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Broken Vow

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Rae Sullivan lived her life with one simple rule. Don't let anyone get too close. It was her way of self-preservation. After giving her heart to a man that abused and beat her, she knew keeping everyone at arm's length was the best way to protect herself. Only her family and her best friend Daisy knew the real Rae. Working as a substitute teacher helped her keep a safe distance from people; always moving on before anyone got too close. That was until she arrived at Saint Mike's, and A.J Parrish crashed into her life. Father Alex (A.J) Parrish had dedicated his life to his calling, believing that serving God was what he was meant to do. He worked at Saint Mike's high school as the Basketball coach, and he was known for going the extra mile for the kids at the school. Little did he know that going that extra mile would change his life forever. Asking Rae to help one of the kids from his basketball team, AJ didn't realise that this one simple request would turn his world upside down. As his friendship with Rae turns into something more, can they fight what both their hearts long for, or will true love end with a broken vow?

314 pages, Paperback

Published September 21, 2017

23 people are currently reading
80 people want to read

About the author

Holly C. Webb

28 books203 followers

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5 stars
35 (44%)
4 stars
17 (21%)
3 stars
14 (17%)
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10 (12%)
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2 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for Cindy.
901 reviews27 followers
September 18, 2017
WOW! I must say Holly Webb has become a favorite author of mine. Her books never fail to deliver, and we get another 5 star read with this forbidden tale of a priest, and a substitute teacher. I felt Ms Webb did an AMAZING job with the characters, and in telling their beautiful story.

I absolutely ADORED A.J (Father Alex.). I could feel his internal struggle between his vows and his feelings he has for Rae. What happens when a priest falls in love?

"It's like with you, I have lost everything that I am. You are the reason I breathe, and the only thing my heart beats for." -AJ


Rae moved to the U.S. from Ireland, after a devastating attack. So she begins her life in America. Working as a substitute teacher at St Michael's. And then she meets AJ.

Their chemistry is instant. But what happens when Rae discovers AJ is a priest?

I LOVED this forbidden tale of love and highly recommend it!!

*I voluntarily read an advance copy from the author. This is my honest review.*

Profile Image for Nikki Pearce.
231 reviews6 followers
September 24, 2017
Love Broken Vow
Rae a substitute teacher has had a rough time with her previous lover. Beaten and broken she carries on with her life by fleeing her home in Ireland and moving to America. She takes a job in a catholic school and is actually enjoying her life.
Alex. A priest who also teaches gym had a rough introduction to life.
A story of Forbidden love.
Can the two overcome the hurdles thrown at them?
Will love conquer all?
What an amazing read. I love Holly's books and Broken vows just proves how much I'm becoming hooked on this wonderful author. Xx
Profile Image for Jo Overfield.
365 reviews4 followers
November 2, 2017
Where to start? I'm blown away!!!!

In my opinion this wasn't a book just about the Main Characters, AJ and Rae, it was just as much about all the supporting characters in the book. Daisy made me laugh so hard, I thought I'd die. Calum stole my heart.

Rae was a young woman who'd had a terrible tragedy happen to her. Her passion for life, and love for what made her heart sing was stripped away.

When she took on a position at the Catholic school, and met AJ her life took a turn. AJ was a fellow teacher, and they became friends. Within a short period of time she come to realise he was a priest.

As time went on the relationship between AJ, and Rae developed into the most beautiful, emotional, pull at your heartstrings, I can't breath without you in my life, whirlwind, and the most sensual experience. They shared the deepest love someone could share for someone. Honest, true, palatable love.

At times, many times AJ's love was incredibly hard to know what to do with for both of them, because he was a priest. AJ was a gorgeous man, and had an appeal than went far beyond being the most perfect guy any girl could ever meet.

Rae was one of the most amazing, and bravest souls ever. Her sacrifice to let go of her own pain with AJ's help to mentor a fellow student, and help him reach the same dream that was ripped from her years earlier was just beautiful to watch.

Her courageous decision to stand up for a student who'd been bullied, was inspirational, and heartbreaking at the same time. I was brought to tears.

AJ's struggle to be the man he vowed to be, and do right by Rae at the same time was understandable,because you felt his inner turmoil to do right by everyone, including keeping his vows, but at the same time you felt Rae's fears as they went through their journey together. After all, choosing to love someone under these circumstances had lots of questions.

I give a huge standing ovation to Holly for this book, I'm catholic, and this was one of the most beautiful love stories I've ever read. It was so well written.

She not only told one of the most beautiful love stories ever written, but brought attention to two major issues that affect our society today.

This is a ten star read! I cried, I laughed, and I loved.


I voluntarily read an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
148 reviews3 followers
September 10, 2017
You think you have your life figured out and then something life changing happens and you decide to start your life over somewhere new.

Rachel is a substitute teacher and she finds a job at Saint Michael's teaching English. She has shut her heart off after everything that happened to her, which is why she loves her job so much more because she is never in the same place long.

A.J. is the gym teacher and the basketball coach at Saint Michael's. Rae and A.J. kind of hit it off, but she's leery about trusting anyone after everything that happened with Dean. She was also a magnificent dancer, but after Dean she couldn't bring herself to dance anymore.

“You have a good heart, Rachel Sullivan,” A.J replied matter of factly. “And it’s bigger than whatever darkness that fills your soul.”
“You don’t want to know what’s in my soul,” Rae sighed sadly.


A.J. asked her to help a student do what he loved to do and was amazing at but just needed some coaching. Will Rae be able to put the past behind her and help the student or will she let her fears get the better of her?

A.J. and Rae start to get really close and she thinks she might have found someone who she can open her heart up to...there is only one major complication, A.J. is a priest!! What does that mean for them? Will she have to walk away from love? Or will everything work out somehow?

“It’s like with you, I have lost everything that I am. You are the reason I breathe, and the only thing my heart beats for.” “I don’t want you to lose yourself,” Rae whispered.

I absolutely loved this book!! It's a definite must read!! It had my emotions all over!!
Profile Image for Shelly Reynolds.
702 reviews19 followers
September 1, 2017
"It's like with you, I have lost everything that I am. You are the reason I breathe, and the only thing my heart beats for."

Wow. Just Wow. I wasn't sure how I would feel about this one. Romance involving priests is not a trope I would normally read, being raised Catholic. But, Holly Webb does an amazing job in addressing the issue with sensitivity. I couldn't help but fall in love with A.J. I felt his struggle with his feelings. With being torn between his vow to serve God, and the feelings he was having for Rae. It was heartfelt, heartbreaking, and yes, sexy.

Rae had moved to the States from Ireland, trying to start over. She needed to escape her past and begin a new life. Taking a temporary job as a substitute teacher at St. Michael's, she finds friendship and trust with A.J., the school's gym teacher and coach. The chemistry is instant. Until she discovers he's more than a teacher. He's Father Alex. She can't be attracted to a priest. She needs to keep her feelings for him platonic. She can never have him. Or can she?

A.J. made a deal with God when he was young - Grant his one, desperate prayer and he'd serve Him forever. He's never questioned his calling. Until Rae. Is he strong enough to fight the temptation? Does he want to? She's turning his world upside down and he needs to choose.

I really loved this book. The characters feel real. I was drawn in emotionally and felt everything they were feeling. Very well done!
Profile Image for Louise.
434 reviews16 followers
September 4, 2017
Thank you to the author for the ARC of this book.
I have loved all of Holly's books previously but I have to be honest and, it probably sounds like a cliche but this is the best book she has written so far.

It's a very taboo book, (I love taboo books) about forbidden love. It sees a non religious woman called Rae who fall in love with priest A.J. As we all know priests take vows and one such vow is the vow of chastity. So falling in love is most definitely frowned upon. However this book just proves that we're all human and can't help who we fall for. Sad fact of life is that there's always going to be judgement. People are who they are and I love books like this that shout about the fact that love is love.

Anyway seriousness aside, let's talk about Father Alex Parrish. He is one hot mother plumber! I mean it must be the whole 'not being allowed' to touch that sets me racing. I think at times we all secretly want what we can't have - the "forbidden fruit." Put aside the fact that he's a priest and you just have this amazing, caring hot man. I really enjoyed his character.
I'm not a big fan of female characters, I think it's the whole 'I'm jealous it's not me' thing. (Not that I'm bitter or anything.) But I did actually like Rae, she has this strength in her that I found endearing. She'd built herself back up and that is something I can admire.

This is an awesome story, don't just take my word for it though, buy the book. I love Holly's style of writing, it's sweet and fun and will make you fall in love.
Profile Image for Gem.
136 reviews2 followers
September 7, 2017
Broken Vow is one of those books that can blow you away and leave you wanting more! I was totally in love with A.J. he's hot, intelligent and completely untouchable until he falls for Rae. Rae's sweet, quiet and beautiful; she doesn't know what she's missing until she meets Father Alex. Them coming together is explosive and it's the best written story I've read in a while. I was desperate to be Rae and to experience some of A.J. for myself. If you have the opportunity to read Broken Vow, do it!! you won't regret it
Profile Image for Laura Rossi.
Author 74 books180 followers
November 2, 2017
This book has it all.
Yes it's a love story, but there are various themes that mesh perfectly with the love story between Rae and AJ.
Rae has been hurt, real bad. She runs away from her home country and tries to settle down in the US. She never feels like really staying in one place until she meets AJ, a priest that teaches in her same school and this is when Holly Webb takes us on a love rollercoaster. Vows are broken while hearts are restored and the angst is just perfect and so beautifully written. I couldn't turn page fast enough. Loved every word. Must read.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Gardner.
333 reviews5 followers
September 3, 2017
This author had me hooked from the beginning. The emotion that was in this book was through the roof. The trials that Rachel and AJ had to go through made this book impossible to put down. I definitely recommend this book and this author.🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Profile Image for Vera Fowler.
185 reviews3 followers
April 25, 2019
What a book! I loved this book and it had me crying like a baby. Holly Webb is an amazing author and I've loved every single book of hers. The love between Aj and Rea is a love I've only ever dreamed of from beginning to end I was gripped by this book the strength the Rea has is inspiring. Well done Holly on another fantastic sexy inspiring story. Definitely worth more than 5stars and very highly recommend.
Profile Image for Kerry Richardson.
1,651 reviews14 followers
November 1, 2017
This was a wonderful story with strong characters. I loved both AJ and Rachel and their developing relationship. The only thing that stopped me giving it 5☆ were the amount of grammatical errors.
Profile Image for Eva.
1,669 reviews6 followers
September 30, 2017
Holly has given us a taboo story but it was so good I have to say without giving to much away its my favourite book from this author an emotional read for me and it hooked me from the start I must admit I did have a little cry I love a story that takes me away To somewhere else and it's what I call book world for me I get so involved in the books I read especially the great ones and this was a great one.i voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.
Profile Image for Stacy.
301 reviews20 followers
September 25, 2017
This is one of those books that leaves you wanting more of the story.

This is a story of a girl named Rachel (Rae) who had her life turned upside down in a bad way. But then she gets a job and meets AJ. AJ makes her smile and makes her heart happy. But there is one problem....he is forbidden. And as for AJ, he has never felt the way he feels for Rachel. All both of them want is a happy ending.

Haven't we all wanted someone who was forbidden or unattainable?
Profile Image for StinaA.
708 reviews6 followers
September 22, 2017
Broken Vow, by Holly C.Webb.
Webb has done it again! What an amazing story! Has all the feels. This book is beautiful written. The characters are amazing. Even all the supporting characters was well developed. Daisy is an awesome woman!
I can't praise this book enough!!

Rae Sullivan moves to America from Ireland. Starting over as substitute teacher at an Catholic school. She does whatever she can to keep people at an arms length.
Until she meets the schools basketball coach, A.J Parrish. Who is also Father Alex.
They develop a beautiful friendship, and that turns into something more.

"-It's like with you, I have lost everything that I am. You are the reason I breathe, and the only thing my heart beats for."

I thank the author for providing a copy to voluntarily review.

Profile Image for Gloria Nuckols.
484 reviews
September 26, 2017
Such a fantastic job on this story. Even though this may be a slightly taboo for some, Holly did a remarkable job with the development of the characters and how they got their happy ending. Rae and AJ were meant to be. I absolutely loved it!! Make sure you give it a try.
125 reviews2 followers
September 30, 2017
Wow loved this book

Wow loved this book. I will be recommend it to all friends and family. I couldnt put the book down i really enjoyed the main charectors of the story too
Profile Image for Carolann Evans.
67 reviews7 followers
November 11, 2017
A must read

I'm always on the look out for this authors new releases and I can honestly she never disappoints. Rae is left broken in more way than one by a cruel ex. Knowing she can't live her life where she grow up she leaves everything she loves behind . Now with no place to settle never putting down roots so she can leave at a moment's notice. Yet again Rae finds herself with another temp post at a school but what is awaiting her beyond the gate . AJ hasn't had the best start in life and hasn't had the what you call a normal upbringing a lost soul that choose the wrong path that nearly ends in misery. A truly remarkable story that at first I was apprehensive about reading do to the nature of the book but was beautifully written and a must read i can't wait for your next release
Profile Image for Denise.
192 reviews15 followers
October 13, 2018
This was such a heartbreaking but beautiful story! Rae is a strong woman who has overcome something horrific in her past. AJ is a priest and a lovely man. He’s drawn to Rae and wants to mend her. The pull between these two is intense and emotional. This book was written with so much heart and emotion and I loved it. I simply couldn’t put it down. This is one that will definitely stick with me for years to come. Make sure you have tissues handy because you will get emotional.
33 reviews
July 15, 2018
WoW

WoW! I was not expecting this story when I picked this book without reading the synopsis. I enjoyed it and felt like a dinner at the same time without guilt of going to hell. Absolutely loved it.
Profile Image for Monae Doyle.
1,516 reviews6 followers
June 10, 2020
In the story there is a woman named Rae Sullivan who lives her life by one rule ..... Don’t let anyone close. The rule was because she had been with a guy who was abusive and had hurt her. She lived keeping everyone at arm’s length only her best friend Daisy knows the real Rae. Rae decides to move away from home to work as a substitute teacher at a school called Saint Mike’s where she crashed into A.J. Parrish. A.J. Parrish was known for going the extra mile for his students at the school. Little does he know that going the extra mile for Rae would change his life. I really liked A.J. and Rae together even though Rae realizes that Alex (A.J.) Parrish is a priest. This was a book that I wasn’t expecting to like but I couldn’t put it down.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews

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