Breaking Wicked

by E.J. Nickson

Katherine Grant spectacularly trashed her relationship with her high school sweetheart, and cut herself off from the only people who ever loved and respected her. She’s in trouble, and if she doesn’t get help she fears her already messed-up life will become a disaster.

Three years ago, Jacob “Trix” Doyle started a new life at Crooked Brook Ranch, and it was the best decision he ever made. Every day he works hard and enjoys the care and support of his new family. The rules are simple: you take care of your people and your people take care of you.

There’s only one woman in his orbit Trix considers off-limits: his best friend’s ex. Yet, he’s falling victim to Katherine’s irresistible pull. As things intensify between them, their fragile bond threatens everything and everyone he loves. But things are not what they seem – they never are – and Trix has to make things right with all the people in his life who matter.

291 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 20, 2021

About the author

E. J. is a wife and mother, a foster parent, a reformed corporate lackey with a degree in something unhelpful, and is a twenty-year veteran of the horse training industry. She currently works part time trying to teach adults and children how to not damage themselves on horseback. In her spare time - when she’s not ignoring laundry, bathing one of the multiple dogs and/or children, or acting as an unpaid chauffeur - she gives in to her persistent craving to tell a story she hopes you can lose yourself in.

Reviews

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book to the Crooked Brook series. The author brings strong characters with a hot chemistry and some steamy scenes. She moves the story fluidly with her detailed and descriptive writing and delivers an entertaining story. Loved and recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Kylie Barrera · Rating 3 out of 5]

A small town cowboy story about a woman from the wrong side of the tracks and a man looking for a place to belong. Complicating matters was she dated his best friend and cheated on him. As expected this didn’t go well with Trix’s adopted family. A New York trip and an injury showed them how much they cared for one another. Overcoming the final hurdle of acceptance of his family left the door open for this series to fully explore the next stage in their relationship.

The dialogue was funny and I really liked Trix’s character and aspects of Katherines (telling her boyfriends father his wife must use a vibrator!). The character of Mae though for the most part stole the show. She was funny, witty, bossy and the mum they all needed. The writing was great and there were some incredibly funny scenes – drinking lady story time! Winn and Alex’s relationship was good as a secondary storyline and I enjoyed the tie in with Katherine being the cheating ex girlfriend. The Alex and Katherine dialogues were they were fighting were hilarious and I loved their dynamic.

I didn’t like the blasé attitude towards infidelity the miscarriage and the ambivalent attitude to scratching an adult itch. The characters were for the most part believable but at times I had trouble connecting with them. The storyline as a whole jumped from one thing to the next and in a lot of ways wasn’t too believable. I think that they could have explored more of the Trix family dynamic as I wanted to see his father pursue the threat and see the ranch overcome it.

Overall a charming read about redemption and finding your way.

Look forward to reading the next in the series!!!!

[Pegboard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breaking Wicked by E.J. Nickson is the second romance novel from the Crooked Brook Ranch. Jacob "Trix" Doyle has worked at the farm for three years, making those that live there his family. He would do anything for them, especially his best friend, Winn. Katherine Grant was considered banned from Crooked Brook Ranch when she ruthlessly broke Winn's heart. Any dealings with her were considered a betrayal to the family. Katherine is desperate for help and tries to turn to Winn for help, but it was Trix that got snared in her web of deceit and lies. Once Trix understands the depth of trouble she is in, he can't stand back when she calls on him. Will the ranch family understand his involvement as their feelings deepen?

I found Breaking Wicked had a special kind of charm as E.J. Nickson includes another romance for the men of Crooked Brook Ranch. The story twists around old lovers, damaged relationships, and trust issues. Trix is from a wealthy family trying to fit into a normal family setting, while Katherine is from a poor family attempting to get ahead in life. The pace goes from one dramatic event to the next, keeping the characters on edge. Trix has family issues that keep him mysterious to the end, but he is an endearing character with wit and charm. Katherine is snarky, and I wondered what her angle was as she manipulated one man after another. I enjoyed the ending as everything came together and true personalities were revealed. I am looking forward to seeing another man from the ranch surrender to love and romance.

Written by Peggy Jo Wipf for Readers' Favorite.

[Sharon Grow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things have just never gone well for Katherine Grant…her parents, her home life and her love life. Hooking up with Blake had been a huge mistake, causing her to hurt a dear friend and risk losing access to Mae’s ranch. Mae is known for hiring ranch hands that need a place to grow and discover themselves. Jacob “Trix” Doyle’s decision to spend six weeks at Mae’s ranch has turned into three years and was the best decision he ever made. His feelings for Katherine are complicated as she is the ex of his best friend. When he realizes that she is the one for him, will he be able to break through her barriers and will she admit that she loves him? When Trix is injured, the fellowship among the group is displayed as is Katherine’s need for revenge against the man who caused his injury. Enjoyed her conversation with the town council – lol. A truly enjoyable read with great characters. I had not read anything by this author, but I look forward to reading the first book and watching for the next book in the series. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

[Angela · Rating 2 out of 5]

I lost interest about 1/3 of the way into the story, and now I know it's most likely because it's part of a series, and this is the 2nd book of the series. Im not sure I'll be reading the first book though, because this one didn't grab me...at all. The cheating and the nonchalance around it is a big turn off. I usually don't read books that contain that subject matter, it's just a personal preference of mine. The character development was good, the plot flowed easy, but some places felt a bit disjointed. Anyway, Im sure it'll make a lot more sense as a whole to someone who's read the first book already.

Thanks netgalley for giving me the complimentary pdf so that I can share my thoughts and opinions with y'all 🧡

[Maja · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first read from this author. While I am not the biggest fan of the stories written in the third person, because I think it makes the story impersonal-sorry deal breaker. However, I did like the hero, which is another deal breaking decision in whether or not I'll continue reading. And I really loved Trix.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 5 out of 5]

An entertaining romance filled with cowboys, city slickers, and back stories. The characters were likeable, except, of course, the ones that weren't. Enjoyable getting to know this diverse group. I see I missed the first, but hope to get back to it. Really looking forward to the next one. I would be happier without the intimate details, but that didn't keep me from reading the story. Had to get to the happily ever after. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley.

[Linda Nixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book of the Crooked Brook series was just as good as the first, but a little steamier and a bit more fun! Keep them coming! These characters are so engaging and interesting I can’t wait to see where they all end up!

[Nate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Jacob & Katherine's book. It was an entertaining & heartfelt read. I got a copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my review.