we get to be part of this journey. Stella see beyond his looks, she sees who Ford really is.
His redemption is no street car she is a freight train packing a punch. It is a beautiful story of flaws, insecurities, secrets , friendship and love.
I think Stella is the best main chartecter Elizabeth has written. She is fiesty, alittle insecure, loving, beautiful and it is best to stay on her good side were Ford is concerned, we can all see a little bit of ourself in her.
This is an amazing and very entertaining story, I received a copy for an honest review, Broken is beautiful..
Ford’s redemption comes in the form of a chubby redhead with a beautiful soul, Stella Johnson. When the elevator opens and Stella steps out seeing Ford sitting on his own people whispering and staring at him, his life changes and we get to be part of this journey. Stella see beyond his looks, she sees who Ford really is.
His redemption is no street car she is a freight train packing a punch. It is a beautiful story of flaws, insecurities, secrets , friendship and love.
I think Stella is the best main chartecter Elizabeth has written. She is fiesty, alittle insecure, loving, beautiful and it is best to stay on her good side were Ford is concerned, we can all see a little bit of ourself in her.
This is an amazing and very entertaining story, I received a copy for an honest review, Broken is beautiful..
October 18, 2019
A big thanks to someone in one of my GR groups for recommending this little gem. This was my first read by this author and I loved it! I was caught by the very first paragraph and could barely stand to put it down until I finished it. I pretty much inhaled this novel, to be honest. I really liked both main characters. Stella is kind, loyal, loving, and hilarious. Ford was gentle, sweet, insecure, and had so much love and affection to give. I loved that Stella was plus sized and while the author didn’t shy away from mentioning it, we weren’t beaten over the head with references to her size. Stella had faced cruel comments and rejection in her life because of it but she was a pretty secure person and didn’t spend time feeling sorry for herself. As a plus size woman I thought that her portrayal was very realistic and relatable.
There’s some humor as well as some angst in this book. My heart went out to Ford so many times and Stella was exactly what he needed. I loved them as a couple and that their relationship and love went beyond a face or body. I didn’t want the book to end and was sad that it’s not longer. I wanted more Ford and Stella! I give this a well-deserved 4 1/2 stars.
There’s some humor as well as some angst in this book. My heart went out to Ford so many times and Stella was exactly what he needed. I loved them as a couple and that their relationship and love went beyond a face or body. I didn’t want the book to end and was sad that it’s not longer. I wanted more Ford and Stella! I give this a well-deserved 4 1/2 stars.
August 29, 2023
This book was about Ford, who's supposed to be an ugly guy but believe me when I say I couldn't imagine him to be anything, but a very handsome guy. I always like to give the character a face, so I can imagine them while reading, but with Ford, I couldn't. I tried to look for edits for this book so I could imagine him. However, all I was imagining was a good-looking man.
This is the thing about books. We read about the personality of the characters, their feelings, and their thoughts. Their physical appearances become irrelevant when they're kind and respectful.
I enjoyed reading this book. This story was heartwarming, and both MCs were sweethearts. I wanted to hug them so badly. They were a match made in Heaven.
I loved Stella for not giving up on Ford, sticking to him, and showing him his worth. The poor guy grew up with a horrible family, and people had been so cruel to him his whole life that they sabotaged his self-esteem.
This story is worth reading, and I will reserve a spot in my heart for Ford because he deserves so much love.
This is the thing about books. We read about the personality of the characters, their feelings, and their thoughts. Their physical appearances become irrelevant when they're kind and respectful.
I enjoyed reading this book. This story was heartwarming, and both MCs were sweethearts. I wanted to hug them so badly. They were a match made in Heaven.
I loved Stella for not giving up on Ford, sticking to him, and showing him his worth. The poor guy grew up with a horrible family, and people had been so cruel to him his whole life that they sabotaged his self-esteem.
This story is worth reading, and I will reserve a spot in my heart for Ford because he deserves so much love.
January 30, 2024
I like the fact that the girl is not the most beautiful person in the world (like the beauty and the beast trope). She’s a regular, plus-sized woman who has beautiful red hair. Very tall too. Buxom.
The best thing about this book was the heroine - she fought hard for her man, didn’t play games and got him in the end.
While I can understand where Ford is coming from, and there were reviews that complained about how sissy/ cowardly he was due to the psychological abuse by his family, I just think he was too “beta.” And I don’t like using that term. He was just too weak as a character.
The writing is easy and simple. Not a whole lot of deep emotions or “smart” writing.
Likely won’t read any more by this author.
The best thing about this book was the heroine - she fought hard for her man, didn’t play games and got him in the end.
While I can understand where Ford is coming from, and there were reviews that complained about how sissy/ cowardly he was due to the psychological abuse by his family, I just think he was too “beta.” And I don’t like using that term. He was just too weak as a character.
The writing is easy and simple. Not a whole lot of deep emotions or “smart” writing.
Likely won’t read any more by this author.
March 8, 2022
Ehh. Nothing too remarkable about this book, unfortunately. I was really excited to read this since the plot seemed super enticing to me - I'm a VERY avid dark romance reader and I wouldn't want it any other way since I know it will always be my favorite genre, but once in a while it's good for my mind and mental health to take a break to read something lighter without many dark themes.
This seemed perfect for a change after all: introvert shy hero, extrovert bubbly heroine, simple drama free love story. In the end tho it mostly was too boring with the heroine Stella constantly pursuing the relationship and Ford, the hero, being too insecure and traumatized from past relationships to really believe her interest in him was genuine. I guess his was a very realistic response since he was mistreated and abused for his looks by family and people his entire life (he was born with a facial deformity), I just wished his uncertainty wouldn't have lasted almost until the last page of the book, except for the epilogue. He pushed the heroine away way too many times for my liking, to the point it felt like it was HIM who wasn't really into Stella and ready to date her. Stella was overall a sweet, likeable character: she was a chatty, beautiful curvy woman and she embraced Ford for who he was without making his deformity his main and only trait. The sex scenes between them were fine, nothing top notch crazy. I think a big factor about why I mainly read dark romance is sex <I just know I absolutely prefer it and love it way more when the hero is the main pursuer to the point of being obsessed and consumed by the heroine and this definitely wasn't the case.
2.5 stars
This seemed perfect for a change after all: introvert shy hero, extrovert bubbly heroine, simple drama free love story. In the end tho it mostly was too boring with the heroine Stella constantly pursuing the relationship and Ford, the hero, being too insecure and traumatized from past relationships to really believe her interest in him was genuine. I guess his was a very realistic response since he was mistreated and abused for his looks by family and people his entire life (he was born with a facial deformity), I just wished his uncertainty wouldn't have lasted almost until the last page of the book, except for the epilogue. He pushed the heroine away way too many times for my liking, to the point it felt like it was HIM who wasn't really into Stella and ready to date her. Stella was overall a sweet, likeable character: she was a chatty, beautiful curvy woman and she embraced Ford for who he was without making his deformity his main and only trait. The sex scenes between them were fine, nothing top notch crazy. I think a big factor about why I mainly read dark romance is sex <I just know I absolutely prefer it and love it way more when the hero is the main pursuer to the point of being obsessed and consumed by the heroine and this definitely wasn't the case.
2.5 stars
September 30, 2022
The heroine was the only pursuer in the relationship and i mean the ONLY.. the hero did nothing to win her over, all he did was running away. He also kept comparing her to this OW he was with before her.
Even with the big revelation about him paying this ow to be with him.. instead of explaining himself he ran away AGAIN and ghosted the heroine for days and the heroine had to look for him.
Also dont get me started on that whole chapter where the ow was explaining in details to the heroine about her bed adventures with the hero.. i dont even like the hero and i was sick to my stomach.
Dont ask me why i didnt just dnf the book because i dont even know myself lmao.
2 ⭐
Even with the big revelation about him paying this ow to be with him.. instead of explaining himself he ran away AGAIN and ghosted the heroine for days and the heroine had to look for him.
Also dont get me started on that whole chapter where the ow was explaining in details to the heroine about her bed adventures with the hero.. i dont even like the hero and i was sick to my stomach.
Dont ask me why i didnt just dnf the book because i dont even know myself lmao.
2 ⭐
June 3, 2020
Could've possibly been a good book but I felt uncomfortable reading most of it. There's sexual attraction and then there's just perverse weirdness, I couldn't help but think that both protagonists were perverts. It was an absolute turn off.
The heroine was childish and annoying, most of the things she said were meant to be funny, but I failed to see the humour in any of them.
The execution just wasn't the best and I couldn't bring myself to finish it.
The heroine was childish and annoying, most of the things she said were meant to be funny, but I failed to see the humour in any of them.
The execution just wasn't the best and I couldn't bring myself to finish it.
April 25, 2020
My gawd, this was a beautiful and, if I might add, hawt hawt story.
I felt so heartbroken for Ford. That sweet sweet man. I'm so happy about the ending too. And no, I'm not crying, You are!
Without a doubt 5⭐ read!
Peace,
A.
I felt so heartbroken for Ford. That sweet sweet man. I'm so happy about the ending too. And no, I'm not crying, You are!
Without a doubt 5⭐ read!
Peace,
A.
February 11, 2024
read Feb 11, 2024 - Feb 11, 2024: 1 star
November 25, 2020
3.5 stars
Broken was a lot less angsty than I expected it to be. It's a very light-hearted read. Serious problems like child abandonment and loneliness are treated with a kind of cute irreverence where the power of love conquers all. That said, it's not a bad book.
Also, Stella is like the cutest ballistic missile in the world and Ford was a really sweet guy. Sex scenes were pretty well written. And there was a lot of them.
Also I loved the bit where Stella punches Ford's asshole sister in the face.
Broken was a lot less angsty than I expected it to be. It's a very light-hearted read. Serious problems like child abandonment and loneliness are treated with a kind of cute irreverence where the power of love conquers all. That said, it's not a bad book.
Also, Stella is like the cutest ballistic missile in the world and Ford was a really sweet guy. Sex scenes were pretty well written. And there was a lot of them.
Also I loved the bit where Stella punches Ford's asshole sister in the face.
November 19, 2016
Let me start by saying that I am a huge Elizabeth Kelly fan and have loved all of her books but this is definitely in my top 3 of her books. Broken is the story of Ford and Stella. Ford is security guard and ex-marine that works in the same building as Stella. He is an incredibly quiet and shy introvert, and Stella is a very outgoing tall redhead who wants to be a photographer. They're romance is slow to start because Ford refuses to believe that a woman like Stella could be interested in him because of his, as Stella says, "unique" looks and Stella convinces herself that Ford is just not attracted to her. So they develop a beautiful friendship first. Now, usually, I prefer when the characters get together sooner but it totally makes sense in this book. At first I found it hard to believe that Ford was so "broken" that he couldn't see how obvious it was that Stella wanted him. But then, we meet his family. Insert very unhappy face here! I could not believe how horrible they were to him all because of his looks! They couldn't even look at him and treated him as a nuisance. After that it made sense why it took Ford so long to understand that he was capable of being loved and desired, because how could he think he was worthy of love and attention if his own family couldn't do it. Thankfully Stella never gave up and showed him that true love was more than skin deep and that she would always stand by him. She is definitely one of my favorite characters for her protectiveness, loyalty and her occasional awkwardness, loved her ramblings to herself. As always with Ms. Kelly's book, Broken is sweet, sexy and funny definitely recommend this book as a must read.
November 24, 2016
This book is amazing!
Alternately numerous and heartbreaking, this story will pull at every heartstrings you posses. The characters are complex but mostly compliment each other. Mostly, Ford is a lonely loner who pines for Stella. Stella is brash and takes a no-holds barred approach to life, like, if you don't get her, she's still okay. She has her own issues and insecurities but has learned to roll with the punches. The story flows easily and you get swept into the thrill of the chase, the art of the love game, and the secrets that Ford keeps. The scenes are emotionally dense as well as incredibly detailed, and will keep you right in the thrill of it all. The pace is fast and you will want to try to read it all in one sitting. You will fail. I couldn't, but you can try. Even the second time I read it took me into the next day. I lost some sleep but it was entirely worth it. You won't want to miss this deeply evolved and modernised interpretation of Beauty and the Beast, it's not an exact re-do of the classic story but the base elements are there. Definitely this should make the top of your TBR list!
Alternately numerous and heartbreaking, this story will pull at every heartstrings you posses. The characters are complex but mostly compliment each other. Mostly, Ford is a lonely loner who pines for Stella. Stella is brash and takes a no-holds barred approach to life, like, if you don't get her, she's still okay. She has her own issues and insecurities but has learned to roll with the punches. The story flows easily and you get swept into the thrill of the chase, the art of the love game, and the secrets that Ford keeps. The scenes are emotionally dense as well as incredibly detailed, and will keep you right in the thrill of it all. The pace is fast and you will want to try to read it all in one sitting. You will fail. I couldn't, but you can try. Even the second time I read it took me into the next day. I lost some sleep but it was entirely worth it. You won't want to miss this deeply evolved and modernised interpretation of Beauty and the Beast, it's not an exact re-do of the classic story but the base elements are there. Definitely this should make the top of your TBR list!
November 23, 2022
what was this?????? for the life of me i cannot understand why the fmc is borderline SAing the mmc and it’s then played off like a joke. the chick is weird on so many levels and is almost creepy. absolutely not. i simply do not understand. also not understanding the concept of how the mmc is so disgusting looking people can hardly look at him what do you even mean. i don’t want to be mean but jesus christ your fmc SAd the mmc and we are trying to make it a quirky joke? mad weird and unnecessary
May 11, 2017
Read this on recommendation from a fellow Goodreader.
Ford is so amazing! And Stella is awesome sauce. This tale of friendship and love is perfect. It was definitely hard to read sometimes seeing how Ford's family treated him, but the acceptance of Stella and her family meant the world.
Once Ford got started he definitely burned up the sheets. Stella and he were definitely a match made in Heaven.
Ford is so amazing! And Stella is awesome sauce. This tale of friendship and love is perfect. It was definitely hard to read sometimes seeing how Ford's family treated him, but the acceptance of Stella and her family meant the world.
Once Ford got started he definitely burned up the sheets. Stella and he were definitely a match made in Heaven.
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