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Afterwards #8
The Broken
He might destroy her. She could help put him back together.
If it wasn’t for his music, Devin Parks doesn’t know where he’d be. Now he has a shot at a larger audience than he ever dreamed of. All he has to do, is get out of his own way. But when Devin isn’t fighting salacious rumors on entertainment blogs and rival musicians, he’s battling serious demons from his past that threaten to hold him back just as he’s poised to soar.
Harper Bailey has mixed feelings about being assigned to manage the notoriously difficult Devin Parks' mainstream debut. It’s a career-changing opportunity made much more challenging because she’s fighting demons of her own. Not to mention the persistent pull the former lovers have toward each other. Harper has handled her attraction to the artists before, but Devin is different. The draw isn’t just physical, it’s emotional as well. And getting emotionally involved with someone like him is a non-starter for her career and her heart.
Because if her instincts are correct, he isn’t just ‘difficult’, he’s broken.
If it wasn’t for his music, Devin Parks doesn’t know where he’d be. Now he has a shot at a larger audience than he ever dreamed of. All he has to do, is get out of his own way. But when Devin isn’t fighting salacious rumors on entertainment blogs and rival musicians, he’s battling serious demons from his past that threaten to hold him back just as he’s poised to soar.
Harper Bailey has mixed feelings about being assigned to manage the notoriously difficult Devin Parks' mainstream debut. It’s a career-changing opportunity made much more challenging because she’s fighting demons of her own. Not to mention the persistent pull the former lovers have toward each other. Harper has handled her attraction to the artists before, but Devin is different. The draw isn’t just physical, it’s emotional as well. And getting emotionally involved with someone like him is a non-starter for her career and her heart.
Because if her instincts are correct, he isn’t just ‘difficult’, he’s broken.
526 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 22, 2022
209 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
About the author
Nia Forrester
68 books958 followersI live in Philadelphia, PA where by day I work on public policy reform, and by night I read authors who move me, and write woman-centered fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
July 3, 2022
Brokenness, under repair
I've always known that Devin's story would be a profound piece artistically. I never fathomed the depths his character would delve into my psyche. Devin was a beautiful and emotionally complicated character in every right. His layers of electromagnetic energy were overwhelming at times. As the author drew readers into his history, it was a cathartic experience to see his evolution along with his chosen leading lady. Harper's story in previous tales made this one a necessary complication as they coexist in this war of worlds musically. The choice to bring two broken souls together was incredible. Harper's childhood meets Devin's childhood in a head-on collision as this enthralling story breaks into a beautifully crafted concerto. Imagine their brokenness under repair together!
I've always known that Devin's story would be a profound piece artistically. I never fathomed the depths his character would delve into my psyche. Devin was a beautiful and emotionally complicated character in every right. His layers of electromagnetic energy were overwhelming at times. As the author drew readers into his history, it was a cathartic experience to see his evolution along with his chosen leading lady. Harper's story in previous tales made this one a necessary complication as they coexist in this war of worlds musically. The choice to bring two broken souls together was incredible. Harper's childhood meets Devin's childhood in a head-on collision as this enthralling story breaks into a beautifully crafted concerto. Imagine their brokenness under repair together!
July 30, 2022
Another enjoyable read in this series. Harper and Devin's relationship develops slowly, but the pacing works, as their sad back stories are gradually revealed. In previous books, Devin really was 'broken', and Harper obviously had her issues too. The author did a great job of filling out their backgrounds and characters to show how they got where they are, and why they fit together so well.
It's also great to revisit characters from previous books, especially Jamal Turner (from The Come-Up) who is now Harper's boss, and Jamal's wife Kayla, who has had a complex relationship with her close friend Devin since they were young children.
This story is told sensitively and with respect for the characters, with their human frailties and vulnerabilities as well as their strengths and talents. These complex and real-seeming characters are IMO one of the major strengths of this terrific series. I also enjoy the realistic-feeling glimpses inside the exciting and unpredictable world of the US music industry.
It's also great to revisit characters from previous books, especially Jamal Turner (from The Come-Up) who is now Harper's boss, and Jamal's wife Kayla, who has had a complex relationship with her close friend Devin since they were young children.
This story is told sensitively and with respect for the characters, with their human frailties and vulnerabilities as well as their strengths and talents. These complex and real-seeming characters are IMO one of the major strengths of this terrific series. I also enjoy the realistic-feeling glimpses inside the exciting and unpredictable world of the US music industry.
July 1, 2022
Worth the wait!
As expected, this novel delivered! Nia Forrester has an uncanny ability to develop characters in such a way that you feel like you may be invading their privacy. The emotionally intimate moments captured in The Broken are, by far, some of the best writing I’ve seen in 2022.
The character development, the flow of the story, the storyline itself…masterful. I highly recommend this novel. For the best experience with these characters, I recommend reading The Come Up and The Takedown, prior to indulging in this masterpiece.
As expected, this novel delivered! Nia Forrester has an uncanny ability to develop characters in such a way that you feel like you may be invading their privacy. The emotionally intimate moments captured in The Broken are, by far, some of the best writing I’ve seen in 2022.
The character development, the flow of the story, the storyline itself…masterful. I highly recommend this novel. For the best experience with these characters, I recommend reading The Come Up and The Takedown, prior to indulging in this masterpiece.
July 20, 2022
Devin and Harper are just as the title of the book states, broken. Two broken individuals bonding over trauma, learning and growing. Their pasts are attempting to destroy their futures. Demons from your past are always the hardest to shake and this book is a wonderful journey of two characters doing just that, shaking their demons to grow and become better people. This book was a contemporary well written masterpiece.
January 7, 2026
I've been waiting for this book a long time but I feel this is a cake that wasn't supposed to baked until all the ingredients were available and this is some good shitz . Devin and Harper are two tortured souls brought together probably by proximity a few times , but their story is more than that. Their pain and understanding, is what led them to explore even more a possibility of something they're not sure they want or need. Through the story telling of the author we see , and understand their pain , and how these two could possibily be together, more so Harper to accept Devin, because I wasn't sure how Nia would pull it off and make it be believable, but she did just that . I also liked the fact that through Devin's couseling sessions , he learns as we do more about his pain, and watched him heal through them . I thought it was a smart decision to have Makayla explain what happened to Devin as a child to Harper because sometimes your family is your strength when your not strong , through that conversation she say that Kay was Devon's family. Annnd The author made me cry a few times in this book as she has done before, I feel like it's the not the crying that makes me coming back as a reader , it's the helping me see someone else's story and believing those feelings are possibly true.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2022
Just so beautiful
Wow. Wow. Wow. Such an amazing literary work. Devin and Harper were just meant to be! Through their trauma, it was clear that they just needed to be understood and loved. And in the work for understanding is the work. The therapy. The long conversations. The honesty. Romance feels like a fantasy, but Nia makes it feel real. Like something you can put your hands on and feel how delicate yet how strong it is and just make you feel; every thread, every layer, just everything. Ugh. Obsessed. What a great story.
Wow. Wow. Wow. Such an amazing literary work. Devin and Harper were just meant to be! Through their trauma, it was clear that they just needed to be understood and loved. And in the work for understanding is the work. The therapy. The long conversations. The honesty. Romance feels like a fantasy, but Nia makes it feel real. Like something you can put your hands on and feel how delicate yet how strong it is and just make you feel; every thread, every layer, just everything. Ugh. Obsessed. What a great story.
June 29, 2022
I have anticipated this release for quite awhile and the author delivered as always with authentic and dynamic character development and master wordsmithing. I appreciate authors that give voice to the delicate vulnerabilities of Black men without perpetuating the flimsy stereotypes that seek to dismantle and destroy our leaders in the community. While others would focus on the slow burn of Harper and Devin, I found myself fixated on the painful yet necessary journey of Devin that led to his healing and wholeness. I was grateful to the insertion of Devin's therapist that also elevated the internal struggles of Black men who suffered unimaginable horror at a very early age that gives shape to their challenging adulthood. We often focus on the symptoms of trauma failing to uncover the roots of it. There was so much to this story and I appreciate the depths of this story and was grateful that both Devin and Harper could begin to heal as their unconditional love continue to reveal itself.
I loved how this author didn't put the proverbial "bow" to wrap up the story especially when it came to the parents of both Devin and Harper. This element shows the authenticity of life and how life does not always tie up all "loose" ends because people are not always conforming or accommodating. And, that's okay.
I loved how this author didn't put the proverbial "bow" to wrap up the story especially when it came to the parents of both Devin and Harper. This element shows the authenticity of life and how life does not always tie up all "loose" ends because people are not always conforming or accommodating. And, that's okay.
June 29, 2022
Devin
Forrester has penned a book of the times. I loved the layered story of broken souls facing what they endured and doing the work go get through it. And—Devin and Harper were broken and not communicating what really mattered to their own detriment. I loved the addition of counseling as a component of healing and the realization that what a person loves, such as music is also therapeutic. I cannot say enough about how deftly this was handled without sensationalism or prurience. Not everyone can take such sensitive subject matter and relay it so skillfully. Brava.
Forrester has penned a book of the times. I loved the layered story of broken souls facing what they endured and doing the work go get through it. And—Devin and Harper were broken and not communicating what really mattered to their own detriment. I loved the addition of counseling as a component of healing and the realization that what a person loves, such as music is also therapeutic. I cannot say enough about how deftly this was handled without sensationalism or prurience. Not everyone can take such sensitive subject matter and relay it so skillfully. Brava.
July 25, 2022
On the mend!
While I always assumed that the title of this complex, layered, emotional journey centered on Devin's backstory...I was taken by surprise to learn that it also applied to Harper's traumatic upbringing as well. Two damaged souls drawn together, not by the magnetic pull to bad people that each felt they attracted...but the healing, support and strength that they poured into each other. Nia's strength as a writer continues to lie in the intricate stories she weaves, all the while laying the ground work for strong character development and evolution. By the time I got to the last page of this tortured piece, I had faith that both lead characters will be just fine!
While I always assumed that the title of this complex, layered, emotional journey centered on Devin's backstory...I was taken by surprise to learn that it also applied to Harper's traumatic upbringing as well. Two damaged souls drawn together, not by the magnetic pull to bad people that each felt they attracted...but the healing, support and strength that they poured into each other. Nia's strength as a writer continues to lie in the intricate stories she weaves, all the while laying the ground work for strong character development and evolution. By the time I got to the last page of this tortured piece, I had faith that both lead characters will be just fine!
July 4, 2022
So much love....
This book is so much more than just 'romance' and I loved every moment of it. It gave a real picture of all the pain, baggage and other life stuff that sometimes get glossed over in other romance novels...but it's the stuff that makes the story rich and complex. Honestly enjoyed all the ugly parts and Nia has a way of making you feel like you are right there with them on their journey. This is not pretty or wrapped up in a neat package but it will leave you with something real and hope. Always a fan of this authors voice and can't wait for what's next!
This book is so much more than just 'romance' and I loved every moment of it. It gave a real picture of all the pain, baggage and other life stuff that sometimes get glossed over in other romance novels...but it's the stuff that makes the story rich and complex. Honestly enjoyed all the ugly parts and Nia has a way of making you feel like you are right there with them on their journey. This is not pretty or wrapped up in a neat package but it will leave you with something real and hope. Always a fan of this authors voice and can't wait for what's next!
July 13, 2022
long awaited and not disappointed
Wow! This book was intense. I was waiting on a book about Devin because he was such a tortured soul. This book did not disappoint. So much emotion and pain from trauma. The main characters were written with so much depth. The storyline was so well written and it pulls you in. I found myself on the journey with both Devin and Harper because they’d been through so much and somehow found each other in their brokenness and vulnerability.
Fav book quote:
“Our culture loves the notion of a soulmate... And it can be a heady idea, but even soulmates can’t be all things to you. Your soulmate needs teammates. Other people to support them in supporting and loving you. “You need those other people to support and love you. Not just one. Because if there’s anything we know for sure, it’s that one person cannot be all things to another person. And if they try, it’ll harm them, it’ll harm you, and ultimately, it’ll harm the relationship.”
Great read!
Wow! This book was intense. I was waiting on a book about Devin because he was such a tortured soul. This book did not disappoint. So much emotion and pain from trauma. The main characters were written with so much depth. The storyline was so well written and it pulls you in. I found myself on the journey with both Devin and Harper because they’d been through so much and somehow found each other in their brokenness and vulnerability.
Fav book quote:
“Our culture loves the notion of a soulmate... And it can be a heady idea, but even soulmates can’t be all things to you. Your soulmate needs teammates. Other people to support them in supporting and loving you. “You need those other people to support and love you. Not just one. Because if there’s anything we know for sure, it’s that one person cannot be all things to another person. And if they try, it’ll harm them, it’ll harm you, and ultimately, it’ll harm the relationship.”
Great read!
June 29, 2022
Absolutely worth the wait! It’s deep, wide and all encompassing. I lived in this novel for the past 6 days during every free moment I had. Every character is relevant with purpose AND personality.
Nia Forrester may whatever got you to the end of this gem continue to propel you forward.
Nia Forrester may whatever got you to the end of this gem continue to propel you forward.
July 3, 2022
Trust. Peace
Devin. Harper. Two broken people working out their pain. This was a journey. Understanding their trauma and how it lead to destructive behavior. I wonder what trauma Devins mother may have gone through. So sad, the way children suffer. Glad they were able to find some peace.
Devin. Harper. Two broken people working out their pain. This was a journey. Understanding their trauma and how it lead to destructive behavior. I wonder what trauma Devins mother may have gone through. So sad, the way children suffer. Glad they were able to find some peace.
July 31, 2022
I couldn't put it down.
Ms Forrester has a way of telling a story that just pulls you in. I have been waiting for Devin and Harper's story, and it did not disappoint. I loved it. I even loved that it ended on the precipice of Devin's stardom. More story can be told, but where it stopped was sufficient and complete. Great story.
Ms Forrester has a way of telling a story that just pulls you in. I have been waiting for Devin and Harper's story, and it did not disappoint. I loved it. I even loved that it ended on the precipice of Devin's stardom. More story can be told, but where it stopped was sufficient and complete. Great story.
July 3, 2022
Beautifully Written
Broken was worth the wait … Nia’s writing gets better after each book… Devin and Harper took me on an emotional journey that I wished never ended. I hope we get to see how their relationship and love continue grow.
Broken was worth the wait … Nia’s writing gets better after each book… Devin and Harper took me on an emotional journey that I wished never ended. I hope we get to see how their relationship and love continue grow.
July 19, 2022
AMAZING!!!
This book about Harper and Devin deals with issues in a way I have not read before. It’s a conversation that needs to be had but never is. And the way their relationship develops is awesome as well!!! I’m so glad I read this book!!
This book about Harper and Devin deals with issues in a way I have not read before. It’s a conversation that needs to be had but never is. And the way their relationship develops is awesome as well!!! I’m so glad I read this book!!
July 2, 2022
Wow
I’ve always wanted to know Devin and MaKayla’s back story. Amazing ✍️ once again from the very talented and gifted, Nia Forrester. I loved getting to see Devin and Harper grow together and can’t wait to hear more from them. Great read…
T
I’ve always wanted to know Devin and MaKayla’s back story. Amazing ✍️ once again from the very talented and gifted, Nia Forrester. I loved getting to see Devin and Harper grow together and can’t wait to hear more from them. Great read…
T
July 14, 2022
she did it
I don’t know who doubted her (me), but she pulled it off beautifully.
Devin was a hard introduction, a hard character to like, forget about love. I could feel how much he didn’t love himself, so wasn’t sure he was a character I could follow and hold through a romance. I had similar reservations about Harper because she didn’t treat herself well either. But of course Nia Forrester worked her magic.
This is very much a HFN. And Nia Forrester likes a HFN (and revisiting and breaking and remaking relationships), so I’m sure that’s on purpose. I didn’t get to the end and feel everything is perfect or resolved. But I truly feel that it’s a happy ending earned.
I don’t know who doubted her (me), but she pulled it off beautifully.
Devin was a hard introduction, a hard character to like, forget about love. I could feel how much he didn’t love himself, so wasn’t sure he was a character I could follow and hold through a romance. I had similar reservations about Harper because she didn’t treat herself well either. But of course Nia Forrester worked her magic.
This is very much a HFN. And Nia Forrester likes a HFN (and revisiting and breaking and remaking relationships), so I’m sure that’s on purpose. I didn’t get to the end and feel everything is perfect or resolved. But I truly feel that it’s a happy ending earned.
July 31, 2022
great and interesting read.
Story was complex and compelling. It wasn’t your standard love story, and that’s what I loved about it. Great job as always!
Story was complex and compelling. It wasn’t your standard love story, and that’s what I loved about it. Great job as always!
July 16, 2022
My favourite Forrester book yet!
I loved in each expression of self discovery for Harper and Devin's emotional search for peace and connection.
Harper also found ways to exist past wounds and trauma. Together they brought something new to the arena of romance.
Forrester is a literature architect, create new forms and functions to hold moments of the human experience.
I loved in each expression of self discovery for Harper and Devin's emotional search for peace and connection.
Harper also found ways to exist past wounds and trauma. Together they brought something new to the arena of romance.
Forrester is a literature architect, create new forms and functions to hold moments of the human experience.
June 25, 2022
This book was absolutely PERFECTION! Hope Nia Forrester never stops writing because she’s amazing at it!
July 15, 2022
Awesome Read
Your books are always about real feelings and people that could be in real situations. This was really good and each sequel is worth the wait. I'd like to see Bryant give a life and Phoenix to be the one to turn it upside down. What a story that would make. But let's finish out Deuce's story first.
Your books are always about real feelings and people that could be in real situations. This was really good and each sequel is worth the wait. I'd like to see Bryant give a life and Phoenix to be the one to turn it upside down. What a story that would make. But let's finish out Deuce's story first.
July 26, 2022
INCREDIBLE!
Wow. I laughed, I cried, and experienced so many emotions reading this. Nia Forrester, you are FIRE! Such an inspirational writer. And this book explores such brave topics that lie underneath what I believe to be a very common surface amongst us all. Wayyyy more common than we think. I’m so proud of this author for going there unapologetically.
Wow. I laughed, I cried, and experienced so many emotions reading this. Nia Forrester, you are FIRE! Such an inspirational writer. And this book explores such brave topics that lie underneath what I believe to be a very common surface amongst us all. Wayyyy more common than we think. I’m so proud of this author for going there unapologetically.
July 11, 2022
Story was very well written
Devin and Harper were two individuals who were both hurt and abused at very young ages. That hurt and abuse shaped them into the adults they were today both the positive and not so positive aspects of their character/personality. The journey to HEA was not easy for these two they first had to realize and accept that it was something that they both wanted and deserved. The Broken with Devin and Harper was well worth the wait.
Devin and Harper were two individuals who were both hurt and abused at very young ages. That hurt and abuse shaped them into the adults they were today both the positive and not so positive aspects of their character/personality. The journey to HEA was not easy for these two they first had to realize and accept that it was something that they both wanted and deserved. The Broken with Devin and Harper was well worth the wait.
July 14, 2022
“At Last” 😍😍😍
This book right here, well worth the wait. Devin and Harper, two broken souls that found their everlasting love. Nia really did her ‘thang’ with this one.
This book right here, well worth the wait. Devin and Harper, two broken souls that found their everlasting love. Nia really did her ‘thang’ with this one.
July 10, 2022
🔥🔥🔥
When I tell you I absolutely 💕 Devin and Harpers story. What?? Definitely a rollercoaster ride but we’ll worth. Finally got more insight into Devin’s childhood as well as Harper’s and didn’t expect Harps though that was a lot. But they got that closure somewhat in the end. It’s alway great to hear about the others Kay and Jamal. Still love the relationship between Kay and Devin. Great read.
When I tell you I absolutely 💕 Devin and Harpers story. What?? Definitely a rollercoaster ride but we’ll worth. Finally got more insight into Devin’s childhood as well as Harper’s and didn’t expect Harps though that was a lot. But they got that closure somewhat in the end. It’s alway great to hear about the others Kay and Jamal. Still love the relationship between Kay and Devin. Great read.
July 25, 2022
YUP…..👌. Life doesn’t always start out perfect
STRUGGLE! Awareness of ones pain! Triumph! Growth! Simply beautiful…….something about Devin spoke to my souls back when it was just Devin & Kay💕
Thank you for sharing
STRUGGLE! Awareness of ones pain! Triumph! Growth! Simply beautiful…….something about Devin spoke to my souls back when it was just Devin & Kay💕
Thank you for sharing
July 12, 2022
I’m officially a Nia fan. I will read anything she writes! Only she can take two complex characters and create something so beautiful!
July 24, 2022
Joybird
Wow this was intense but good it was good to hear Devin’s story and know he had his happy ending.
Wow this was intense but good it was good to hear Devin’s story and know he had his happy ending.
July 8, 2022
and another one.
Not too many writers keep me captivated and on the edge of my seat.
Thank you for writing women characters who are strong completely and not strong but have a weakness for men.
I love that we get to see more of Harper and Devin and I hope we continue to see them grow and perhaps even Phoenix. I’m so invested in these people,all the way from the previous books about SE. I hope more is on the way!
Not too many writers keep me captivated and on the edge of my seat.
Thank you for writing women characters who are strong completely and not strong but have a weakness for men.
I love that we get to see more of Harper and Devin and I hope we continue to see them grow and perhaps even Phoenix. I’m so invested in these people,all the way from the previous books about SE. I hope more is on the way!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews