Even the sturdiest of people have their limits. For Captain Melinda Morris, USN, that limit came in the form of a bomb that violated the peace of a Baghdad café. Her career ended, her body damaged, her marriage finished, her home lost—a strong woman learned what it meant to be broken. She remembered her father’s words from over two decades before. “If you ever need us, the ranch is here. Come home.” She did. She left the sea that had been her life to return to her first love—the land and horses. Her father was long dead, but the ranch was there, as well as the memory of his reminder that a Morris never gives up. Those words held her fast as she dealt with the nightmares that never quite ended, leaving her with the mystery of an unfilled promise to a dying mother whose name she never knew. The ranch, the horses, the love of family, and a promise to her brother, Hoyt, gave her an anchor to hang onto. When Addie Romero returned home to the neighboring ranch, she brought home a history of success and her own nightmares from a story she could tell no one, at least not until she saw Mel again. Former three-time World Champion Cowgirl—an accomplishment that was her springboard into a successful career in the world or horses, movies, and the California high life—Addie was ready to return, perhaps to heal an old and deep wound that never lost its grip on her heart and mind. Together, Addie and Mel would seek the gold to mend the broken, to create something even more beautiful than before.
Kayt C. Peck’s life experience has provided a wealth of material for her passion as a writer. From her early years on a Texas farm and ranch through experience as a journalist, a Naval public affairs officer, a firefighter and an EMS first responder she has lived life to the fullest, a treasure that is reflected in her writing. Her essential courage aided her as a founding board member of OUTstanding Amarillo, the gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgendered organization serving the Texas Panhandle and formed at a time when being openly gay involved a real and present danger. That same courage carries into her writing.
4 stars. A really well written and beautiful story. It was a lot lighter than I expected which was great but all of the heavy and emotional moments were effective and had me feeling for the characters.
I liked the main characters Mel and Addie and how this was a second chance romance for them. The romance was super sweet and they had great chemistry. Even a lot of the side characters were wonderful and I loved the small town feel of the setting. The ending was wonderful and I was completely satisfied at the HEA that Mel and Addie got because they both deserved it so much. I’m glad that I randomly decided to pick this up because I ended up loving it.
Review: Broken by Kayt C. Peck The Sprite and the Naiad I seldom read romance novels, but I really enjoyed this one. Naval Captain Melinda Morris, “broken” by an explosion in a Baghdad café and Addie Romero, World Champion Cowboy harboring a shameful secret, share instant chemistry as they return to the neighboring ranches of their childhoods to nurse their wounds and rekindle their “first love” for one another. The book offers interesting insights into the healing nature of bonding with, riding and caring for horses, the day to day running of large ranches, and the history blending Spanish and Anglo culture in the southwest. It tackles the serious problem of PTSD though love, patience and purpose. I was surprised and enchanted when an element of fantasy fluttered into the pages as two water spirits: a sprite and a naiad, who hover in the branches of a cottonwood tree at the lovers’ sacred pond to inspire and promote the lovers’ healing. This novel manages to transcend the bounds of formula romance with depth and delight. I highly recommend it.
Wow! Never thought a story of this caliber would be so enjoyable to read!
Mel sat outside a cafe and the next minute her life changes forever. An explosion, A child crying for his parents, A leg that is no longer there. As Melinda reaches for the child, A mother instinct to protect the young, A song learn from long ago comforts the young child. A promise to the dying mother who finally closes her eyes when she hears:" I will protect him"! So starts a new journey for the now crippled Navy Captain who thinks she is broken! Enjoy!
I knew this book sounded good - I had no idea just how good it would turn out to be! Kayt Peck has woven a story involving PTSD, reuniting with first (and only real) loves, horses, a little magic, and of course a wonderful happy ending. You'll fall in love with the characters and their struggles as they make their way through the journey of life. And you'll also be blessed with some great life lessons along the way. Pick it up and start reading it - you'll be glad you did!
I really enjoyed this book. The characters are very likable and well developed. The topics covered in this book are important. PTSD is one of the important part of this book. The second chance romance between the two main characters is very sweet. Thanks a very good read.
It was a good read I just didn't see a reason for spirits to be a part of it. I felt the relationship between the main characters developed way too quickly regardless of their past history as a couple.
A really heart moving story. A beautiful romance, sometimes painful, emotionally challenging for veterans or anyone living with PTSD but definitely uplifting and worth the read.