Broken: Alex's Story

by D.D. Larsen

Sometimes forgetting the past gives you a future.

Alex’s life may not be perfect, but she has done what she needed to survive. A troubled past refusing to stay hidden any longer brings dangerous secrets to the surface. Alex just wants to feel safe again.

A life altering accident causes the last of her carefully crafted defenses to crumble and her battle to regain a sense of control seems impossible.

After unexpectedly finding comfort with her best friend’s bodyguard and confiding in him she is faced with the fact that he could save or destroy her.

Is she broken beyond repair, or will love heal them both?

Unknown Binding

Published January 11, 2022

About the author

USA Best Selling Author
Coffee addict!
Dog Lover:)
I love writing creative stories that will pull you into a new reality and keep you on the edge of your seat through out.

Reviews

[Kelly Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This book states that it can be read as a stand alone, but you should read book 1 first Perfect. I feel that it gives a better understanding of the characters. I read part of this book at work, I was surprised by certain parts that I hit my hand on my desk and said WHAT!!! Two small town girls who have been best friends forever, Alex has to hide secrets from her best friend that have to do with her family. A little bit of drama makes a great story.

[Bergrun Lilja · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is an ARC review

I was very excited for this book but unfortunately have to say that it wasn't my cup of tea. I have never read anything by this author before so I have nothing to compare it to. I felt this book was very rushed and no emotion was put into the scenes.the story jumped from one thing to another and one month to another, giving no insight into what has been happening except for a bam that happened and there's no explanation. Love interest and intimacy just happened.

I felt like the feeling and emotion of the story was missing, as well as more details as it was way too fast paced. The story line was moving towards a certain point - 1 year before, 8 months before etc - but when it came around to it, the scene was anticlimactic and was finished before it started.

This story had good potential, but it could have been executed better.

[Gee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an off shoot of the Perfect series featuring Seryna and Kieran. Alex is Serynas’ best friend, having known her since they were very young and was with her at a lot of the key moments in Perfect and Imperfect. Alex has a secret in her past, as most people do and along the way, secrets will always come out.

As always with this author there is a good story along with the steamy scenes but I was slightly disappointed with this one as it felt a bit rushed. I’m really glad I read the previous two books as it puts everything into context with this one. I guessed what part of Alex’s secret was, but not all, and there is a lovely twist to the story. We find more out about Ryan and his background story, and obviously see Seryna and Kierans story from another angle. Hopefully there will be more about Alex in a further book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken: Alex’s Story by D. D. Larsen is an emotionally driven novel that explores trauma, resilience, and the complicated journey toward healing. The story draws readers into Alex’s world as she struggles to confront a painful past while searching for safety, trust, and a sense of control over her life.

What makes the book particularly compelling is the emotional vulnerability of the characters. As Alex’s carefully built defenses begin to crumble, the narrative reveals the depth of her struggle and the courage it takes to face buried secrets. The developing relationship at the heart of the story adds warmth and tension, creating a powerful mix of romance and personal growth.

Readers who enjoy character driven stories about healing, trust, and the possibility of love after hardship will find Broken: Alex’s Story a heartfelt and engaging read.

[Michelle Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not too sure what I was expecting from this book but what I got didn't really stack up. To me, it felt like a bitsa book. Or a filla book to this series.

Came away feeling a bit disappointed really. I persevered with the book even though half way through I found this wasn't going to very far in the whole scheme of things. It wasn't adding anything to the series which I did enjoy.

Even for Ryan I was hoping to learn more of him but it was broad brush strokes of his character.

Even their HEA didn't really leave me with happy feelings or anything which was disappointing. I was pleased I guess but that was it.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded up because the writing is good. If it's been a while since you read "Perfect" and "Imperfect," this will be a strange little tale that catches us up with side characters from those books. Alex is the best friend of the main character in those books, Seryna. Seryna meets her hero, Keiran, and Ryan is a bodyguard hired to watch over Seryna. Alex had an awful upbringing and still carries a huge secret, which she believes will make her intolerable to a decent man. Ryan's life has not been good either, and they recognize this--hence the book title. They find each other and themselves over the course of the story. Good, but not great, and not really a stand-alone.

I received an advance review copy for free and left this review voluntarily.

[Paula Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I get in a reading slump, without a doubt, DD Larsen’s Perfect series, is one I’ll read. It captures my interest and makes me want to read.
The first two books, Perfect and Imperfect, I loved, as this series is one of my favorites.
In this edition, I got to see the story played out through Alex’s eyes. Another central character that I like, had a whole story I had no idea about until Larsen blessed me with this book.
Another part of this series is just what I needed to get me through….until the next one..…I hope!

[♡Lea♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

So I haven't read anything from this author before going into this. I was really impressed with the way Alex and her problems were described it was just enough to keep you going and learn more. There were a few typos and things that could have been put a different way, but overall I was very happy with this book.

Happy Reading

[Margaret Yelton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Broken: Alex's Story was a good read in my opinion but not a great read. Sadly, I am not a fan of storylines that jump back and forward constantly retelling things that happened in the past. I did like Alex, but I didn't like Seryna at all. This book could be triggering for some people. Although it wasn't one of my favorite reads, I would still recommend it because I know everyone doesn't enjoy the same books.

I received an ARC from BookSirens for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Blair Caron · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

2.5 stars

I did enjoy the story, however I felt that it was rushed. Each chapter just left me with more questions and I feel like most of them went unanswered.
I would have liked to no more about the background of each character and what they had gone through.
The main fmc was relatable though, so I did enjoy the characters.

[Yoneidis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alex's story is undoubtedly one of a person who has been through hell despite her youth.
Seeing how she tries to get ahead, the nosedives, her low self-esteem and almost non-existent love for herself at times, makes your heart break.
I love her relationship with Ryan, they are made for each other, two broken people, but they are part of the same puzzle.

[Zsa Zsa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alex appeared in the first two books of this series as a supporting character. Her life has been stressful, anguished and challenging. Bodyguard Ryan becomes friend, protector and the man Alex needs. The story is blended together with drama, healing, secrets and found love.

[Debra McEathron · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a decent story about two people who were in tragic circumstances in their youth and have to deal with it. Each has their own way of dealing until they can come to terms with their past and each other.

[D.D. Larsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a little darker than my others so please read the description and make sure you are okay with the triggers. Alex's is supposed to counter Seryna from the Perfect series, enjoy the book!

[CanditheBookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable but slightly predictable. I will always continue to read anything by this author. She reels you in.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is all about healing, trust, and finding love when you feel like you’ve hit rock bottom. Alex’s journey is emotional and raw, and I couldn’t help but cheer for her the entire time.

What I Loved:
- Alex’s Growth: Alex’s struggles feel real and heavy, but the way she fights through them is inspiring. Her resilience and vulnerability make her such a relatable character.
- Ryan’s Support: Ryan is more than just a bodyguard. He’s patient, caring, and exactly the steady force Alex needs. Their chemistry feels natural, like two puzzle pieces finally fitting together.
- The Writing: D.D. Larsen has a way of balancing heavy emotions with tender, sweet moments. It’s not over-the-top drama, but it’s enough to keep you hooked.
- Themes of Healing: The way the story deals with trauma and recovery is thoughtful. It’s not a magic “love fixes everything” solution—it shows hard work, trust, and effort.

Things I Didn’t Love as Much:
- Predictability: While the story is beautiful, the plot doesn’t really surprise you. It follows a familiar arc, but the characters make it worthwhile.
- Standalone Feel: If you haven’t read Perfect or Imperfect, you might feel a bit out of the loop with some of the side characters and backstory.

Favorite Moments:
- When Alex finally opens up to Ryan—it’s such a vulnerable and beautiful moment.
- Watching them both slowly rebuild themselves while supporting each other. It’s heartwarming without being overly cheesy.

Final Thoughts:
This is a story of two broken souls finding their way back to life and love. It’s emotional, hopeful, and sweet in all the right ways. If you’re into romance with a side of personal growth and healing, Broken is worth a read.

Pro Tip: Read Perfect and Imperfect first if you want the full picture, but you can still enjoy this as a standalone!

[Sammye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 1st book that I’ve read in the Perfect series, and I had no trouble following the story. I enjoyed Alex’s story very much. She truly was a troubled soul with a sad past. It’s emotional and heartfelt. An awesome romance with drama mixed in. *this was a complimentary copy and this is my honest review*