What do you think?
Rate this book
How to Tame a Heartbreaker #1
Split Decision
It was supposed to be another typical day at the office. Stevie Charles knew the famous rock band, Split Decision, would be staying at the hotel where she worked. But she had no idea that she was in danger of being swept off of her feet by one of the band members.
Stevie didn't believe in fairy tales. She wasn't jaded, she was simply indifferent. She was too focused on her business to waste time daydreaming about all the A-list celebrities that came into the hotel on a regular basis.
But David Abramson would turn out to be different. He was her prince charming disguised as a rock star, and Stevie found that she was more than happy to be his Cinderella.
Stevie didn't believe in fairy tales. She wasn't jaded, she was simply indifferent. She was too focused on her business to waste time daydreaming about all the A-list celebrities that came into the hotel on a regular basis.
But David Abramson would turn out to be different. He was her prince charming disguised as a rock star, and Stevie found that she was more than happy to be his Cinderella.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 19, 2021
89 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
Brooke St. James
115 books954 followersBrooke St. James is a USA Today bestselling author and Amazon Kindle All-Star. She writes contemporary romance novels with Christian and inspirational themes and happy endings. She was born and raised in south Louisiana but has had the opportunity to travel and live throughout the U.S. An avid reader, writer, audio book addict, and fan of all things artistic, Brooke constantly has her hands in some creative activity. She's currently back home in Louisiana enjoying life with her husband, children, and two lazy dogs.
To find out more about Brooke visit her Facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/brookesaintj...
Her Official website at:
http://www.brookesaintjames.com/
Follow her on Twitter or Instagram:
@brooke_stjames
To join her mailing list or for specific inquiries:
brookesaintjames@gmail.com
Listen to her audiobooks on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@BrookeStJames
To find out more about Brooke visit her Facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/brookesaintj...
Her Official website at:
http://www.brookesaintjames.com/
Follow her on Twitter or Instagram:
@brooke_stjames
To join her mailing list or for specific inquiries:
brookesaintjames@gmail.com
Listen to her audiobooks on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@BrookeStJames
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
November 13, 2024
Quick read! Good romance book about a fern nerd and musician falling in love.
October 4, 2021
Same formulaic story with no SHOWING the relationship development
Is anyone else getting tired of the the same formulaic plot getting recycled in every single St James book?? I understand people like the Christian undercurrent in the books, the waiting till marriage, the no angst, the sweet simple love stores. I like(d) that too. But enough is enough, we need some variety and PLOT and RELATIONSHIP development!!
I have read every single series she has put out but stopped with book 3 in the Bank street books because of I’m just tired of reading the frankly, lazy way Brook continues to write. All her books are all the same as far as the basic formula is concerned—boy & girl meet, have instant attraction and love each other at the sped of light, make completely impulsive decisions to be together and elope immediately with no consideration for family being present. And all this is happening by mostly TELLING and not showing the relationship development. We usually just get several synopsis throughout the book of what has happened and how the characters have progressed.
I guess people will keep rating these books high because they appreciate the clean, simple love stories, but I think it’s a shame that she the same formula with no creativity in the story whatsoever. Yes, the characters and settings are different, but the basic plot is the same over and over. It’s starting to feel like we’re all being taken advantage of.
I would really like to keep enjoying a no-angst clean romance but I do need some variety and originality. So I’m going to have to move on from this author.
Is anyone else getting tired of the the same formulaic plot getting recycled in every single St James book?? I understand people like the Christian undercurrent in the books, the waiting till marriage, the no angst, the sweet simple love stores. I like(d) that too. But enough is enough, we need some variety and PLOT and RELATIONSHIP development!!
I have read every single series she has put out but stopped with book 3 in the Bank street books because of I’m just tired of reading the frankly, lazy way Brook continues to write. All her books are all the same as far as the basic formula is concerned—boy & girl meet, have instant attraction and love each other at the sped of light, make completely impulsive decisions to be together and elope immediately with no consideration for family being present. And all this is happening by mostly TELLING and not showing the relationship development. We usually just get several synopsis throughout the book of what has happened and how the characters have progressed.
I guess people will keep rating these books high because they appreciate the clean, simple love stories, but I think it’s a shame that she the same formula with no creativity in the story whatsoever. Yes, the characters and settings are different, but the basic plot is the same over and over. It’s starting to feel like we’re all being taken advantage of.
I would really like to keep enjoying a no-angst clean romance but I do need some variety and originality. So I’m going to have to move on from this author.
July 1, 2022
The Fern Nerd Finds Love! The Reader Cheers!
Stevie is a plant propagator whose business, The Fern Nerd, is contracted to maintain the plants at the luxury Los Angeles hotel Patterson Place. When she receives a call from the owner, Taylor Patterson, telling her that the occupants of their penthouse suite are complaining about the in-suite plants and are demanding their immediate removal, she has no idea that her life is about to change...
David Alexander, one of the famous twins who front hot rock band Split Decision, sees a dark-haired young woman being chewed out by the band's manager for a very minor infraction and comes to her rescue. His act of chivalry extends to spotting her on the ladder, then riding in her Fern Nerd van to the greenhouse where she grows tomatoes in the front and sleeps with her beloved tropical specimens in back, to get a break from the non-stop fighting between her father and brothers at home. David, recognizing that the greenhouse is not secure enough for her to use as a nighttime refuge, buys her a house of her own and downplays her protests by sharing with her his favorite Bible verse about God giving His children good gifts and delighting in their enjoyment of those gifts. Considering God the giver and David the instrument of His generosity helps Stevie accept the house.
When David (the "good twin", as opposed to his wild brother Alec) unexpectedly proposes and Stevie begins wearing his ring, the press notices and she learns the flip side of fame: dodging paparazzi and unwanted attention. The hotel has a private parking lot and elevator for penthouse guests, so Stevie is protected in that section of the hotel, but she gets trapped by a "guest" on a different floor and has to call the emergency security line. Street Mr. Patterson defuses that situation, she considers recruiting another person to accompany her on her rounds. She doesn't want to worry David and therefore says nothing, but the Mr. Patterson tells him and prompts a change in their wedding timetable. That's the HEA readers are waiting for!
I absolutely loved this story! It's one of Brooke St. James's best, and I made almost no copy editing Notes. It's more smoothly written and depends less on "surreal" than others I've read, and it quotes Jesus's Sermon on the Mount while mentioning only God by name. The key theme is trusting God and appreciating His good gifts rather than doubting your worth to receive them.
Highly recommended!
Stevie is a plant propagator whose business, The Fern Nerd, is contracted to maintain the plants at the luxury Los Angeles hotel Patterson Place. When she receives a call from the owner, Taylor Patterson, telling her that the occupants of their penthouse suite are complaining about the in-suite plants and are demanding their immediate removal, she has no idea that her life is about to change...
David Alexander, one of the famous twins who front hot rock band Split Decision, sees a dark-haired young woman being chewed out by the band's manager for a very minor infraction and comes to her rescue. His act of chivalry extends to spotting her on the ladder, then riding in her Fern Nerd van to the greenhouse where she grows tomatoes in the front and sleeps with her beloved tropical specimens in back, to get a break from the non-stop fighting between her father and brothers at home. David, recognizing that the greenhouse is not secure enough for her to use as a nighttime refuge, buys her a house of her own and downplays her protests by sharing with her his favorite Bible verse about God giving His children good gifts and delighting in their enjoyment of those gifts. Considering God the giver and David the instrument of His generosity helps Stevie accept the house.
When David (the "good twin", as opposed to his wild brother Alec) unexpectedly proposes and Stevie begins wearing his ring, the press notices and she learns the flip side of fame: dodging paparazzi and unwanted attention. The hotel has a private parking lot and elevator for penthouse guests, so Stevie is protected in that section of the hotel, but she gets trapped by a "guest" on a different floor and has to call the emergency security line. Street Mr. Patterson defuses that situation, she considers recruiting another person to accompany her on her rounds. She doesn't want to worry David and therefore says nothing, but the Mr. Patterson tells him and prompts a change in their wedding timetable. That's the HEA readers are waiting for!
I absolutely loved this story! It's one of Brooke St. James's best, and I made almost no copy editing Notes. It's more smoothly written and depends less on "surreal" than others I've read, and it quotes Jesus's Sermon on the Mount while mentioning only God by name. The key theme is trusting God and appreciating His good gifts rather than doubting your worth to receive them.
Highly recommended!
May 11, 2022
Sadly disappointed
I became a fan of Ms. St. James from her early works and would eagerly wait each new book. She is clean and has these sweet and quick novellas. Her kissing scenes were always some of my faves (Carly and Micah!). However, as the years have gone by, I have found myself definitely feeling disappointed after each new one that comes out- to the point that I stopped reading for about a year until a couple days ago when I decided to give her works another shot with Split Decision. I fortunately, I think may be the worst I have read.
Each of her characters sound exactly the same. There isn’t any variation and they ALL use the phrase, “Or whatever,” which drives me crazy. I want to read something new, something fresh. Her writing has become very repetitive; I feel as though it becomes a goal to fill a quota of amount of words used which leads to such verbose sentences. Ex: I’m gonna go get some food. Yeah, I was gonna stop at home first to change and then stop and get some food. So many situations like this that it becomes SO painful to read.
Split Decision, in particular, jumped right into insta-love (more so than usual) and there was zero romantic development. I felt no connect to the characters. There was no reason at all for them to fall for each other other than Stevie thinking David is hot. They meet one day, have a google eye moment and then it jumps 2 weeks and all we’re told is that they talked everyday. That was the development. I kept reading hoping it’d get a bit more exciting or at least a sweet kiss scene, but nada. Kissing fell terribly flat. I’m so bummed because I used to look forward to a new release each month but maybe that’s what the problem is. There isn’t enough time to really create something new, fresh dialogue that doesn’t contain, “Or whatever.” I downloaded the next book hoping for more, but I’m not sure if I’ll actually follow through with it.
I became a fan of Ms. St. James from her early works and would eagerly wait each new book. She is clean and has these sweet and quick novellas. Her kissing scenes were always some of my faves (Carly and Micah!). However, as the years have gone by, I have found myself definitely feeling disappointed after each new one that comes out- to the point that I stopped reading for about a year until a couple days ago when I decided to give her works another shot with Split Decision. I fortunately, I think may be the worst I have read.
Each of her characters sound exactly the same. There isn’t any variation and they ALL use the phrase, “Or whatever,” which drives me crazy. I want to read something new, something fresh. Her writing has become very repetitive; I feel as though it becomes a goal to fill a quota of amount of words used which leads to such verbose sentences. Ex: I’m gonna go get some food. Yeah, I was gonna stop at home first to change and then stop and get some food. So many situations like this that it becomes SO painful to read.
Split Decision, in particular, jumped right into insta-love (more so than usual) and there was zero romantic development. I felt no connect to the characters. There was no reason at all for them to fall for each other other than Stevie thinking David is hot. They meet one day, have a google eye moment and then it jumps 2 weeks and all we’re told is that they talked everyday. That was the development. I kept reading hoping it’d get a bit more exciting or at least a sweet kiss scene, but nada. Kissing fell terribly flat. I’m so bummed because I used to look forward to a new release each month but maybe that’s what the problem is. There isn’t enough time to really create something new, fresh dialogue that doesn’t contain, “Or whatever.” I downloaded the next book hoping for more, but I’m not sure if I’ll actually follow through with it.
October 15, 2021
I liked the idea of this book and really wanted to enjoy it, but it was just so so for me. I have read other books by the same author, but this book in particular was difficult to read and felt like a debut book of a new writer rather than from a seasoned author.
There was so much repetition throughout the book that it took away from the story. Literally- the same thoughts, ideas and words were repeated in the same paragraph, the next paragraph, even the next sentence. Over and over I was like, didn’t they just say that? It definitely needed some editing. The conversations didn’t seem realistic (even though this is fiction). The character's relationship just didn’t feel real and it was definitely more of a “tell me” story than seeing it and feeling it through the character's eyes, emotions and experiences. Also, there were maybe two instances in the book where it spoke of scripture or spiritual things, which doesn't bother me at all, but it had never been spoken of previously in the book or reflected as important to the characters and it felt awkward and was just thrown in there randomly and then not mentioned again. It didn't feel genuine or believable.
I really wanted to love this book and rate it higher but based on these reasons, I couldn’t.
There was so much repetition throughout the book that it took away from the story. Literally- the same thoughts, ideas and words were repeated in the same paragraph, the next paragraph, even the next sentence. Over and over I was like, didn’t they just say that? It definitely needed some editing. The conversations didn’t seem realistic (even though this is fiction). The character's relationship just didn’t feel real and it was definitely more of a “tell me” story than seeing it and feeling it through the character's eyes, emotions and experiences. Also, there were maybe two instances in the book where it spoke of scripture or spiritual things, which doesn't bother me at all, but it had never been spoken of previously in the book or reflected as important to the characters and it felt awkward and was just thrown in there randomly and then not mentioned again. It didn't feel genuine or believable.
I really wanted to love this book and rate it higher but based on these reasons, I couldn’t.
September 22, 2021
(4.5 stars) - an easy decision!
This is a fairly simple, cinderella-flavored relationship development romance. Stevie is a quiet and overlooked daughter who becomes adored and cared for by a swoony rock star.
David is immediately drawn to the young woman he rescues from his overeager assistant's verbal abuse. Their journey from attraction to happily-ever-after is sweet, fun, and just a little spicy!
*Romance level: passionate kisses, but nothing graphic
*Religion: a light touch - just a few lines that fit readily into the story
This is a fairly simple, cinderella-flavored relationship development romance. Stevie is a quiet and overlooked daughter who becomes adored and cared for by a swoony rock star.
David is immediately drawn to the young woman he rescues from his overeager assistant's verbal abuse. Their journey from attraction to happily-ever-after is sweet, fun, and just a little spicy!
*Romance level: passionate kisses, but nothing graphic
*Religion: a light touch - just a few lines that fit readily into the story
June 15, 2024
It’s cute, I’ll give you that.. and characters seem to be sort of structured, however, I must admit it’s pretty… vanilla, to be honest. Wondering what public this is intended to.. probably preteen? Not sure.
Yes, it’s gotten a few grins out of me, but it’s very underplayed, specially among the show business scenario. I was honestly waiting for a plot twist where any of these side characters (paparazzi, family or “friends”) would show their true colours, chew them up but I guess this is more, like I said, a vanilla one.. Christian above all, so all pure and naive at some level.
Yes, it’s gotten a few grins out of me, but it’s very underplayed, specially among the show business scenario. I was honestly waiting for a plot twist where any of these side characters (paparazzi, family or “friends”) would show their true colours, chew them up but I guess this is more, like I said, a vanilla one.. Christian above all, so all pure and naive at some level.
July 20, 2024
I had a Free Copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Stevie Charles has a greenhouse business and cares for plants at a large hotel. She had no idea that the famous band Split Decision would be staying in the hotel or that she would meet either of the brothers. David Abramson turned out to be not only dashing, but very interested in Stevie as a person. After their two month stay, they were not happy at having to be apart. An enchanting story about love, relationships, and running under the radar.
December 20, 2024
3.7 stars
Honestly, the first 3 chapters kind of felt unnecessary. Stevie's interaction with the rude personal assistant was too drawn out and her willingness to be such an open book with David was also a bit unrealistic, though there are people who overshare with strangers. While I enjoyed the "hug" scene, because it was so early on in the book, I had to suspend the weirdness of sharing such a tender moment between strangers, because as we all know, they are going to end up together with a HEA.
Honestly, the first 3 chapters kind of felt unnecessary. Stevie's interaction with the rude personal assistant was too drawn out and her willingness to be such an open book with David was also a bit unrealistic, though there are people who overshare with strangers. While I enjoyed the "hug" scene, because it was so early on in the book, I had to suspend the weirdness of sharing such a tender moment between strangers, because as we all know, they are going to end up together with a HEA.
October 16, 2021
Loved it!
I've been loving each and every one of Brooke's books, and this one was no different. I love getting cameos from previous characters, the hint of religion without trying to cram it down your throat, and I especially love the sweet-with-a-side-of-sizzle romance. The looks between Stevie and David, the chemistry, the kisses. Loved it all! Reading these books just make me happy, plain and simple. Keep 'em coming!!
I've been loving each and every one of Brooke's books, and this one was no different. I love getting cameos from previous characters, the hint of religion without trying to cram it down your throat, and I especially love the sweet-with-a-side-of-sizzle romance. The looks between Stevie and David, the chemistry, the kisses. Loved it all! Reading these books just make me happy, plain and simple. Keep 'em coming!!
November 1, 2021
What to Do When You Meet a Rock Star
Ms. St. James has written another romantic novel which adds to her others. David is half of the singing group Split Decision. Stevie is the plant nerd taking care of the exotic plants in the roof top suite where David is staying with his brother Alec. She's on top of the step ladder talking care of a very expensive rare plant. He is standing below. What a fun, stubborn couple they are.
Ms. St. James has written another romantic novel which adds to her others. David is half of the singing group Split Decision. Stevie is the plant nerd taking care of the exotic plants in the roof top suite where David is staying with his brother Alec. She's on top of the step ladder talking care of a very expensive rare plant. He is standing below. What a fun, stubborn couple they are.
July 23, 2024
I really wanted to like it, I really wanted to be obsessed but I'm just disappointed. There's no real development just jumping from one topic to another, that's not how you write a book. Maybe I'll let myself listen to pt2 in the form of an audiobook while cleaning, but else I wish to never be in contact with this author again. The only hope I have is to find something that's good, but I don't wanna waste my time so it'll have to be coincidentally
September 23, 2021
Loved this book!
As with all Brooke St. James books, 5 stars! Love this Cinderella story and how David is immediately taken with Stevie. So many swoon worthy moments and angst to make it hard to put down. Brooke St. James is my favorite author, and I find myself reading all her books over and over. Other books just don't compare.
As with all Brooke St. James books, 5 stars! Love this Cinderella story and how David is immediately taken with Stevie. So many swoon worthy moments and angst to make it hard to put down. Brooke St. James is my favorite author, and I find myself reading all her books over and over. Other books just don't compare.
June 11, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed Brooke St James’ “Split Decision!” The interesting storyline quickly grabs your attention.
I love when the MMC is immediately smitten! Sooo Sweet with instant attraction and great chemistry, while keeping it clean!
I would definitely recommend it or any of this talented author’s books. She never disappoints!!
I love when the MMC is immediately smitten! Sooo Sweet with instant attraction and great chemistry, while keeping it clean!
I would definitely recommend it or any of this talented author’s books. She never disappoints!!
October 7, 2021
Great plant lady, music stars
And the list goes on. I can’t explain how I felt about the plant lady and how she grew up with Lazy lazy brothers and daddy not too much different. Sometimes being in the right place at the right time is awesome…………
And the list goes on. I can’t explain how I felt about the plant lady and how she grew up with Lazy lazy brothers and daddy not too much different. Sometimes being in the right place at the right time is awesome…………
November 14, 2021
Sweet Romance
I love this endearing sweet little love story with adorable and charming characters that you will definitely fall in love with as they journey towards their happily ever after moment.
I love this endearing sweet little love story with adorable and charming characters that you will definitely fall in love with as they journey towards their happily ever after moment.
November 29, 2021
Great story!
I love the way this author ties characters together from other books she's written, but without making it necessary to have read the previous books in order to understand the relationships. Just makes you want to read (or re-read) their stories!
I love the way this author ties characters together from other books she's written, but without making it necessary to have read the previous books in order to understand the relationships. Just makes you want to read (or re-read) their stories!
May 10, 2022
Relax and settle in for another pleasure read...
Sweet romance... Light entertaining reading. It's a bit of relief to read communication portraying a couple seeking clarity, rather cloudy misunderstandings.😉
Sweet romance... Light entertaining reading. It's a bit of relief to read communication portraying a couple seeking clarity, rather cloudy misunderstandings.😉
August 9, 2022
A fun book to read a romance with just the right amount of spice for this reader.
A fun romance with just the right amount of spice for this reader. A great way to spend a very hot day in Texas without having to do to much walking in the steamy south.
A fun romance with just the right amount of spice for this reader. A great way to spend a very hot day in Texas without having to do to much walking in the steamy south.
July 5, 2023
Short but sweet, story of a Fern Nerd and keeping her safe. David and Stevie are great (after Stevie Nicks) and have a super sweet relationship. Ties in with other families from other Brook St. James books like Patterson Place and Bank Street. Clean romance, fun to read.
July 26, 2024
1.5
Damn but this was so boring!
Zero plot
Simple people meeting falling in live and getting married 8n few weeks....nothing was interesting...not the MCs background story or how they meet or their story...nothing special at all.
Damn but this was so boring!
Zero plot
Simple people meeting falling in live and getting married 8n few weeks....nothing was interesting...not the MCs background story or how they meet or their story...nothing special at all.
September 21, 2021
so sweet
Good quick sweet read! Love that I always feel uplifted after reading one of her books. Patterson Place always seems like the best place to be.
Good quick sweet read! Love that I always feel uplifted after reading one of her books. Patterson Place always seems like the best place to be.
September 23, 2021
So good as always!
I always enjoy a book by Brooke St. James and Split Decision was no exception. I couldn’t put it down.
I always enjoy a book by Brooke St. James and Split Decision was no exception. I couldn’t put it down.
September 29, 2021
Wonderful!
You did it again Brooke! Loved the sweet connection between Stevie and David. What a rock star romance! Can't wait for part II!
You did it again Brooke! Loved the sweet connection between Stevie and David. What a rock star romance! Can't wait for part II!
October 3, 2021
Split Decision
I really enjoyed David and Stevie’s story. This is a delightful book about a rock star falling for a plant nerd. No surprises but an easy and relax full read.
I really enjoyed David and Stevie’s story. This is a delightful book about a rock star falling for a plant nerd. No surprises but an easy and relax full read.
Read
October 11, 2021*******
Love the goodness if the story. So hard d to find authors with the storyline making sense. ++++++++**** !!! !!
Love the goodness if the story. So hard d to find authors with the storyline making sense. ++++++++**** !!! !!
October 17, 2021
Great book
November 26, 2021
Nope
Just no, the book was super weird. I didn’t like it. Won’t be reading the next one. Not worth my tine
Just no, the book was super weird. I didn’t like it. Won’t be reading the next one. Not worth my tine
November 27, 2021
Relaxing
Even though David had lots of money He didn’t let that define who he was or ever treat anyone any different
Even though David had lots of money He didn’t let that define who he was or ever treat anyone any different
December 2, 2021
A good love story
I love Brooke St. James style of writing a good love story without vulgarity!! This was such a sweet, innocent tale and I so enjoyed it!
I love Brooke St. James style of writing a good love story without vulgarity!! This was such a sweet, innocent tale and I so enjoyed it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews