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The Butterfly Memoirs #1
A Heart Not Easily Broken
Romantic Women’s Fiction with Heart and Soul...
Ebony Campbell is a smart, sexy career-oriented black woman who wants nothing more than a summer fling with a man who challenges her mind and body. What she doesn’t expect is Brian Young, a blond-haired, blue-eyed bass player to step up to the challenge.
Despite negative reactions, their fling develops into a deep relationship, and Ebony discovers juggling love, family, and career are nothing compared to the ultimate betrayal she endures.
Now her dreams spiral into lies and secrets that threaten her future and the trust of those she loves.
All novels in the Butterfly Memoirs are stand-alone stories—no cliffhangers. Each book revisits each of the characters' lives, though, so you'll enjoy following along with old friends as you meet new ones. .
Editorial Reviews :
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I loved how the characters got to really know each other despite the ethnic differences... M.J. Kane has just found another fan." — VINE VOICE
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "A Wonderful Story of Love and Triumph." — Hopeless Romantic, AVP
Ebony Campbell is a smart, sexy career-oriented black woman who wants nothing more than a summer fling with a man who challenges her mind and body. What she doesn’t expect is Brian Young, a blond-haired, blue-eyed bass player to step up to the challenge.
Despite negative reactions, their fling develops into a deep relationship, and Ebony discovers juggling love, family, and career are nothing compared to the ultimate betrayal she endures.
Now her dreams spiral into lies and secrets that threaten her future and the trust of those she loves.
All novels in the Butterfly Memoirs are stand-alone stories—no cliffhangers. Each book revisits each of the characters' lives, though, so you'll enjoy following along with old friends as you meet new ones. .
Editorial Reviews :
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I loved how the characters got to really know each other despite the ethnic differences... M.J. Kane has just found another fan." — VINE VOICE
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "A Wonderful Story of Love and Triumph." — Hopeless Romantic, AVP
345 pages, Paperback
First published September 10, 2014
469 people are currently reading
906 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Kane
9 books140 followersM.J. Kane stumbled into writing. An avid reader, this stay at home mom never lost the overactive imagination of an only child. As an adult she made up stories, though never shared them, to keep herself entertained. It wasn’t until surviving a traumatic medical incident in 2006 that she found a reason to let the characters inhabiting her imagination free. Upon the suggestion of her husband, she commandeered his laptop and allowed the characters to take life. It was that, or look over her shoulder for men caring a purple strait jacket. And the rest, as they say, is history.
No longer a television addict, if M.J. isn’t reading a book by one of her favorite authors, she’s battling with her creative muse to balance writing and being a wife and mother. She resides in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia with her high school sweetheart, four wonderful children, and four pit bulls.
MJ’s debut novel, A Heart Not Easily Broken, Book one of the Butterfly Memoirs, became an instant Amazon Bestseller in Multicultural Romance and African-American Literature and Fiction within hours of publication. It has also spent time on the African-American Women’s Fiction and African-American Romance Bestsellers lists.
In addition to writing, MJ is the director of a writer’s group which meets at Barnes & Nobel, is the Newsletter Editor for the Romance Novels in Color website, and shares writing tips, introduces her followers to new authors, and shares her personal experiences on her blog, This Writer’s Life. Other activities she enjoys include: creating custom floral arrangements, assisting her children in their creative pursuits of music and art, and supporting her husband’s music production business, 3D Sounds.
Learn more about the author by visiting these online interviews:
• SORMAG Magazine Feature- Jan/Feb Issue, page 36
• Read You Later with Lasheera Lee- Blog Talk Radio Interview- September 2013
• Television Interview with DeKalb County Commissioner Stan Watson on The Stan Watson Show – October 2013
MJ can be found online connecting with readers and other authors sharing her writing, talking about music, life, and family. She’s always excited to meet new people.
No longer a television addict, if M.J. isn’t reading a book by one of her favorite authors, she’s battling with her creative muse to balance writing and being a wife and mother. She resides in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia with her high school sweetheart, four wonderful children, and four pit bulls.
MJ’s debut novel, A Heart Not Easily Broken, Book one of the Butterfly Memoirs, became an instant Amazon Bestseller in Multicultural Romance and African-American Literature and Fiction within hours of publication. It has also spent time on the African-American Women’s Fiction and African-American Romance Bestsellers lists.
In addition to writing, MJ is the director of a writer’s group which meets at Barnes & Nobel, is the Newsletter Editor for the Romance Novels in Color website, and shares writing tips, introduces her followers to new authors, and shares her personal experiences on her blog, This Writer’s Life. Other activities she enjoys include: creating custom floral arrangements, assisting her children in their creative pursuits of music and art, and supporting her husband’s music production business, 3D Sounds.
Learn more about the author by visiting these online interviews:
• SORMAG Magazine Feature- Jan/Feb Issue, page 36
• Read You Later with Lasheera Lee- Blog Talk Radio Interview- September 2013
• Television Interview with DeKalb County Commissioner Stan Watson on The Stan Watson Show – October 2013
MJ can be found online connecting with readers and other authors sharing her writing, talking about music, life, and family. She’s always excited to meet new people.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
May 13, 2020
“A Heart Not Easily Broken” by M.J. Kane is a book I read with the Facebook Group: Reading Corner for the January 2020 selection and really enjoyed it❤️ I loved the topic of bi-racial relationships and all the characters....well all but one😡‼️ However, I felt that character added depth to this book. You see the relationship develop very slowly but realistically. I plan to read the rest of The Butterfly Memoirs Books 🦋
March 12, 2014
Second try at this book and I may be depriving myself of a stellar read but I can't do it. The heroine is so repulsive to me that I can't get through the first chapter. She's ignorant, which I cannot abide. When she tells this man "You're not my type. And I'm not yours either."????Bitch, really? I wanted to TYPE IN a page that had him responding "You're right because I don't date presumptuous racists." Flip it, and lets say that you're reading a book where the MAN says the stuff this woman does. What if, she came up to him, polite, nice as you please and started a conversation only for him to tell dismiss her because she's black? Mmmhmm. Not something you would push through now, is it?
She's WAY too focused on color and makes some huge assumptions because of it right off the bat. That's a real turn off when I'm supposed to be developing some care for this woman's life. I get it that depending on upbringing, maybe some truly DO think of a white man interested in getting to know them as ridiculous. OK, no-I don't get it, that's a lie. In this day and age, even if you personally have lived in that type of bubble, you have to be aware enough that the world around you has moved beyond that. I do NOT like books that completely ignore the race thing. That's unrealistic not to mention, I enjoy a hero who lets it be known that he likes the attributes that come with the skin tone. Also drives me nuts when you have a supposed black woman showering with a man and sleeping on a wet head with no mention of the repercussions the next day LOL. So no, don't ignore race. But at the same time, don't hang everything about their interaction on it either. I hate a presumptuous person and this chick takes the cake. No more trying for me, this is a DNF. Seems this author has color issues judging from a couple of her other reads, but more on that in THOSE reviews.
She's WAY too focused on color and makes some huge assumptions because of it right off the bat. That's a real turn off when I'm supposed to be developing some care for this woman's life. I get it that depending on upbringing, maybe some truly DO think of a white man interested in getting to know them as ridiculous. OK, no-I don't get it, that's a lie. In this day and age, even if you personally have lived in that type of bubble, you have to be aware enough that the world around you has moved beyond that. I do NOT like books that completely ignore the race thing. That's unrealistic not to mention, I enjoy a hero who lets it be known that he likes the attributes that come with the skin tone. Also drives me nuts when you have a supposed black woman showering with a man and sleeping on a wet head with no mention of the repercussions the next day LOL. So no, don't ignore race. But at the same time, don't hang everything about their interaction on it either. I hate a presumptuous person and this chick takes the cake. No more trying for me, this is a DNF. Seems this author has color issues judging from a couple of her other reads, but more on that in THOSE reviews.
October 31, 2015
*Currently Free 10/30/15
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009...
"Wow", is all I can say at this point. If you are looking for an IR romance exploring different tropes; Heart Not Easily Broken needs to be added to your list. Brian is a struggling musician and Ebony is veterinarian student finishing up the last year of requirements for her degree when they meet. She was looking for tall, dark, and handsome and this blond surfer was missing a major component of her "type". The writer does a beautiful job of getting you invested in what happens to these characters. The heroine is just as fleshed out as the male lead which adds to my love of this book. This is my first time reading this author but not my last.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009...
"Wow", is all I can say at this point. If you are looking for an IR romance exploring different tropes; Heart Not Easily Broken needs to be added to your list. Brian is a struggling musician and Ebony is veterinarian student finishing up the last year of requirements for her degree when they meet. She was looking for tall, dark, and handsome and this blond surfer was missing a major component of her "type". The writer does a beautiful job of getting you invested in what happens to these characters. The heroine is just as fleshed out as the male lead which adds to my love of this book. This is my first time reading this author but not my last.
December 30, 2012
All I can say is, BRAVO! Kane hit it out the park with her first release. (Is this really her first novel?!) The story is told in first person from the POV of the heroine and the hero.
I loved everything about this book, so pardon me while I gush. I had the misfortune of starting it while on vacation, and I almost didn’t want to go on my sight-seeing tour so I could finish. It’s that good!
You'll get to see Ebony and Brian’s relationship progress from the beginning, and I enjoyed taking the journey with them. Ebony, who’d never dated outside of her race before, and Brian, who’d dated black women before. He was persistent, and I like how he talked to her. For example, when they met in the club and Ebony suggested she wasn’t his type and he should consider a brunette at the bar, he laid this one on her: “If I wanted her, I wouldn’t be talking to you.” IKR
And he was such a good guy, showing her in many ways how he genuinely cared about her. He brought her to meet his family; he brought her to his jam session (the first woman he’d ever allowed to come).
And oh, the loves scenes! They were sensual, and I could feel the love between them. I almost felt like a voyeur, they were so well written and did a good job of depicting the depth of feelings between the two characters.
These two were perfect for each other. And as if I didn’t love Brian enough, when something really bad happened to Ebony, he handled it. He. Beat. His. Azz. Yesss! Nothing like a man defending his woman to push me over the edge into obsession. Lol.
I thought about Ebony and Brian after the book ended. I hope I get to see how they're doing in future books in the series.
This was truly one of the best books I’ve read all year. If you don’t read it, you’re missing out! A++
I loved everything about this book, so pardon me while I gush. I had the misfortune of starting it while on vacation, and I almost didn’t want to go on my sight-seeing tour so I could finish. It’s that good!
You'll get to see Ebony and Brian’s relationship progress from the beginning, and I enjoyed taking the journey with them. Ebony, who’d never dated outside of her race before, and Brian, who’d dated black women before. He was persistent, and I like how he talked to her. For example, when they met in the club and Ebony suggested she wasn’t his type and he should consider a brunette at the bar, he laid this one on her: “If I wanted her, I wouldn’t be talking to you.” IKR
And he was such a good guy, showing her in many ways how he genuinely cared about her. He brought her to meet his family; he brought her to his jam session (the first woman he’d ever allowed to come).
And oh, the loves scenes! They were sensual, and I could feel the love between them. I almost felt like a voyeur, they were so well written and did a good job of depicting the depth of feelings between the two characters.
These two were perfect for each other. And as if I didn’t love Brian enough, when something really bad happened to Ebony, he handled it. He. Beat. His. Azz. Yesss! Nothing like a man defending his woman to push me over the edge into obsession. Lol.
I thought about Ebony and Brian after the book ended. I hope I get to see how they're doing in future books in the series.
This was truly one of the best books I’ve read all year. If you don’t read it, you’re missing out! A++
![Profile Image for Michelle [Helen Geek].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1448463806i%2F5557851._CR0%2C13%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
April 14, 2013
04/13/2013 --
Overall Rating = 2.5 Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb = 5 / 4 = 4.5 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 2.5 Stars
Character Development = 3.5 Stars
Story Appreciation = 2 Stars
Worth the Chili = 2 Stars [$3.99 on Amazon]
I read this because I've been reading or wanting to read some inter-racial romances and this one was read and given a 5 Star review by one of my new favorite authors; Nia Forrester. It also had a music theme mentioned in the blurb. All good, right?
I've been in a reading slump lately and I was at about 50% through this book thinking this may break my slump, then the story took a hard turn into some things that just didn't ring true for me and this blew it for my enjoyment.
A few things I really liked about this one:
1 -- I liked Brian, until close to the end. Then the author turned on the gushy cheesy dialogue for this guy. Up to that point, he was a great character. Another case of a great character trapped in a bad story. Imagine a cartoon of a hunky, blonde haired, blue eyed man with a bass guitar, trying to break out of a bubble. This is Brian ... poor guy.
2 -- Love Ebony's name. Loved the book cover, the blurb the premise of this story. All gave me great promise. Ebony, for a smart girl, made really poor decisions. The blurb mentions a bass player - this would be Brian, but really didn't get much of the music component, so not a huge character in the story. The cover is amazing. Really pretty. However, this whole butterfly thing was the end for me...
3 -- ?? Not much else really.
So much didn't work and I'm not sure why the author took the story down this path. Spoiler WARNING!
1 -- Okay, I was cruising along with a decent story until the butterfly. Let me set the stage. Ebony was worrying about being able to afford the next/last semester of a seven [7] year education. Her part-time jobs were in jeopardy and some of her books were very expensive. All of a sudden she shows up with a blue tattoo of a butterfly on her ass. We find this out during sex with Brian. Okay, do you have any idea how much a tattoo -- a good, multi-colored tattoo costs? Seriously, this girl who was worried about being able to buy toilet paper [being facetious now] is going to go to the expense of getting a tattoo? And then the butterfly thing was just outside of the story up to this point. At this point, I almost stopped reading, but decided to finish it. I won't read the next one.
2 -- The author seemed to run out of story and start throwing various plot lines in to make it longer and to make it "more interesting." She should have stopped while she was ahead. After the butterfly, nothing worked for me. It came across as immature plot development and bordered on stupid.
3 -- I think I've ripped enough, but need to say this -- I will not read the second in this series and won't try this author again. Pulling me to the 50% mark but not able to keep the story together for remainder, is just a tease and no one likes a tease. Not going to fall for it again.
This book held some real promise. Unfortunately it didn't work out. I know I'm a rather tough critic, but when you give me a character, you paint a background and provide a storyline, then you deviate from it in a manner that just doesn't logically fit, I just can't hang. If she had told me on the outset that Ebony was just a poor decision maker and leaned to the side of stupid, I might have been able to buy the goods. But, then again, I probably wouldn't have read [know I wouldn't have read] this book.
Maybe this stuff doesn't bother you. If it doesn't, you'll like this book.
Happy Reading!
Overall Rating = 2.5 Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb = 5 / 4 = 4.5 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 2.5 Stars
Character Development = 3.5 Stars
Story Appreciation = 2 Stars
Worth the Chili = 2 Stars [$3.99 on Amazon]
I read this because I've been reading or wanting to read some inter-racial romances and this one was read and given a 5 Star review by one of my new favorite authors; Nia Forrester. It also had a music theme mentioned in the blurb. All good, right?
I've been in a reading slump lately and I was at about 50% through this book thinking this may break my slump, then the story took a hard turn into some things that just didn't ring true for me and this blew it for my enjoyment.
A few things I really liked about this one:
1 -- I liked Brian, until close to the end. Then the author turned on the gushy cheesy dialogue for this guy. Up to that point, he was a great character. Another case of a great character trapped in a bad story. Imagine a cartoon of a hunky, blonde haired, blue eyed man with a bass guitar, trying to break out of a bubble. This is Brian ... poor guy.
2 -- Love Ebony's name. Loved the book cover, the blurb the premise of this story. All gave me great promise. Ebony, for a smart girl, made really poor decisions. The blurb mentions a bass player - this would be Brian, but really didn't get much of the music component, so not a huge character in the story. The cover is amazing. Really pretty. However, this whole butterfly thing was the end for me...
3 -- ?? Not much else really.
So much didn't work and I'm not sure why the author took the story down this path. Spoiler WARNING!
1 -- Okay, I was cruising along with a decent story until the butterfly. Let me set the stage. Ebony was worrying about being able to afford the next/last semester of a seven [7] year education. Her part-time jobs were in jeopardy and some of her books were very expensive. All of a sudden she shows up with a blue tattoo of a butterfly on her ass. We find this out during sex with Brian. Okay, do you have any idea how much a tattoo -- a good, multi-colored tattoo costs? Seriously, this girl who was worried about being able to buy toilet paper [being facetious now] is going to go to the expense of getting a tattoo? And then the butterfly thing was just outside of the story up to this point. At this point, I almost stopped reading, but decided to finish it. I won't read the next one.
2 -- The author seemed to run out of story and start throwing various plot lines in to make it longer and to make it "more interesting." She should have stopped while she was ahead. After the butterfly, nothing worked for me. It came across as immature plot development and bordered on stupid.
3 -- I think I've ripped enough, but need to say this -- I will not read the second in this series and won't try this author again. Pulling me to the 50% mark but not able to keep the story together for remainder, is just a tease and no one likes a tease. Not going to fall for it again.
This book held some real promise. Unfortunately it didn't work out. I know I'm a rather tough critic, but when you give me a character, you paint a background and provide a storyline, then you deviate from it in a manner that just doesn't logically fit, I just can't hang. If she had told me on the outset that Ebony was just a poor decision maker and leaned to the side of stupid, I might have been able to buy the goods. But, then again, I probably wouldn't have read [know I wouldn't have read] this book.
Maybe this stuff doesn't bother you. If it doesn't, you'll like this book.
Happy Reading!
October 19, 2012
Love is Colorblind...as it should be.
Besides the romance, the tragedy, and the triumph, I think one of the things I love most about M.J. Kane’s story is that the non-acceptance doesn’t come from where you think it will.
What we see in “A Heart Not Easily Broken” are two people with a mutual attraction who are willing to give their relationship a try regardless of what onlookers or even friends and family members think.
But within any relationship, trouble is only a choice away. And when the thumps of opportunity and trust come knocking on the door, Ebony and Brian’s relationship will be put to the test.
Great emotional read from this debut author.
Besides the romance, the tragedy, and the triumph, I think one of the things I love most about M.J. Kane’s story is that the non-acceptance doesn’t come from where you think it will.
What we see in “A Heart Not Easily Broken” are two people with a mutual attraction who are willing to give their relationship a try regardless of what onlookers or even friends and family members think.
But within any relationship, trouble is only a choice away. And when the thumps of opportunity and trust come knocking on the door, Ebony and Brian’s relationship will be put to the test.
Great emotional read from this debut author.
May 28, 2013
I really did enjoy this book, it was funny and had some REAL issues to deal with. I also made you think, and ask questions about yourself. "Am I a judgemental person about IR relationships? " Make you remember love has no color. Great read!
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February 4, 2019🎁 FREE on iBooks today (2/4/2019)! 🎁
Blurb:
Ebony Campbell is a smart, sexy career-oriented black woman who wants nothing more than a summer fling with a man who challenges her mind and body. What she doesn’t expect is Brian Young, a blond-haired, blue-eyed bass player to step up to the challenge.
Despite negative reactions, their fling develops into a deep relationship, and Ebony discovers juggling love, family, and career are nothing compared to the ultimate betrayal she endures.
Now her dreams spiral into lies and secrets that threaten her future and the trust of those she loves.
Blurb:
Ebony Campbell is a smart, sexy career-oriented black woman who wants nothing more than a summer fling with a man who challenges her mind and body. What she doesn’t expect is Brian Young, a blond-haired, blue-eyed bass player to step up to the challenge.
Despite negative reactions, their fling develops into a deep relationship, and Ebony discovers juggling love, family, and career are nothing compared to the ultimate betrayal she endures.
Now her dreams spiral into lies and secrets that threaten her future and the trust of those she loves.
January 14, 2020
I laughed, I cried, I fell in love with the characters and my heart broke and was healed along with theirs. Wonderfully written story and so relevant in today's society.
November 20, 2012
Ok first off I have to say this... To all moms with girls please talk to your daughters about sexual abuse and about being safe and thinking with you head first instead of your heart. Not all guys are trustworthy always go with your gut filling and please please girls girls talk to your moms, don't hold anything back and never be afraid to tell on someone no mater what they hold over your heads, having heart ache and going through a trauma is not something to be held inside TELL TELL TELL someone!!!
Ok not that I got that out... this was a wonderful I/R story, a short read but good nonetheless... This story was about a woman with goals and an agenda set for her life. College, job then become wife and mother... It was also a story about a man with similar goals, he is a hard working man with two jobs one to pay the bills and one to lead the way to his dream job as an musician. As they both work toward those goals there worlds collide and wham!
They were and awesome couple to read about. There growth from friends to lovers was so endearing and wonderfully done they made me smile a lot. I loved Ebony she was confident and sexy and sweet and loving and a very easy going, a person I could see as a close friend. Brian was H.O.T. of course they always make you fall in love with the men, but really I loved them both equally they were a well matched couple. I loved that he was hard working and I loved how the author incorporated what they actually did for a living. It was so neat to actually read about a Man that did gardening for a living it totally gave me a different look on it. You don't think about the gardner going to house to house and the muscles that end up aching from the day of mowing lawns... Ebony sure enjoyed it after there second meeting and he showed up at her house to do the lawn the shirt off the sweat dripping down his body sure did change her tune about him..lol There relationship was so sweet and so believable the insecurities, the trust, the love making, it all just was wonderful to read.
The only problem I had and the reason for the 4 stars is the whole interracial issue I admit I got her concerns and all but its really 2012 going 2013 nobody really cares anymore other than family which she did make that as the main issue as to why she was scared to date him but to be honest I could have done without that being a problem in this book there love story was so good it didn't need that in the background. I'm just so over it in romance books don't get me wrong I know its still out there but its just not necessary in fiction ya know? I mean I do want my fiction to have something believable but the whole race issue thing is just old I mean played out....
All in all a wonderful read the drama was good the thing that happen to Ebony was written in the story well I just hated the way she handled it because she was such a strong confident and smart girl It was just hard for me to except the way she kept it all to herself and then When Brian found out I wanted to knock his ass out... first things first men if you trust your love of our life listen first then think I mean really listen and watch... yeah he didn't do that and that hurt the most had me crying yeah there was a boohoo moment....
Well I have said(typed) more than enough my hands hurt. Good book loved it. Will I read the next one? Probably just to see what Brian and Ebony are up to. The next book is supposed to be about her best friend and I'm not sure about reading about her she came of a lil selfish and high maintenance for me... Ok now Im done blabbing...
Well here is my couple and theme song 'Don't Be Afraid' By Mya Happy Reading...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muLWTf...
Ok not that I got that out... this was a wonderful I/R story, a short read but good nonetheless... This story was about a woman with goals and an agenda set for her life. College, job then become wife and mother... It was also a story about a man with similar goals, he is a hard working man with two jobs one to pay the bills and one to lead the way to his dream job as an musician. As they both work toward those goals there worlds collide and wham!
They were and awesome couple to read about. There growth from friends to lovers was so endearing and wonderfully done they made me smile a lot. I loved Ebony she was confident and sexy and sweet and loving and a very easy going, a person I could see as a close friend. Brian was H.O.T. of course they always make you fall in love with the men, but really I loved them both equally they were a well matched couple. I loved that he was hard working and I loved how the author incorporated what they actually did for a living. It was so neat to actually read about a Man that did gardening for a living it totally gave me a different look on it. You don't think about the gardner going to house to house and the muscles that end up aching from the day of mowing lawns... Ebony sure enjoyed it after there second meeting and he showed up at her house to do the lawn the shirt off the sweat dripping down his body sure did change her tune about him..lol There relationship was so sweet and so believable the insecurities, the trust, the love making, it all just was wonderful to read.
The only problem I had and the reason for the 4 stars is the whole interracial issue I admit I got her concerns and all but its really 2012 going 2013 nobody really cares anymore other than family which she did make that as the main issue as to why she was scared to date him but to be honest I could have done without that being a problem in this book there love story was so good it didn't need that in the background. I'm just so over it in romance books don't get me wrong I know its still out there but its just not necessary in fiction ya know? I mean I do want my fiction to have something believable but the whole race issue thing is just old I mean played out....
All in all a wonderful read the drama was good the thing that happen to Ebony was written in the story well I just hated the way she handled it because she was such a strong confident and smart girl It was just hard for me to except the way she kept it all to herself and then When Brian found out I wanted to knock his ass out... first things first men if you trust your love of our life listen first then think I mean really listen and watch... yeah he didn't do that and that hurt the most had me crying yeah there was a boohoo moment....
Well I have said(typed) more than enough my hands hurt. Good book loved it. Will I read the next one? Probably just to see what Brian and Ebony are up to. The next book is supposed to be about her best friend and I'm not sure about reading about her she came of a lil selfish and high maintenance for me... Ok now Im done blabbing...
Well here is my couple and theme song 'Don't Be Afraid' By Mya Happy Reading...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muLWTf...
December 12, 2012
I "met" M.J. Kane out in the trenches of the indie writer world and grew curious about her book because of the wonderful reviews she's been getting. Here's what I loved about A Heart Not Easily Broken: the relationship between Ebony and Brian was a sweet, gentle, quiet love that grew organically. I felt fully invested in their emotional lives and felt what they were feeling as I read it. I felt Ebony's conflict over whether to date Brian, and later, over whether to tell Brian and what to tell him after the big-incident-that-I-can't-specify-without-ruining-it-for-you. I felt his confusion and fear about the changes he saw in her. And I empathized when he wondered about her reluctance to share their relationship with her family. Though not a fan of first person books, M.J. Kane did it well, and even switched first person POVs skillfully which is tough to do.
As for the secondary characters, they were interesting and well-developed also. Each was a distinct individual, rather than being part of some amorphous mass of "other people" who fill out the background in a lot of romance novels. One character who was seminal to the plot was Javan. While I really, really disliked the Javan character, I recognized his type as being particularly true-to-life. Some of the stuff he said about Ebony dating Brian sounded all too familiar, as did his attitude toward Brian, the "white boy" who is his friend, but only up to a point. I've seen and experienced that firsthand, how some Black men in their relationships with their white "buddies" hold a part of themselves separate and are not completely authentic in those relationships because there's an undercurrent of anger and resentment.
What I had some challenges with was the general attitude of the Black folks toward interracial dating. From Ebony's first reaction to Brian, to her family's attitude, to the stares of strangers (who I assume were Black though she didn't say); that is all so foreign from my own experience that it was hard to accept that it still happens. But I had to separate what I preferred would happen from what I know still does happen and I didn't find it unbelievable at all that people still have these hang-ups. I guess I just wish they didn't. And then I thought about it some more and I was glad the author didn't go the stereotypical route and have the white folks be bigots. So it was a good reminder that racial intolerance goes both ways. And of course, the reticence of the Black characters toward the IR relationship was explained and resolved later.
Another thing that jumped out for me was the fact that Ebony and Brian had rich and busy lives and were two young people working hard who had "everyday-people" struggles. They have jobs, aspirations, money problems, limited time for relationships, challenges to balance personal and professional ambitions, etc. It was refreshing to read that done with such detail and texture. I was actually interested in reading about Ebony (who is studying to be a vet) wanting to work with the "big cats" and the more valuable and exotic animals. I admire that this author made the everyday person just as interesting without the gimmick of wealth and/or fame that is so often used to lure readers in in other books out these days (including my own).
Finally, what made this book work most for me was that it didn't have any super-dramatic and sensational occurrences (am not a fan of romantic suspense) but focused on the emotional lives of the characters, their evolution from two people pursuing separate goals to a couple overcoming various challenges and pursuing a life together. If you like "slice of life" books, this one will work for you.
Nia Forrester
Unsuitable Men
September 25, 2012
Author: M.J. Kane
Published By: 5 Prince Publishing
Age Recommended: Adult
Rating: 5
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Review:
"A Heart Not Easily Broken by M.J. Kane was truly a wonderful romantic well written read. This novel is the first of many of Ms. Kane's...'The Butterfly Memoirs' and I enjoyed it...and that being ...'change...the shedding of the old and bringing out the new.' This was definitely a page turner...even though I had read several excerpts... from some of the chapters... but starting with Chapter one till the end you will find this novel a captivating excellent read. How this author was able to do this was simply a work of art.
The story was of a young lady named Ebony was "smart, sexy, career-oriented black woman" who was focused on her career to get her D.V.M. degree...and now was there love and romance coming into this picture. Ebony had two best friends... Yasmine and Kaitlyn...who talk her into going to a night club and it was there that she meets Brian..who wasn't black but white. Now what will come of this? Will her life change because of this? Things are looking good for Ebony but changes will come..such as her personal problems with her mentor at work. How is this going to affect her training that was needed in order to make it through her last year of school? During this interracial relationship that was developing with Brian...Ebony fell short when it came to trusting Brian... completely....well she really didn't want to bother him with her problems because he was at this time working on a plan for his 'dream job.' Things seem to go from bad to worse for Ebony ...losing her part-time job..finance...income is not there...possible losing some hours needed to graduate and she keeps all of this a secret. Why? Ebony's life doesn't stop there .... now Brian has left for a three months on a promotional tour and what else can and will happen to Ebony? JAVAN SIMMONS! Now, I don't want to tell any more because at this point I want you to want to read "A Heart Not Easily Broken" to see how this will turn out. What decision did Ebony make that changed the course of her life? Will Ebony be able to get her two best friends and Brian to believe her? Will Brian's 'Heart Not Easily be Broken?' What was the solutions for Ebony and Brian? You will only find out by picking up this excellent read.
The characters of "A Heart Not Easily Broken were are all very intriguing and captivating ...showing emotions through the whole novel...from Ebony, Yasmine, Kaitlyn, Brian, Javan to a few others that I have left out keeping you on the edge of your seat and not being able to put this novel down until the end. Be ready for some hurt, trust issues, career and family problems, rape but in the end finding a true love.
I really enjoyed "A Heart Not Easily Broken" and if you are in for a excellent romance read I would recommend this to you!
Published By: 5 Prince Publishing
Age Recommended: Adult
Rating: 5
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Review:
"A Heart Not Easily Broken by M.J. Kane was truly a wonderful romantic well written read. This novel is the first of many of Ms. Kane's...'The Butterfly Memoirs' and I enjoyed it...and that being ...'change...the shedding of the old and bringing out the new.' This was definitely a page turner...even though I had read several excerpts... from some of the chapters... but starting with Chapter one till the end you will find this novel a captivating excellent read. How this author was able to do this was simply a work of art.
The story was of a young lady named Ebony was "smart, sexy, career-oriented black woman" who was focused on her career to get her D.V.M. degree...and now was there love and romance coming into this picture. Ebony had two best friends... Yasmine and Kaitlyn...who talk her into going to a night club and it was there that she meets Brian..who wasn't black but white. Now what will come of this? Will her life change because of this? Things are looking good for Ebony but changes will come..such as her personal problems with her mentor at work. How is this going to affect her training that was needed in order to make it through her last year of school? During this interracial relationship that was developing with Brian...Ebony fell short when it came to trusting Brian... completely....well she really didn't want to bother him with her problems because he was at this time working on a plan for his 'dream job.' Things seem to go from bad to worse for Ebony ...losing her part-time job..finance...income is not there...possible losing some hours needed to graduate and she keeps all of this a secret. Why? Ebony's life doesn't stop there .... now Brian has left for a three months on a promotional tour and what else can and will happen to Ebony? JAVAN SIMMONS! Now, I don't want to tell any more because at this point I want you to want to read "A Heart Not Easily Broken" to see how this will turn out. What decision did Ebony make that changed the course of her life? Will Ebony be able to get her two best friends and Brian to believe her? Will Brian's 'Heart Not Easily be Broken?' What was the solutions for Ebony and Brian? You will only find out by picking up this excellent read.
The characters of "A Heart Not Easily Broken were are all very intriguing and captivating ...showing emotions through the whole novel...from Ebony, Yasmine, Kaitlyn, Brian, Javan to a few others that I have left out keeping you on the edge of your seat and not being able to put this novel down until the end. Be ready for some hurt, trust issues, career and family problems, rape but in the end finding a true love.
I really enjoyed "A Heart Not Easily Broken" and if you are in for a excellent romance read I would recommend this to you!
September 25, 2012
I enjoyed watching Brian convince Ebony that the difference in their races didn't matter. I could relate to Ebony's struggles with feeling attracted to a white guy. The beginning of the book was light and fun and I absolutely fell in love with Brian. There was a difficult situation in the middle and the mood of the novel switched. It was darker and I was really drawn into Ebony's pain. Throughout I laughed out loud, had dramatic sighs or sucked my teeth with a "no he didn't" attitude. This is a wonderful debut and I highly recommend.
October 13, 2012
I loved everything about this book. It was so REAL!
You could feel how much Brian loved Ebony!
You could feel how much Brian loved Ebony!
August 17, 2020
A Repaired Interracial Relationship!!!
This is not a typical interracial romance. There is no white male billionaire who falls in love with a poor, struggling pretty African-American woman. Brian is a hardworking white man trying to make it as a professional musician while running a lawn care business until he makes it. Ebony is an African-American woman going to school to become a veterinarian. She works a couple of jobs to support herself and also works as an intern at the zoo. Both are in the verge of making it when they meet. Brian plays bass guitar for a band at a club that Ebony attended with her BFFs. He sees her and is physically attracted to her. She sees him but is more interested in the band's black drummer. Ebony never considered dating outside her race. Brian has dated outside his race and decided he wanted to date Ebony to explore the attraction he felt for her. His unrelenting pursuit of her is the main premise of the book.
The book was so good that I stayed up all night to finish it. they didn't immediately fall into bed with each other. After the relationship developed, the sex was sensual but wasn't too erotic or graphic, it simply enhanced the story. The dual POV allowed you to understand the emotions both felt. White families aren't the only ones opposed to interracial dating, black families often are also, but for different reasons - often blacks are often victimized because of racism.
The book is well written with extremely well developed main characters, intriguing plot/subplots and delightful secondary characters that you want to get to know. Brian and Ebony were both affected by prior relationships. He was hurt by a black woman he dated but didn't become bitter toward black women. Ebony was insecure because of a past relationship that didn't work out so she buried herself in school and work. They both looked at interracial dating differently. Brian's family was very accepting of the women he dated, no matter the race and he immediately introduced her to his family. Ebony's family expected her to marry a professional black man and she was afraid to tell them she was dating a white man.
Spoiler: The book should have contained a Rape Trigger Warning. Not only did the book deal with interracial dating and how others viewed it, but Ebony was raped by Brian's roommate who was her BFF boyfriend. The rape and it's aftermath was dealt with realistically. The man who raped her was black but could have been any color. He always made her very uncomfortable and she avoided him as much as she could. She chose not to tell anyone because she didn't want to hurt her friends plus she wasn't sure anyone would believe her. Often rape victims make the same decision and often blamed themselves. There was misinformation about the morning after pill. However, it served the purpose in allowing you to see her agony in the possibility of being pregnant by her rapist. She could be easily be pregnant by Brian because they slipped up one time and had unprotected sex. She was raped the next evening. Ebony's poor decisions not to report the rape or tell anyone and Brian's initial negative reaction were extremely disappointing. However, all things worked together for the good of them both.
I could have easily rated this book a 5 star read except for the misinformation about the morning after pill. Why the change in attitude by the man she worked for at the animal hospital after she caught him in a sexual act with a very young intern? He became very negative about her work which worried her for she hoped to be hired after finishing her education. I loved the interaction with Brian's family and wanted to see the physical interaction with her family and Brian. This is the first time that I've read a book by this author but won't be my last. I can't wait to read the other books in this series.
This is not a typical interracial romance. There is no white male billionaire who falls in love with a poor, struggling pretty African-American woman. Brian is a hardworking white man trying to make it as a professional musician while running a lawn care business until he makes it. Ebony is an African-American woman going to school to become a veterinarian. She works a couple of jobs to support herself and also works as an intern at the zoo. Both are in the verge of making it when they meet. Brian plays bass guitar for a band at a club that Ebony attended with her BFFs. He sees her and is physically attracted to her. She sees him but is more interested in the band's black drummer. Ebony never considered dating outside her race. Brian has dated outside his race and decided he wanted to date Ebony to explore the attraction he felt for her. His unrelenting pursuit of her is the main premise of the book.
The book was so good that I stayed up all night to finish it. they didn't immediately fall into bed with each other. After the relationship developed, the sex was sensual but wasn't too erotic or graphic, it simply enhanced the story. The dual POV allowed you to understand the emotions both felt. White families aren't the only ones opposed to interracial dating, black families often are also, but for different reasons - often blacks are often victimized because of racism.
The book is well written with extremely well developed main characters, intriguing plot/subplots and delightful secondary characters that you want to get to know. Brian and Ebony were both affected by prior relationships. He was hurt by a black woman he dated but didn't become bitter toward black women. Ebony was insecure because of a past relationship that didn't work out so she buried herself in school and work. They both looked at interracial dating differently. Brian's family was very accepting of the women he dated, no matter the race and he immediately introduced her to his family. Ebony's family expected her to marry a professional black man and she was afraid to tell them she was dating a white man.
Spoiler: The book should have contained a Rape Trigger Warning. Not only did the book deal with interracial dating and how others viewed it, but Ebony was raped by Brian's roommate who was her BFF boyfriend. The rape and it's aftermath was dealt with realistically. The man who raped her was black but could have been any color. He always made her very uncomfortable and she avoided him as much as she could. She chose not to tell anyone because she didn't want to hurt her friends plus she wasn't sure anyone would believe her. Often rape victims make the same decision and often blamed themselves. There was misinformation about the morning after pill. However, it served the purpose in allowing you to see her agony in the possibility of being pregnant by her rapist. She could be easily be pregnant by Brian because they slipped up one time and had unprotected sex. She was raped the next evening. Ebony's poor decisions not to report the rape or tell anyone and Brian's initial negative reaction were extremely disappointing. However, all things worked together for the good of them both.
I could have easily rated this book a 5 star read except for the misinformation about the morning after pill. Why the change in attitude by the man she worked for at the animal hospital after she caught him in a sexual act with a very young intern? He became very negative about her work which worried her for she hoped to be hired after finishing her education. I loved the interaction with Brian's family and wanted to see the physical interaction with her family and Brian. This is the first time that I've read a book by this author but won't be my last. I can't wait to read the other books in this series.
November 1, 2012
Since the release of A Heart Not Easily Broken it has been consistently in the Amazon best sellers list and I'm not surprised. Now, over 6 weeks after the release it is still there. Congratulations M.J. Kane.
First, I want to get into what I loved about this book.
Our heroine, Ebony, deals with a busy life. She is juggling school, multiple jobs, and now a romantic life. She's real, likable, and struggles with very real issues like "What will my family think?" She goes through a traumatic experience and feels trapped, unable to tell anyone. I've never gone through anything like what Ebony did but the whole thing rings very true for me. She doesn't just square her shoulders and power on through her problems. She struggles with them and she makes mistakes, and that's exactly how real life is.
Brian is oh, so sexy, and basically your knight in shining armor. I was rooting for him the second he stepped foot on the stage with his bass guitar. But he isn't perfect either. He is stubborn and when Ebony needs him the most he jumps to conclusions. He also has a bit of a temper and feels his emotions very strongly, whether it's love, rage, or sadness.
The characters in A Heart Not Easily Broken are compelling but flawed, and that is what makes a great book. The story line is great, it moves at a nice pace and never really leaves you yawning in your seat (unless you stayed up just a little bit longer to read one more chapter, but then yawning is a good thing). However, it is not perfect. Now, keep in mind that what I didn't absolutely love about this book is my own perception. It's nothing mechanical, or a flaw in the story, just personal preference.
Just like most romance novels, A Heart Not Easily Broken has romance. Brian and Ebony don't treat sex lightly, they wait until they are sure they're in love (which isn't long). However, when the sex does start I felt like sometimes there was too much emphasis on it. I'm not a prude, but like violence, I believe that sex scenes should always enhance a story, not distract from it. For the most part M.J Kane does this well. It is not overly graphic, and you're not going to sit there and blush that you're reading it. But sometimes I felt as if the plot was a little derailed by it.
That aside, I loved this book. With a great plot, flawed but lovable characters, and real problems I gave this book a 4 out of 5 stars on Goodreads. The book is touching and heartbreaking and keeps you turning every page.
A quick disclaimer: As mentioned above Ebony goes through a traumatic experience. I'm not going to go into the details and M.J Kane doesn't either. She lets the curtain fall on the scene, which I am thankful for and believe that was a great choice on the author's part, but it is still intense.
A Heart Not Easily Broken
First, I want to get into what I loved about this book.
Our heroine, Ebony, deals with a busy life. She is juggling school, multiple jobs, and now a romantic life. She's real, likable, and struggles with very real issues like "What will my family think?" She goes through a traumatic experience and feels trapped, unable to tell anyone. I've never gone through anything like what Ebony did but the whole thing rings very true for me. She doesn't just square her shoulders and power on through her problems. She struggles with them and she makes mistakes, and that's exactly how real life is.
Brian is oh, so sexy, and basically your knight in shining armor. I was rooting for him the second he stepped foot on the stage with his bass guitar. But he isn't perfect either. He is stubborn and when Ebony needs him the most he jumps to conclusions. He also has a bit of a temper and feels his emotions very strongly, whether it's love, rage, or sadness.
The characters in A Heart Not Easily Broken are compelling but flawed, and that is what makes a great book. The story line is great, it moves at a nice pace and never really leaves you yawning in your seat (unless you stayed up just a little bit longer to read one more chapter, but then yawning is a good thing). However, it is not perfect. Now, keep in mind that what I didn't absolutely love about this book is my own perception. It's nothing mechanical, or a flaw in the story, just personal preference.
Just like most romance novels, A Heart Not Easily Broken has romance. Brian and Ebony don't treat sex lightly, they wait until they are sure they're in love (which isn't long). However, when the sex does start I felt like sometimes there was too much emphasis on it. I'm not a prude, but like violence, I believe that sex scenes should always enhance a story, not distract from it. For the most part M.J Kane does this well. It is not overly graphic, and you're not going to sit there and blush that you're reading it. But sometimes I felt as if the plot was a little derailed by it.
That aside, I loved this book. With a great plot, flawed but lovable characters, and real problems I gave this book a 4 out of 5 stars on Goodreads. The book is touching and heartbreaking and keeps you turning every page.
A quick disclaimer: As mentioned above Ebony goes through a traumatic experience. I'm not going to go into the details and M.J Kane doesn't either. She lets the curtain fall on the scene, which I am thankful for and believe that was a great choice on the author's part, but it is still intense.
A Heart Not Easily Broken
June 2, 2025
The love story (main point of the book) between Brian and Ebony felt a bit disjointed. Maybe it was because Ebony' s emotions and ideals changed on the drop of a dime. Maybe it's because Brian seemed to take rejection well, but perceived rejection poorly. I really don't know. I wanted to love this, regardless. I couldn't for two huge reasons.
First, Brian only believed that Ebony had been raped after he found proof. He'd spent the majority of the book doubting her rapist's lifestyle and character (and waxing lyrical about what an awesome person Ebony was). Yet, he only believed that she'd been raped-instead of simply being a ho-because he found proof. Yeah, that killed all the romance for me.
Second, Ebony agonized over taking the morning after pill because she doesn't want to risk killing Brian's baby, but doesn't want to have her rapist's baby either. The morning after pill doesn't terminate an existing pregnancy. From the Mayo Clinic's website: "Morning-after pills do not end a pregnancy that has implanted. Depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle, morning-after pills may act by one or more of the following actions: delaying or preventing ovulation, blocking fertilization, or keeping a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus. However, recent evidence strongly suggests that Plan B One-Step and Next Choice do not inhibit implantation. It's not clear if the same is true for Ella.
Keep in mind that the morning-after pill isn't the same as mifepristone (Mifeprex), also known as RU-486 or the abortion pill. Mifeprex terminates an established pregnancy — one in which the fertilized egg has attached to the uterine wall and has already begun to develop."
Yeah, I have spent more time writing this review than I did finding this information. Not to mention, the One-Step commercial voice over specifically states that the M.A.P. will not terminate and is not the abortion pill. I am in no way trying to get political. But know what you are talking about! Having volunteered in a Women's Center as an undergrad, worked with a campus group that aimed to educate and help prevent all types of violence against women and known too many survivors of sexual violence, misinformation like this sets my teeth on edge. As a reader, the lack of research annoys me.
I could get into her parents 180 on interracial dating or her APOLOGIZING to her roommates for not telling them about her rape, but I feel like I am beating a dead horse.
First, Brian only believed that Ebony had been raped after he found proof. He'd spent the majority of the book doubting her rapist's lifestyle and character (and waxing lyrical about what an awesome person Ebony was). Yet, he only believed that she'd been raped-instead of simply being a ho-because he found proof. Yeah, that killed all the romance for me.
Second, Ebony agonized over taking the morning after pill because she doesn't want to risk killing Brian's baby, but doesn't want to have her rapist's baby either. The morning after pill doesn't terminate an existing pregnancy. From the Mayo Clinic's website: "Morning-after pills do not end a pregnancy that has implanted. Depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle, morning-after pills may act by one or more of the following actions: delaying or preventing ovulation, blocking fertilization, or keeping a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus. However, recent evidence strongly suggests that Plan B One-Step and Next Choice do not inhibit implantation. It's not clear if the same is true for Ella.
Keep in mind that the morning-after pill isn't the same as mifepristone (Mifeprex), also known as RU-486 or the abortion pill. Mifeprex terminates an established pregnancy — one in which the fertilized egg has attached to the uterine wall and has already begun to develop."
Yeah, I have spent more time writing this review than I did finding this information. Not to mention, the One-Step commercial voice over specifically states that the M.A.P. will not terminate and is not the abortion pill. I am in no way trying to get political. But know what you are talking about! Having volunteered in a Women's Center as an undergrad, worked with a campus group that aimed to educate and help prevent all types of violence against women and known too many survivors of sexual violence, misinformation like this sets my teeth on edge. As a reader, the lack of research annoys me.
I could get into her parents 180 on interracial dating or her APOLOGIZING to her roommates for not telling them about her rape, but I feel like I am beating a dead horse.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2020
In A Heart Not Easily Broken, M. J. Kane captures the emotional depth of the relationship between Brian and Ebony. Told in alternating points of view from one chapter to the next, the narrative voices of Brian and Ebony, and sometimes Yasmine, drew me into the story. Nearing the end of the story, I found myself at the edge of my seat, rooting for these characters.
Though the story touches on themes related to "interracial dating" and the struggle women experience the trauma of rape, the story is so much more than that. It is about two people learning to be honest with each other and learning to give themselves to each other despite the baggage they carry. While these are just a few of the themes woven into this story, M. J. Kane treats them all and the characters with the utmost respect, sensitivity, and endless creativity.
To write any more in this littler review would either spoil the book or confuse the potential reader. Finally, while I am not usually into this type of story, Kane has gained a fan in this reader.
Though the story touches on themes related to "interracial dating" and the struggle women experience the trauma of rape, the story is so much more than that. It is about two people learning to be honest with each other and learning to give themselves to each other despite the baggage they carry. While these are just a few of the themes woven into this story, M. J. Kane treats them all and the characters with the utmost respect, sensitivity, and endless creativity.
To write any more in this littler review would either spoil the book or confuse the potential reader. Finally, while I am not usually into this type of story, Kane has gained a fan in this reader.
January 17, 2016
A well-written tale that was in parts beautifully lyrical...something that I didn't expect at all, considering the opening scene in the book.
I had expected a quick dive into sex, and was pleasantly surprised when it didn't happen. As a matter of fact, the writing improved as the story moved along, and I really got a feel for and liked the H/h. (And when the sex scenes happened, they were very sexy, yet tastefully written - bravo)!
However - while I loved the book overall, there were a few items that I didn't like:
* Yasmine's narrative about two-thirds through the book, which intruded on Ebony and Brian's viewpoints.
* The 'boogey-man' element with the character Jovan. The fact that he was the only villain and black didn't sit well with me.
* Brian's willingness to believe Jovan and his lies over Ebony.
Still...I liked the book. From me, it merits a 4.5. As I didn't really care for the Yasmine character, I probably won't be reading the second book, which is about her.
I had expected a quick dive into sex, and was pleasantly surprised when it didn't happen. As a matter of fact, the writing improved as the story moved along, and I really got a feel for and liked the H/h. (And when the sex scenes happened, they were very sexy, yet tastefully written - bravo)!
However - while I loved the book overall, there were a few items that I didn't like:
* Yasmine's narrative about two-thirds through the book, which intruded on Ebony and Brian's viewpoints.
* The 'boogey-man' element with the character Jovan. The fact that he was the only villain and black didn't sit well with me.
* Brian's willingness to believe Jovan and his lies over Ebony.
Still...I liked the book. From me, it merits a 4.5. As I didn't really care for the Yasmine character, I probably won't be reading the second book, which is about her.
September 29, 2012
Let me first start out by saying that I am a huge fan of interracial romance novels and this book has definitely made my top 5 favorite for IR books! This story stared off with Ebony out on the town with her girls Yasmine and Kaitlyn in search for a fling with Mr tall dark and handsome. Not knowing in her search she would stumble across the very sexy and very white Brian. Ebony has never been into white guys but it is something about the sexy Brian that has her giving him a second look. This story touches on romance,race,trust,pain and hurt. So readers DON'T LET THE COVER FOOL YOU! This was a excellent Debut and I look forward to reading your next book. Job well done M.J.
December 10, 2014
This book was amazing and beautifully written. I love that it was an interracial book that actually dealt with the emotions and thoughts of people in such a relationship. The love between Brian and Ebony was so realistic and fun and honest that it kept me smiling. Then there was that twist that twisted my heart. Again the thoughts, actions, and reactions were so real that I could honestly feel the characters' pain. The ending was quite dramatic and I couldn't have been happier with the way the story unfolded. Thank you so very much for writing such a wonderful story.
July 12, 2015
WOW is all I can say. This story is about Ebony and Brian. At first Ebony started to piss me off regarding her attitude towards Brian. Like it's unheard of for a white man to be a attractive to a black woman. But as they started spending more and more time together her walls started to crumble and actually gave Brian a chance. There were a few tear jerker moments in the book. I'm just happy to see that they came out on top despite what happen to her.
November 28, 2012
ever wanted to reach into a book and just punch someone?
July 14, 2015
This was my first book I've read by this author and I really enjoyed it. I basically could not put it down. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
May 11, 2020
So Good
This book was so good. I loved the characters and how they fell in love, how they dealt with adversity, and came out on top.
This book was so good. I loved the characters and how they fell in love, how they dealt with adversity, and came out on top.
March 3, 2016
I enjoyed the book, but that narrator was reading like she did Stage Plays for a living. I do like plays, but her reading was overdone. Ebony and Brian's relationship was cute and believable.
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November 14, 2021Note from the Author:
Hi! Welcome to the first book of The Butterfly Memoirs! Writing Ebony and Brian's story was a learning experience! I've always been an avid reader until one day the writing bug bit me, and A HEART NOT EASILY BROKEN was born.😊 It took two years to write this story (I was a newbie to writing!) and I loved every bit of the journey! The character of Ebony Campbell went through several changes...from her being eighteen years old and starting college to where she is when the story begins, nearing graduation and (hopefully) securing her dream job. Regardless of what stages the character and story have gone through, Brian has always been the man in her life. Over the years readers have commented on how much they would love to have a "Brian" in their lives, too!
I hope you enjoy this story as it was definitely a labor of love and my love of reading! Please leave a review (I read them all!) and please share with your book-loving friends! Have a book club? I'd love to meet with you! Zoom is a wonderful way to chat! Shoot me an email and let's see what we can do!
Email: mjkanebooks@gmail.com
Don't forget to add the next story in the collection, JADED (Book 2 of The Butterfly Memoirs) to your To Be Read List!
Happy Reading!
MJ
A Heart Not Easily Broken Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/xqTZCx-SZw0
Hi! Welcome to the first book of The Butterfly Memoirs! Writing Ebony and Brian's story was a learning experience! I've always been an avid reader until one day the writing bug bit me, and A HEART NOT EASILY BROKEN was born.😊 It took two years to write this story (I was a newbie to writing!) and I loved every bit of the journey! The character of Ebony Campbell went through several changes...from her being eighteen years old and starting college to where she is when the story begins, nearing graduation and (hopefully) securing her dream job. Regardless of what stages the character and story have gone through, Brian has always been the man in her life. Over the years readers have commented on how much they would love to have a "Brian" in their lives, too!
I hope you enjoy this story as it was definitely a labor of love and my love of reading! Please leave a review (I read them all!) and please share with your book-loving friends! Have a book club? I'd love to meet with you! Zoom is a wonderful way to chat! Shoot me an email and let's see what we can do!
Email: mjkanebooks@gmail.com
Don't forget to add the next story in the collection, JADED (Book 2 of The Butterfly Memoirs) to your To Be Read List!
Happy Reading!
MJ
A Heart Not Easily Broken Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/xqTZCx-SZw0
February 1, 2019
Love in Every Color
What a great find!!! I just love a simple love story and this love story between Ebony and Brian was simple and complicated. Trying to find love, no matter the race, can be very daunting. I loved how the characters got to really know each other despite the ethnic differences. But when you find that other part of yourself, it takes work to hold love together, as Ebony and Brian found out. M.j. Kane has just found another fan. I’ve already ordered the next in this series.
What a great find!!! I just love a simple love story and this love story between Ebony and Brian was simple and complicated. Trying to find love, no matter the race, can be very daunting. I loved how the characters got to really know each other despite the ethnic differences. But when you find that other part of yourself, it takes work to hold love together, as Ebony and Brian found out. M.j. Kane has just found another fan. I’ve already ordered the next in this series.
October 9, 2019
Wow
This story was so well written. I feel like I know the characters in real life. The author took the time to build them out and make you fall in love with most of them. Read it, you'll enjoy it.
This story was so well written. I feel like I know the characters in real life. The author took the time to build them out and make you fall in love with most of them. Read it, you'll enjoy it.
August 11, 2020
The book was amazing im a new reader and this is where I started and to say it was perfection would be saying the least 🥰🤟🏽
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