Broken Not Shattered

by Rita Potter, Heidi Bindhammer (Narrator)

Even when it seems hopeless, there can always be a better tomorrow.

Jill Bishop has one goal in life – to survive. Jill is trapped in an abusive marriage, while raising two young girls. Her husband has isolated her from the world and filled her days with fear. The last thing on her mind is love, but she sure could use a friend.

Alex McCoy is enjoying a comfortable life, with great friends and a prosperous business. She has given up on love, after picking the wrong woman one too many times. Little does she know, a simple act of kindness might change her life forever.

When Alex lends a helping hand to Jill at the local grocery store, they are surprised by their immediate connection and an unlikely friendship develops. As their friendship deepens, so too do their fears.

In order to protect herself and the girls, Jill can’t let her husband know about her friendship with Alex, and Alex can’t discover what goes on behind closed doors. What would Alex do if she finds out the truth? At the same time, Alex must fight her attraction and be the friend she suspects Jill needs. Besides, Alex knows what every lesbian knows – don’t fall for a straight woman, especially one that’s married…but will her heart listen?

Genres: Romance, Lesbian, LGBT, Audiobook, Lesbian Romance, Abuse, Friends To Lovers

9 pages, Audiobook

Published March 29, 2022

About the author

Rita Potter has spent most of her life trying to figure out what makes people tick. To that end, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and an MA in Sociology. Her favorite pastime is crawling around inside peoples’ brains. Her loved ones are grateful that she now has characters whose minds she can explore, so maybe she’ll stay out of theirs.

Rita’s writing reflects her belief that in some way we are all damaged and must conquer our demons in order to create a fulfilling life. Being an eternal optimist, she maintains that the human spirit is remarkably resilient and can overcome even the most challenging obstacles. That optimism is the wellspring of her life goal- to provide encouragement and support to help people thrive.

In her spare time, she enjoys the outdoors. She is especially drawn to the water, which is ironic since she lives in the middle of a corn field. Her first love has always been reading, which has spurred her writing. She rides a Harley Davidson and has an unnatural obsession with fantasy football. More than anything she detests small talk, but can ramble on for hours given a topic that interests her.

She lives in a small town in Illinois with her wife, Terra, and their cat, Chumley, who actually runs the household.

Rita is a member of American Mensa and the Golden Crown Literary Society. She is currently a student of the GCLS Writing Academy 2021.

Reviews

[XR · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good start for Potter's debut novel. There are a lot of trigger warnings for this book - domestic violence, mental, physical and sexual abuse. The latter is implied.

And there’s a lot of stupidity, too. 🙄

Jill's such a strong character, after having to endure all that she has for the lives of two little girls. Alex... I liked her at the start but the further into the book I got, I just wanted to shake her for behaving so foolishly.

The secondary characters Michelle and Sarah were a breath of fresh air to the book. Without them I highly doubt Jill and Alex would have finally reached their HEA moment.

[Conny B · Rating 5 out of 5]

After finishing this book I’m still in awe knowing that this is Rita Potter‘s first book. This story is just wow. It’s such a page turner that kept me on my toes almost the whole time. I was so engrossed in the story and just fell in love with both MCs. I loved to witness how their bond grows through everything. And while you would think it’s only Jill that has to go through hell, it‘s not only her. You can totally feel how much everything affects Alex but also her friends Sarah and Michelle. I felt with them and just wanted to help too. That was just wow.

While a huge part of the story is domestic abuse, it never goes into all the details about it. You get the feeling how bad it is but you have to imagine many things for yourself. Something I highly appreciated. For me it’s amazing how Rita described everything without going into all the details. That was just fantastic.

What I also loved in this book is the special bond Alex has with her friends Michelle and Sarah. And then how also Jill got closer to them. Everyone could definitely need friends like these two. 😊

There was just one thing in this story that annoyed me a tiny little bit. There were moments I wanted to push Alex and tell her what to do. Of course she didn’t listen and in the end it’s one of the things that kept me on my toes. Lol

I highly recommend this story and hope that many others will read and love it as much as I do. I‘m definitely looking forward to reading more books by Rita.

I received an advance reader copy from the author and voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kexx · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really strong book that had me crying from page 1. Sometimes difficult to read, but supported by a superb supporting cast this is highly recommended.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simple act of kindness brings Jill and Alex into each other's lives.
Jill has endured years of mental and physical abuse at the hands of her husband. With two daughters to look out for, she walks a narrow path in constant fear. Alex, out and proud is partner in a successful gym and has a great support team and best pals to rely on. A bit of a loner (having been burnt in past relationships) she's still hoping to meet that special woman. From that first meeting with Jill, Alex feels her hope has been answered but fate is also laughing at her - a lesbian falling for a "straight" woman. Through timid steps, a true friendship develops and hidden emotions grow but for all the communication, unknowns and half truths still exist.
The author spins a tale that has well fleshed out lead and supporting characters, is engrossing yet realistic with twists and turns - weaving the sensitive issue of abuse into the storyline without weighing down the romance. Character growth from timid to strong, strength garnered from friendship, the blossoming of love and eventual retribution for abusers all lead to a HEA.
A wonderful, strong first book from the author. Maybe a sequel is possible?? I'd love to find out what happens next.
Easily and highly recommend and on my re-read shelf.

[MZ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This book was an emotional roller coaster. I read it a while ago so I’m not clear on the details anymore but I remember that there is a lot of physical and mental abuse and accompanying angst and it was hard to read at times. I find it hard to rate review this book because Jill’s behavior could be frustrating but was also sort of understandable at the same time. In the end I did enjoy this book and I can recommend it if you’re looking for a book high on emotions and angst.

[L A Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful

I picked this book in the afternoon and 8 hrs later came to the end. It is a powerful book. Very well written. There are some parts that could be triggers for some. But it is handled very well. Not in your face graphic. Alex and Jill just got in my heart. Rooting for them all the way. Sarah and Michelle are two best friends we all wished we had. Highly recommend.

[Alicia Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken Not Shattered
Author Rita Potter
MC Alex McCoy & Jill Bishop
Tigger Warning: domestic violence and sexual assault


This book will touch you in so many ways. Alex was there to help Jill from day one. The book does deal with some heavy topics like domestic violence and sexual assault. I love how Alex and her friends were so determine to pull Jill out of that dark place, show her the life that she could have. Alex had a lot of struggles watching Jill go through so much and feeling helpless.

The story is fantastic, the characters are all well developed. The author goes into great detail to explain all of the backstory.


Alex was the safe place Jill needed. She helped her find the courage and strength to forgive, move on, to be the person she always dreamed.


I highly recommend this book it was the authors debut novel. 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Y O · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an emotional read that deals with domestic abuse, violence and emotional abuse. Jill is being abused by her husband while trying to raise and protect two sweet little girls that knows all that's happening. Alex comes along and impacts Jill's life in the most extraordinary ways. Alex's friends are also beautifully added additions to Jill's life. This story has triggers for some but it's an amazing read. I highly recommend it and the reader will not be disappointed.

[Gnome Patronus · Rating 2 out of 5]

Grab a cup of tea, cuz I have a LOT of feelings on this one!! I wanted to love this book. I needed to love this book. The setup had me hooked—domestic violence, queer awakening, slow-burn tension, all the ingredients for an emotional wrecking ball of a story—but what I got felt like someone skimmed the surface, threw on a filter, and said, “Good enough!” It wasn’t. It was not good enough. This book dangled brilliance in front of me and then yanked it away like some sort of literary bait-and-switch. I finished it feeling frustrated, disappointed, and honestly a little robbed.


Part One starts off strong—or at least it acts like it’s going to. We meet Jill at the grocery store, short on money and trying to keep it together while wrangling her kids. Enter Alex: lesbian, Good Samaritan, instant soft spot. She steps in to cover Jill’s bill and ends up taking her and the kids out for ice cream in the park. It’s a tender, unexpected moment of kindness, and it sets the tone for what should have been a powerful, emotional ride. Instead, the book immediately yanks us into the horror of Jill’s domestic violence situation—and then kind of skims over everything it just opened up.

We find out Jill’s husband intentionally set her up to fail at the store just so he could use it as an excuse to hurt her. It’s brutal. It’s sickening. And it should’ve been the moment where the emotional gravity sinks you. But we never really dive into it. The violence is constant, sure—but the book stays surface-level. There’s so little nuance. No buildup, no aftermath, no emotional layering. And that’s the real issue: for a story dealing with something this heavy, you need the weight of it. You need to feel the spiral, the fear, the grief, the survival instincts kicking in—and it just wasn’t fully there. The author touches on it, yes. But with everything that happens, this book needed room to breathe and ache—and it never quite gives us that.

Meanwhile, we’ve got this friendship growing between Alex and Jill. The lines start to blur. Jill is still in the thick of her trauma, but she finds herself drawn to Alex, and Alex—sweet, guarded, trying so hard not to cross any lines—clearly feels something more. The tension is there, and their connection should’ve been aching and tender and a little devastating. But again, everything’s just…too light. Too brushed over. You feel what the author was going for, but the execution left me begging for more depth. This could’ve been a slow-burn masterpiece of emotional wreckage and queer awakening—and instead, it’s just the outline of that.

Eventually, Alex and her friends do help Jill escape her abusive relationship, and that moment should’ve hit like a freight train. But it didn’t. Not because the content wasn’t there—but because the book didn’t give it space. Part One alone had enough weight to be its own book. Instead, it felt like someone said “we don’t have time for feelings, just move the plot along.” And I felt robbed.


Part Two was supposed to be the payoff. Jill is out. She’s free. She’s in therapy. She’s untangling years of trauma and navigating this messy, tender queer awakening. And Alex? Still in her feelings, still doing the “I’m the lone rider” thing that was cute the first time and became deeply exhausting by the tenth. (Seriously, if I never hear that phrase again, it will be too soon.)

This should’ve been the part where we saw the emotional wreckage laid bare. Where the healing wasn’t just mentioned in passing but felt—grief and guilt and fear and vulnerability all piling up on top of this blooming, confusing love. And it tried to get there. It really did. But just like Part One, it stayed shallow when it should’ve pulled us in deep.

Jill’s trauma responses? Brushed over. Her PTSD? Lightly acknowledged, but never really unpacked. There were moments where I thought, “Okay, here it comes. Here’s the moment that’s going to break me.” But every time, the tension snapped too quickly or fizzled out. The book kept backing away from the hard stuff. It hinted at the wreckage, but it never let us sit in it—and honestly, after everything Jill went through, she deserved to so much more room.

Then there’s the relationship. Alex refuses to believe Jill could truly love her—clinging to this savior complex theory like it’s gospel. She’s convinced Jill’s confused, straight, and just trauma-bonded. And like… okay, fair concern. But they live together now. They’re sharing a home, sharing late nights, sharing vibes, and we’re still playing the “what if she’s just grateful” game? At some point, Alex’s refusal to accept Jill’s feelings doesn’t feel noble—it just feels frustrating.

And every single time the romantic tension builds, something swoops in and kills it. Not in a good, angsty slow-burn way, but in a “wait, that’s it?” way. The payoff we were waiting for just… never really arrives. And that’s the tragedy of Part Two: we had all the ingredients. All the set-up. All the emotional potential. But the execution pulled its punches, and the pacing kept fast-forwarding past the moments that could’ve made this book unforgettable.

I didn’t want smut. I didn’t need spice. I wanted emotional carnage. I wanted that post-trauma vulnerability and that heart-wrenching shift from friendship to love where everything is terrifying and beautiful and complicated. But instead, we got hesitance on repeat and characters who kept dodging the resolution until the story just… ended.

Part Two could’ve been its own book. Easily. It should’ve had room to breathe. To ache. To grow. But it didn’t. And now I’m sitting here, sad and annoyed and writing an essay-length review because I was rooting for this book with my whole chest and it let me down.

[Char Dafoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story portrayed every emotion under the sun. Potter handled the abuse aspect of it very well, not divulging too deeply with the details, but enough to paint a clear picture. Having personally been witness to domestic violence as a child, I won't lie, but I did flinch a couple of times. I managed to read on with hope that the monster of the story would get what he deserved in the end, and Potter did not let me down. We got to experience every level of healing with Jill, from the reveal of her situation to her newfound family to acceptance of needing help, being rescued, then the actual healing part itself. It was a rollercoaster for sure, then add on the romance with the hot yet emotionally sweet Alex, oh my gawd.

The lighter side of the story was just darling. Alex is going on my list ;) I loved that she was so emotional. Butch characters are usually portrayed as tough and strong, thinking they have to hold back, but not Alex. As physically strong as she was, I believe her true strength lied in her heart where all her passion burned, resulting in outbursts, rants, articulating a plan to fix the problem. Her emotions is what literally and figuratively drove her to Jill's side to save her. The chemistry between those two was beautiful, albeit, a tad frustrating near the end because one of them was still hesitant to jump in feet first, but when they did finally come together, it was very sweet. I do wish there had been one more intimate scene between the two of them.

A great read. 4.

[Bib · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Book started out well, a slow burn relationship between two main characters. I thought the domestic violence is well written and handled. However, towards 70% of the book, Alex’s wishy-washiness irritated me, and dragged out at least 2 more chapters. I wondered if the sex scene between supporting characters was necessary. I preferred Potter’s other book, Thundering Pines better.

[Vita L. Licari · Rating 5 out of 5]

An act of kindness brings Alex into Jill's horrible life. With a husband who terrorizes and mercilessly beats her, Jill's friendship with Alex brings her hope.
This was a tough one to get through because of the subject matter. Domestic violence. But the enduring love of friends makes the tough times bearable. And eventually leads to love. Sarah and Michelle the best friends bring support and comic relief to the story. This is a poignant story. Worthy of more than 5 stars!

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐

[Stellar Space · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken Not Shattered is a Warmhearted Story of Trauma and Risk-Taking Love.

I struggled with whether to purchase Broken Not Shattered when I came across it in a iheartlesfic promotional and then I held on to it for a long time before I ventured into its pages. Coming out of a traumatic, chaotic and abusive childhood followed by one abusive relationship after another, I wasn't sure if I could handle its contents even though I've survived all that and have been on the road of healing for sometime.

However as other reviewers have stated, Rita Potter handles it with sensitivity. When I finally opened this book and began to read, I was drawn in immediately, connected with and invested in Jill's plight and hoped for someone to see her. Alex does. And in time her friends do also and lend their support as well.

As this story unfolds, it is one of survival, courage, friendship and risk-taking love. The MC's and supportive characters as well as the storyline are believable, well drawn and developed with depth and care. The author wraps things up well; however, a sequel would be appreciated.

[Jennabeebs79 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will start by saying that this book deals with domestic violence and sexual assault. While the author handled these themes delicately, I should warn that this could definitely be a trigger for many people.

Broken Not Shattered was wonderfully written. Both the plot development as well as character development were executed perfectly and the dialogue was genuine and engaging. Jill....wow....she was an incredible woman, a true survivor who came out on top with her head held high. Alex, the Lone Ranger, while super frustrating at times, truly loved Jill more than anything. Without Alex, Sarah, and Michelle, Jill would definitely not have made it out alive. I honestly couldn’t put the book down. There were so many plot elements coming at the reader that I just needed to see how it all played out. I don’t normally read books with these type of triggers but I pushed my comfort zone and am so glad I did. This is a book that shows the power of strength, courage, and compassion. Well done!

[Unique Person · Rating 3 out of 5]

Starting 100 pages are good. After that it felt dragged.
I like Alex character in the starting but after Jill is rescued I don't like it much.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️
This was an intense and emotional journey.

I am grateful for the respect and sensitivity Rita Potter shows in dealing with the subject matter. For not being unnecessarily graphic about the abuse. And providing us with many moments of levity to balance the experience.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An impressive debut, jumping straight into heavy subject matter that will be triggering for some. Awareness of domestic violence and controlling or coercive behaviour is something that thankfully is becoming more high profile and books like this can be helpful in understanding the million dollar question; why didn't they leave / why did they stay? The author digs into the psychology behind that, showing that abusers are master manipulators.

Despite this seriousness, the author writes two very likeable MC's in Jill and Alex, and creates lightness showing two people making a connection and getting to know eachother. It was heartening to see Jill's world slowly gain colour through her friendship with Alex and her two best friends and to see her physical and emotional transformation. Rita Potter is an author I'll definitely look out for.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

alex was driving me round the twist like good god

[Yvonne Roller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful debut!

I am a huge reader. I read all kinds of books, but mostly I read romance with an erotic edge. Sexual preference does not matter to me. I took a leap of faith by trying a new author with her debut book. The book teaser intrigued me. But once I started reading I could not put it down. This was an emotional story. When an author writes the characters with such depth, that you feel their pain, laugh out loud with them, this is a sign of a great author. I can't wait for the next book to come out and see what she comes up with. I now have another one click author.

[Nia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audio book Broken Not Shattered by Rita Potter.
It broke my heart a bit because I can't take stories of abuse.
Jill is trapped in an abusive marriage that she can't leave or fight without losing too much.
Alex has a happy but lonely life.
She and Jill meet and both can't deny the chemistry or just the good feeling they get from sharing time and space together.
Jill can't just meet up with Alex whenever she wants. Her husband is angry and she has to lie or get very creative about why she needs money or has to leave the house more often. Alex is just happy to be around Jill and doesn't realize that the injuries and black eye aren't caused by falls or because Jill is clumsy. That's what good friends are for... I don't have to and don't want to say more. Only sometimes Alex drove me crazy with her considerate nature. It was once too many. Otherwise a very interesting book!

[Tammy Carney]

Good book

A wonderful story story of strength and will power. Jill did anything to survive her abusive husband. Alex just being herself kind hearted and want to help. A friendship that started and turned to love but couldn't really get to be together because of Alex's feeling of her heart. A story of falling in love and let your heart feel.

[Emily Wilhite · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent first book

It is hard to sum up what I liked about this book. Some things you knew would happen from the beginning. However, the dialogue between characters, the insights into their thoughts, something about the writing grabbed at me and wouldn't let me put it.down for long. Looking forward to more from this author.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an emotional book. The subject it delves deeply into is the realm of domestic violence and would certainly be a trigger for anyone who has suffered or been involved with anyone who has been subjected to it. That being said, survivors can be strong and fierce when they come out the other side of the relationship. That is what you get from this book. It is the story of two women who meet by chance and are drawn together and bond over the experiences that Jill suffers through. There are bound to be questions that have no answer - "why does she stay?", "how can I help?" The other main character, Alex is pretty much torn apart by the unanswered question but maintains a relationship because there is love involved, even if she can't or won't admit it. Two side characters provide both comic relief and wisdom, which helps move the story along and doesn't let the reader wallow in the fear. My only beef with the book and story is that Alex or her friends, never seek out a DV shelter or help in the arena which might have given them some understanding of who and what they were dealing with in the dynamics. Jill sees a therapist but Alex who should also, doesn't, As usual, communication is the key to relationships and if you love someone, you need to be honest with your feelings and your actions. It is a tough subject dealt with very well by this writer. I will be happy to read more of her work as this was my first.

I received an ARC in exchange for posting an honest review.

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing audiobook the storyline gripped me from beginning to end. For some this may have some triggers, so please read some reviews before you start.

[Faye Brigham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book!

I enjoyed reading about how people help each other heal and move forward after so much pain. Great writing, I would never guess this was Rita's first book.

[Tempe Luvs Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an incredibly well-written book. The domestic violence issue was treated well without subjecting readers to the pain, yet the significance of the situation was communicated. The angst in the love story was a bit too dragged out for me, but it didn’t ruin the story.

[Katie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Could not get through the first 20 pages

[Nyki Mancera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delicately written…

Alex and Jill couldn’t have lived inside the mind of any other author and come to life the way that they did and deserved. After reading the story, I read the “About the Author” pages and it came to light how someone could possibly write about something as serious and delicate in the way that they did.

This story broke my heart and gave me hope and laughter at the same time. It opened with Jill in the grocery store line at the till. I was already affected from that very first moment you meet her. You just know that she has a heart wrenching story to tell. Then we meet Alex, who has no idea what she just stepped into by paying forward a moment of kindness. In that moment, both of them did something quite uncharacteristic for both of them. They just “clicked” unknowingly and found that they could never part, even if logic or life told them that they should. It wasn’t just A moment. It was A moment in a lifetime of moments that was profoundly and markedly different than all the other moments in their lives leading up to this one.

I grew up witnessing what Jill went through. There is nothing like it in the world. Luckily, and I don’t say that lightly, but we all survived…my mother and myself. But we still touched/scarred by it. They’re just invisible to the naked eye. Jill was a paramount of strength and love. I kept waiting for her to lash out, to push away love and kindness, to not be able to see the good in the world and people. I thought she would collapse in utter fear, if she were to ever get out. But the care that was taken of her emotional and mental state was remarkably told. I felt so empowered by her. I was captivated by her. The way that she spoke with tenderness and love with those she’d come to love and trust was tantamount to her resilience.

Who surprised me, was Alex. She seemed to have it together emotionally, but was way more fragile than the one you’d expect to be. She actually needed more care and safety in being able to be open and vulnerable. She had a misguided sense of well meaning and what she thought that Jill ultimately needed. Even when Jill kept showing AND telling Alex, that what she needed and wanted was her, all this time.

Although I understand why the author did not allow a physical relationship until the very end, does not mean I didn’t miss it and wanted it between the two MC’s. I think it would help us see them turn the corner and deepened the bond between that was already there. But I am glad that the author took her time with this story. It is nothing something that could ever be rushed. And in the middle of it all the mayhem and the utter heinous of abuse suffered is jaw dropping. It is a place where few survive with their sanity intact, let alone any semblance of vulnerability.

It is definitely worth the read, because the love story is bigger than all the rest.

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ritta Potter is rapidly making her way onto my fav author list. This is defo my fav of hers so far. Her books have all been completely different which i love, you never know where she's gonna take you next but you know it'll be good. This story made you feel so much. What Jill had to go through gave me serious blood pressure issue but Alex's tenderness helped get me breathing again. I loved how well they worked together, their closeness. When Alex wasnt being obstinate that is, but then i did understand where she was coming from too. 1 of my fav line was Jill asking Alex to be her pillow. That just turned my sappy heart to mush. Sarah and Michelle where great additions too. Everybody needs awesome supportive friends like those 2.
The writing was so good. Topics where handle with geniuine sensitivity. Characters had depth, chemistry, connection. You found yourself going on a hell of a journey and not even realise it cause your so easily pulled in and held there all the way to the end.
I cant praise Potter Highly enough and if people havent read this or anything else by her. All I can say is, "WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!?".