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The Hart Duet #1

Broken Hart

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Broken Hart

Hartley Montgomery is a young single mother fed up with the idealism of high society socialites. One event changed her life forever and that was just the beginning.

Kasen Kingston is the guy from the wrong side of town, with a past that’s left him behind bars. He’s determined to better his future when he is released from prison, but he never planned on her crashing into his life.

Three lives are on the line when Hartley’s past refuses to let her go. Will Kasen be enough to save her, or will the horrors Hartley hides tear them apart?

Hartley

The course of your life can change in a single moment. That’s how it was the day he took everything from me. Nothing would ever be the same.

Kasen

They say timing is everything, and my timing has always been wrong. Then she crashed into my life. For the first time I was in the right place at the right time. And all the wrong moments had lead me to her.

Lucas

She was promised to me from the very beginning but refused to accept it. Until the day I claimed what had always been mine. And yet, she still pretended we would never work, as if she had any choice in the matter.

I’ll make her mine again or take away everything she has ever loved before I ruin her all over again.

Broken Hart is Book One of The Hart Duet, must be read in order. This duet contains dark themes.

296 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 15, 2019

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Bo Reid

32 books122 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Christina G.
22 reviews
July 16, 2019
**Trigger warning: if you are triggered by assault, sexual and physical, please proceed with caution. Reid has written them with care, but they are detailed and also heartbreaking. She has written a Note to the Reader and I strongly suggest you read that before proceeding with reading the book.**

Now, on to my review:
Bo Reid has done it again. Broken Hart: The Hart Duet Part One is a story of second chances, unlikely love in the face of adversity, and shunning of conventional society. If you love a strong heroine, angst, a little (or a lot) of heartbreak, and men who (when given a chance) step up in a big way, you will love reading this book.

Reid does a great job of characterization. Hartley, or Hart, isn’t your typical damsel in distress. She is tough, a little broken, and still a badass when it comes to protecting those she loves. Hart has a huge heart, especially for those who society has washed their hands of, but she sees little worth in herself. Frankly, she is more than what she believes she is and I totally understand why she is the way she is...but damn Hart, please let people in! She sees their potential and opens her heart to them because she has seen the underbelly of what “proper society” has to offer. Her main male character, Kasen, is also a little broken. Broken by circumstances and society, but he is determined to redeem himself and prove who he really is. Reid did a wonderful job setting them up and creating dynamic characters. Even her side characters are full and interesting. I am pretty sure that I need Sol and Ace and Ava’s stories. *Ahem…Murder Queen…make it happen. Please?*

The plot itself is captivating and moves fluidly. Reid sets up the story beautifully in the Prologue, giving us a glimpse into the circumstances that would eventually bring the two together. As she wrote, “Timing is everything. You either win or lose.” Sometimes though, just sometimes, it is both as Reid shows us time and time again in the book. Again, the supporting cast is important to the story itself, they are not superfluous characters who are just there. They are vital to the plot and add so much to the story. *No pressure Murder Queen…but, they need a spin off, just saying…*

Broken Hart: The Hart Duet Part One is a story that had me turning the pages and I couldn’t put it down, except to feed kids…because apparently they have to eat (who knew?). There is a cliffhanger, but it is a good one and while it made me a little stabby (or maybe a lot), it has me ready for the next book in the duet.
Profile Image for Lauren.
717 reviews
July 15, 2019
Loved it!!!

Let’s start with a trigger warning... this book does contain scenes involving rape and violent assault. So if you cannot handle reading that, please keep that in mind when choosing whether to read it or not.

I loved this book. I loved the storyline, the characters, their personalities, and I LOVED the story of how Hart and Kasen met! When I read the first few chapters, I was curious as to where exactly the story with those 2 were going and how they would get there.

Hart and Kasen were absolutely adorable together. Both characters were well written. I found myself getting beyond frustrated with both of them at times though. They seemed to love playing the “what-if” game rather than just being open and honest about their feelings towards one another. I am a big believer in open communication and honesty in relationships and reading Hart keep things from Kasen because she was either scared of his reaction or thought she was saving him the pain was beyond frustrating to read about. Hart probably frustrated me that most because she gave everyone her heart and bent over backwards to help innocent people in need but never expected or felt like she deserved anything in return, as if she wasn’t worthy enough. While I found myself frustrated with her view over her self-worth, I can understand why she is the way she is.

Hart and her brother Sol are the exact kind of people our society needs more of. Not ones to flaunt their money, but help others in need without expecting credit or anything in return, and looking past the surface to see a person for who they really are regardless of their appearance. I wouldn’t mind reading a spin off involving Sol finding himself love.

Fantastic story that is full of love and I promise Kasen is enough to make most women swoon 😍 This book does end on quite a cliffhanger and honestly, my stomach is turning just thinking about what will happen in the next book. I need a happy ending!!
319 reviews3 followers
July 9, 2019
What a fantastic book I really enjoyed reading it so much so I couldn’t put it down. Hart has had a really bad time and she meets Kasen and they just click right from the start they are just made for each other and I was routine for then right from when they first meet. I must admit I got a bit frustrated that they both felt the same for each other but because of what they have been through in there life’s it takes them a while to admit there feeling for each other. But when they did it was omg I couldn’t have been happier. I want to kill Lucas he is just vile and at the end off the book I was left speech less . Bo Reid has done an absolutely amazing job with the characters and the story line I can’t wait to see were the story goes in the second book I absolutely loved the book
Profile Image for Bonnieville Liddell.
216 reviews1 follower
July 12, 2019
Wow! Another amazing book by Bo Reid. I loved this book so much. It had everything you need to lose yourself in a great read. Hart, what an amazing woman to go through the things she has and come out the other side stronger than ever, the same can be said of Kasen. I love Hartleys look and take on life and the relationships she has with everyone around her. This was a rollercoaster of emotions and that’s what you want from a really great book to be so caught up in the story that you feel like you are apart of their world. It has everything you need for a great storyline and I wouldn’t recommend missing out. This book is a must read. I would a million times recommend this author and the books written. If you haven’t read any get to it! I am hooked on this and I need more!!!! Not to have a spoiler but that ending!!! Wow!!! Just read it and you won’t regret it.
Profile Image for Danyelle Williams.
984 reviews8 followers
July 14, 2019
I really enjoyed this book, it was a nice chill read but at the same time you know when you think you know what's coming so you gotta keep reading...and then before you know it your at the end of the book in one sitting. That's this book.

In this book Hart opens her home and life to kasen after he helps he out during a hard situation. I absolutely adore how we get to see the realtionship between these two characters develop, it seems so genuine. And I love that Hart has a great support system around her.

You are going to really enjoy this book another good book by Bo....the ending though ugh so cruel.
6,509 reviews24 followers
July 17, 2019
I don't even know where to start, except saying that I loved this book. It is so beautifully written and has characters that you will most definitely fall in love with. Hartley and Kasen are two broken people who have founded peace in each other. "Cause you deserve someone who thinks of everything", one of many great lines in this book, explains the beauty of Hartley and Kasens relationship.
There is sexual and physical assaults that are detailed but are handled excellently. If this is a trigger for you, please keep this in mind.
I cannot wait for book two, especially after that ending!
Profile Image for Charlotte.
4,090 reviews64 followers
July 9, 2019
I couldnt love two characters more than i love Hartley and Kasen. Two people that in essence shouldnt be together work so well together that i was routing for them all the way through this book. Add to the mix her great son Brooks. What a sweetheart! This is a love story that made me laugh and cry in equal measure. The whole story was just beautiful to read. I seriously could not put it down once i started it. A sheer pleasure to read
Profile Image for Nicole .
520 reviews7 followers
July 15, 2019
Another great one by Bo

I freaking loved the shiz out of this book! Kasen and Hart's relationship is so loving and straight forward. They beat around the bush for a while but once they knew what they wanted they worked at it and become #couplegoals! I love Kasen's relationship with Brooks. But I refuse, REFUSE to think about what that ending means! To think about what black roses means!
5 reviews
July 15, 2019
Ok, so Broken Hart... WOW! This book seriously gave me the feels. Its filled with a pool of emotions that you experience every step of the way, a story that you can't put down and one where you have to get to the end to know the outcome! Of course we have to wait for book two to see that ending but book one was not disappointing. What I loved about this book was how stereotyping was used as an undertoned narrative and is something that is real life. A contemporary, romance which has you routing for the main characters relationship. You see how tragic circumstances can bring people together in magical ways and how babies just make these stories even better! I enjoyed every part of this book and of course Bo has used her talents again to leave us wanting more! Bravo Bo, I'm now itching to find out more! Definitely a book to be read and another great book which has been written brilliantly with fantastic story telling skills.
Profile Image for Tia.
220 reviews4 followers
July 15, 2019
Omg!! Every time I read a new book by this author I fall more in love with her. The way she is able to capture your emotions, and her writing style is just amazing. I thouroughly enjoyed this story!! Do yourself a favor and read it RIGHT MEOW! Bo you are fucking great!

I did receive this an an ARC, but as always any opinions are my own!

🖤🖤
Profile Image for Alyssa W.
139 reviews
July 14, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I finished it in several hours and even though the ending left me feeling stabby, I can’t wait for book 2!! Bo is a writing genius. She knows exactly how to flesh out her characters, and instantly make you love or hate them. I especially loved that this was a story of a “bad boy” reformed, and that the FMC was a single mom. You don’t often see these situations in books, and it was refreshing to see this type of plot line develop.
1 review6 followers
July 15, 2019
This book right here hit me hard. I cried, I laughed, I swooned and mostly I couldn’t put it down!! Bo outdid herself to give us an amazing part one of this duet!!

Kasen and Hart’s story is unique and will draw you in quickly. You’ll fall in love with the characters and beg for Book two.
Profile Image for Mikayla Wolf.
76 reviews2 followers
July 15, 2019
Moving

This is a fantastic book! It is real and a roller coaster ride of emotions that you won’t want to put down. Bo isn’t afraid to show her characters love or their hardships. I absolutely love this book!! I would definitely recommend reading it.
Profile Image for Charlotte.
104 reviews1 follower
July 15, 2019
It Stole my Hart

If I could give this book extra stars I would... I'd give it all the stars!
This book completely consumed me and spat me out the other side thinking WTF!! I really can't even begin to describe how amazing it is. The first part of Kasen and Hartley's duet is beautiful, and tear-jerking, and devastating, and laugh-out-loud.
Bo Reid's abitily to write characters who feel, and become real to the reader is a true talent.
Get it and join them on their journey; you won't be disappointed! 
Profile Image for Emma Luna.
Author 33 books1,522 followers
August 14, 2019
Book: Broken Hart (The Hart Duet Book One)
Author: Bo Reid
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewer: emmasromanticreviews17
Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review

This book is the type of book that creeps up on you, infuses into your veins and before you know it you are so addicted that you cannot put the book down. It’s a story about giving second chances, not judging before getting to know someone and breaking society’s moulds. Broken Hart is the first book in the Hart Duet and you need to be aware that it ends on one hell of a cliff-hanger that will leave you desperate for more. It also features scenes of sexual assault and violence that may be a trigger warning for some people. But I do need to say that the scenes are tastefully written and are an important part of the plot, so whilst it may be an issue for some people, for others I hope it does not put you off.

Hartley has experienced something so painful and tragic that her life would never be the same again. But out of that darkness came a ray of light and she used that to help cope with her pain. She is learning to live her life the best way that she can when she is involved in a road traffic accident. One of the people who witnesses the accident has medical knowledge and can help her, but he is a prisoner on the prison transport bus at the time of the wreck. She is given the choice as to whether to let him be involved and help or not. But when she takes one look at him and feels a spark causing her to trust him instantly, she allows him to help and that changes both of their lives forever.

Hartley is a tough and feisty heroine. She has had a rough past which has left her more than a little broken but she is still not afraid to fight for the people that she loves. Hartley is very closed off and there were times when she failed to communicate with Kasen openly either out of fear or protection, which was incredibly frustrating. This was a part of her personality that did annoy me at times, but I could understand why she was the way she was, and it made her more relatable. Her kindness and the love she has for her family and friends made her such a great character.

Kasen is such an amazingly beautiful character. He has had a rough past and was broken by circumstance leading to him having almost no self-worth. But despite being in the wrong place at the wrong time, he accepted his punishment and is determined to right the wrongs of his past. Now faced with having to live life with his mistakes hanging over his head, he struggles with how to adapt back to society, which is when Hartley offers him a lifeline he grabs with both hands. Kasen is so sweet and kind, as well as a little bit broken, but he is the type of character you can’t help but love. Oh and every time I saw him playing with Brooks my ovaries literally hurt, that is how gorgeous they are together.

Kasen and Hartley have such a beautiful and sweet relationship. I loved how they met and the instant connection and trust that two people created in an awful situation, was so beautiful to witness. However, despite the fact they both felt the same way they allowed the pain and heartbreak of their past to influence them are were reluctant to open up and be in a relationship. What results is a beautiful friendship that slowly blossoms into something romantic and it made their relationship feel more natural and believable. They both help each other to heal and watching them learn to love each other was so beautiful and special.

This book features some fantastic secondary characters that all play an important role in the plot. They are so well written that there is potential for them to all get their own stories. I loved Sol and learning about Hartley and Sol’s childhood. They are such beautiful people and I loved the fact that they did not want to be part of the wealthy society that is expected of them. Instead they choose to look beyond labels and support people who would normally be ostracised. Sol was so kind and devoted to his family that I would love to see him get his own story and find love. Lucas on the other hand is one of those characters that is integral to the plot and you will feel compelled to hate him. I desperately wanted him to suffer a slow and painful death that I am hoping Bo Reid will be more than happy to provide in the next instalment.

Overall, I absolutely loved this book. The plot is so captivating and flows easily and naturally. It is written perfectly and makes you fall into the pages without even realising until you are engrossed and cannot put the book down. Broken Hart is full of emotions and it will give you all of the feels. But be warned there is a cliff-hanger ending that will leave you speechless and desperately craving more. This book is filled with pain, drama, angst, second chances and love. It will make you question stereotypes and how society can put people into boxes with labels. But mostly it will make you fall in love with Hart, Kasen and Brooks. I loved this book and am desperately waiting for the second instalment. Hurry up please Bo, I am desperate to find out what happens next.
Profile Image for Myriam.
645 reviews26 followers
September 13, 2019
Oh wow! This was one of the sweetest bestest love stories ever! To be honest I was so focused on the authors murderous series that I completely missed this one. I only picked it up when I was desperate for more of her work and now I am wondering what took me so long? It is so beautiful written and such an amazing read.
Before I start admiring further, I have to warn you about a very shocking cliffhanger in the end, and there are a couple of ugly unpleasant scenes. However, they are absolutely necessary to portray the characters and situations properly. Although I have wished several times to call Morana Valdis from the authors's other series to take care of it.
This story is all about timing. It is all about being at the right place at the right time, or wring place at the wrong time. How one decision to stay or go can change a persons life irrevocably. A tiny little simple decision like send a text while driving, or going to the bathroom, or doing groceries at a particular time can change everything. For much better, or much worse.
The main characters Hartley and Kasen meet as a result of several of such little timed events. What happens after is absolutely beautiful. However, at some point, an angry, severely delusional character decides to start meddling. I absolutely cannot wait to see what happens. Obviously I wish for Morana Valdis to take care of it. But we'll see what happens soon enough.
But going back to the characters. Hartley is an amazing, capable, loving, caring, wonderful person. There are no limits to her goodness. She literally does not have a mean bone in her body. And she never judges people before she gets to know them. She has a son she loves more than anything in the world, a loving brother, and a couple of very dear friends. And everyone loves her. I freaking adore her. 
And Kasen... Kasen is a wet dream of a man. Incredibly beautiful inside and out. Caring, loving, loyal, wonderful, and equally non-judgemental. A perfect match for Hartley. But more importantly, they save each other from the monsters from the past. 
I got so drawn into their love story, it was unreal. The world disappeared. I was but an observer, watching a movie in my head and loving every minute of it. As I was getting closer to the end I was reading slower and slower because I did not want the book to end. This is one of those amazing books that you can just read forever. I can't wait for the next one, Wild Heart.
51 reviews
October 26, 2019
Wow. Just. Wow.

I'm still reeling, but the emotions are so high, I just have to leave this review right now.

It's strange to be speechless and so full of the need to rave about something at the same time. Or rage about that ending 😅

Holy crap, Bo Reid wants to make you feel things though. It is no small feat when an author writes with a depth that makes you feel every emotion their characters do. And Reid very clearly had no qualms about facing that challenge. And then completely dominating it by ripping our hearts out of our chests and making us get through this achingly beautiful story while it lay beating in our laps.

Add in a pace that flows so perfectly with these dark and pretty words, and you already have an intoxicating combination. But that wasn't enough for this author. Not only will you experience their every emotion, but also develop a personal love (or hate) for every freaking character.

And still, that wasn't enough. You might be asking yourself, what could possibly make this story any more perfect? An incredible romance that doesn't hold back on the swoons blossoming from an equally incredible friendship, that's what.

And while this all sounds like some sweet love story to get cozy and enjoy, Bo Reid decided all that was Still not enough. And filled the spaces with tragedy, horror, suspense, and pain. Ugly, beautiful, wrenching pain.

Can you tell she put me through the ringer? You try putting up those walls when you start reading this and tell me they didn't come crumbling down before the halfway mark.

So, if you need to feel something, or everything, snag a copy now and let this beautiful, broken family heal and break you, again and again.

I'll be here grumping about the cliffhanger in the meantime 😊 hoping to recover from the hangover before the next installment releases.
Profile Image for Pretty_Book_Whore  Narissa.
375 reviews14 followers
November 12, 2019
My Hart

5 giant bright golden stars!
Sometimes it takes just one moment for your life to change. One wrong place at the wrong time or right place at the right time. These moments can make or break you.
Hartley multimillionaire single mom gets into a car accident with her infant in the car. Kasen a convict with 3 months til parole happens to be working the highway when it happens. The officer allows Laden to assist the mother and go with the baby to the ER. That one moment changes the course of their lives. She helps Laden get parole and offers him a job and a place to live. First the two becomes friends and then it blossoms into something more without the other realizing the others feelings. But not all is happy. Her son, Brooks, father shows and he's not happy that his girl is with another man.
This story ends in a cliffhanger and there are moments that may cause triggers.
I loved everything about this story! The author is such a phenomenal writer that I truly felt the connect between the characters.
158 reviews1 follower
July 17, 2019
Where to start?! This book was definitely about being in the right place at the right time. I absolutely love Hart she truly sees a person for who they are not by their circumstances or appearance. This book will break you, heal you, and possibly break you all over again, but it is totally worth it! The love story in this book is so beautiful and their journey will keep you completely invested! I don't have enough good things to say about Bo's writing, she knocks it out of the park again! DO NOT hesitate to read this book you will fall in love with these slightly broken and completely perfect characters. The story is unique and the ending will leave you speechless and counting down the minutes to the next! I highly recommend this book to anyone!
142 reviews
July 19, 2019
A very engrossing story. I'd like to start with the fact that this is completely out of my usual genre. I was leary and thought I may have a hard time getting to commit to this story. I was so wrong. Right from the beginning, you are pulled into this story w/ amazing characters and twisted circumstance. I thoroughly enjoyed Hart and Kasen's characters- both w/ dark pasts and continuously being pulled toward one another. As previously stated, trigger warnings apply. However, this story was tastefully written and kept me engaged throughout. I'm looking forward to the continuation of this story...and what ever else Reid has coming!
Profile Image for Naeve.
8 reviews1 follower
January 7, 2025
I’m not the best at writing reviews and I also don’t want to give any spoilers.

But one thing I enjoyed there were trigger warnings as there are some topics that may be sensitive to some people reading.

But now for the review
I loved it, I love the characters and the story line for how they met and also just through out the story and how they develop, I am always a sucker for these kind of books so I jumped on the chance to read the book in order to leave a review and the author always has a way of capturing you in to the book making you want more and this is what this book does makes you waiting more and drawing you into the story.
Profile Image for Michelle.
279 reviews4 followers
July 19, 2019
This is truly a fantastic book. I could not put it down.
I love Hart. She’s so strong and resilient.
The relationship between Hart and Kasen is so sweet.
But a point to consider. The trigger warning is definitely valid. This book does deal with rape. I believe that the author handles this subject really well, but if this is a trigger for you, please be aware.
Overall, I found this book to be fantastic, although the cliffhanger at the end definitely leave you in suspense, dying for more.
Profile Image for Cheryl Sedman.
1,159 reviews11 followers
July 20, 2019
Wowzer this book was out of this world. It takes you on an amazing ride of love, pain and anguish. Hart and Kasen are both amazingly written characters that you fall in love with. After all Hart has been through her being looked after by Kasen after being hit by a truck. Makes her life all the more amazing from his friendship and love for both her and her son Brooks. I don't want to give anymore away. The only thing I will say though is that you need to read this book
2,677 reviews15 followers
July 30, 2019
Very good book. If you are sensitive to violence or the mention of rape this book is not for you. I loved how Hart and Kasen are together. The frustration when they do something I'd never do and sometimes wanna yell at them. This book sucks you in and you never wanna let go. It does end in a cliffhanger so if you do not like that wait until more of this series is written. I highly recommend this book as I enjoyed it very much.
Profile Image for Erin.
357 reviews1 follower
July 18, 2019
All the feels

My feels went through the gambit on this one folks. This is a beautifully written story about to broken people finding each other. My heart melted, I cried, I got mad and almost threw my kindle. I am so looking forward to the next book! Thank you Reid for sharing your talent with us.
50 reviews1 follower
September 10, 2019
Great read

From the outside Hartley seems like she has a perfect life, a beautiful baby boy, co-owner of a store, her brother who offers support. But on the inside she hides scars and pain from her past. Then she meets Kasen. Seems like he is perfect for Hartley, but will everything be okay? Their story continues in the next book.
Profile Image for Deborah Snowden.
136 reviews
October 1, 2019
Another amazing story by Bo Reid! This is one of those books that takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions from beginning to end. The book has a great story, is fast paced, full of suspense, sad, laugh out loud funny, incredibly sexy and is full of awesome characters. I highly recommend this author and can’t wait to read the next book in the series Wild Hart!
Profile Image for Joy Whiteside.
5,041 reviews120 followers
November 17, 2019
This book had me from the first page. I read it in one sitting as I could not put it down. This is a great read that needs to be experienced. It has an amazing story that will keep you glued to the book till you finish, moves along at a great pace and characters that you cannot get enough of. This has to be read, you will not be sorry that you did.
557 reviews1 follower
January 9, 2020
Lots of feels

I really enjoyed this book and will definitely continue to the next in this duet. Both Hart and Kasen are great characters with palatable chemistry - though communication seems to be an issue for them. The only reason for my four stars as opposed to five are a few situations that just don’t come off realistic to me with what we know of the character.
20 reviews
July 19, 2019
This is such a good book. It got me in all the feels. I love this author so much. It’s not as Stabby as her other books. But I’m still in love. It shows her diversity as an author. Hopefully someone will get shanked I’m book two. Cough cough
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews