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The Mathews Family #4
Surviving Broken
This is an alternate cover edition - ISBN 1502419726
USA Today and Amazon Top 5 Bestseller.
Sometimes you have to go through hell to find your heaven.
Most women have a wish list when it comes to what kind of man they want to date. JC Mathews used a strict set of guidelines as a safety net to keep herself out of trouble and out of love.
On hiatus from the bright lights and speculative gazes of her career in the fashion industry, JC lets her guard down...only to the wrong man. After escaping Italy and the hands of her abuser, she returns to Malibu to recover. The last thing she expects to find is a large, gorgeous intruder swimming naked in her pool.
Reed Rider left Texas and his broken heart behind in order to settle his aunt’s affairs after her death. Seeking refuge from the California heat for a midnight swim in his neighbor’s backyard, he never expects to find a nude silhouette of a long-haired beauty standing at the water’s edge.
As their passion ignites and the pages of JC's rulebook fade to grey, she unlocks her guarded heart to begin a new chapter in her life. When hidden truths are exposed and secrets unravel, will they survive the threats from their broken pasts?
USA Today and Amazon Top 5 Bestseller.
Sometimes you have to go through hell to find your heaven.
Most women have a wish list when it comes to what kind of man they want to date. JC Mathews used a strict set of guidelines as a safety net to keep herself out of trouble and out of love.
On hiatus from the bright lights and speculative gazes of her career in the fashion industry, JC lets her guard down...only to the wrong man. After escaping Italy and the hands of her abuser, she returns to Malibu to recover. The last thing she expects to find is a large, gorgeous intruder swimming naked in her pool.
Reed Rider left Texas and his broken heart behind in order to settle his aunt’s affairs after her death. Seeking refuge from the California heat for a midnight swim in his neighbor’s backyard, he never expects to find a nude silhouette of a long-haired beauty standing at the water’s edge.
As their passion ignites and the pages of JC's rulebook fade to grey, she unlocks her guarded heart to begin a new chapter in her life. When hidden truths are exposed and secrets unravel, will they survive the threats from their broken pasts?
Unknown Binding
First published September 17, 2014
46 people are currently reading
493 people want to read
About the author
Beverly Preston
15 books1,156 followersBeverly Preston is a USA Today and Amazon Top 10 bestselling author of contemporary romance. She writes emotionally rich and sinfully sexy stories about the ultimate alpha good guy; the kind of man you want to drag you to bed and put a ring on your finger. She also has a passion for strong, humorous, female characters and stories ingrained in a solid sense of family and loyalty.
She lives in Las Vegas with her husband, four kids, and two golden retrievers. If she's not spinning richly emotional stories, you'll find her on her spin bike.
Laugh, cry, and fall in love with The Mathews Family one Happily Ever After at a time.
She lives in Las Vegas with her husband, four kids, and two golden retrievers. If she's not spinning richly emotional stories, you'll find her on her spin bike.
Laugh, cry, and fall in love with The Mathews Family one Happily Ever After at a time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
October 3, 2014
Every once in a while a series comes along that just leaves a smile on your soul, The Mathews Family Series by Beverly Preston does just that. All of these books can be read as stand alones, but their stories do intertwine. I've been a fan of Beverly's since book one. She's got an amazing knack for making you feel like you're one of the family. Her word choices and vivid imagery have you traveling to all of the places she writes about, you're there with the characters for every step. Never has a series made me appreciate my life and my family the way that this one has. I have always been a proponent of everything happens for a reason, and her books simply solidified that for me.
In Surviving Broken, the fourth book and my favorite by far, the gang comes full circle. This installment focuses on the spitfire that is JC. This is her story, and man what a story. I will warn you, there is some tough subject matter in this book but Beverly handles it with perfect decorum. One scene is very difficult to sit through, but honestly, not one word could have been changed. It needed to be said just the way it played out. Perfectly. In walks Reed Rider… what can be said about him? Dreamy southern gentleman with class, wearing a good 'ole pair of Levi's. Swoon. Reed's life hasn't been a bowl of peaches. Together Reed and JC learn to trust, not only helping each other heal, but finding an amazing love story along the way. You can't help but adore this couple and the journey they take you on.
When I finished this book I let out an audible sigh through my happy tears and smile. The ending was amazingly heartfelt and poignant. Beverly put pieces together I hadn't even noticed were missing. The unconditional love of a family and what makes a family a unit, was beautifully orchestrated in the perfect final act. If there is such a thing as a perfect moment, this was it. It simply doesn't get any better.
"Sometimes you have to go through hell to find your heaven."
In Surviving Broken, the fourth book and my favorite by far, the gang comes full circle. This installment focuses on the spitfire that is JC. This is her story, and man what a story. I will warn you, there is some tough subject matter in this book but Beverly handles it with perfect decorum. One scene is very difficult to sit through, but honestly, not one word could have been changed. It needed to be said just the way it played out. Perfectly. In walks Reed Rider… what can be said about him? Dreamy southern gentleman with class, wearing a good 'ole pair of Levi's. Swoon. Reed's life hasn't been a bowl of peaches. Together Reed and JC learn to trust, not only helping each other heal, but finding an amazing love story along the way. You can't help but adore this couple and the journey they take you on.
When I finished this book I let out an audible sigh through my happy tears and smile. The ending was amazingly heartfelt and poignant. Beverly put pieces together I hadn't even noticed were missing. The unconditional love of a family and what makes a family a unit, was beautifully orchestrated in the perfect final act. If there is such a thing as a perfect moment, this was it. It simply doesn't get any better.
"Sometimes you have to go through hell to find your heaven."
September 16, 2014
I am not one of those women who can cry and still look good….I’m the opposite, I look like Animal from the Muppets. There are radioactively red eyes and a lot of unattractive nose blowing….and the woman who caused my most recent ugly cry is none other than Beverly Preston. This woman tore my heart out….only to lovingly patch it back up. JC and Reed’s story is so unbelievably beautiful and meaningful that you’ll be sighing with joy. JC is the happy and bubbliest of the Mathews Clan and from the previous books you’ll know that she is extraordinarily loyal. She has been the comic relief and ray of sunshine to every member of the Mathews family. Which is why it was so utterly heartbreaking when I started the book and found that her life was about to take a dark turn. Domestic abuse is a common theme in many romance novels but I think Beverly Preston’s treatment of such a delicate and complicated subject is writing par excellence. Usually in books there are just vague references to domestic violence but here the author faces it head on and you get an uncharacteristic insight into what life might be like for a woman in an abusive relationship and why she might stay with her abuser. Luckily, JC is a member of the Mathews family and they all come to her rescue. It was absolutely heartwarming to see her family support and comfort her as she put her life back together. As she’s beginning her life again she stumbles along a very nekkid Reed climbing out of her pool (note: No nekkid buff guys have every climbed out of my pool and because of that I am sad). I found Reed to be endearingly old fashioned in his courtship of JC. He’s capable of extreme patience which is exactly what JC needs. This book has all the hallmarks of great Mathews Family book; hot sex, hilarious antics, and loving family moments. This newest addition was darker and more complex than the past books but I found that in stretching herself artistically, Beverly Preston has achieved a singularly extraordinary book.
September 18, 2014
What more can I say about one of Beverly Preston’s books that I haven’t already expressed? How first and foremost I simply love the way she writes. That she doesn’t just write words on a page. She writes words from deep within her heart and soul and when they do scroll across my e-reader, I feel as comfortable with her characters as if they were my own family.
The Mathews Family has become a second family to me ever since I first met them in No More Wasted Time, the story about Tess, the matriarch. Then it was John’s turn at love in Shayla’s story, Tracy’s beautiful adventures in The Perfect Someday and now we get JC and her incredible journey in Surviving Broken. I would have to say that the author has certainly taken her writing up another notch with this one. Her own personal experiences laid out a foundation for a book that had me completely enthralled.
JC is the fun-loving member of the family. She loves to enjoy life and have as many adventures as possible, more often than not, involving some very sexy men. But her heart is closed a bit since the loss of her father, so saying certain proclamations out loud is not who she is. She is definitely more the love them and leave them kind of girl and certainly not one to get too attached to any one man. But sadly when she picks a man to enjoy yet again, who ends up being so wrong for her in so many ways, a part of JC is lost. And then when she meets quite accidentally a man who could be so very right for her, and he is fighting his own past regrets, one can only hope that they can find exactly what they both need in each other in order to heal.
Surviving Broken is well written and so incredibly moving. There is that wonderful sense of family that is consistently present throughout. All members of the Mathews family make appearances and the love they feel for one another continues to make me laugh and cry often. There are scenes between JC and Tom that had big tears falling. And yet through it all, my heart was always full because you just knew that no matter what, this crew sticks together and will always have each other’s backs. I simply can’t get enough of these characters and with this book, their lives are all brought full circle.
Surviving Broken is a spectacular read and could be the author’s best yet. I encourage you to read the entire series and experience the joy that is Beverly Preston. She writes real like no one else and it is truly a pleasure to read her stories.
A profound 5 stars for a job just so well done.
The Mathews Family has become a second family to me ever since I first met them in No More Wasted Time, the story about Tess, the matriarch. Then it was John’s turn at love in Shayla’s story, Tracy’s beautiful adventures in The Perfect Someday and now we get JC and her incredible journey in Surviving Broken. I would have to say that the author has certainly taken her writing up another notch with this one. Her own personal experiences laid out a foundation for a book that had me completely enthralled.
JC is the fun-loving member of the family. She loves to enjoy life and have as many adventures as possible, more often than not, involving some very sexy men. But her heart is closed a bit since the loss of her father, so saying certain proclamations out loud is not who she is. She is definitely more the love them and leave them kind of girl and certainly not one to get too attached to any one man. But sadly when she picks a man to enjoy yet again, who ends up being so wrong for her in so many ways, a part of JC is lost. And then when she meets quite accidentally a man who could be so very right for her, and he is fighting his own past regrets, one can only hope that they can find exactly what they both need in each other in order to heal.
Surviving Broken is well written and so incredibly moving. There is that wonderful sense of family that is consistently present throughout. All members of the Mathews family make appearances and the love they feel for one another continues to make me laugh and cry often. There are scenes between JC and Tom that had big tears falling. And yet through it all, my heart was always full because you just knew that no matter what, this crew sticks together and will always have each other’s backs. I simply can’t get enough of these characters and with this book, their lives are all brought full circle.
Surviving Broken is a spectacular read and could be the author’s best yet. I encourage you to read the entire series and experience the joy that is Beverly Preston. She writes real like no one else and it is truly a pleasure to read her stories.
A profound 5 stars for a job just so well done.
September 14, 2014
I am a bit of a sobbing mess now. As Beverly has yet again proved she can pen some great scenes and fab emotional drama.
Oh crikey you need to be ready to meet Luca. And ready for what happens to JC. Be prepared to be in a swoon invested haze when you meet Reed with his Texan drawl and his buff looks and great body!
What I absolutely enjoy about Beverly and her characters, is she takes you places that you least expect, for starters I wasn’t expecting the starting quarter of this book to be focused where it was. And this was absolutely paramount really to understand their whole story and really get to know them. Often the bit you read at the start of Surviving Broken is skimmed over or used as past flashbacks in other books, I loved the way we lived it with JC and really did follow her journey through to her epilogue.
But most of all be prepared to laugh and cry as Beverly takes you on another Mathews family journey where this time its JC turn in the spotlight. But never fear you get to meet all the Mathews family from previous books and if you’re worried like I was that this might spoil the previous books if you haven’t read them, then don’t worry, in all truth to set the scene of this series I think it would be best to have at least read book 1 and honestly go read it anyway because quite simply it’s another 5 star read and absolutely worthy of your one-clicking and that sentiment pretty much stands for this whole series.
This can definitely be read as a standalone and yes after reading this you’ll know the outcome of the previous books but it certainly hasn't detracted me from wanting to go read book 2 and 3 as frustratingly I have only read book 1 of this series until now. I have to make sure I read 2 and 3, I simply have to as Beverly has proved she is absolutely not a one trick pony wonder and can certainly deliver fab, hot, sexy and emotional romantic pieces of very visual escapism.
I received a copy of Surviving Broken in return for an honest review. My reviews are my own and are 100% honest.
And also I gotta ask Beverly - were you fanning over a particular someone when you named these two leads ;0) grin.
Oh crikey you need to be ready to meet Luca. And ready for what happens to JC. Be prepared to be in a swoon invested haze when you meet Reed with his Texan drawl and his buff looks and great body!
What I absolutely enjoy about Beverly and her characters, is she takes you places that you least expect, for starters I wasn’t expecting the starting quarter of this book to be focused where it was. And this was absolutely paramount really to understand their whole story and really get to know them. Often the bit you read at the start of Surviving Broken is skimmed over or used as past flashbacks in other books, I loved the way we lived it with JC and really did follow her journey through to her epilogue.
But most of all be prepared to laugh and cry as Beverly takes you on another Mathews family journey where this time its JC turn in the spotlight. But never fear you get to meet all the Mathews family from previous books and if you’re worried like I was that this might spoil the previous books if you haven’t read them, then don’t worry, in all truth to set the scene of this series I think it would be best to have at least read book 1 and honestly go read it anyway because quite simply it’s another 5 star read and absolutely worthy of your one-clicking and that sentiment pretty much stands for this whole series.
This can definitely be read as a standalone and yes after reading this you’ll know the outcome of the previous books but it certainly hasn't detracted me from wanting to go read book 2 and 3 as frustratingly I have only read book 1 of this series until now. I have to make sure I read 2 and 3, I simply have to as Beverly has proved she is absolutely not a one trick pony wonder and can certainly deliver fab, hot, sexy and emotional romantic pieces of very visual escapism.
I received a copy of Surviving Broken in return for an honest review. My reviews are my own and are 100% honest.
And also I gotta ask Beverly - were you fanning over a particular someone when you named these two leads ;0) grin.
September 30, 2014
Wonderful,beautiful ,fantastic,and awesome are not even strong enough words to tell you how great this book is!!! This is by far my favorite of the Mathews Family books. What ever you write next Beverly Preston it either another Mathews Family book or something completely different I will be one of the first people to read it!!
October 2, 2014
Even the strongest of individuals can be broken; it doesn’t matter the strength within or the fortitude to not fall into that category. Brokenness can come at any moment and bring people to their knees. But it’s what those same people do after the fall that truly defines who they are and what they’re willing to fight through to make it out of the darkness.
In Beverly Preston’s Surviving Broken, book 4 in The Mathews Family Series, readers get JC’s story; she’s the youngest of Tess’ clan with the biggest personality, but she’s also the one with the most rules on how to live and love. The one who’s not willing to risk her heart for anyone but family because she refuses to be broken after someone leaves, like her mom was after her father passed away. But when her rulebook flies out the window and she finds herself falling for a sexy, broody Italian, it seems like she might fall right in line with the other Mathews’ kids and find her other half. But what happens with Luca Santini is not something JC is ready for and it’s definitely not a situation that she thought she would find herself in, so when she returns to the states humiliated and depressed, the farthest thing from her mind is meeting a man and feeling a connection with him, but if Reed Rider has anything to say about – that’s exactly what’s about to happen. Reed Rider has gone through his own personal hell and survived, so he definitely understands how JC feels, and he plans to help her heal and show her that she can give her heart to him, and he’ll handle it with care. How they work through everything together is beautifully written and how they help each other heal solidifies their soulful connection. They may have almost been broken by past events, but they learn to not let their past dictate their future, which is an extremely important life lesson.
What I love most about Beverly Preston’s writing is that she makes readers feel like we are a part of the Mathews family. She invites us in and shares their ups and downs with us. We laugh and cry with them. We feel every single emotion that is expressed because each character is meticulously developed so that readers understand the intricate workings of their psyches and the choices that they make. All of the situations dealt with in The Mathews Family series are realistically portrayed, and they explore issues that are universally experienced. The first half of JC’s book is difficult to experience because of the situation that she finds herself in, but Beverly Preston clearly understands the need to show what can occur to even the strongest of people, and she does a tremendous job of presenting such a difficult subject.
I loved Tom since book 1, but he comes through big time for his inherited family in Surviving Broken, which solidifies his awesomeness. From the very beginning, Beverly Preston has shown the importance of family for each and every Mathews, and they all come through for JC when she needs it most.
This series is truly a family affair, which is one of the reasons it appeals to readers and keeps me rereading all of their stories.
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 poison apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
In Beverly Preston’s Surviving Broken, book 4 in The Mathews Family Series, readers get JC’s story; she’s the youngest of Tess’ clan with the biggest personality, but she’s also the one with the most rules on how to live and love. The one who’s not willing to risk her heart for anyone but family because she refuses to be broken after someone leaves, like her mom was after her father passed away. But when her rulebook flies out the window and she finds herself falling for a sexy, broody Italian, it seems like she might fall right in line with the other Mathews’ kids and find her other half. But what happens with Luca Santini is not something JC is ready for and it’s definitely not a situation that she thought she would find herself in, so when she returns to the states humiliated and depressed, the farthest thing from her mind is meeting a man and feeling a connection with him, but if Reed Rider has anything to say about – that’s exactly what’s about to happen. Reed Rider has gone through his own personal hell and survived, so he definitely understands how JC feels, and he plans to help her heal and show her that she can give her heart to him, and he’ll handle it with care. How they work through everything together is beautifully written and how they help each other heal solidifies their soulful connection. They may have almost been broken by past events, but they learn to not let their past dictate their future, which is an extremely important life lesson.
What I love most about Beverly Preston’s writing is that she makes readers feel like we are a part of the Mathews family. She invites us in and shares their ups and downs with us. We laugh and cry with them. We feel every single emotion that is expressed because each character is meticulously developed so that readers understand the intricate workings of their psyches and the choices that they make. All of the situations dealt with in The Mathews Family series are realistically portrayed, and they explore issues that are universally experienced. The first half of JC’s book is difficult to experience because of the situation that she finds herself in, but Beverly Preston clearly understands the need to show what can occur to even the strongest of people, and she does a tremendous job of presenting such a difficult subject.
I loved Tom since book 1, but he comes through big time for his inherited family in Surviving Broken, which solidifies his awesomeness. From the very beginning, Beverly Preston has shown the importance of family for each and every Mathews, and they all come through for JC when she needs it most.
This series is truly a family affair, which is one of the reasons it appeals to readers and keeps me rereading all of their stories.
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 poison apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
September 29, 2014
I am such a fan of Beverly's books and so enjoy her flare with the pen! She brings her characters to life in such a way that the reader becomes so committed to the characters and their beautifully written story.
This is the fourth book in the Mathews family series this is JC story. She is the fun, flirty daughter of Tess. JC has her time to shine and oh my word what a whirl wind journey of emotion we are taken on.
The lovely JC has learned to live her life by a set of rules and guidelines that she has put in place to protect her heart. She classifies her men like her scoops of ice cream....I like him, I love him and oh my I gotta have him. She refuses to become to attached to any man and does a great job of protecting her feelings.
JC meets Luca at a family wedding and she thinks yes I gotta have him. He is tall, dark , handsome and oh yes Italian. He appears to be the perfect man but unfortunately he is so far from it and does a damn good job of hiding it. He reveals the real him when he finally thinks that he has her worn down enough to tolerate it. He wants her so broken that she can't leave.
JC is a survivor and with the help of her loving and supportive family she rallies and rises from the ashes. This experience did certainly not leave her unscathed. She is now much more withdrawn and protective. She trusts no man and has no desire too.
This soon becomes a problem when she meets the new neighbor Reed Ryder. He is a sexy, compassionate man who has certainly had his share of hurt and heartbreak. He is so far from JC's type that she doesn't see the harm in "being friends". This soon becomes confusing for her when she realizes what a beautiful man inside and out that are Texan Hunk is! I loved the witty, sexually charged dialogue between them. It was a sassy game of cat and mouse.
Is it possible that these two broken people can find it in their hearts and each other to heal and live again?
Take a chance and let Reed and JC allow you to follow them on their journey of healing, forgiving, trusting and hopefully learning to love again! Hats off to Beverly for another beautifully written story.
I was gifted this book for an honest review.
~~Michele McMullen~~
This is the fourth book in the Mathews family series this is JC story. She is the fun, flirty daughter of Tess. JC has her time to shine and oh my word what a whirl wind journey of emotion we are taken on.
The lovely JC has learned to live her life by a set of rules and guidelines that she has put in place to protect her heart. She classifies her men like her scoops of ice cream....I like him, I love him and oh my I gotta have him. She refuses to become to attached to any man and does a great job of protecting her feelings.
JC meets Luca at a family wedding and she thinks yes I gotta have him. He is tall, dark , handsome and oh yes Italian. He appears to be the perfect man but unfortunately he is so far from it and does a damn good job of hiding it. He reveals the real him when he finally thinks that he has her worn down enough to tolerate it. He wants her so broken that she can't leave.
JC is a survivor and with the help of her loving and supportive family she rallies and rises from the ashes. This experience did certainly not leave her unscathed. She is now much more withdrawn and protective. She trusts no man and has no desire too.
This soon becomes a problem when she meets the new neighbor Reed Ryder. He is a sexy, compassionate man who has certainly had his share of hurt and heartbreak. He is so far from JC's type that she doesn't see the harm in "being friends". This soon becomes confusing for her when she realizes what a beautiful man inside and out that are Texan Hunk is! I loved the witty, sexually charged dialogue between them. It was a sassy game of cat and mouse.
Is it possible that these two broken people can find it in their hearts and each other to heal and live again?
Take a chance and let Reed and JC allow you to follow them on their journey of healing, forgiving, trusting and hopefully learning to love again! Hats off to Beverly for another beautifully written story.
I was gifted this book for an honest review.
~~Michele McMullen~~
October 3, 2014
Two words people REED RIDER!!! O...M...G! Holy Hotness Batman! Ok so I might be getting a little ahead of myself. But I just had to get that off of my chest. LOL.
So now that I got that out of the way, let me say that this quite an amazing story. This is the story of our spunky, no holds bar baby girl - JC Mathews. Being the baby of the family, she has lead the carefree life. And in order for her to remain carefree, she has rules and sticks to them. Now that her brother and sister are married though, maybe its time to settle down. And why not, when you have a gorgeous Italian man, worshiping you and your every mood. JC knew there was something off from the begin, she just never excepted to be so far off.
Enter Reed Rider (hold on I need to fan myself here...ok I'm good now). Reed is trying to start over, make a new life for himself. So what better place than the coast of California for this Texas native. After a surprise meeting, Reed and JC hit it off...but JC is gun shy now after her relationship with Italian. Reed is set on proving that JC and her rules wrong.
This is an emotional read. A fun read. A sexy read. A MUST read.
If you haven't met the Mathews Family. It's a must! Four and a half stars!
So now that I got that out of the way, let me say that this quite an amazing story. This is the story of our spunky, no holds bar baby girl - JC Mathews. Being the baby of the family, she has lead the carefree life. And in order for her to remain carefree, she has rules and sticks to them. Now that her brother and sister are married though, maybe its time to settle down. And why not, when you have a gorgeous Italian man, worshiping you and your every mood. JC knew there was something off from the begin, she just never excepted to be so far off.
Enter Reed Rider (hold on I need to fan myself here...ok I'm good now). Reed is trying to start over, make a new life for himself. So what better place than the coast of California for this Texas native. After a surprise meeting, Reed and JC hit it off...but JC is gun shy now after her relationship with Italian. Reed is set on proving that JC and her rules wrong.
This is an emotional read. A fun read. A sexy read. A MUST read.
If you haven't met the Mathews Family. It's a must! Four and a half stars!
September 27, 2014
Beverly Preston did it again but this time, her words touched me like never before. I cried, I smiled, I hurt and I fell in love.
She didn't only put words on paper, she felt and hurt with every words. JC went through hell, just like countless of other women in the world but the support and love from her family made all the difference. Family is what matter in life.
I loved Tom in this one. I always love him but the impact he had touched me. He was the superhero we all wish we had. I want a Tom in my life lol.
Now... lets get serious.. Reed?!?!?!?!?? OH MY FREAKING GOD!!! He is what I love about a man. A gentleman, a strong man, a tattooed man. I could go on and on... I could even hear his Texan accent as I read the book. I want a book about Reed ok? PLEASE BEVERLY!!! There is so much to be said about his life, he deserves a book :) *begging*
It deserves a 10 star out of 5. It reached the top of my favorite books list.
I wish Beverly all the success she deserves with this book and the entire series. 2 thumbs up.
She didn't only put words on paper, she felt and hurt with every words. JC went through hell, just like countless of other women in the world but the support and love from her family made all the difference. Family is what matter in life.
I loved Tom in this one. I always love him but the impact he had touched me. He was the superhero we all wish we had. I want a Tom in my life lol.
Now... lets get serious.. Reed?!?!?!?!?? OH MY FREAKING GOD!!! He is what I love about a man. A gentleman, a strong man, a tattooed man. I could go on and on... I could even hear his Texan accent as I read the book. I want a book about Reed ok? PLEASE BEVERLY!!! There is so much to be said about his life, he deserves a book :) *begging*
It deserves a 10 star out of 5. It reached the top of my favorite books list.
I wish Beverly all the success she deserves with this book and the entire series. 2 thumbs up.
September 29, 2014
Surviving Broken is everything perfect, and fun, and wonderful. I am so in love with it, and I would give 10 stars if possible!!
Sadly, this is the first Beverly Preston book I have read, and after finishing it, I want to kick myself for taking so long to find her. The storyline is flawless, complicated, emotional, well, pretty near perfect. Before I knew it, hours had passed and I was completely wrapped up in JC and Reed's story. I cried. Seriously cried. But I also laughed, and sighed, and cheered them on all the way through the book. I can't wait to tear into the rest of this author's collection. There's a reason I'll be adding her to my go-to, drop everything and read authors list!!
I am horrible at discussing storylines without giving out spoilers, so I am just going to say don't add this to your TBR list. Go get it now. Like RIGHT now!! And read it right away. You'll thank yourself for doing so. I promise! This is one to keep and reread many times in the future.
Sadly, this is the first Beverly Preston book I have read, and after finishing it, I want to kick myself for taking so long to find her. The storyline is flawless, complicated, emotional, well, pretty near perfect. Before I knew it, hours had passed and I was completely wrapped up in JC and Reed's story. I cried. Seriously cried. But I also laughed, and sighed, and cheered them on all the way through the book. I can't wait to tear into the rest of this author's collection. There's a reason I'll be adding her to my go-to, drop everything and read authors list!!
I am horrible at discussing storylines without giving out spoilers, so I am just going to say don't add this to your TBR list. Go get it now. Like RIGHT now!! And read it right away. You'll thank yourself for doing so. I promise! This is one to keep and reread many times in the future.
October 2, 2014
Another hit
OMG. This book will take you on one hot ride. I knew JC's story would be one emotional roller coaster, but nothing will prepare you for it. Ms. Preston told her readers that we would fall in lust with Reed, and yes we did, and that if we thought we loved Tom in the previous books of this series that we would love him even more and she was true to her word. JC & Reed have to go thru so much individually and then together as a couple learning that love is possible regardless of your past life, your beliefs or a silly rulebook. Hats off to Beverly, we just fell deeper in love with the Matthews/Clemmons/Rider Family.
OMG. This book will take you on one hot ride. I knew JC's story would be one emotional roller coaster, but nothing will prepare you for it. Ms. Preston told her readers that we would fall in lust with Reed, and yes we did, and that if we thought we loved Tom in the previous books of this series that we would love him even more and she was true to her word. JC & Reed have to go thru so much individually and then together as a couple learning that love is possible regardless of your past life, your beliefs or a silly rulebook. Hats off to Beverly, we just fell deeper in love with the Matthews/Clemmons/Rider Family.
April 26, 2015
I just LOVE this series! JC's story was magnificent!
(I loved it so much I won't even mention the ridiculous amount of typos. Seriously? pacific ocean?)
The way JC's relationship with Luca evolved in the first part of the book was really well done. And Reed was delicious. I want more of the Matthews family!
(I loved it so much I won't even mention the ridiculous amount of typos. Seriously? pacific ocean?)
The way JC's relationship with Luca evolved in the first part of the book was really well done. And Reed was delicious. I want more of the Matthews family!
April 18, 2017
I've really enjoyes this series. I tend to dislike stories involving domestic abuse because I get frustrated with the choices the victim makes. In this story it was easy to see how the situation got out of her control, and how she found herself in that situation. I just love the family as a whole and it was great to see them all have their happy ending.
October 29, 2014
Wow is pretty much all I can say right now as I can't see the letters I am typing because I am crying so much.
I thought the other books in the series were powerful, but this book.....it has left me speechless.
Very powerful, very emotional and absolutely amazing.
I thought the other books in the series were powerful, but this book.....it has left me speechless.
Very powerful, very emotional and absolutely amazing.
February 26, 2021
Leaving the best till last!!!
Surviving Broken
Mathews Family #4
Beverly Preston
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Oh, I think this may have been the best in this series. While confronting, horrific, and sad seeing JC make a full circle was absolutely beautiful! Domestic violence is NOT ok under any circumstance, so reading and feeling those aweful lows, and the devastation felt like seeing it through real eyes. Many a page had me gasping, teary, and wanting to throw my iPad across the room. I consider myself a strong person, but this broke me, it’s something you cannot prepare for, but a major part of this story so be prepared! Kudos to the author for the statistics at the end of the book.
As the fun loving, out there fun sibling, JC Mathews is loud and proud. She loves men, loves the catch, the sex – but there is never title, no boyfriend, partner, living with… She is all about the here and now. Her career has taken off, with a little help from Hollywood heartthrob step father Tom Clemmins, she is a very sought after model, popular all over the US.
When her sister Tracy marries her love, JC meets Luca Santini, the grooms best man. In typical JC fashion, she must have him… what starts as hot sex and a seemingly beautiful non-relationship , turns to utter tragedy. Luca, nay seem like the perfect gentleman, but what he becomes is an overbearing man who believes JC is his and his only, literary beating her into his way of life! This is my struggle point, I wanted to see the string out there JC and he broke her! Words can’t explain how I felt, for the story, JC and knowing more was to come. It’s not until Tom arrives on her doorstep, does the fog start to clear! No one messes with Tom, or his family, but as he takes in his step daughter, her beautiful face wash awash with bruises, cuts and blood, it is his blood that boils… Taking her away, back to her mother and dealing with the scumbag Luca himself is just the beginning. But it is the steps that JC took that really stole my heart! I always knew she was the strong one, but as her sister and brother join her, their collective strength helps bring her back.
It’s a long road, hiding away from the world, her job, men I general. But as she returns to California, living in Toms home, she comes face to face with a man, skinny dipping in her pool! Shock, scared and a little turned on, the man bolts, but not before seeing him in all of his massive glory! The man is very fine, but a stranger none the less. As he enters her mind many a time, when she comes face to face with him in a humorous meeting, recognition creates electricity that is huge… Reed Rider may be huge in stature but the man is like a cuddly teddy bear. He opens up JC, sees the best in her despite her horrid past, but the same goes for him. He’s able to open up about his past, creating a beautiful future! These two give new meaning to love thy neighbour.
I’m sad to see the end of the Mathews family, I’ve adored each of them in turn. I will certain be revisiting them again ❤️
Surviving Broken
Mathews Family #4
Beverly Preston
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Oh, I think this may have been the best in this series. While confronting, horrific, and sad seeing JC make a full circle was absolutely beautiful! Domestic violence is NOT ok under any circumstance, so reading and feeling those aweful lows, and the devastation felt like seeing it through real eyes. Many a page had me gasping, teary, and wanting to throw my iPad across the room. I consider myself a strong person, but this broke me, it’s something you cannot prepare for, but a major part of this story so be prepared! Kudos to the author for the statistics at the end of the book.
As the fun loving, out there fun sibling, JC Mathews is loud and proud. She loves men, loves the catch, the sex – but there is never title, no boyfriend, partner, living with… She is all about the here and now. Her career has taken off, with a little help from Hollywood heartthrob step father Tom Clemmins, she is a very sought after model, popular all over the US.
When her sister Tracy marries her love, JC meets Luca Santini, the grooms best man. In typical JC fashion, she must have him… what starts as hot sex and a seemingly beautiful non-relationship , turns to utter tragedy. Luca, nay seem like the perfect gentleman, but what he becomes is an overbearing man who believes JC is his and his only, literary beating her into his way of life! This is my struggle point, I wanted to see the string out there JC and he broke her! Words can’t explain how I felt, for the story, JC and knowing more was to come. It’s not until Tom arrives on her doorstep, does the fog start to clear! No one messes with Tom, or his family, but as he takes in his step daughter, her beautiful face wash awash with bruises, cuts and blood, it is his blood that boils… Taking her away, back to her mother and dealing with the scumbag Luca himself is just the beginning. But it is the steps that JC took that really stole my heart! I always knew she was the strong one, but as her sister and brother join her, their collective strength helps bring her back.
It’s a long road, hiding away from the world, her job, men I general. But as she returns to California, living in Toms home, she comes face to face with a man, skinny dipping in her pool! Shock, scared and a little turned on, the man bolts, but not before seeing him in all of his massive glory! The man is very fine, but a stranger none the less. As he enters her mind many a time, when she comes face to face with him in a humorous meeting, recognition creates electricity that is huge… Reed Rider may be huge in stature but the man is like a cuddly teddy bear. He opens up JC, sees the best in her despite her horrid past, but the same goes for him. He’s able to open up about his past, creating a beautiful future! These two give new meaning to love thy neighbour.
I’m sad to see the end of the Mathews family, I’ve adored each of them in turn. I will certain be revisiting them again ❤️
October 5, 2014
WOW! This is an emotional story, of a confident sassy girl who gets caught off guard and ends p regretting her decision by not following her rule book, as we follow her on her path of re-discovery.
We join JC and Tracy on the morning of Tracy and Vincent's wedding, the wedding goes off eally well, Tom is the perfect step dad.
JC gets noticed by Vincent's best man, and she begins to let him in, gets to know him, not following her dating rules, she is on a break from her modelling career and stays with him. Luca lives in Italy.
From the beginning things did not sit right and we learn that he is a little deranged, using her to get noticed in Hollywood. He wanted to make a name for himself.
He soon becomes this controlling jealous selfish man, stopping her from joining up wit her family, and sadly and possibly shamefully for JC she begins to realise what he is attempting to do. He moved too fast not considering her feelings.
As JC did, I too became to despise Luca finding it hard to understand what hold over JC he actually had. I wanted to climb inside my kindle and be there for her.
JC's family notice she is acting differently, but they are very supportive. When she cancels yet another family occasion Tom takes matters into his own hands.
I signed in relief, what happened - oh my word! I was angry, for her, with her. She didn't do anything to warrant Luca's behavior towards her.
It takes JC a while to find her equilibrium she has been through a really tough time, physically, mentally and emotionally. I loved how her family rallied round and she had their support 100%.
JC is staying in LA, using the time to re-energise and recuperate, but one evening she comes across an intruder. Hmmm mmmm mmmm!
Loved this rendezvous between JC and 'The Streaker', comic relief very welcome.
When she came face to face with t'The Streaker' at the bar, ooh spunky, feisty, sassy JC returned she was one determined lady not to let her past stop her from moving on. So loved how she wouldn't take any crap.
We all get to meed Reed, the hot hunky Texan, also known as 'The Streaker'. He was such a contracts to Luca, just what she needed, someone to help her heal.
We learn that Reed is harboring a heart breaking past of his own. After a brief understanding their honesty pact helps them both to heal their brokenness and brought them even closer.
Their feelings were jumping from the pages, you wanted to get through the book, to see the relationship unfold, but also didn't want the book to end either.
JC has feeling and emotions she had never felt before and whilst she is apprehensive she follows her heart.
I loved how her family would just appear at the wrong times. Hilarious! it was if they had a sixth sense every time JC and Reed were about to become intimate.
Reed was the balm she needed and deserved, after the nasty sting she had endured.
Loved Reed's Birthday evening also has me chucking when Tom and Tess came home.
I loved that after everything that JC had been through, she didn't hold all men in contempt of what Luca did.
I felt for JC when she went back to Texas with Reed. The closeness of his old friends and their connection to his past, I also was so proud of JC when she stood up to the gossiping women. Good on her. Glad Reed's old friends got to see her in her full protective glory. Awe swoon worthy Reed, so sweet caring and understanding.
I had a feeling something was amiss when she got to the restaurant, and my heart all about stopped. I was scared for her when Luca turned up, and also angry that the staff did not notice things seemed strange.
Relieved is an understatement, when Reed showed up, hoping that Luca was about to get what's coming to him, and when afterwards back at their house when she went after Reed, oh my flipping goodness, god only knows how many emotions I had running through my head and heart at that moment. She was certainly a fighter, and didn't cower away from Luca.
I was gob smacked when JC went running to her Momma, after her conversation with Reed, although it was a very serious moment, and I felt really bad for Reed, but JC needed the answers.
Really happy for them both thoroughly deserved happiness in their future. It had to be someone special to snag JC.
I have been a fan of the Mathews family ever since Tess met Tom in Bora Bora in No more wasted time, and again with John and Shayla quickly followed by Tracy and Vincent. and no different with JC and Reed.
They've all had their ups and downs, but Family has been first and foremost present throughout this series, it has been the invisible glue always bringing them together.
We join JC and Tracy on the morning of Tracy and Vincent's wedding, the wedding goes off eally well, Tom is the perfect step dad.
JC gets noticed by Vincent's best man, and she begins to let him in, gets to know him, not following her dating rules, she is on a break from her modelling career and stays with him. Luca lives in Italy.
From the beginning things did not sit right and we learn that he is a little deranged, using her to get noticed in Hollywood. He wanted to make a name for himself.
He soon becomes this controlling jealous selfish man, stopping her from joining up wit her family, and sadly and possibly shamefully for JC she begins to realise what he is attempting to do. He moved too fast not considering her feelings.
As JC did, I too became to despise Luca finding it hard to understand what hold over JC he actually had. I wanted to climb inside my kindle and be there for her.
JC's family notice she is acting differently, but they are very supportive. When she cancels yet another family occasion Tom takes matters into his own hands.
I signed in relief, what happened - oh my word! I was angry, for her, with her. She didn't do anything to warrant Luca's behavior towards her.
It takes JC a while to find her equilibrium she has been through a really tough time, physically, mentally and emotionally. I loved how her family rallied round and she had their support 100%.
JC is staying in LA, using the time to re-energise and recuperate, but one evening she comes across an intruder. Hmmm mmmm mmmm!
Loved this rendezvous between JC and 'The Streaker', comic relief very welcome.
When she came face to face with t'The Streaker' at the bar, ooh spunky, feisty, sassy JC returned she was one determined lady not to let her past stop her from moving on. So loved how she wouldn't take any crap.
We all get to meed Reed, the hot hunky Texan, also known as 'The Streaker'. He was such a contracts to Luca, just what she needed, someone to help her heal.
We learn that Reed is harboring a heart breaking past of his own. After a brief understanding their honesty pact helps them both to heal their brokenness and brought them even closer.
Their feelings were jumping from the pages, you wanted to get through the book, to see the relationship unfold, but also didn't want the book to end either.
JC has feeling and emotions she had never felt before and whilst she is apprehensive she follows her heart.
I loved how her family would just appear at the wrong times. Hilarious! it was if they had a sixth sense every time JC and Reed were about to become intimate.
Reed was the balm she needed and deserved, after the nasty sting she had endured.
Loved Reed's Birthday evening also has me chucking when Tom and Tess came home.
I loved that after everything that JC had been through, she didn't hold all men in contempt of what Luca did.
I felt for JC when she went back to Texas with Reed. The closeness of his old friends and their connection to his past, I also was so proud of JC when she stood up to the gossiping women. Good on her. Glad Reed's old friends got to see her in her full protective glory. Awe swoon worthy Reed, so sweet caring and understanding.
I had a feeling something was amiss when she got to the restaurant, and my heart all about stopped. I was scared for her when Luca turned up, and also angry that the staff did not notice things seemed strange.
Relieved is an understatement, when Reed showed up, hoping that Luca was about to get what's coming to him, and when afterwards back at their house when she went after Reed, oh my flipping goodness, god only knows how many emotions I had running through my head and heart at that moment. She was certainly a fighter, and didn't cower away from Luca.
I was gob smacked when JC went running to her Momma, after her conversation with Reed, although it was a very serious moment, and I felt really bad for Reed, but JC needed the answers.
Really happy for them both thoroughly deserved happiness in their future. It had to be someone special to snag JC.
I have been a fan of the Mathews family ever since Tess met Tom in Bora Bora in No more wasted time, and again with John and Shayla quickly followed by Tracy and Vincent. and no different with JC and Reed.
They've all had their ups and downs, but Family has been first and foremost present throughout this series, it has been the invisible glue always bringing them together.
April 14, 2015
Title: Surviving Broken
Author: Beverly Preston
Series: Can be read as a standalone (recommend reading in order)
Cliffhanger: No
Release Date: September 23, 2014
Rating: 3
HEA:
This is the fourth and final book in the Mathews family series and follows JC Mathews. In surviving broken JC the flirty and fun sister ends up in an abusive relationship that lasts for a while. She ends up pulling away from friends and family a little. But when her family finds out, they come together to help her. JC ends up in Malibu at tom’s house to recuperate. She had taken a break from her modeling and then took some time to heal. That is when she meets Reed the next door neighbor. She first meets Reed when he is naked in her pool and thinks he may be a burglar. Eventually she finds out who he is and they get to know each other. JC ends up letting her walls down with Reed. Reed gets to feel love again while helping JC lean what love really is.
The beginning of the book was intense. Beverly does not shy away from the abuse that happens to JC. I know that once JC was deep into the relationship. I understood why it was hard for her to get out and that a lot of women are too scared or unable to get out of that type of relationship. However, I don’t fully understand how JC got into the relationship in the first place. It went against all we have seen from her character the previous three books. That with her rules and her lack of feelings for him make it hard for me to believe how they became a couple in the first place.
JC’s personality from the previous books seemed different than what was in this book. I am not a fan of reading abuse stories but I commend Beverly for doing it in a realistic manner. Aside from JC acting way out of character I thought the relationship showed what is a reality for some women. And Tom was amazing as usual.
My rating would have been a 4 because of what was done well in writing the difficult abusive relationship and Reed. Reed was just really sweet to JC and very patient. He treated her well and let her know constantly that he liked her and would wait for whatever she wanted and was ready for. He was amazing, funny, and protective.
The reason my rating is not 4 stars is because although Reed was patient and would have waited as long as JC needed, their relationship was basically a week or two long. And that was only maybe 2 or so months after she got out of her abusive relationship. She went from not being around people, having horrible nightmares, and not dealing with what happened to in love and committed to a man in a short amount of time. Reed didn’t find out about her abusive relationship until
Other than that main issue this was my favorite, maybe tied with the first one, of the entire series. Reed really made up for the issue because he was awesome. I do wish that JC had dealt mentally with what happened to her and went to a therapist or something. That would have been a good way to get in her head more and put more meat to the story. Also I still don’t know if JC stands for anything or if they really just named her JC.
John and Shayla's kids rock.
Author: Beverly Preston
Series: Can be read as a standalone (recommend reading in order)
Cliffhanger: No
Release Date: September 23, 2014
Rating: 3
HEA:
This is the fourth and final book in the Mathews family series and follows JC Mathews. In surviving broken JC the flirty and fun sister ends up in an abusive relationship that lasts for a while. She ends up pulling away from friends and family a little. But when her family finds out, they come together to help her. JC ends up in Malibu at tom’s house to recuperate. She had taken a break from her modeling and then took some time to heal. That is when she meets Reed the next door neighbor. She first meets Reed when he is naked in her pool and thinks he may be a burglar. Eventually she finds out who he is and they get to know each other. JC ends up letting her walls down with Reed. Reed gets to feel love again while helping JC lean what love really is.
The beginning of the book was intense. Beverly does not shy away from the abuse that happens to JC. I know that once JC was deep into the relationship. I understood why it was hard for her to get out and that a lot of women are too scared or unable to get out of that type of relationship. However, I don’t fully understand how JC got into the relationship in the first place. It went against all we have seen from her character the previous three books. That with her rules and her lack of feelings for him make it hard for me to believe how they became a couple in the first place.
JC’s personality from the previous books seemed different than what was in this book. I am not a fan of reading abuse stories but I commend Beverly for doing it in a realistic manner. Aside from JC acting way out of character I thought the relationship showed what is a reality for some women. And Tom was amazing as usual.
My rating would have been a 4 because of what was done well in writing the difficult abusive relationship and Reed. Reed was just really sweet to JC and very patient. He treated her well and let her know constantly that he liked her and would wait for whatever she wanted and was ready for. He was amazing, funny, and protective.
The reason my rating is not 4 stars is because although Reed was patient and would have waited as long as JC needed, their relationship was basically a week or two long. And that was only maybe 2 or so months after she got out of her abusive relationship. She went from not being around people, having horrible nightmares, and not dealing with what happened to in love and committed to a man in a short amount of time. Reed didn’t find out about her abusive relationship until
“We’ve been hanging out together for a week, but last night was our first official date. And we’re not dating, he’s my boyfriend,” she corrected, separating the yolks from the whites of her eggs into a bowl.My rating would have been 4 stars if only the relationship was developed over a lot longer period of time. She was also still afraid of commitment so for that alone the relationship with Reed should have been longer.
Other than that main issue this was my favorite, maybe tied with the first one, of the entire series. Reed really made up for the issue because he was awesome. I do wish that JC had dealt mentally with what happened to her and went to a therapist or something. That would have been a good way to get in her head more and put more meat to the story. Also I still don’t know if JC stands for anything or if they really just named her JC.
John and Shayla's kids rock.
“Yeah, Mommy says we inter…inter-rup-ted something, so we gotta go home,” Thomas complained, throwing his hands in the air mimicking his father. “Dad thinks Aunt JC’s going off the deep end, but we told him Aunt JC is a really good swimmer, so the deep end is okay. Thanks for taking us camping last night.”
October 2, 2014
I mentioned in my “The Perfect Someday” review how much I was anticipating the release of JC Mathews’ book. In the entire series she was portrayed as the one sibling that always had this hesitancy about love and marriage. It didn’t matter how many times she had witnessed the act of falling in love first hand. She truly believed that it was never meant for her. Don’t get me wrong…she wasn’t celibate. She did date but none of her so called relationships never got anywhere near serious. She always had the rule book as her safety net to prevent her from getting to that point.
In Surviving Broken, JC for once in her life let her guard down and she finally lets someone in. You really couldn’t blame her for Luca Santini was as seductive as they come. Just like any other guy that catches her eye, she intended to spend just one carnal night with Luca but he manages to sweet talk her into staying the weekend. One short weekend eventually becomes months and while he was charming in the beginning his violent nature gradually presented itself as the days slowly passed.
JC knew something wasn’t right. She always considered herself as an intuitive and independent woman and never would have thought that she would find herself ending up in such a dangerous situation. Almost pushed to the brink, her family manages to step in just in time and make things right. This is the major reason why this series is one of my all time favorites.
It doesn’t matter if some members of the family are not related by blood. Their lives are so intertwined their connection is deeper than even that. Let me just say that if you loved Tom then you will come to love him even more in this one.
But how does one get past such a gruesome ordeal? How do you learn to trust again after being burned so badly? With strength and willpower is how. Time and again I couldn’t help but be inspired by JC’s character. With her family at her side she learns to get past the darkness and let someone new in. Reed.
Where do I even begin with this man! Should I tell you how jaw-dropping their first encounter was? Good heavens, that sure is one first meeting that I wouldn’t likely to forget. I have to say that four books into the series Beverly Preston still continues to shock me with such unforgettable situations.
Reed wasn’t the typical type that JC would go for but from the very beginning everything about him seemed right. I do have to admit that I always preferred relationships that develop overtime yet for them it worked. The sexual part of the relationship was fantastic but that wasn’t what stood out for me. Like every book in the series it was that soul deep connection that made it breathtaking. Everything about them was simply perfect.
As a matter of fact, every single book is PERFECT. Loved every moment of it! It had every single element that I look for in romance. I definitely recommend this one.
liezelsbookblog.net
In Surviving Broken, JC for once in her life let her guard down and she finally lets someone in. You really couldn’t blame her for Luca Santini was as seductive as they come. Just like any other guy that catches her eye, she intended to spend just one carnal night with Luca but he manages to sweet talk her into staying the weekend. One short weekend eventually becomes months and while he was charming in the beginning his violent nature gradually presented itself as the days slowly passed.
JC knew something wasn’t right. She always considered herself as an intuitive and independent woman and never would have thought that she would find herself ending up in such a dangerous situation. Almost pushed to the brink, her family manages to step in just in time and make things right. This is the major reason why this series is one of my all time favorites.
It doesn’t matter if some members of the family are not related by blood. Their lives are so intertwined their connection is deeper than even that. Let me just say that if you loved Tom then you will come to love him even more in this one.
But how does one get past such a gruesome ordeal? How do you learn to trust again after being burned so badly? With strength and willpower is how. Time and again I couldn’t help but be inspired by JC’s character. With her family at her side she learns to get past the darkness and let someone new in. Reed.
Where do I even begin with this man! Should I tell you how jaw-dropping their first encounter was? Good heavens, that sure is one first meeting that I wouldn’t likely to forget. I have to say that four books into the series Beverly Preston still continues to shock me with such unforgettable situations.
Reed wasn’t the typical type that JC would go for but from the very beginning everything about him seemed right. I do have to admit that I always preferred relationships that develop overtime yet for them it worked. The sexual part of the relationship was fantastic but that wasn’t what stood out for me. Like every book in the series it was that soul deep connection that made it breathtaking. Everything about them was simply perfect.
As a matter of fact, every single book is PERFECT. Loved every moment of it! It had every single element that I look for in romance. I definitely recommend this one.
liezelsbookblog.net
October 25, 2014
5 Emotional Stars
I was given this book for my honest review.
Most of us as young kids remember our grandmothers or mothers making the old granny square blankets. From the first 5 chain stitches to the slip stitch to connect to the 12 double crotchets to start the base of the blanket. We come to see that the base is the most strongest of the stitches but as we go along we make mistakes that we can cover up with just the right amount of flare. But what we don’t see is that the mistakes in the blanket are what makes it stronger and unique.
Luc-secretive
Reed-hunky, honest and sweet
J.C-strong, pretty and fearless
J.C. is the woman that everyone girl wants to be like when they grow up. She never takes life for granted she knows what hard-work is about and strives to be the best that she can be. She has the support and love of her family. She loves her family whole heartedly. But what happens when all she knows is stripped away from her? Can she survive or will she crumble? Can the love of her family give her strength? Can she walk away from the fire to see that there is light at the end of the tunnel not to mention a hunky guy with tattoos that makes her heart flutter?
Reed is a man that knows what it feels like to love and lose his heart. He feels like it has been stricken from his body never to return. He is successful, honest and true. But what he yearns for is that lightening kind of love to return. Will this man find happiness the second time around or will he lose it before he even gets to enjoy it? Can he become the savior to a woman with the body of a goddess?
J.C. and Reed’s journey is one that is fun and lighthearted. It is slow and building but comes with flaws that can only be seen by the both of them. Reed is carrying around a heavy heart that he is afraid to let J.C. know about in fear that she will walk away before she becomes near. J.C is carrying around a secret that she hopes that will not destroy them before they can even start. Will the secrets that each carry’s with them be the destroying factor or will it be just the amount of light that holds their bond together? This is their special journey that everyone should take when reading this book.
What about Luc? What is the secret that he carry’s? Will he get what is just to him?
Did I mention that the sex within Reed an J.C. is like a meteor striking through the night sky?
To the author: Amazing this book has a lot that should be read by all. There is so much going on in this book that everyone that reads this will see the signs that you have laid out and shows that there are people that care in this world. They are not judgmental if only given the chance. A family’s support is worth just much more. That the love between all is like a granny square after all that is said and done the flaws that we make within the blanket are the ones that combine our love together.
Happy Reading
I was given this book for my honest review.
Most of us as young kids remember our grandmothers or mothers making the old granny square blankets. From the first 5 chain stitches to the slip stitch to connect to the 12 double crotchets to start the base of the blanket. We come to see that the base is the most strongest of the stitches but as we go along we make mistakes that we can cover up with just the right amount of flare. But what we don’t see is that the mistakes in the blanket are what makes it stronger and unique.
Luc-secretive
Reed-hunky, honest and sweet
J.C-strong, pretty and fearless
J.C. is the woman that everyone girl wants to be like when they grow up. She never takes life for granted she knows what hard-work is about and strives to be the best that she can be. She has the support and love of her family. She loves her family whole heartedly. But what happens when all she knows is stripped away from her? Can she survive or will she crumble? Can the love of her family give her strength? Can she walk away from the fire to see that there is light at the end of the tunnel not to mention a hunky guy with tattoos that makes her heart flutter?
Reed is a man that knows what it feels like to love and lose his heart. He feels like it has been stricken from his body never to return. He is successful, honest and true. But what he yearns for is that lightening kind of love to return. Will this man find happiness the second time around or will he lose it before he even gets to enjoy it? Can he become the savior to a woman with the body of a goddess?
J.C. and Reed’s journey is one that is fun and lighthearted. It is slow and building but comes with flaws that can only be seen by the both of them. Reed is carrying around a heavy heart that he is afraid to let J.C. know about in fear that she will walk away before she becomes near. J.C is carrying around a secret that she hopes that will not destroy them before they can even start. Will the secrets that each carry’s with them be the destroying factor or will it be just the amount of light that holds their bond together? This is their special journey that everyone should take when reading this book.
What about Luc? What is the secret that he carry’s? Will he get what is just to him?
Did I mention that the sex within Reed an J.C. is like a meteor striking through the night sky?
To the author: Amazing this book has a lot that should be read by all. There is so much going on in this book that everyone that reads this will see the signs that you have laid out and shows that there are people that care in this world. They are not judgmental if only given the chance. A family’s support is worth just much more. That the love between all is like a granny square after all that is said and done the flaws that we make within the blanket are the ones that combine our love together.
Happy Reading
October 1, 2014
They say that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger and for JC Mathews, she proves just how strong she can be.
JC has always been a love them and leave them type of gal. Guys and relationships only mean trouble and heartache. With her career keeping her busy, she follows her strict guidelines when it comes to men and dating.
Taking a break from her career. JC meets a handsome Italian man who sweeps her off her feet. She is smitten and lets her guard down. JC never thought she’d become a statistic of an abusive relationship. After a horrific incident, her stepdad brings her back home to Malibu so that she can recover. The last thing she ever expected what to find herself completely taken by her mysterious neighbor.
Reed Rider is in Malibu taking care of family business and recovering from a broken heart. What he wasn’t expecting was his neighbor to bust him swimming in her pool naked in the middle of the night and scarring the holy crap out of her.
Nakedness aside, JC and Reed slowly get to know each other. Reed knows to proceed with caution. He can see the pain and the fear in JC’s eyes. Trying to break down the walls she has erected around not only her body but her heart as well, he proceeds slowly and with great caution to gain her trust.
JC feels safe with Reed but she doesn’t trust herself. The last time she let a man in he left her broken and bruised. The thing is JC isn’t the only one hiding from their past. Her broken confidence is competing with a ghost of his past. She fears she may never be enough for him.
I LOVED this story. JC has that girl’s just want to have fun attitude. She takes things with a grain of salt. Always keeping her distance but allowing herself to get just as close as she wants. This story made me cry. She is such a strong character and to watch her pride, strength and confidence get shot down broke my heart but when the physical stuff happened, it killed me. Tom just melted my heart all over again. He is an AMAZING dad! What he did just left me speechless and made me love his character more.
Reed *sighs*. His accent will make your panties melt. He is polite, confident, strong, GORGEOUS and a little bit broken.
I loved their chemistry together. I loved the way they met and how they were able to heal each other without really trying to. Despite what their pasts put them through, they are true soul mates.
Beverly knocked my socks off with this one. Physical and mental abuse is no joke and she wrote it with class. This story is not only about the ugly sides relationships but it is also about standing up to the fear, building your confidence back up, learning to trust and love again and the importance of family.
This series has become one of my all-time favorites. Every character is unique and loveable in their own ways. A MUST MUST MUST read!
JC has always been a love them and leave them type of gal. Guys and relationships only mean trouble and heartache. With her career keeping her busy, she follows her strict guidelines when it comes to men and dating.
Taking a break from her career. JC meets a handsome Italian man who sweeps her off her feet. She is smitten and lets her guard down. JC never thought she’d become a statistic of an abusive relationship. After a horrific incident, her stepdad brings her back home to Malibu so that she can recover. The last thing she ever expected what to find herself completely taken by her mysterious neighbor.
Reed Rider is in Malibu taking care of family business and recovering from a broken heart. What he wasn’t expecting was his neighbor to bust him swimming in her pool naked in the middle of the night and scarring the holy crap out of her.
Nakedness aside, JC and Reed slowly get to know each other. Reed knows to proceed with caution. He can see the pain and the fear in JC’s eyes. Trying to break down the walls she has erected around not only her body but her heart as well, he proceeds slowly and with great caution to gain her trust.
JC feels safe with Reed but she doesn’t trust herself. The last time she let a man in he left her broken and bruised. The thing is JC isn’t the only one hiding from their past. Her broken confidence is competing with a ghost of his past. She fears she may never be enough for him.
I LOVED this story. JC has that girl’s just want to have fun attitude. She takes things with a grain of salt. Always keeping her distance but allowing herself to get just as close as she wants. This story made me cry. She is such a strong character and to watch her pride, strength and confidence get shot down broke my heart but when the physical stuff happened, it killed me. Tom just melted my heart all over again. He is an AMAZING dad! What he did just left me speechless and made me love his character more.
Reed *sighs*. His accent will make your panties melt. He is polite, confident, strong, GORGEOUS and a little bit broken.
I loved their chemistry together. I loved the way they met and how they were able to heal each other without really trying to. Despite what their pasts put them through, they are true soul mates.
Beverly knocked my socks off with this one. Physical and mental abuse is no joke and she wrote it with class. This story is not only about the ugly sides relationships but it is also about standing up to the fear, building your confidence back up, learning to trust and love again and the importance of family.
This series has become one of my all-time favorites. Every character is unique and loveable in their own ways. A MUST MUST MUST read!
October 6, 2014
Surviving Broken by Beverly Preston
5 out of 5 Stars
The Mathews Family Series is one of my favorites. I love Ms. Preston's amazing writing and how she allows you to become one with her reads. Surviving Broken is JC's story. You will be so full of emotion as JC take her journey in life and learns about love, trust, survival and finding her inner strength. JC is the youngest of the Mathews kids and closest to her famous step-dad, Tom Clemmins. Following in his footsteps, JC has been in the public eye after becoming a model. Beautiful, smart, and well know makes for a tough time to find a true boyfriend, that's were the 'rule book ' on relationship comes in. Although JC lives by a set of rules she created to protect herself, she let down her guard and found herself in an physically and mentally abusive relationship before she know it. In another country, unable to get away and afraid for her life, she never would have thought that a strong, smart girl as herself would be involved in this horrific relationship. Lucky for her, JC and her family are very close and they realize that something is not. JC decides that moving back to her parents home in Malibu. She needed to get away so she can recover from this traumatic time in her life, what better place than to hideout in a private empty home while her parents are in Bora-Bora involved in a Humanitarian project for the locals. One sleepless night of many, she decided that a late night deep in the pool may help her relax to maybe get a decent night sleep. In her private backyard, by the light of the moon, JC was about to step into the heated pool. In the dark, she Spotting a massively large figure already in the pool, naked himself. JC being on high alert as it was, panicked and the intruder took off. Not giving him time to explain, Reed, her next door neighbor got caught taking a dip in what he thought was an empty home. Fate would have it that they reunite at a local bike bar and have a mutual friend to boot! Will JC give Reed a change not only to explain his rude meeting but give this big Texan a chance in the romance department? What's in Reeds past that might prevent him from having a relationship will another women? Even though JC's external woulds may have healed, will heal her mental prevent her from finding her truly love? Will she grab Texas by the horns and give love a chance. This is a must read even if you haven't read any others in this series, but trust me one read and you'll be hooked to read them all.
5 out of 5 Stars
The Mathews Family Series is one of my favorites. I love Ms. Preston's amazing writing and how she allows you to become one with her reads. Surviving Broken is JC's story. You will be so full of emotion as JC take her journey in life and learns about love, trust, survival and finding her inner strength. JC is the youngest of the Mathews kids and closest to her famous step-dad, Tom Clemmins. Following in his footsteps, JC has been in the public eye after becoming a model. Beautiful, smart, and well know makes for a tough time to find a true boyfriend, that's were the 'rule book ' on relationship comes in. Although JC lives by a set of rules she created to protect herself, she let down her guard and found herself in an physically and mentally abusive relationship before she know it. In another country, unable to get away and afraid for her life, she never would have thought that a strong, smart girl as herself would be involved in this horrific relationship. Lucky for her, JC and her family are very close and they realize that something is not. JC decides that moving back to her parents home in Malibu. She needed to get away so she can recover from this traumatic time in her life, what better place than to hideout in a private empty home while her parents are in Bora-Bora involved in a Humanitarian project for the locals. One sleepless night of many, she decided that a late night deep in the pool may help her relax to maybe get a decent night sleep. In her private backyard, by the light of the moon, JC was about to step into the heated pool. In the dark, she Spotting a massively large figure already in the pool, naked himself. JC being on high alert as it was, panicked and the intruder took off. Not giving him time to explain, Reed, her next door neighbor got caught taking a dip in what he thought was an empty home. Fate would have it that they reunite at a local bike bar and have a mutual friend to boot! Will JC give Reed a change not only to explain his rude meeting but give this big Texan a chance in the romance department? What's in Reeds past that might prevent him from having a relationship will another women? Even though JC's external woulds may have healed, will heal her mental prevent her from finding her truly love? Will she grab Texas by the horns and give love a chance. This is a must read even if you haven't read any others in this series, but trust me one read and you'll be hooked to read them all.
September 30, 2014
Overall Rating: 4.5 Rockin’ ★★★★☆
This is a novel that takes a look at domestic violence and the consequences to those that are the victims of this abuse. The lasting scars to those that have found themselves abused by those they trusted are not easy to heal.
JC Mathews has a wonderful family, fantastic job and not a care in the world until the day she let her guard down. She met a hot, sexy man at her sister’s wedding and decided to not follow her normal rules about men. She finds herself in an abusive relationship without a way out! When she is almost beaten beyond recognition she knows she must find a way to escape. Her step-father finds her and gets her back to her family. Will she ever be able to trust a man again?
Reed Rider is a true Texan! He is just like the state he comes from, bigger than life. He is also a very big, sexy man that is a protector of those weaker and in need of protection. Reed has inherited his aunt’s house next to JC’s parents. From the first moment he laid eyes on JC he knew she was the one for him. Can he show her that not all men are unworthy of trust? Will she give him a chance even if he is a 6 ft. 4, 200 plus male?
JC and Reed begin a friendship. They spend time talking, sharing and building trust between them. Her family is overly protective since they rescued her from her abusive ex and worry about this budding relationship. Reed has his job cut out not only to prove himself to JC, but also to her family. Will the past keep them from finding a future together?
Hero: 4.5 stars
Heroine: 4.5 stars
Plot: 4.5 stars
Steam Level: 4.5 stars
Cliffhanger: No
Would I recommend this book: Yes. If you want to read a truly beautiful love story that overcomes abuse and mistrust, read this book. The characters are survivors that find a HEA!
Would I recommend this author: Yes. This was my first book by this author and I cannot wait to read another. Her story was realistic and written in a way that captured me the reader until the last page. I would reread this book!
***Received an ARC of this book from the Author in exchange for an honest review***
Surviving Broken
Beverly Preston
This is a novel that takes a look at domestic violence and the consequences to those that are the victims of this abuse. The lasting scars to those that have found themselves abused by those they trusted are not easy to heal.
JC Mathews has a wonderful family, fantastic job and not a care in the world until the day she let her guard down. She met a hot, sexy man at her sister’s wedding and decided to not follow her normal rules about men. She finds herself in an abusive relationship without a way out! When she is almost beaten beyond recognition she knows she must find a way to escape. Her step-father finds her and gets her back to her family. Will she ever be able to trust a man again?
Reed Rider is a true Texan! He is just like the state he comes from, bigger than life. He is also a very big, sexy man that is a protector of those weaker and in need of protection. Reed has inherited his aunt’s house next to JC’s parents. From the first moment he laid eyes on JC he knew she was the one for him. Can he show her that not all men are unworthy of trust? Will she give him a chance even if he is a 6 ft. 4, 200 plus male?
JC and Reed begin a friendship. They spend time talking, sharing and building trust between them. Her family is overly protective since they rescued her from her abusive ex and worry about this budding relationship. Reed has his job cut out not only to prove himself to JC, but also to her family. Will the past keep them from finding a future together?
Hero: 4.5 stars
Heroine: 4.5 stars
Plot: 4.5 stars
Steam Level: 4.5 stars
Cliffhanger: No
Would I recommend this book: Yes. If you want to read a truly beautiful love story that overcomes abuse and mistrust, read this book. The characters are survivors that find a HEA!
Would I recommend this author: Yes. This was my first book by this author and I cannot wait to read another. Her story was realistic and written in a way that captured me the reader until the last page. I would reread this book!
***Received an ARC of this book from the Author in exchange for an honest review***
Surviving Broken
Beverly Preston
October 3, 2014
WOW!
I am at a loss as to where to begin to describe how I feel about this book.
We have gathered much from the last three books about the Mathews family and what makes them tick, their loves, their lives, the highs and the lows and through it all the writing of Beverly Preston has been exemplary, Surviving Broken takes that to a whole different ball park – because it is simply staggering!.
The emotion and affection that I felt throughout the whole book took me by surprise, it touched something so deep that I was blown away by it.
The book centres on JC, the fun loving party girl, who loves life and has loved some damn hot men along the way.
But life was taken JC in some directions where she has found that the decisions she has made and the people she has chosen to be with have been to her detriment but when she happens upon Reed Rider, swimming naked in the pool- she just might have found Mr Right!
Reed, has his own past to deal with but he knows how to treat a woman and this handsome Texan sees more in JC that she could ever have imagined. He takes his time with her, showing not only passion but compassion to her. He was a beautiful man, inside and out!
JC is running by the mantra of one bitten twice shy and having raced into her relationship with Luca, who on the surface seemed to have it all, she is playing it safe. Taking it easy with Reed and between them their relationship isn’t forced it naturally evolves, everything between them feels so organic and that this fact was the absolute key to the whole story.
With JC having been through what was a truly awful situation, any normal person would find it difficult to start again and to trust, let alone love – but Beverly Preston wrote this story with such accuracy and emotion that it was so touching, I found big fat tear drops splashing onto the screen of my kindle on more occasions that I could begin to count.
It was great that the other members of the family popped in throughout the book, it was fabulous to know that no matter what JC was going through, she had her family at her back.
Ratings are insignificant when it comes to books that are this good – but I would suggest that you do yourself a favour and read the whole series – you would not be disappointed, but as far as Surviving Broken goes – it is first class!!
I am at a loss as to where to begin to describe how I feel about this book.
We have gathered much from the last three books about the Mathews family and what makes them tick, their loves, their lives, the highs and the lows and through it all the writing of Beverly Preston has been exemplary, Surviving Broken takes that to a whole different ball park – because it is simply staggering!.
The emotion and affection that I felt throughout the whole book took me by surprise, it touched something so deep that I was blown away by it.
The book centres on JC, the fun loving party girl, who loves life and has loved some damn hot men along the way.
But life was taken JC in some directions where she has found that the decisions she has made and the people she has chosen to be with have been to her detriment but when she happens upon Reed Rider, swimming naked in the pool- she just might have found Mr Right!
Reed, has his own past to deal with but he knows how to treat a woman and this handsome Texan sees more in JC that she could ever have imagined. He takes his time with her, showing not only passion but compassion to her. He was a beautiful man, inside and out!
JC is running by the mantra of one bitten twice shy and having raced into her relationship with Luca, who on the surface seemed to have it all, she is playing it safe. Taking it easy with Reed and between them their relationship isn’t forced it naturally evolves, everything between them feels so organic and that this fact was the absolute key to the whole story.
With JC having been through what was a truly awful situation, any normal person would find it difficult to start again and to trust, let alone love – but Beverly Preston wrote this story with such accuracy and emotion that it was so touching, I found big fat tear drops splashing onto the screen of my kindle on more occasions that I could begin to count.
It was great that the other members of the family popped in throughout the book, it was fabulous to know that no matter what JC was going through, she had her family at her back.
Ratings are insignificant when it comes to books that are this good – but I would suggest that you do yourself a favour and read the whole series – you would not be disappointed, but as far as Surviving Broken goes – it is first class!!
September 8, 2014
This book signifies challenges, barriers, acceptance, support, and love at a depth that not only have you in Itlay, Bora Bora, Texas, and California but in a place of peace and serenity by the end. If you are a Tom lover like I am he will make you fall even harder for his loving heart and protective instinct. The love in which he has for Tess kids has no end and will leave no doubt that it is geniune and to the bones. If you didn't know any better you would think JC was his natural born. They are alike and many ways but she holds traits of her daddy too.
I have been waiting to read JC''s story and to be perfectly honest this is NOT what I expected. I literally "ugly" cried from 3% to 42% of this book. It was not because the characters took you on an emotional roller coaster it was because I was JC while reading it. Everything in which she felt I felt we were one. The story is just that darn GOOD. There is no feelings of empathy or sympathy when reading this it is you as JC and the Mathews/Clemmins family being your family.
Now let's get to the heart of the story, Reed. OMG, he puts the meaning of southern charm to show not just talk. Our long night and cuddle talk sessions had tears rolling down my face feeling empathy for him and his life's trials. Yes I said, our because remember I am JC. He is a protector, friend, lover, and worked from wanting to be "boyfriend" to "husband". The connection is which we shared was beyond anything I could imagine. I was lost in the depths of his blue eyes every time he looked into my soul and saw "me" with no judgement just a want to get to know me better and allow me to "feel" not think. He became my therapist, the person to make me heal and WANT to live. He chased away my demons and replaced them with the desire that I yearned for with him. He taught me that my fears for love was my overactive mind which allowed me to admit and come to terms with something that was lost deep within me.
Well everyone, this is MY story. I want to thank Beverly for telling it and I hope that after reading it, it helps many people in situations find an out like I did. Now you will not have Tom because he is mine but just know you always have someone that is "family."
I have been waiting to read JC''s story and to be perfectly honest this is NOT what I expected. I literally "ugly" cried from 3% to 42% of this book. It was not because the characters took you on an emotional roller coaster it was because I was JC while reading it. Everything in which she felt I felt we were one. The story is just that darn GOOD. There is no feelings of empathy or sympathy when reading this it is you as JC and the Mathews/Clemmins family being your family.
Now let's get to the heart of the story, Reed. OMG, he puts the meaning of southern charm to show not just talk. Our long night and cuddle talk sessions had tears rolling down my face feeling empathy for him and his life's trials. Yes I said, our because remember I am JC. He is a protector, friend, lover, and worked from wanting to be "boyfriend" to "husband". The connection is which we shared was beyond anything I could imagine. I was lost in the depths of his blue eyes every time he looked into my soul and saw "me" with no judgement just a want to get to know me better and allow me to "feel" not think. He became my therapist, the person to make me heal and WANT to live. He chased away my demons and replaced them with the desire that I yearned for with him. He taught me that my fears for love was my overactive mind which allowed me to admit and come to terms with something that was lost deep within me.
Well everyone, this is MY story. I want to thank Beverly for telling it and I hope that after reading it, it helps many people in situations find an out like I did. Now you will not have Tom because he is mine but just know you always have someone that is "family."
September 29, 2014
http://amzn.to/1ognZEY
4.5 stars
This book can easily be read stand alone. This book is Ms. Preston’s best yet, the range of emotions she pulls from the reader is tangible - so jump right in and enjoy!
Surviving Broken is the story of JC Mathews, the youngest of Tess’ children and the one who has the closest bond to Tom, Tess’s second husband (whom she married after her first husband’s death). I want to pause here and say I loved hearing from Tom in this book and those scenes were just WOW.
Ok back to JC...as I said this book is powerful, this book, as the title suggests, is first about how JC’s broken, be warned the first part of this book will break your heart and part of your soul as JC is so lost and hurt I wanted to reach into my kindle and hug her.
As JC’s journey moves forward (no I wont tell you the broken and I wont tell you how she moves forward because I truly think the reader needs to experience this first hand) the reader can feel her trying to heal, trying to put the pieces back together.
When JC meets Reed and then re-meets him, the sparks are tangible. JC learning to open her heart again, JC allowing Reed to care and love her and JC experiencing Reed’s past pain all solidified for me that this is a forever love.
Reed’s understanding of JC’s past and her pain, his desire to help her heal, "eyes on me Darlin"....so many things that made me love Reed!! Reed is the kind of man readers can get lost in, the kind of man you wish you could curl up with and smile into his eyes.
Reed’s past was so heart pulling; the scenes when he returns hope to Texas allows the reader to understand him even more and also speaks volumes to the love JC feels deep in her soul for him.
Towards the end of this book, my heart was in my throat; there was tangible energy and conflict that played out so right.
I loved the use of Tess and Tom, JC needed something and their answers spoke volumes to how you move forward. Because in the end, it is not about what life gives you but what you do with it.
I want to make sure to say the book cover is so well tied to this story that every time I stare at it, my heart pulls for Reed.
Thank you, Ms. Preston for the powerful story of hope and love!
4.5 stars
This book can easily be read stand alone. This book is Ms. Preston’s best yet, the range of emotions she pulls from the reader is tangible - so jump right in and enjoy!
Surviving Broken is the story of JC Mathews, the youngest of Tess’ children and the one who has the closest bond to Tom, Tess’s second husband (whom she married after her first husband’s death). I want to pause here and say I loved hearing from Tom in this book and those scenes were just WOW.
Ok back to JC...as I said this book is powerful, this book, as the title suggests, is first about how JC’s broken, be warned the first part of this book will break your heart and part of your soul as JC is so lost and hurt I wanted to reach into my kindle and hug her.
As JC’s journey moves forward (no I wont tell you the broken and I wont tell you how she moves forward because I truly think the reader needs to experience this first hand) the reader can feel her trying to heal, trying to put the pieces back together.
When JC meets Reed and then re-meets him, the sparks are tangible. JC learning to open her heart again, JC allowing Reed to care and love her and JC experiencing Reed’s past pain all solidified for me that this is a forever love.
Reed’s understanding of JC’s past and her pain, his desire to help her heal, "eyes on me Darlin"....so many things that made me love Reed!! Reed is the kind of man readers can get lost in, the kind of man you wish you could curl up with and smile into his eyes.
Reed’s past was so heart pulling; the scenes when he returns hope to Texas allows the reader to understand him even more and also speaks volumes to the love JC feels deep in her soul for him.
Towards the end of this book, my heart was in my throat; there was tangible energy and conflict that played out so right.
I loved the use of Tess and Tom, JC needed something and their answers spoke volumes to how you move forward. Because in the end, it is not about what life gives you but what you do with it.
I want to make sure to say the book cover is so well tied to this story that every time I stare at it, my heart pulls for Reed.
Thank you, Ms. Preston for the powerful story of hope and love!
October 3, 2014
4 out of 5 stars ARC Copy for Review
This deals with domestic abuse and moving forward afterwards.
JC Matthews has always had a set of rules that she abides by when it comes to men and dating to keep her out of trouble and falling in love. She did not expect that it was not enough.
JC while on hiatus from model lets her guard down with the wrong man. At first, he seems to sweep her off her feet but when she finds herself living at his place in Italy, he starts to get possessive. First accusing her that she is not only sleeping with her step father a very successful actor and then her step father’s married friend whom she has always call him Uncle.
Before Christmas which she had planned to travel to her family and wish he cannot attend since he is working as a bit actor in a movie and using her family connections to get the role. He beats her up so she cancels going to them since she is all bruised. Several weeks later, she was planning to attend her mom’s 50th party but the day before he goes off on her as she tries to leave. To calm him down from beating her up she says she loves him and offers to have sex with him. She calls to cancel again saying she has the flu again.
Her step father is suspicious and flies to her rescue. He finds her beaten up and confronts him telling him to stay away from her and holds back from beating him up. He takes her home with him and to her family.
Months passes by as she returns to Malibu as she tries to move onwards. One night she decides to go skinny dipping at her parents place since she could not sleep. Before she could enter the pool she notices a gorgeous naked guy in the pool but he runs out of the pool when he realized he is caught.
It turns out the guy is her neighbor Reed Rider from Texas who recently inherited his aunt’s properties which included the house next door who was seeking refuge from the California heat. Reed has his own demons with the recent lost of his wife and child and figuring California will give him a new start.
The two find themselves attracted to each other but will they be able to move forward and with each other. Sometimes you have to get hurt to find love and open your heart once again.
This deals with domestic abuse and moving forward afterwards.
JC Matthews has always had a set of rules that she abides by when it comes to men and dating to keep her out of trouble and falling in love. She did not expect that it was not enough.
JC while on hiatus from model lets her guard down with the wrong man. At first, he seems to sweep her off her feet but when she finds herself living at his place in Italy, he starts to get possessive. First accusing her that she is not only sleeping with her step father a very successful actor and then her step father’s married friend whom she has always call him Uncle.
Before Christmas which she had planned to travel to her family and wish he cannot attend since he is working as a bit actor in a movie and using her family connections to get the role. He beats her up so she cancels going to them since she is all bruised. Several weeks later, she was planning to attend her mom’s 50th party but the day before he goes off on her as she tries to leave. To calm him down from beating her up she says she loves him and offers to have sex with him. She calls to cancel again saying she has the flu again.
Her step father is suspicious and flies to her rescue. He finds her beaten up and confronts him telling him to stay away from her and holds back from beating him up. He takes her home with him and to her family.
Months passes by as she returns to Malibu as she tries to move onwards. One night she decides to go skinny dipping at her parents place since she could not sleep. Before she could enter the pool she notices a gorgeous naked guy in the pool but he runs out of the pool when he realized he is caught.
It turns out the guy is her neighbor Reed Rider from Texas who recently inherited his aunt’s properties which included the house next door who was seeking refuge from the California heat. Reed has his own demons with the recent lost of his wife and child and figuring California will give him a new start.
The two find themselves attracted to each other but will they be able to move forward and with each other. Sometimes you have to get hurt to find love and open your heart once again.
October 8, 2014
We were gifted a copy of this book for an honest review.
First off, this book touches on a serious note... domestic violence. It's something that you've been seeing a lot about lately and Beverly did an amazing job with this story. Even though the story is fiction, she still does an amazing job making you feel everything JC went through and the struggles that she tried to overcome. Like JC, many women don't leave or know how to get out when their significant other abuses them. They feel trapped and don't know what to do.
Now on to the story of JC.... She meets Luca at her sisters wedding. He's her future brother in law's best friend. She's immediately drawn to him and breaks all her rules. A few months later she slowly starts to realize he isn't what he seems. He's starting to pull her away from everyone she loves, and because she starts to fear him, she listens, afraid of what he might do.
After missing too many family events, her step dad Tom decides it's time to figure out what's going on . only problem is he's not ready for what he finds. JC completely beaten and battered. No questions asked, he takes her away and she's able to start her life over.
She decides to go to Malibu to have some peace only to meet her new neighbor while they both decide to skinny dip in her pool. When JC finally meets her streaker, sparks fly and her body plays tricks on her.
Reed is amazing, probably one of my top.book boyfriends out there. He's sexy, sweet and has that Texas drawl. He's immediately attracted to JC.
Reed and JC go through their struggles but they both know they are each other's soul mates. He helps her deal with her past and she makes his life worth living.
This story gets its happy ending, but not all stories do. If you are a victim of domestic violence please know you're not alone and seek help
Surviving Broken is 5 HUMONGOUS GIGANTIC STARS.
October 13, 2014
The story of the youngest Mathew’s in the family, J.C, is one of her living in utter hell until her family is able to see through the lies that she has been hiding behind. They are able to get to her in time but it is up to her to find her own way out from behind the walls that she has built. She went from being a total player with the guys, with a list of rules that she followed religiously, to a shell of her former being.
J.C. has no desire to meet anyone; she just wants to take a hiatus from life in her parents’ home in California. She had no idea that fate had other plans for her. In an unlikely meeting with a naked man in her parent’s private pool; she is scared and put her on alert but she hoped that she would never run into him again.
Reed wasn’t in a place in life that he was looking for a relationship. He was only in California to take care of his aunt’s estate after her passing; little did he know that his decision to use his aunt’s neighbor’s pool late at night to cool off would have him frightening a gorgeous beauty. Since he was naked Reed was unable to apologize or get his name. He never thought he would run into her again, and then it happened at the Mom’s bar, there she was and he knew he had to get to know her.
J.C. is still trying to overcome her demons in her past; to believe she is worth loving and that she can be enough for a man to love her again. Reed also has his own past he is trying to overcome.
This book is amazing. All of the Mathew’s stories have been great emotional reads, but JC’s is to another whole level. Beverly dealt with some very difficult topics in JC and Reeds pasts. Domestic abuse and the death of loved ones are never easy topics to read about or live through, but Beverly has out done herself with Surviving Broken.
A bonus in this book, just like the others, you still get bits and pieces of the entire Mathews family including the twins. This is a story that definitely will pull at your heartstrings and make you want to believe in and hope for the happily ever after.
J.C. has no desire to meet anyone; she just wants to take a hiatus from life in her parents’ home in California. She had no idea that fate had other plans for her. In an unlikely meeting with a naked man in her parent’s private pool; she is scared and put her on alert but she hoped that she would never run into him again.
Reed wasn’t in a place in life that he was looking for a relationship. He was only in California to take care of his aunt’s estate after her passing; little did he know that his decision to use his aunt’s neighbor’s pool late at night to cool off would have him frightening a gorgeous beauty. Since he was naked Reed was unable to apologize or get his name. He never thought he would run into her again, and then it happened at the Mom’s bar, there she was and he knew he had to get to know her.
J.C. is still trying to overcome her demons in her past; to believe she is worth loving and that she can be enough for a man to love her again. Reed also has his own past he is trying to overcome.
This book is amazing. All of the Mathew’s stories have been great emotional reads, but JC’s is to another whole level. Beverly dealt with some very difficult topics in JC and Reeds pasts. Domestic abuse and the death of loved ones are never easy topics to read about or live through, but Beverly has out done herself with Surviving Broken.
A bonus in this book, just like the others, you still get bits and pieces of the entire Mathews family including the twins. This is a story that definitely will pull at your heartstrings and make you want to believe in and hope for the happily ever after.
September 30, 2014
JC Mathews was a self-made woman. She didn’t go by any rule book but her own. She was independent, spontaneous, young and beautiful. Because of her Step Father’s fame that landed her in the spot light, Super Model would only bring her more attention. And not the kind she would want.
Yet, all those things could not protect her from life’s worse challenges. When she met the wrong man her life changed. She lost herself in violence. A place she never expected to find herself. Yet, to her surprise (and the readers0 she chose to stay. It took her Step Father’s intuition, to rescue her.
Recovery would take longer than the bruises to heal. Until one day a mystery trespasser came face to face with her, and changed her course. Reed Rider from Texas, was not JC’s typical date, and that’s exactly what she needed. A good man. But everyone comes with a past, they both had to find a way to move forward and leave their pasts behind.
This was a true roller coaster ride of emotions. Anger, Compassion, Joy, Laughter, Passion. This book had it all, and then some! I was turning each page with either gritted teeth, tears, or a silly grin. Amazing writing from Beverly Preston, she had me glued to each page with eager anticipation. Although it wouldn’t be the first time.
You will find that this Author took some risk, and stepped into the erotic genre’ and it paid off. I thought it was both sexy and sensual. It dove into a level deeper than I thought it could, it touched me in so many ways. And I walked away in amazement, pure talent, great story telling, and great writing.
What more could you want? I highly recommend this book!
Don’t forget these are stand alones only if you choose, start with book one to get the back stories of all these characters.
Yet, all those things could not protect her from life’s worse challenges. When she met the wrong man her life changed. She lost herself in violence. A place she never expected to find herself. Yet, to her surprise (and the readers0 she chose to stay. It took her Step Father’s intuition, to rescue her.
Recovery would take longer than the bruises to heal. Until one day a mystery trespasser came face to face with her, and changed her course. Reed Rider from Texas, was not JC’s typical date, and that’s exactly what she needed. A good man. But everyone comes with a past, they both had to find a way to move forward and leave their pasts behind.
This was a true roller coaster ride of emotions. Anger, Compassion, Joy, Laughter, Passion. This book had it all, and then some! I was turning each page with either gritted teeth, tears, or a silly grin. Amazing writing from Beverly Preston, she had me glued to each page with eager anticipation. Although it wouldn’t be the first time.
You will find that this Author took some risk, and stepped into the erotic genre’ and it paid off. I thought it was both sexy and sensual. It dove into a level deeper than I thought it could, it touched me in so many ways. And I walked away in amazement, pure talent, great story telling, and great writing.
What more could you want? I highly recommend this book!
Don’t forget these are stand alones only if you choose, start with book one to get the back stories of all these characters.
October 2, 2014
An amazing story of love overcoming all... Broken hearts, pain, scars, and emotional trauma.
JC never thought she would find love because she wasn't open. She did want to feel the pain of losing someone and have to live with out them. At her sisters wedding she finds some one that proves to her that keeping her heart closed was the right decision.
Now JC is left with more than just a closed heart but with doubt and fear. Staying out of the public light and not wanting to be around he previous friends, she find herself in her step fathers home to find peace.
Reed has gone through more heart ache than most men. Finding the one woman to heal his heart and make him whole is all he wants.
This romance that Reed and JC have is nothing but beautifull. They truly do heal each other. Together they learn how to love and be as intense about their feeling with out fear. Overcoming past hurts, and healing old scars the blend naturally into the bond that is forcing them together.
JC finally learns how to open her heart and give it to the right man. Reed find the woman that heals his heart, the woman he knew JC would be for him.
A beautiful story that will have you crying, so make sure that you have a box of tissue. This is not just about JC and Reed finding each other but also about how family is just made of blood relatives but of the people that love you and are part of your life. JC' family is her heart, the force that saved her and protected her. The love of her family helped find that Reed was the man she needed and taught her that true love was worth waiting for.
Inspiring and simply beautifully written I loved every minute of this book.
JC never thought she would find love because she wasn't open. She did want to feel the pain of losing someone and have to live with out them. At her sisters wedding she finds some one that proves to her that keeping her heart closed was the right decision.
Now JC is left with more than just a closed heart but with doubt and fear. Staying out of the public light and not wanting to be around he previous friends, she find herself in her step fathers home to find peace.
Reed has gone through more heart ache than most men. Finding the one woman to heal his heart and make him whole is all he wants.
This romance that Reed and JC have is nothing but beautifull. They truly do heal each other. Together they learn how to love and be as intense about their feeling with out fear. Overcoming past hurts, and healing old scars the blend naturally into the bond that is forcing them together.
JC finally learns how to open her heart and give it to the right man. Reed find the woman that heals his heart, the woman he knew JC would be for him.
A beautiful story that will have you crying, so make sure that you have a box of tissue. This is not just about JC and Reed finding each other but also about how family is just made of blood relatives but of the people that love you and are part of your life. JC' family is her heart, the force that saved her and protected her. The love of her family helped find that Reed was the man she needed and taught her that true love was worth waiting for.
Inspiring and simply beautifully written I loved every minute of this book.
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