Broken

Sierra Cove #4

by Lyssa Cole

Broken features Holden & Lennox's story, an opposites attract friends to lovers romance!

Parties, hookups, and nonstop fun. That’s what I wanted from college. Preparing for my future? No thanks. Pretend it’s not happening? Sure thing.

Because when life breaks you apart and gives you more baggage than you care to cart around, you take control however you can. For me it's in the bedroom, backseat, kitchen counter, or wherever I want. I am the one in control. If I want to have a few drinks and party my way into some hot guy’s pants, so be it.

Holden can judge me all he wants. Just because it isn’t his way of taking control, doesn’t mean I have to change mine. I mean other than that he is a pretty cool guy, even though he's kind of nerdy. And sexy. And somehow irresistible…

Then one night, my carefully constructed house of cards comes tumbling down and who is there to catch me? Holden…

And as luck would have it we end up at the same job on campus. Who knew the party girl extraordinaire would start falling for the hot nerdy guy? But can he see past my history, fight his own demons, and want me for who I can become? Or in the end, are we just too different?

All books will be standalones, and while the series will be more enjoyable if read in order, the books can be read as complete standalone stories.

254 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 20, 2023

About the author

Lyssa Cole has been in love with books for as long as she can remember. Escaping into a story is her favorite pastime. Wanting to be a writer for a couple years, she is now crafting her own stories. She loves to write angsty & sexy romance with lots of heat and some suspense to keep you guessing and wanting to turn that page! She lives in Southeastern Mass with her boyfriend, two children, and two dogs. Lover of coffee, all things chocolate, & always the avid reader, you can keep up with Lyssa Cole by subscribing to her newsletter here: http://bit.ly/NLsignuplyssacole.

You can also find her at www.lyssacolebooks.com or www.facebook.com/lyssacolebooks.

Reviews

[Kerri Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a pager turner book. Lennox was a big wild child and Holden was as a sweet respectful man. Opposites attracted each other. This was a well written book and I can’t wait to read more from this author.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Destructive behaviour to hide the pain.
This is all about party girl Lennox and nerdy gamer boy Holden. The story is written with a lot of compassion, Lennox drinks hard and sleeps around, and it is clear from the outset that this destructive behaviour is a coping mechanism she's developed covering a pain from her past she hasn't shared with anyone or come to terms with herself. As the story goes on, we see her interactions with the person who causes her fear. Holden has this protective streak which he's hardly able to explain and though he likes her, he doesn't want to join the group of men who use her, until one drunken night that neither of them hardly remember. He proposes a ‘friends with benefits’ arrangement and their feelings develop from there. It all comes to a head and her traumatic past comes out, and she heads for home to finally share what happened with her parents. The therapy, the consequences, and the finding her way back to Holden all get wrapped up very quickly as the story comes to a quick ending.

[Ally Doby (Schleicher) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book of this series, told in dual first person POV and leaves you with a HEA. Lyssa once again broke my heart but pieced it back together with the hunky nerd with secret alpha side!

I loved Lennox and Holden. My heart broke for both of them and everything they had to go through. But as the story went on and they steamed up the pages and grew a bond, my heart was put back together and I was so happy for their outcome.

I can’t wait to see what adventures await us with the next book and all the other books to come. I love when Lyssa Cole can rip my heart out and put it back together!

These thoughts and opinions are my own and left voluntarily after reading for my own personal enjoyment.

[Dee Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant story that put me though the emotional wringer. Lennox and Holden had a lot in common despite being complete opposites.
They are both damaged by their pasts but find that they’re exactly what the other needs to make it through the day.
My heart broke for Lennox and everything she survived (check the warnings).
Holden, wow, what can I say about him - I fell in love right alongside Lennox.
A realistic slow burn resulting in high steam, heartbreak, gut wrenching angst, drama and secrets, turnarounds, healing, and ultimately love and a beautiful HEA that brought happy tears and smiles.
Love this series and eagerly awaiting the next instalment. Read them all!

I received a free copy and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! The damage that these two did to my heart was brutal and I loved every single heart wrenching, swoon worthy, sobbing, all up in my feels moment of it. Lennox and Holden's story doesn't pull a single one of its powerhouse punches, so when I tell you that the skillfully constructed combination of rich emotions, raw feelings, tantalizing drama, complex characters, heart and fiery sparks hits hard, do not say you haven't been warned. I am independently posting an impartial review.

[Cga · Rating 5 out of 5]

This romance centers on the party girl, Lennox and the nerdy, gamer boy Holden. Both troubled and both broken in some way. There is a mutual attraction that draws them together. It was interesting to watch how Lennox and Holden who are polar opposites fall in love admits the angst of college life. I enjoy this story that was full of heart breaks and heart warming moments and proves that genuine caring and support will help mend what’s broken.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lennox is the biggest party girl. Someone who parties a ton is usually a sign that they are trying to forget something. Lennox is no different. Her character was very complex and I loved learning more about her. Holden is the best guy friend you could only dream of having even if it's not always noticed. Lennox and Holden are just perfect together. Their story is not to be missed.

[Alyson Dupuis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC, but all opinions are my own.

Lyssa Cole has written another heartbreaking story. Holden and Lennox are great together and will take readers on an emotional rollercoaster. I love reading stories with characters who have a heartbreaking past and found a way to get past it. I can't wait to read the next of the Sierra Cove books.

[J Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A straight-laced Holden and party-girl Lennox is a match made in heaven! Both bring calmness and chaos into each other's lives to create a beautiful balance.

[Megan Harrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was sooo good. This is definitely a book I could have easily read in one sitting. Caught my Attention from the dirt to the last page. Definitely worth reading

[Geri Stoikova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lyssa Cole did it again. Broken is beautifully written story about survival and rebuilding yourself after the worst happens to you and your world crumbles down around you . I don't know how she does it but every time she puts so much in a novel and makes it such a page turner. I read Broken in one sitting and couldn't put it down. Lennox and Holden's story broke my heart and put me in an emotional whirlwind. They both survived after the worst happened to them but never healed. So they have some unusual coping mechanisms and that leads to an unusual pact between the party girl and the nerdy boy . Soon their relationship of convenience turns to so much more . And after that slow burn is over their chemistry is of the charts. And you have to be prepared because Holden have some very hot tricks up his sleeve . They are so scared to put a label on it so they cal it friendship because that's easy .They both still have secrets that are eating them alive and are stopping them from living life to the fullest and fulfilling their dreams. And there comes a moment where everything is in the open and they have to act and do the right thing for them . Even though they have to stop being in each others life . That's the time in which both Lennox and Holden heal and make the right moves so their dreams can come true . I loved to read how karma worked and served justice. But that only happened when both Lennox and Holden stood up for themselves and addressed their problems. They both not only survived but managed to heal and become their better selves and they so deserved their happily ever after. Highly recommend to listen to the Spotify playlist for Broken while reading . Because ... It's so good . And I have to confess that every time I can't wait to get to the epilogue / bonus epilogue Lyssa Cole makes for her books . And the epilogue for Broken is pure chef's kiss .

I received an ARC copy of this book by the author in exchange of an honest review.

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that grabs my attention, pulls hard on my heartstrings, reduces me to tears and leaves me with a big beaming smile on my face deserves more than a five star rating. Broken is one of those books. Lennox and Holden are two characters that will be hard to forget. When they meet, they both are carrying so much pain on their souls and have chosen to hide it in their own ways. In an attempt to forget or bury the incident that is the source of her pain, Lennox has become the party girl, the extreme extrovert and meaningless sex girl. Holden is the nerdy loner, not really comfortable in crowds and not looking to get drunk or hook up every time he is out and about rather than studying. Little to no contact with his parents is how he deals with his pain, how he protects himself. He and Lennox form a friendship of sorts, though both secretly want more than friendship. He can see Lennox spinning out of control and does his best to rescue her even though that is the last thing she wants. They make a friends with benefits pact that includes the rule of no falling in love. Of course that is exactly what happens, though try to deny it even to themselves.. They have a whole lot of emotional baggage to sort out and healing to do before they can move forward with anything other than friendship. Lennox and Holden are so deserving of their own happily ever after, but they need to fight for it.

Their story is so raw, so tangled up and so very real. This book is one to keep and read over and over again. I received a copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[E Loprete · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken (Sierra Cove#4) by Lyssa Cole will pull at your heartstrings, this is an emotional story about survival and rebuilding one's life after it has been damaged and destroyed as the characters are raw and complexed. Can hunky nerdy gamer Holden with a secret side finally hook up with party girl Lennox? Can these two broken souls be drawn together and help each other heal? What happens when two opposites become attracted to each other amid anxiety of college life, and end up falling in love. What transpires next is a combination of raw emotion, steamy scenes with plenty of drama as these two make a pact to avoid the defense mechanisms they both use to cope with difficult feelings, thoughts and events.

This story had plenty of heartbreak but moments of showing care and compassion for another person. Will the secrets that both are hiding stop them from moving forward? Once they make a stand and confront their demons, decisions will be made that will effect both of them allowing them to heal and fulfill their dreams. After all of the angst and anguish, these two survivors are finally able to have their HEA they so deserve. Looking forward to the next story!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "BROKEN" This story hooked me from the start such an intense angsty emotional rollercoaster ride, so many heartbreaking situations that pulls at your heartstrings, secrets, damages souls dealing with past demons, the drama has you turning the pages to the end.
Lennox & Holden are two complete opposites both dealing pain from their past each has their way of dealing with things she's the party girl he's the nerdy quiet guy but there for her when she's needs it the most.
I definitely recommend to get this beautifully written story Lennox & Holden take you on quite the emotional heartwrenching journey so much has happened to these two can they both heal & get their HEA its a must read you can't miss you'll love these characters & how they'll win over your heart, this is one story that will stay with you long after finished reading.
I'm so looking forward to the next book in this amazing series "FRACTURED" can't come soon enough.
AWESOME HEARTWRENCHING BEAUTIFUL STORY!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great story about two broken people finding each other and the path to forever! I loved Holden and Lennox. They were great characters on their own but even better together. They were just so cute together and I could totally feel that giddiness of falling in love right along with them.

This was an emotional story about facing your fears and finding yourself. I'm really proud of the growth both characters showed. These are my favorite types of characters, flawed but strong enough to do what they need to do to fix themselves and each other.

I loved the awesome friend group they both had. They had such a closeness and comradery. You could tell they all cared for each other deeply.

I really enjoyed this book. The writing was lovely and the story just flowed perfectly. I became attached to the characters and was rooting for them the whole time. Broken is a beautiful story that I would definitely recommend!

[Nicki - The Overflowing Bookcase · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy crap - every book in this series rips your heart out, tears it to pieces and by the grace of some really good writing Lyssa Cole puts you back together again - but this one goes a step further!! Not only does the reader get beautifully written characters and a storyline that is heart wrenching before it can become heartwarming, but they also get a second chance to re-create yourself into someone who deserves to be loved and cherished. Lennox and Holden are exactly what the other needs at exactly the right time but it is how they come together at the end that really hits home and proves that not only does Ms. Cole understand young love but also that she can bring her readers along for the journey and allow them to feel all the feels. An excellent addition to the series.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lennox chooses to keep her difficult past at bay with self destructive behavior which includes drinking, partying and men. She doesn’t care what other people think of her or her actions until Holden comes into her life but letting go of the past isn’t easy.

Holden has a difficult past of his own, but he chooses to distract himself with studying and is more comfortable at home. At first glance it appears that he and Lennox have nothing in common but they might just be the one person who truly sees and understands the others pain, but will it lead to healing or heartbreak?

When it comes to Holden and Lennox, they are both hiding what they are going through. They take us on a journey that is at times heartbreaking and at times inspiring, but it will definitely make you feel.

[Lorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firecracker
Book 4 in the Sierra Cove Series is an intense one! Lennox and Holden finally get their story and you better be prepared for a very emotional and yet informative story. Why is it that women get called nasty things based on the way they look and men can do as they please? Well Lennox fell into this category and when one thing happened to change the whole trajectory of her life no one seemed to truly see the pain that she was trying to outrun. Holden tried to be the nerdy friend and yet he saw and eventually developed very strong feelings for Lennox. Can she learn to deal with her pain or will she forever let it control her? Can she, will she, turn to Holden as more than a friend?
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Rochelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 4 in the Sierra Cove series by Lyssa Cole and get the pleasure of reading Lennox and Holden’s story. Be prepared to ride another emotional roller coaster with this pair and it was worth it. Their story was so good to witness. They are total opposites with Holden being strait laced and Lennox the typical college party girl. Watching them look to each other to help get through their respective heartbreaks and find out that there was more to each other that they didn’t know. Again, be prepared to ride the emotional roller coaster of slow burn, angsty, and steamy romance that will leave you wanting more of their story. A great read and I can’t wait to read what is next in this series.

[Maz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 4 in the Sierra Cove Series and I have loved this series so far.

Having read the other books I know I'm in for turbulent ride emotionally. Love how Lyssa manages to suck you in with her writing.
This book was no different.
This was Holdon and Lennox's story.
Two polar opposites, Wild party girl and the nerdy book reader boy.
I loved Holdon, he was perfect in every way. Although internally they were both seriously broken. Both sharing experiences that have broken them.
Despite being so different they're friends and they have amazing chemistry.
This book goes through an emotional journey with them both. So be prepared to cry, laugh and love. Also enjoy the spice.

[Anoesjka Connolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lennox is such a party girl and Holden the nerdy gamer boy, what could they possibly have in common? Well this tale tells it all. Another instalment from the gang at sierra cove. Everyone is hiding something, they just need to learn that sometimes its better if your secret is shared with your best friends! Despite the secrets, the drama and the shenanigans there is sweetness, love and a little bit of spice! I'm thoroughly enjoying this series, and this one definitely didn't disappoint either! Well worth the read!

[Evelyn Nicolett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lennox & Holden have been through some stuff.
She has a bad reputation but no one knows why she is that way. She does this as a way to deal with her past.

He feels protective of her but can’t figure out why.
They have a flirty friendship.

He doesn’t want to be another guy she sleeps with, until one drunken night.

You feel bad for both of them with what they’ve dealt with. But eventually they get A HEA.

I voluntarily read an arc for an honest review.

[Lena · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart broke… both for Holden and Lennox’s sake. If it was just one thing, but they have so much to handle.
Lennox tries to bury it and creates a new persona, for her self. Holden tries to remove his ’blood family’ from his mind.
So many emotions in this story.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book

[Bernie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lennox and Holden, broken spirits, suffering from a disturbing past. Outwardly they seem to have nothing in common, but they actually do have shared secrets and experiences. She deals with it in a high spirited, self abusive manner and he hides behind the shadows of his studying and being comfortable at home. Heartbreak, emotional, steamy, but also sadness and pain.

[J. Ockenhouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I simply loved this book. The characters pull you in and give you that heartbreak and hope for them to find solace in each other.

Lyssa made the story, circumstances and characters come to life. Once you start you won't be able to look away.

I received an ARC for an honest and voluntarily review.

[Gina Burkart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Lennox & Holden story and their friends to lovers read. This is a very emotional read that will tear your heart out and piece it back together. This book is full of steamy scenes and the fast paces of the story. This story pulls you right in.

[Ann Gibbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't expecting this story to go the way that it did but man it blew me away. Lennox and Holden's story was very well written with loads of emotions that kept me turning the pages. A wonderful read.

[A · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic book! It was well written, it had a great storyline and it made you want to keep reading more when it finished. I loved the drama and the sass. It had such steamy scenes and the pull toward each other was hot! It was a great book and i really enjoyed it overall!

[Noreen Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

An eye opener. Shows how some people deal with extreme stress. But lack the courage to share with friends because they blame themselves.
A classic case of a bully.
Also explains how friends can help you heel.
A stress shared is a stress halved.

[Caitlin Loggins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I apologize to Lyssa but I was unable to finish "Broken" I just couldn't get into the story. The writing and everything was great, it just wasn't the right book for me.