Broken Vows

Broken Hearts of Harbor's Head #2

by Brooke Burton

From the author of Broken Dreams, a sweet-but-hot romantic suspense that'll make you weep. He promised her he'd find her, no matter what. Four years later, he finally does, but he’s broken beyond repair. Will she convince him that their love can conquer all?

Rebecca grew up with the gorgeous Asa Burnes in their isolated religious commune. Falling in love and carrying his child, Rebecca knew he was her forever. But as the pair were planning to marry, the commune’s new minister decided that she would marry Asa’s brother instead. Desperate to be together, Asa helps her flee the commune . . . but the price of her freedom is his imprisonment in the commune's brutal labor camp.

In their last moments together, Asa promised her that he would come to her. That they would be together again.

Four years later, Rebecca has a new life with a job she loves at a local flower shop, great friends, and a safe place to call home. To remain free, she’s had to cut all ties to her past. Yet, not a day goes by that she doesn’t think of the man she loves and what he did so that she could be free.

One evening, as Rebecca is making deliveries to the hospital, she stumbles onto a patient’s room and sees an injured Asa.

For four long years, Asa has fought every day for survival. The only two things that have kept him going are the thought of his one true love and the child they gave up for adoption. Now that he’s found her again, all he wants is to return to the way things were before. But years in a hellish labor camp have left him with demons he can’t shake, and he questions whether he’s still the right man for her. The only way for her to live untainted by his past might be to say goodbye for a second time.

Yet he cannot deny the flame that still burns brightly between them, and it quickly becomes something they can’t resist.

Can Rebecca convince him that they can still have a happily ever after? Can Asa move on from his past for her? And as Father Gideon closes in, can the pair find a way to escape...and find the happiness they've been denied for so long?

Broken Vows, Book 3 in the Broken Hearts of Harbor’s Head Series, contains subject matter which may be considered sensitive or triggering to some, including PTSD, suicide, and teenage pregnancy. Discretion is advised. This is one of a series of interconnected standalone novels.

253 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2022

About the author

Brooke writes closed-door, mildly sweary contemporary romance. A tortured artist who began writing plays in the 3rd grade, she lost her muse as a teen and struggled for years to write again. Finally, after being inspired by some old friends during the pandemic, her writing came to fruition again in what became her first published novel.

Inspired by strong women who have very little tolerance for bull, she enjoys exploring equality in relationships with broken characters who clearly have made past mistakes. Don't we all?

Reviews

[Idalia Helaena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brooke Burton’s “Broken Vows” is Adam and Lauren’s love story, and I found it both intriguing and entertaining. The premise was very interesting, and I was investing in the plot.

Adam and Lauren both have a lot of trauma, and they’d been through a lot despite the fact that they’re both relatively young. Despite this, they’re very strong individuals who worked hard to get past all of that.

This book had all the angst, and I was totally here for it. Adam and Lauren’s story was heartbreakingly sad, and I just wanted to give them both a hug. I’m definitely satisfied with the way this book ended.

[Naianne Lara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was curious when I read the synopsis because it’s different, it’s about a couple who escaped their community and the church where they lived with a lot of restrictions and basically brainwashed. Unfortunately, it’s all very confusing the narrative. The beginning is very confusing, there is a prologue with a lot of characters but it doesn’t prepare the reader or explain things. And then every time I think the author is going deeper about their trauma, she doesn’t. I guess there is no character development and we get a kiss or hand on the hips here and there and that’s it. It’s not all bad because it’s inevitable to want to see the couple escape and find happiness but because we don’t see them growing and loving each other, it’s very disappointing.

[Emma B · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the Broken Hearts of Harbor's head series. These books are short, sharp and sweet, but they sure do have a lot in them and get you feeling all the emotions!
This one is about Lauren and Adam, and finding their way back to each other after quite a rocky past. But their love for each other, and their new friends, helps them to heal and move forward. The twists and turns in this book really have you wondering what will happen next. I love their sweet relationship, and how Lauren blossoms in this book, as she was very reserved in book one.
Can't wait to read the third one!

[Tami Willard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mostly Clean Standalone Romance Interconnected Series

Best if read in order but can be read as a standalone. Characters overlap throughout the series.
They grew up together under very controlled circumstances. When circumstances changed difficult decisions had to be made. Now those that tried to control them have found them and are trying to make them go back. What do they know that has put them in danger? How does her friends react when they learn about her secret past? Will they be able to live how they want?

[Denise R · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Adam and Lauren's story. It wasn't easy, but so worth it in the end.

The writing was great, and the story flowed.

I'm loving this series, and so glad I somehow stumbled upon this author.

[Natalie H 🧛‍♀️ 🎃 🧛‍♀️ · Rating 1 out of 5]

2.5/5
I preferred Jen and Cole’s story to Lauren and Adam’s, again I wish there was more action, perfect amount of romance