Even If It Breaks Me

by Dominique Laura

At fourteen years old, I loved him.
Hard.
So hard it hurt.
I loved him, but love isn’t what it was.
It was a game, a lie. And I would never be the same.
I fell in love with a liar, and when the truth was uncovered, he left my heart shattered and never looked back.
So I didn’t either. I moved on, went to college, and I lived my life without him, pushing thoughts of him away whenever they tried to break through the bubble I had created for myself.
I was twenty-four when he came back into my life, a month before I was set to marry someone else, someone who had pieced together the broken parts he had left behind.
I shouldn’t have agreed to meet with him, but I did. I had to.
My heart broke all over again.
My head and heart were officially at war.
I had a choice to make, and it should have been easy, but it wasn’t. Because whatever choice I made, head or heart, I knew it would break me.

Genres: Romance, Young Adult

Unknown Binding

First published April 13, 2018

Reviews

[Alex ♈]

Despite I didn't finish this book, I want to compliment the amazing idea of the plot/outcome.

2nd chance finally done right!
The girl ended up NOT with her 1st love, but with her recent fiance, whom she wisely chose over the man, who betrayed and manipulated her.

And if not for a weird 'contradiction', which made me DNF, I would have even 'overlooked' that the heroine undeliberately cheated with her 1st love on his gf - it was so obvious (to the reader), that he was with his ex and she/h even saw them together. But since there was no sex (still cheating) and the heroine was very young and naive, I wouldn't have bashed her.

I liked heroine's BFF Becca, she was NOT your typical ignorant and shallow friend, who pushed the h toward bad decisions.

Despite sugar coated writing and NA genre, I was going to enjoy this book.

But 'the small issue' just didn't make sense to me
+
Destroyed real hero's character
+
Made heroine look meek


Her 1st love, whom she met, fed her love words, but was the whole time with his gf, who even gave birth to their son. Heroine knew about the kid, and despite the man told her he broke up with his ex, there were clear signs he didn't.

Loved how she stood up for herself and told him to back off!

So, her next bf and true love, whom she chose at the end, was the 1st boy she met at college. Cute meeting, she shy, he can't stop looking at her, they go to pizzeria together, she friendly and nice, he ogled her adorably; and even after he left her table to speak to other girls, I didn't hear the bells ring....
A short time after (I assume days) and with a sure mutual attraction between the h and her 'true love', they tell me and also the h, that this 'cute' boy HAD SEX WITH HER ROOMMATE.
???????????????????????????
They were not together blah blah blah, but he was portrayed as THE true love and definitely liked her/h... I stopped at 57% and maybe they'd be an explanation, but I reached the point they dated for a year and after h's BFF pointed out he did hook up with h's roommate, the kind h cut her off: we just met and we were not together.
IMO, nothing screams lauder 'love' than having sex with OWs, anyway...
A girl, who was burned by a man, who lied to her for years, just accepts that her new love intrest HAD SEX WITH HER ROOMMATE only days after meeting her... I don't know... It made her look meek in my eyes. It just didn't make sense to me.
She didn't even speak to him about it, she just said yes to his proposal to try to be more than friends...
With this attitude she would find a reason to forgive real cheating in the future, IMO...

It's a shame. I wanted to like this book.

[Coozie · Rating 2 out of 5]

UPDATE: I don’t think I adequately drove home the point of just how cringeworthily, horrifically corny the dialogue is here. Corny isn’t even the word. It’s as if the author has never heard two actual, real life people speak before and her only frame of reference is low budget, poorly acted, straight-to-DVD teenage romantic comedies with stilted dialogue. It’s that bad.

This was a sweet story, but...

GOD was this cheesy. Thank God it was only .99 cents. Thank God it was short enough to finish in one sitting. Insane amount of typos, too.

It’s a shame cuz I’ve been on the hunt for a romance where the heroine moves on with a guy she’s actually in love with, but this just totally failed on execution. The author def had the right idea tho, I hope this review is taken in stride.

[Kayla Mason · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review contains spoilers!

I like the idea behind this book. In a way. It’s refreshing because in most books the girl ends up with her first love. Not the case in this book. Especially because her first love was crap lol.

I didn’t connect with the characters tho. I felt like I barely knew Dylan and the whole thing was rushed 🤷🏼‍♀️

[Rejane]

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Sarah Stein · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the honor of celebrating the release of this book with the Author. From the start I was intrigued by the synopsis and KU’d. In one day I finished because the story kept pulling me in. Jade experienced so much and I felt like I was right alongside her experiencing the same. I understood the anguish and pain she felt with her first love. It’s something you can’t hide from. She had the greatest best friend who knew exactly what to say and was there for her throughout everything. Dylan still seemed to good to me true but definitely someone Jade deserved. I loved how he was there for Jade even knowing she needed closer. Most people would have a difficult time with that. Definitely will read more from this author.

[Diane Plourde TDC Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great young adult story that was addicting and captivating.

First love was not easily forgotten for Jade. Years later when she thinks she’s over her first love it comes crashing down. Jade was just 14 when she first found her first love. This is her journey.

I wish I could say it was a love story, it was in a way but it was about Jade and her path. It was her journey, her first love versus her soulmate. Which one was everlasting and bring her happiness. This is a sweet story that was beautifully written with a seamless plot. I find it refreshing to read stories that I would encourage my teenage daughter to read.

Standalone told in a dual POV with an HEA. I recommend this story.

[Cait's Creatures · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Please note, I suck at taking pictures so I definitely did NOT take the picture above. None of the pictures I have used, or will use, are mine. This one was from Dominique herself!**
SHE DID IT AGAIN. Dominique Laura gave me another novel that had me in tears. This was emotional in a different way, because it's the story of your first love. She gave me another YA/Contemporary Romance that I connected with on a level I didn't know I could, since my first love, I thought, wasn't like Jade's. My first love was different because it didn't last years, like Jade's did. Mine was short (three months!), tumultuous, and definitely didn't carry over to college. Hell, looking back, I don't even know if it was love. But throughout the rest of high school, he definitely impacted my life. I'd get the call or text every few months, trying to be friends, and have to learn all over again he was a grade-A jerk.

I think our first love always holds a special place in our hearts. It's the one I think teaches you the most about what you want in life. It's the one that hurts the most. It's the one you thought would last forever, even if your head (and everyone around you) told you it wouldn't last. There's manipulation, tears, fights, and happiness.



Going into this, especially with the prologue, I thought for sure I'd root for Jade's first love. I mean, who doesn't like to read about the guy you fell in love with, fought to be with, coming back into the girl's life and they end up together? I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop, much like Jade had, with her relationship with Dylan. What was going to be the thing that pushed her towards Tian? 

But God, this was so much better. Because it was real. 

Dominique eloquently and perfectly describes the falling in love so young, thinking it is going to be your everything, allowing someone to hurt and manipulate you into forgiving them, ignoring the signs they aren't who you think they are, and the hurt that follows when you have to choose yourself over someone else. Someone you thought you loved. Someone you thought loved you. She describes the hardships of falling in love with someone new. 

Dominique: Keep writing your amazing stories. They are beautiful, and you have a true gift! I will gladly have tissues and ice cream ready for every tale you weave, as long as you continue to do it.
Everyone else: GET THIS BOOK! And when it releases, look in the back for true lessons readers learned from their first love. (Which I will be getting just to read those stories).

[Mary Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great YA story from Dominique Laura. This is the story of Jade. She meets Tian as a teenager. He is few years older than her but the heart doesn't care about age. While her heart is in it 100%, his isn't. But he gives her just enough to keep her holding on. Until one day lies come out and she has to let him go. Then fast forward years later. She has met an amazing man named Dylan. And just when Jade thinks she finally has the fairy tale love she has always wanted, Tian shows up again regretting his past and wanting her back. Now Jade has to decide if she wants to be with her first love that she never fully let go or take a chance that her new love is the right one.
This was an amazing read as usual. The author dealt with the very real pain mostly everyone can relate to: first love, first heartache. I loved all the characters. Jade reminds me of myself as young girl. Falling in love and being blind by love at the same time. She starts out as a naive young girl and at the end of the story she is strong woman who is ready to stand up for her heart. She also has a kickass best friend Becca. She supports Jade enough through everything but also helps her find her strength. Then there is Tian. I had a hate love relationship with this character. He made me so mad with his decisions but I found myself still wanting Jade and him to be together. But the ultimate heart throb of the story is Dylan. He is the perfect man. But I understood Jade's dilemma. The heart doesn't always make sense.
I highly recommend this story to anyone who loves a great life, love story. I guarantee almost everyone can relate to the emotions that Jade goes through. And it is a great reminder how we are worth happiness. Even when we can't see it at first.

[Kelly Kline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jade finds her first love when shes just a young girl. Sabastian was everything she wanted in a boyfriend. He seemed to have secrets though. Even went so far as to keep her a secret. Jade loved him with all she had but she eventually realized she had to move on. He just wasn't meant to be. Years later he's back and the timing is really bad. Jade has to make a choice again and its not easy.
I loved this story so so much! Its a story of old love versus new love and also about life lessons learned. I think in some shape or form we have all lived through at least one lesson in love and heartbreak. Jade's story definitely puts you through a roller coaster of emotion. Many times I wanted to yell and rant and other times i wanted to cry for the characters. Its a gripping story that will have you turning pages furiously! This author has delivered another amazing story once again and your definitely missing out if you don't read this one!!!

[Kelly G (Now Accepting Book Boyfriend Applications) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! New-to-me author. Went in to the book blind. I didn't read the blurb or anything. I was blown away! 🤯 A great story of a girl falling in love for the first time. It really brought me back to when I was 14 and I was "falling in love". But Jade and Sebastian were not meant to be. There was the age difference, which wouldn't be that big of a deal is she had been older than 14. There were many secrets. Through the whole book I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop. Either when she was with Sebastian, and then Dylan. I was always waiting for something bad to happen. Let's be honest, Jade wasn't the strongest of heroines that I have read about, but in all seriousness she was really the easiest to relate to. She had the same insecurities that we all have. She kept thinking that something bad was going to happen in the relationship she was in, so I felt like something bad was going to happen. I was on pins and needles! My heart was stuck in my throat and I had bats flying around in my stomach! I very seriously enjoyed this book. I will absolutely be reading more from Dominique Laura! 💖💖💖

[Cynthia Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional and heartbreaking but love shows the way.

What would you do if your first love came back ?
Jade was 14 when she met Tian. Becca her best friend since babies was there for her no matter what. They dated for years till she finds out the truth and nearly broke her and almost destroyed her. When she left for college she met Dylan and they were friends first and moved on to do much more. They found out what love is supposed to be like. When she gets a call from Tian and it tips her world. Will she be able to keep her past where it belongs or will it ruin everything she has? Amazing it will make laugh with them all and the banter between them is amazing. Love the characters and the flow of the story is amazing. Can not wait for more from this author

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about love. And just like love it is complex, complicated, messy, painful, and beautiful. This book takes us from first love, through first heartbreak. And just when Jade thinks she has put all the pieces of her heart together, found an amazing man and is ready to start a new life with him. The phone rings and the past comes calling. With intense emotions, painful feelings, drama, regrets, and difficult discussions to be made, this book will keep you wrapped up in its pages. This is my honest, voluntary review after reading this book.

[Rose Silverstone · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not what I expected

It took some time to get through this story. The way the story was written i spent most of my time waiting for something truly heartbreaking to happen. It never did. I ended the work disappointed because "a betrayal" was still promised. Again. Nothing. The storyline was pretty decent. Not a re-read for me. Others may enjoy it but I didn't care for it.

[LLS · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! Tian was Jade's everything from a young age until she found out some things and then left for college. Dylan started out as a friend who became so much more. The story was a realistic look at first love and true love and everything in between. I have to admit that I wasn't sure how this one was going to end. Looking forward to the next offering from this author.

Thank you for the privilege of reading this book! Well done! ❤️

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I won this as an ARC*

This was my first read by this author. I enjoyed the writing. The storyline was interesting and the characters were likable. The only problem I had was that I didn’t exactly feel the chemistry between Sebastian and Jade. I wanted to so badly but it just wasn’t there for me.

I was happy how the book ended. I’d say 3.5 - 4 stars for me.

[LS Kralicek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soul mate?

This story is one of personal growth through first loves and soul mate love. The author does a great job of showing he reader the difference between soul mate love and the love of your life could be two people.

[Misty Santillan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Break me

What doesn't break us, makes us stronger. Or so that's how the saying goes. Enjoy a sweet, and at times cheesy, coming of age and growing up story. This had my attention from the start and didn't let go. A nice, clean romance

[Jennifer Richey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this

I really enjoyed reading this book! Jades first love comes back to in her life when she is a month away from marrying her soulmate omg oh the drama! Their was some life lessons in this book so good.

[Autumn Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written book about finding your first love, letting him take pieces of your heart, trying to move on, and then finding your soulmate. I was captivated from the beginning to end. I can not wait to read more from this author.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great story of finding your first love then finding out that he may not be your true love. I could see myself in Jade's character as she suffered the loss of her first heartbreak. Dylan meets Jade and helps her learn to love again. Dylan and Jade have a great love story , but with any love story there is bound to be bumps in the road along the way. Becca was such a supportive friend to Jade through out the book . Good friendships are hard to come buy and substain the test of time , but Jade and Becca are still friends in the end. I can't wait to read what the author writes next.

[Gindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the book was really good but sometimes wordy. Jade falls in love at fourteen with Tian, the older boy who has another girlfriend. Jade decides her worth and breaks up with Tian goes off to college and meets Dylan who she falls in love with and calls her soulmate. One month before her wedding day Tian shows back up telling her not to marry Dylan.
Jade and Dylan gets married and live Happily Ever After.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

First love and heartbreak

This was a new author to me and I enjoyed her way of story telling.
A story about jade who falls in love with a older boy. She's a young and naive girl and you sometimes have to remind yourself how old she is when you want her to listen to her best friend becca about having more in a realationship.
Sebastian has a,washes enjoyed his Saturday's with jade but for some reason could never give her more or open up to her. You kept wanting him to be honest ad. If he couldn't be with her just let her go.

Then years go by and can jade open up her hear again and trust him to change.
I'm glad she had becca with her in college to open up and let her guard down with Dylan.
He was almost to good to be true. He was a nice guy and in love with her,
An easy read for sure.

[Cynthia Rollins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I’ve read of Dominique Laura’s. I’ll say I’m definitely a fan💕 I loved this book, it made me laugh, cry, and in the end smile🙁 Some believe that first loves are sometimes our last loves, but not in Jade and Tian’s case. Jade was just a fourteen year old girl when she met and fell in love with Tian, who was 17. They got along great but there was something off about their relationship. Eventually the relationship took a toll on Jade and she got her heart broken. Time goes by and Jade starts to recover as she starts he first year of College. On her first day she meets Dylan who helps mend her broken heart slowly. I’m in love with Dylan. I don’t want to give it away, but everyone needs to read this book!!!

[Miia · Rating 1 out of 5]

Almost DNF it!

I don't even know how to review this book. I almost DNF, instead I just flipped through it when it got kind of embarrassing. I don't want to use that word because it's not fair to the author.

But let me tell you why I had such a hard time with the characters( the plot was ok):

Jade is 14 when she meets Tian.
They have a platonic relationship that develops into something else, not sure if it's a relationship though. He lies to her again and again, to the point that as a reader I'm questioning her self-esteem. I know first love is tricky but what I don't like to read is heroines that keep on being weak and almost enjoy being treated like doormats. We don't need that in 2022. Period.

[Denise Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book about 1st love and heartache. At 14 Jade meets Tian and thru time their relationship (if thats what you call it) grows. Jade is a very naive girl. She is like a lot of girls at her age believing and hanging on every word a boy says. Unfortunately Jade had to learn the hard way 1st loves don't usually last. She however did like most others find a second chance when she wasn't looking and that was her soul mate Dillion. Dillion is like what most girls dream about he is loyal, caring and just loves Jade no matter what. I recommend this book to so many coming of age girls and young adults to see that the is life and love after your 1st love.

[Nikkita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. I loved the characters, even though Jade is a very naive girl even for being so young through a lot of the book. The storyline was what really hooked me, it's a story that a lot of girls can identify with. Having your first love and losing that love, can definitely cause emotional scarring. Rising above that scarring and finding your soulmate though makes the journey worth it. That's the story you'll be getting with Jade, Tian and Dylan.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

To have a first love is a powerful thing. Those memories get buried and once in great while pop out. I met Tom when I was sophomore in high school. We dated till after high school graduation. I look back now and think I'm really unsure if he was my first true love. Chris had my heart when I was 20 for close to 3 years. I always swore if he came back into my life, we would get back together. This book brought back so many feelings. You will love this book. Dominique, you're amazing writer.

[Nicki White · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I read the synopsis of this book I knew it was one I wanted to read. I wanted to read it so badly I bumped it way up on my list and cut it into the middle of a book I was currently reading. It didn’t take me long to finish. It most definitely didn’t feel like it was a 200+ page book either.

The bad news is that I didn’t write the review up after reading it but 24 hours later and I had to go back and remind myself of the characters names and even what they had looked like. Yikes!!!

All I could remember was our female lead (Jade) was the naivest girl even for 14 that has ever crossed my path, male #1 (Sebastian/ Tian) had dimples and male #2 (Dylan) well he had amazing eyes. It seemed these three points were stressed repeatedly. Well not for Jade, her actions alone spoke for her. I found it a bit redundant.

The development of the story came in quickly. Following Jade’s point of view of a young teen to a young adult. Which really didn’t seem as though much growth was made during that time frame.

The plot though was interesting enough to me that I continued the book. I wanted to know what was going to become of Jade and her first love. This was not your standard love at first sight story and that is what really intrigued me. Often authors have an instant-connection and walla happily ever after here we come. But, that was not the case with Even If it Breaks Me.

Would I read this again? I probably would. It wasn’t poorly written, while the flow was a quick pace at least that was steady through the book. The timeline was always spot on and Laura never mixed up details or events. It was an easy read, just not the most memorable.

To read more review by me checkout https://shealwaysreads.com/

[robin Ann thistlewood · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was good. It took we a while to get into. Jade was 14 and she met Tain she thought he was her forever. But she is wrong. He cheated and finally he showed up at her wedding with Dylan.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aww

What a good story so turned out differently than I expected but in a good way.. Such a romantic love story.. Thank goodness for best friends.