*This book has been re-edited and republished by Madison Publishing Company. We are proud to reintroduce Dawn Pendleton’s best-selling Broken Series to the book world and look forward to publishing her future works.*
Rainey Daniels has been keeping a secret since she left her hometown, three years ago. The death of a friend’s father, though, has her questioning whether running away from her past is what’s best for her future. Add sexy Chris Baker in the mix and she’s even more unsure. After all, life is short. Baker is an all-around good guy with a great sense of humor struggling to keep his new bar afloat. And he always thought Rainey was hot, even when she carried a few extra pounds in high school. Hell, he thinks she’s too skinny now. He knows she’s hiding something, too, but when he presses for more, she pushes him away. He tries not to care; she only wants a summer fling, right? But when her life is threatened, he realizes he may just be in love with her… and then he learns her life-altering secret. Can they find love together before it’s too late?
This is a New Adult genre book. *Due to adult content, this book is recommended for adults 18+*
This was great follow up to Broken Promises but I felt it wasn't complete. It kinda left me empty. That is the only reason I am giving it 4 stars because this book will give a tug on your heart strings! It ended in a happy ending kinda. If that's where Ms. Dawn wanted to go she succeeded but I wanted to know more! I loved Rainy in the first book and finding out what her secret was a little shocking I didn't think Mallory was going to take it as well as she did. Also, reading more about Baker in this book changed my perspective of him. He was kind, attentive, as he put it in the book would stick by Rainy through anything. I hope to see more of their relationship in the next book. Which I am guessing is Wolfe's and Gabby's book or I hoping that there is one!
So the author and I had a little chit chat because when I got to the end of the bookie I felt like Rainey's story wasn't done, and I was right. The things I discussed with the author won't be affecting my review of the book because technically they haven't happened yet. Dawn writes things that are 'real life' and even though I don't like it, it happens. Baker he's a good guy, "I planned to treat her right, not only because I liked her, but also to make up for being an a** that first night." These characters, well some of these characters a dealt with a hand that isn't very nice Baker to me is Rainey's Romeo to her Juliet, her Starsky to her Hutch, her prince to her little mermaid. He's just always there for her and it takes her awhile to figure that out, "I don't know what's going on with you, Rainey, but I don't like it. And one of these days, you're going to tell me what it is that has you bruising like a peach and getting sick at odd hours of the night." Now before I started reading this book I had a hunch on what Rainey's problem was, (ya'll probably will get the same one after you read the first book or if you have then maybe you have it already.) And Baker that sweet man he's ballsy, "tell me I'm not standing here in your aunt's house with my di** out." Told you ballsy. I liked this book and of course I'm DYING to get Wolfe's story.
I really enjoyed Rainey's story, although I felt was left unfinished. I need to know what happens to her and Baker. Also I really want to know what is going on between Gabby and Wolf and will Mallory and Luke get married???? I see a lot more potential for this series and I can't wait!!!!!
Rainey Daniels wanted a summer fling: no commitments, no strings and no complications. She didn’t need added problem into her life. She had been harboring a secret for three years only a few close people to her knew. She didn’t want to be a burden to anyone; even she kept her best friend Mallory in the dark, knowing that she took her father’s death hard. Then there’s the sexy, bar-owner, ex-boyfriend-turned-fling Chris Baker who can take her breath away.
If you want a good, responsible guy – you will love Christopher Baker, or Baker as what they call him. He had always thought Rainey was beautiful and hot despite the extra weight she carries during her high school days, but seeing her now – skinny with unexplained bruises – left him wondering what secret she’s been keeping from him. He didn’t want to push at first, but he was worried, and when he did, the next thing he knew, Rainey ran away fast. Then he knew about her secret – he knew it was big, but he didn’t realize it was grave. But one thing he knew for sure, he wanted to be with her.
I always love short reads, with a lot of heart. This one has a whole lot of heart in it. I loved not only the main characters of the story, but as well as the secondary characters who were all great support groups to the two. Rainey didn’t want to burden anyone – and that was understandable. But I was glad that despite what happened, she gave Baker chance to love her. And Baker – he reminded me of someone close to me the moment he decided to be with Rainey. His decision wasn’t an easy one – heck it will be hard, but he took the risk, and with that he captured my heart. I had two close people near to my heart who had ALMOST the same love story as they had. In reality, it really didn’t end well. But for that momentous moment in their lives, with people close to them witnessing their profession of love to each other – it was a sight to behold. I love the ending – it was sweet, real, and a little bit bittersweet. I couldn’t have asked for more.
★★★ARC Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.★★★
This series just keeps getting better. This is the second story in the Broken series by Dawn Pendleton and stars Rainey and Baker (Chris). Rainey and Baker went to Rainey's senior prom together so that Mallory's boyfriend Luke would have someone his age to talk to. Baker and Luke are best friends and Rainey and Mallory are best friends. It has been three years since Rainey and Baker have seen each other and Rainey has changed a lot in that time. She is no longer the "chubby" girl that everyone remembers from high school. But Rainey has been keeping a secret. One that will break your heart and leave it shattered. Will Rainey and Baker have their second chance? Will true love prevail? Read this series to find out.
Well I read this in a day....couldn't wait to see where the story went. By the end of the book i was in tears. Romantic Baker looking after the only woman he's ever loved who just happens to be dying. Roll on book 3!
I definitely liked Broken Dreams better than Broken Promises. I liked Rainey she is smart, loyal and feisty, her stubbornness drove me nuts. I didn't like how she kept everything to her self for no apparent reason, sort of. I kind of understood her reasons sort of. In my opinion Baker is nothing like I had pictured. In Broken Promises I had the picture of a lazy pothead. Once I got to know Baker I liked him he is hard working, funny and loyal. I found this book very sad. I didn't like the ending it was very abrupt. Overall it's a little better than Broken Promises. I read in Broken Series (Broken, #1-3.5)
*Attenzione spoiler* *Ho ricevuto una copia del libro in cambio di un'onesta recensione*
Rispetto al primo libro della serie, che ho trovato abbastanza monotono e fastidioso, Broken Dreams si è rivelato migliore, sia per la trama sia per i personaggi.
Rainey ha deciso di trascorrere l'estate a Casper, la sua città natale nel Maine, lasciandosi alle spalle la caotica Los Angeles. Ad attenderla il solito gruppo di amici e Baker, il ragazzo per cui aveva una cotta al liceo e con il quale intende avere una storia estiva. Ma niente di più, perchè c'è un segreto che non può rivelare a lui o a nessun altro. Rainey ha la leucemia e scopre ben presto che è tornata e che stavolta nessuna terapia potrà salvarla. Baker ha sempre amato Rainey, anche se questo lui deve ancora capirlo, e una semplice storiella non è più abbastanza. Ma qual è quel segreto che tutti sembrano conoscere e che ha fatto scappare Rainey a Los Angeles? Quando lo scopre non ci pensa due volte e prende il primo volo per raggiungere la ragazza. Decide che sarà lui a far realizzare tutti i suoi sogni e che le starà accanto fino alla fine, anche a costo di ritrovarsi col cuore spezzato.
La lettura è molto semplice e scorre veloce. Magari un lavoro più approfondito di editing avrebbe evitato alcuni errori grammaticali e varie ripetizioni nelle frasi. Se nel primo libro non avevo apprezzato abbastanza la protagonista femminile - troppo presa da se stessa - e la storia d'amore - dominata dal risentimento - in Broken Dreams entrambi gli aspetti hanno guadagnato una sfumatura dolce e romantica difficile da odiare.
Aspettavo di leggere questo libro ma sono rimasta con l'amaro in bocca. La storia racconta l'inizio della fine della storia d'amore di Rainey e Baker e arrivati all'ultima pagina non ci si può non chiedere come andrà a finire. Ci sarà un piacevole cambiamento o finirà così? Che destino crudele...
A dicembre uscirà il terzo volume, Broken Pieces, con la storia di Gabby e Wolfe. Mi auguro che stavolta non succeda nulla di così tragico e che una coppia almeno possa ritrovare l'amore perduto senza correre in qualche altra disgrazia. E magari, chissà, scopriremo come sta procedendo anche tra Rainey e Baker.
Come si può immaginare il romanzo è scritto in inglese. Chi conosce la lingua non troverà nessun problema nella lettura e anche per chi la mastica solo un po', tranquilli, non è per nulla difficile.
I gave Broken Dreams 2.5 leaves. I liked that this was a short, quick read. The content was kind of heavy, but, unfortunately because it was so short I found it hard to connect with the characters. I was told this was part of a series, but it could be read as a standalone. For the most part this was true. However, I feel like I would have liked the circle of friends a lot more if I had read the first book.
Rainey has a secret, one she won’t tell anyone but maybe her two closest girlfriends. She doesn’t think much of it, until it comes back with a vengeance. Inconveniently, it’s at the time when she is back in Maine living with her never sober mother. And shacking up with her long-time friend, but also friends with benefits, Baker. I liked Baker actually. He was all sweet and boy-next-door. The only reason I didn’t like them much is because they went from “oh, it’s just a casual summer thing” to “I love you. I always have, and I always will” in like two seconds. I was like wait what? How did that even happen? There wasn’t even like a really big epiphany moment. Things were just happening way too fast, and it was predictable.
As much as I love a stubborn heroine, Rainey drove me insane with her stubbornness when it came to Baker. She basically wanted to keep him in the dark about everything, and the best part was she didn’t have a good reason why either. I mean, looking back it was because her sub-conscious knew she loved him way before she could admit, but still. Anyway, I liked the originality of the story. I wasn’t sure how I felt about their circle of friends. Wolfe and Gabby def issues. I can’t believe the story left off where it did. I don’t know what the next story could even be about. People say that the books are getting better the more we get into the series so we shall definitely see…
Once again, Dawn has managed to reel me in and hold me captive as I became reunited with the characters in the second book of the Broken Series. What I love about her writing is her ability to bring characters to life. Everyone we meet has a story. We all experience successes and failures, joy and pain, and we all have hopes, dreams, and fears. THIS is the story that Dawn is able to bring to life in her novels, especially, Broken Dreams and that is the very reason why I fell in love with her writing. She provides readers with a front row seat to life events as she shares the story of realistic, down to earth people; people that I would love to meet and become friends with myself.
While reading Broken Dreams I laughed, blushed, fumed, and even became misty eyed on more than one occasion. Okay, okay… I may have shed a tear or two! I went through a series of emotions which is the sign of a good read. While I really enjoyed book one in the series, Broken Promises; I thought the story in book two was better written than the first. I loved the character development in this book and the way Dawn shows how connected all of the characters are; they are friends that have become family. The loyalty, friendship, and support that each one shows is unmatched in any book that I have ever read and certainly not something that I have ever experienced in my personal life. I’m actually quite jealous!
This is a beautiful story about on friendship, love, and growth. It truly touched my heart as I am certain it will touch yours. I can’t go any further without sharing important pieces of the story so...
Rainey and Baker were only supposed to have a summer fling. The delivery of this story was too detailed. Every minute piece of information was provided bogging down the story with unnecessary fillers. Sadly, that left me skimming through the story. Many characters were introduced but they were used as distractions and fillers to further along the story. For such a serious disease I'm disappointed at how blasé Rainey is acting. Calling her disease a burden on her life. Worrying about having a summer fling instead of worrying how to take care of her body. Rainey is more focused on sex and seems to be in denial of her situation. The authors comments about Baker freaking out or leaving her are asinine. There is no way Rainey will be able to maintain a healthy life or lie about her leukemia for three months. Well I did my research and in the timeframe of three months Rainey will be too weak to want to follow anything other than sleep. Not to mention she never filled her pain mess. Apparently, Rainey can just wish the pain away so she can focus on her bucket list. She is even concerned that she will continue to lose weight and begin to feel lightheaded and nauseous. The fact that this author is being insensitive towards this serious topic disturbs me. Rainey and Baker go to Vegas as a last hurrah before she is gone. I know it sounds insensitive but that's how it is written. The story was rushed. The characters do not seem to understand the seriousness of this disease. Every decision is done randomly with no forethought. Glad Rainey could put her health on the back burner so she could plan a wedding. How convenient that her health is not holding her back from having sex or planning a wedding.
In Broken Promises, Rainey was meeting with Mallory in Boston to tell her what her ultimate secret was. While I was thinking that it would be something worth being happy about ( maybe a pregnancy), I was quite mistaken. I really was not expecting that! I thought that Broken Promises was dramatic but this one was even more so.
I loved the character development better in this story and enjoyed reading how well intertwined all of the characters were. The loyalty and friendship they have amongst themselves is something I found very impressive. How the author described their relations was remarkable.
Normally flashbacks hold no interest to me but the way the author wrote the ones in this story was agreeable. They were short and to the point. I loved reading more about Joe and how even after he was gone he still managed to still positively impact their lives, even Baker’s.
I loved Baker’s character in this story. He always felt deeply for Rainey and although it took him awhile to admit this to her I thought that his proclamation was well worth the wait. Rainey’s character was very aloof in the beginning but she too made up for it in the end.
I thought that this story was better written than the first. There may be a slight cliffhanger at the end but it sets it up nicely for the next book – Broken Pieces. I just hope we don’t have to wait THAT long for Gabby and Wolfe’s story.
Let me start out by saying that I read this out of order. I have not read the first one and even not having read the first one I still enjoyed this book. So I think it can be read as a stand alone.
Rainey has been away from her hometown for a few years and ends up coming back for the summer. Her mom isn't exactly mother of the year since she is an alcoholic and her father is dead. She just wants an uncomplicated summer and of course a nice summer fling with no strings attached.
Baker understands that Rainey just wants a summer fling, but he's started to realize he wants more than that. And if Rainey looks deeper, she does too. But she's been keeping a secret. One only a few people in her life know about. Baker isn't one of them. When that ugly secret of hers seems to make another appearance in her life, she runs. She moves back across the country to California to hide.
Baker chases her though. He's not backing down without a fight. A fight for what he knows he wants now and he'll give up everything he has to have it. What he finds out about Rainey make break him though.
Definitely an awesome read! There are some very serious moments in this book and it definitely made me cry. There are also some very happy moments too! It reminds you to never take the little things for granted in life.
In Broken Promises, Rainey was meeting with Mallory in Boston to tell her what her ultimate secret was. While I was thinking that it would be something worth being happy about ( maybe a pregnancy), I was quite mistaken. I really was not expecting that! I thought that Broken Promises was dramatic but this one was even more so.
Rainey Daniels wanted a summer fling: no commitments, no strings and no complications. She didn’t need added problem into her life. She had been harboring a secret for three years only a few close people to her knew. She didn’t want to be a burden to anyone; even she kept her best friend Mallory in the dark, knowing that she took her father’s death hard.Then there’s the sexy, bar-owner,turned-fling Chris Baker who can take her breath away.He had always thought Rainey was beautiful and hot despite the extra weight she carries during her high school days, but seeing her now – skinny with unexplained bruises – left him wondering what secret she’s been keeping from him.Baker- bad boy, playboy, but NOT with Rainey! She had his heart years ago and now is SO happy she is home. He knew she was hiding something but stood by her and waited.
I loved reading more about Joe and how even after he was gone he still managed to still positively impact their lives, even Baker’s.
I loved being in Rainey and Baker's heads! Esp Bakers!!!
Rainey- strong willed, determined, awesome woman! I admire her strength and understood her reservations regarding love/relationship with Baker!
Baker- bad boy, playboy, but NOT with Rainey! She had his heart years ago and now is SO happy she is home. He knew she was hiding something but stood by her and waited. I loved him for that! This man was total swoon worthy! His words and actions he showed her were so beautiful. I got teary eyed!
I don't do spoilers in my reviews, but the ending OMG! One of my all time favorite endings and what an awesome surprise he comes up with for her! It was so beautiful... so beautiful!!
I was glad to see their friends and more in this book as well! I enjoyed all the characters!
Dawn did an amazing job with this book of Rainey and Baker! If you are a sucker for romance, male swooning, lies, sadness, friendships, determination and more.. you own't be disappointed with this 2nd book!
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!*
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
I really liked Rainey and Baker in Broken Promises so I was looking forward to getting to know them better in Broken Dreams. We don't have to wait long to find out what Rainey's secret is and that is good and bad. It is a central part of the story. But so is her relationship with Baker. That is all good. Baker is a pretty great guy. I really liked him and how he showed his devotion to Rainey.
I also like learning more about Wolfe and I really hope the author is planning a story for him.
As I was reading this book and the end got closer and closer, I got more and more anxious. There were still questions to answer and I was afraid for how things would end. The author isn't about sugar coating reality. You get life as it happens, which isn't always how we want it. I will be holding my breath for a third book and a trip back to Casper, Maine.
I found this book both heartwarming and heartbreaking. This was much better than the first book. The main characters, Rainey and Baker were so wonderful together, which is what I was hoping for with Mallory and Luke in the first book. I liked how we were still kept up to date on the entire circle of friends and I did enjoy Mal and Luke more in this book. Rainey, what can I say. My heart just melted for her. I found myself torn with being happy for her (her relationship with Baker) and feeling down right horrible for her (her secret...I won't give it away). Baker is amazing! What a wonderful man. In the first book he did not seem like he was this way. He turned out to be a romantic and I loved it. What girl would not want to be treated like she was the world? I wanted a happy ending for these two and I got it even though, again, we were left hanging! I am hoping for a miracle in the next book...please ;-).
Wow, what a sad, but great story. I fell in love with Rainey in book 1, and now we get to read her story. However, I feel like it's not complete. Is there another book coming out about her? Baker is the best person for her. He is caring, and has loved her since day one. Rainey reminds me of myself in a way. She is a strong female that you have to respect. This book was better then the first one, and I can't wait to read more by this author. This story really touched my heart. Baker is one of those guys that most girls wish they have. He is caring, and sticks by Rainey no matter what. I gave this book Five stars, and it is worth all five. Please make sure to go and get this book, it is amazing!
Honestly, this book is just sad...yeah I guess you could say that Rainey gets her HEA, but not really, and Baker for sure doesn't. It's more a HEA for now, which really sucks. It is basically the book version of "a walk to remember" it's rough, and I cried through most of it, especially the end...even though it wasn't a complete ending. I don't know if Rainey and Baker will have a follow up book, or if their ending will be in Gabby and Wolfe's book, but it will end, and it will be heart wrenching, and I think Baker deserves a HEA. Great book, but honestly, I'm just too sad about it...not really something I would ever want to read.
Broken Dreams is #2 in the Broken Series. In continuing the story of 6 friends in Casper, Maine. Rainey Daniels has been keeping a secret since she left her small town of Casper, Maine three years ago. Now returning home to be with her best friend as her father dies has her wondering if leaving was such a good idea. Seeing fine-as-hell Chris Baker again just adds more questions than answers to her leaving. Baker is the guy every woman wants, and no woman has. He is trying to keep his new bar up and running and never really has time for them. That is until the night Rainey walked into his bar.
I really love the characters Rainey and Baker. They are perfect for each other. I love the entire group really but I did enjoy the love story of Rainey and Baker. I felt caught up the whirlwind of their romance. I was rather disappointed how it ended although I understand why it did. I'm really hoping that there is a 3rd book that will continue their story. I'm sure we will be hearing about Wolfe and Gabby but I don't think Rainey and Bakers story should end just yet. Please give them a happy ending!
I want to start with this: I enjoyed the plot and that is why I gave it three stars. That being said, I felt as if some of the conversation between the characters was forced. Secondly, the book needed a few more edits. It seemed as if the author uploaded the version with TrackChanges. There were strange spaces everywhere, with underlines and spaces between letters when there shouldn't be. It looked like someone was editing it with TrackChanges and uploaded that version. Very disappointing because it distracted quite a bit from the plot since the mistakes were on every page.
Rainey has been handed a hard life. She has grown up taking care of those around her when she REALLY needs someone to take care of her. However because of her "issues" she does not want anyone to take care of her, because she does not want anyone to become attached.
Baker is a great guy who wants to be Rainey's knight in shining armor, he just doesn't know what he needs to save her from, or that he can't.
This story will make you feel every emotion you possibly could!!
Have a box of tissues and some chocolate ready before you read this book!
Broken Dreams is the second book in the Broken series by Dawn Pendleton. The storyline was fabulous with lots of emotional and heartwrenching parts. The characters were amazing with tons of depth & emotion. Loved the chemistry and love between Baker & Rainey. Looking forward but a little sad to read the next book in this series!!
I'm not sure how to feel about this book. I know I really liked it and enjoyed it but it left me feeling empty and sad. Yes, it had a somewhat happy ending that was beautiful but in a bittersweet way. I really liked the main characters, Rainey and Baker, she's strong and independent and he's wonderful! I can't wait for book #3 to hear more about them and learn more about Wolfe and Gaby.
I was a little disappointed in this book considering how much I enjoyed the first one. I wish the characters were a little more developed and the ending left me hanging. It was like a cliffhanger but then it wasn't. I was expecting an epilogue or a look into the future but I didn't get any of that.
Book 2 = just as good as the first book! I've read the prologue for the 3rd book and I know for a fact it'll be as good as the last two books fersure! Just so sad for Rainey. Love the details and the imagery it gives. I like how its told it different perspective, it gives a lot of connotation. Read this book less than a week or so.
I loved this book until the ending. I really feel like Rainey and Bakers story isn't finished. I hope when we read the story of Wolfe's and Gabby's relationship we find out more about Rainey and Baker.