Desiree’s been on her own for as long as she can remember. Her friends have become her family and she guards her heart with walls thicker than glass.
Josh, a smooth talking man with handsome smile and gorgeous eyes. He’s got lines that make a woman melt. But Desiree doesn’t want to melt. Josh’s hard body and sexy lines are working her up in the best way possible.
Determined not to be just another notch on his bedpost, Desiree and Josh embark on a steamy love affair. Until a blast from Josh’s past rolls in an attempt to shatter the first piece of happiness that Desiree has felt in a long time.
Was Desiree right all along? Can no man really be trusted? Or is it worth it fight for the one man who has been fighting for her since the day he walked into her life?
Can they find love and prove they are no longer broken?
JL Stray has always enjoyed reading books and writing stories. Finally, she gathered up enough courage to publish one herself. A former Policy Specialist and current Consultant, she spends any extra moment she has writing, outlining and scheming her next book.
Raised in a small town in Pennsylvania, she graduated from Penn State University with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Public Policy. Most days she uses one of those degrees in either her career or dealing with her children.
J.L. lives in that same small town, with her three very active children, who always have her at a diamond, field or court. She is a lover of books, shoes, beaches, and a strong drink.
After a series of bad relationships Desiree has decided to take a hiatus from dating, it just isn't worth the headache anymore. She's dealt with enough toads these days, she'll just take her sweet time and wait until Mr. Right finds her. But what if Mr. Right has been across the bar from her all along?
No Longer Broken is a story of taking chances, learning to trust, and finding forever. Desiree has seen her fair share of love gone wrong and has decided to take a break from it until the right guy comes along. But little did she know that "right guy" has been sitting across the bar from her for months now. Her and Josh share mutual friends and have helped those friends through some dark days together, but she has always thought her crush was one-sided. Not to mention Josh has never really came off as the one woman kind of man, as she has seen him take home many. But one night when he struts into the bar and confesses that she is the one for him, she can't help but be a little rattled. All along he had her believing they were just friends, but now he is asking for more...a lot more! But can she trust her heart with the unattainable bachelor, or will he disappoint her like all the others have?
This beautifully written slow burn romance will squeeze your heart and have you reliving all that first time falling in love bliss. As these two embark on their mission to build a relationship that lasts you will see the many ups and downs that come with it, as well as, the fears, heartwarming firsts, and the steamier side of things too! It's such a wonderfully captivating story! I highly recommend you take a chance on this one, it's words are bound to touch every bit of your heart!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
Desiree has very high walls when it comes to relationships, and I certainly couldn't blame her since she's gone through hell when it comes to past relationships. She's decided to take a break from it all until that perfect man for her comes across her path, but little did she know that he's been around for a cool minute. Josh is kind of a player, but it's not long before he knows that he wants more with Desiree, however it's not going to be easy because of her sky high walls but luckily he's okay to not rush anything. This was a story that had a push & pull that hurt so good despite all the frustration I felt for the slow burn aspect. Please understand that I'm an impatient girl on the best day so don't go by how I felt LOL! Honestly, a lot of slow burn books tend to allow me to become distracted, but No Longer Broken was impossible for me to put down because I had to know how it all panned out, and I believe you'll feel the same way after you hit those one click buttons as I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
THE REVIEW FOR THE BOOK: No Longer Broken GENRE: Contemporary Romance AUTHOR: J.L. Stray TROPE: contemporary romance, TYPE: The Broken Series #3 POV: Multiple POV MY RATING: 5.0 Stars
Desiree has sworn off men. She’s been through so bad relationships in the past and she’s decided that she needs to take a break from everything. Josh is a bit of a ladies’ man. Someone that Desiree knows she should stay away from. Little does she know, that Josh wants more than one night from Desiree. Can she open herself up again to the potential for more heartbreak or will he be the one?
I really enjoyed reading this book. The story was more of a slow burn. While reading this book, you felt as though you were falling in love along with the characters. Desiree and Josh both want to go about building something that’s real and lasting, neither of them are in the mood to rush anything. There is attraction between the two characters that draws them to one another. If you’re a fan of slow burn romance stories with a lot of depth, then you’re going to love this book.
I was provided with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
A woman sworn off dating and a man known as a player sounds like a match in non love heaven. Josh and Desiree have mutual friends and spend a lot of time together. I liked how you could feel the sparks of attraction between them whenever they were together. When Josh decides he wants to take this further with Desiree he has to try and convince a woman who has been burned before ands knows his reputation. This is a slow burn romance which I enjoy however I found some aspects with them frustrating. We get to see their struggles all the ups and downs that a new relationship can go through. There is no cheating but here is some OW drama which made me want to slap Josh, no man or woman would be happy with how he reacted. The steam factor is hot and I liked seeing some previous charcters again.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ No Longer Broken was a truly beautiful story. This was such a realistic romance. So many books have love stories that are amazing to read about but don't really fit in the real world. The realistic nature had me feeling things that I thought were buried in my memories. I deeply appreciated the experience. Desiree has had some bad luck with relationships, so realistically, she wants to steer clear of more drama. Then Josh, who is already a regular in their group of friends, decides to share his feelings with her. He thinks she's perfect for him. He has his work cut out for him because learning to trust each other will be a hard-won battle. She has been attracted to him for some time but he has a womanizing pattern that is very hard for her to ignore. I never know what to expect with slow burn romances. Either there's the possibility I may get bored or I get aggravated with the characters' idiocy or it just fits with everything going on. This book was more the latter with some of the idiocy issues. But that's what makes it so realistic. Overall, I was rooting for them to make it to their HEA. The character and world development was very believable. I will definitely be paying attention when I see this author with new releases coming up. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
WOW this was a interesting read and VERY romantic. Yes there is some drama but that panic under the stars is just 🥰😍 I am in love with Josh.
Now Josh & Desiree/ Des story is a love story about two broken people. Past 50% of the book they made brilliant process HOWEVER someone returns into their lives are stirs the pot. I thought for a while they weren't going to make because they lost trust in each other. When a the way through the book you see the love grow and their best friends love too. BUT it just shows you not everything is straight forwards. This book does feel like a real relationship too because they went through challenges and victories. Perfect 🥰
J.l Stray has done amazing job and everyone get ready to fall inlove under the stars !! The title of the book is true to the story and this couple shows nothing is truely broken !
This is the 3rd book in this great series, and this is Josh and Desiree’s story. Desiree has sworn off men after a series of bad relationships, and she has been alone for a long time. Josh is a smooth-talking playboy, who has had more than his fair share of women. These two share mutual friends, and when Josh decides that Desiree is the one for him, he just has to convince her that Mr Right is closer than she things. This is a well written slow burn story, which is heartwarming, and filled with friendships, trust, drama, and love, which leads to an endearing and entertaining addictive page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Desiree and Josh....such an unlikely pair, but yet so perfect. Both of them doing the dirty with anger that had a pulse, then moving on. No messy emotions, feelings or relationships.
Josh fell hard for her but she still held back. Scared of her emotions, scared of trusting and loving without losing.
This couple just fit and the trauma of their lives nearly destroyed their possibility of a relationship.....so many mistakes but one night the stakes were too high. One night the mistakes just puked up. Can they survive the mistakes? Can they be forgiven, or is their future just another casualty of their past.