Staying Broken

by Hazel Lane

I became the youngest top surgeon in my field, yet there is one heart that I have never been able to mend.

My own.

I have the career I have always wanted, I’m successful, and I have a great kid. I’ve decided that women no longer fit into this picture. I’m not putting myself or my son through that kind of heartache EVER again.

Then Kendra happened. Why am I not able to stay away from this girl? She makes it practically impossible. I can’t stop thinking about her. She is so witty and incredibly hot!

Keeping my distance makes sense. I have a son. And I’m NOT telling her.

And getting to ACTUALLY know her. No, not happening!

I don’t trust women. No matter how different one may seem, they are all the same. The most important job I have is protecting my son and that’s exactly what I intend to do.

These are the things I tell myself but I seem to keep letting her in little by little.

If she finds out that I have a kid, she will leave.

And it wouldn’t bother me at all.

Right??

Little did I know. She was hiding something too.

Adults Only!

180 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 13, 2022

Reviews

[Kim Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great introduction to this brand new series. I love where she is going with it. What you get in this story is lots of vulnerable moments, instant desire and immediate action. Within the first couple chapters Avery and Kendra get together physically and have a pretty hot and wild night. There is nothing I love more than the couple taking what they want relatively quickly. There was no hesitation, just need. The book is called “Staying Broken” but I don’t get a broken man or woman vibe from them. What I get is two people who don’t trust easily but if the right one comes along, they will welcome the connection. What I also got from them is the fact that they rose above their hardships from past relationships and didn’t let it affect them in their lives. They were still happy people who liked where they were in life and grew from their mistakes and heartbreak. They weren’t afraid to take that first leap and reveal their feelings for one another. Sure, they didn’t put a label on their relationship, but they took that sense of faith and allowed them to feel happiness. They were tired of feeling broken if you ask me. I also didn’t get grumpy vibes from Avery. What I got was a closed off man who didn’t want to get to close to others, but he still had the decency to be a kind and good human being. Not once did I get the sense they wanted pity. They grew as people together and just in general. What I enjoyed about this book too, is the fact that the story wasn’t solely based on being a single father or with Kendra feeling sorry for herself because of her upraising. The story follows the build of a relationship with lots of hot and steamy nights, giving into carnal desire. I haven’t read a book in a while where most of the book talks about the nights together and the physicality of the relationship, giving it a very gritty and sexy feel. It had a very romantic, emo feel to it and that was different in itself which I thoroughly enjoyed. I can’t wait to continue this series, whenever she wants to come out with the second book.

[Sue Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great new series starter. I really like it when I enjoy the first book in a new series – means there are more to look forward to! The premise here is a group of single dads who meet once a week to socialise and bitch about their exes! Avery, the first of the group whose story is told here, is a respected heart surgeon bringing up his young son; one night at their regular ‘DD club’ (as they guys call themselves) meeting he is captivated by the new bartender, Kendra. I liked the way both of the main characters are ‘broken’ in their own way and have an instant affinity to each other. Kendra’s history is gradually revealed – teasing the reader throughout the book. Both Kendra & Avery are likeable people and are well written with some depth to them. Their way to their HEA is somewhat rocky and seems by no means certain - which just adds to the interest of the narrative. A good read and I will certainly be looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

[Mindy Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Book 1 in the Single Dads Club Series and my first read by this author, and I must say that I quite enjoyed the storyline and characters. It is a steamy yet sweet romance between heart surgeon Avery and bartender Kendra. These flawed but likeable characters, the strong connection, the combustible chemistry, and the unique plot make for an entertaining read. It is a love story with drama, humor, steam, twists and turns, and engaging secondary characters to keep the reader interested. A good start to the series.

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avery and Kendra meet where she works as a bartender. He takes one look at her, and sparks ignite but Avery refuses to give in to them because of his past. Being there with his single dad's club he gets to see Kendra each time they come in so when he stays one night to help her close it changes the direction of their relationship. Avery has a secret that he didn't tell Kendra about and when it comes to light will it end what they have started? This story drew me in and had me glued to their story cheering for them to get their chance for happiness.

[Kelsey McCarty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty Good

While I do think this book was a pretty good read, there were a few things I just couldn't get past. First, the timeline in the book was inconsistent. At one point, it was Monday, but later that day, it was Saturday. Unfortunately, my brain will not let something like that slide. Second, I really wish we got to see more of Chris and Kendra meeting. I feel like there could have been a bit more at the end of the book to make it more complete. With that said, I did love Kendra and Avery together, they seemed to really round each other out.

[J.p · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite an enjoyable start to this single men’s club. First single dad to get his story is Avery a successful heart surgeon with trust issues and Kendra a student/ bar worker. They are both hiding secrets and feel they shouldn’t fall in love but it’s inevitable, the characters are likeable and passionate. Well written book with a touch of heat. This is an arc that I received from the author and I’m reviewing voluntarily.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Avery & Kendra’s book. I became the youngest top surgeon in my field, yet there is one heart that I have never been able to mend. My own. I have the career I have always wanted, I’m successful, and I have a great kid. I’ve decided that women no longer fit into this picture. I’m not putting myself or my son through that kind of heartache EVER again. It was an entertaining read. And am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Guylande Jeudy · Rating 4 out of 5]

" I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book."

Avery is a very successful heart surgeon and single parent. He is wary of relationships since his wife left. The sexy and very focused bartender was supposed to be fun with no strings attached but it does not always work out this way. Will they find a way to give their relationship a chance?

[Charlene Rakstis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Staying Broken

Another good story by this talented author. I have enjoyed reading her other stories and I look forward to more.