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Broken #1
Broken
Alec Sumner is fleeing yet another broken heart. By moving to London, he hopes to find peace and a fresh start. While shopping with a friend on a busy London street, he sees his chance, embodied in a mysterious young man with soulful blue eyes and a bad leg.
Eli Burke is broken in his own way, haunted by memories of his lover’s murder and physically scarred from the same fatal assault. He, too, plans to run away—to Africa and a new life working with children. But when he meets Alec, his choice isn't so easy. He and Alec see the real possibility of new love and a brighter future, but they'll both have to face their fears of past pain and find a way to heal.
Eli Burke is broken in his own way, haunted by memories of his lover’s murder and physically scarred from the same fatal assault. He, too, plans to run away—to Africa and a new life working with children. But when he meets Alec, his choice isn't so easy. He and Alec see the real possibility of new love and a brighter future, but they'll both have to face their fears of past pain and find a way to heal.
287 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 2, 2009
2 people are currently reading
528 people want to read
About the author
Dawn Kimberly Johnson
34 books66 followersDawn lives in Huntington, West Virginia, and graduated from the W. Page Pitt School of Journalism & Mass Communications at Marshall University. An avid reader and storyteller since childhood, she was first published by Dreamspinner Press in 2009, shortly after discovering a delightful appetite for gay romantic fiction. Her interests include writing, seeking full civil rights for the LGBTQ community, drawing, and playing silly Facebook games. You can connect with Dawn at her author page at Dreamspinner Press: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/aut...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
September 6, 2015
I always try to say a little if I rate a book real low or if I give 5 stars. So....I wasn't sure I would like this book. It was recommended in a challenge. The plot revolves around the terrible circumstance of a gay "bashing." I am a HUGE crier. Yes, an emotional dope;) I admit I avoid a lot of heavy emotional reads due to that. I charged ahead and read this even knowing I would cry. There is death of a loved one ... of COURSE I'm going to cry, I'm a sap! The plot develops in a very realistic way. I was impressed there wasn't the sexual aspect to this book that so many "romances" have. When reading it, it made me connect even more to the individual characters. Also the main characters were not the only characters that you got to know. It gave the read much more depth. I truly enjoyed this read and will read the rest of the series in the near future.
July 14, 2012
I'm... about a quarter of the way through, so perhaps my score will go up when I'm finished with this, but I cannot get over this one detail.
ASL and BSL are different languages.
And, at least so far, this has been somewhat central to the storyline. Eli went to New York to study sign language. He'd learn the wrong sign language in New York. Unless he was planning on staying in America, the sign language that he would have learned there would have been completely irrelevant when he came back to England. It's right there in the name -- American Sign Language.
The first time Alec sees Eli, he's signing, and Alec thinks he recognizes the letter 'F'. Well, I'm pretty familiar with the ASL alphabet, but I wouldn't know the BSL letter 'F' if it hit me on the forehead.
And he wants to go to Africa and work with the deaf kids there. Great! What language will he be teaching them? ASL? BSL? SASL? According to Wikipedia there are at least 25 sign languages in Africa.
This is like going to Spain to learn Spanish to live in Italy to translate Italian. So I'm going to suspend disbelief and pretend that this is an AU where all Sign Language is the same and see if I can get through the rest of the book, because generally I like books with this general premise.
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Update: Finished. Going from 2 to 2.5 stars for me. Couldn't get over that, even with trying to imagine that there's only one sign language in the world. There's also the keeping a person awake for eight hours after a concussion thing. And there was a flight from London to New York with an eight hour layover in Atlanta, and I spent time trying to figure out why. All of these things distracted from the story, which could have been great. (Quick Google shows that a flight from London to New York takes seven to eight hours, he'd have been better off waiting for one of those, even if he wanted to get out fast.)
I did like the characters, for the most part. I just found the non-important things that were wrong but thrown in anyhow to be annoying.
ASL and BSL are different languages.
And, at least so far, this has been somewhat central to the storyline. Eli went to New York to study sign language. He'd learn the wrong sign language in New York. Unless he was planning on staying in America, the sign language that he would have learned there would have been completely irrelevant when he came back to England. It's right there in the name -- American Sign Language.
The first time Alec sees Eli, he's signing, and Alec thinks he recognizes the letter 'F'. Well, I'm pretty familiar with the ASL alphabet, but I wouldn't know the BSL letter 'F' if it hit me on the forehead.
And he wants to go to Africa and work with the deaf kids there. Great! What language will he be teaching them? ASL? BSL? SASL? According to Wikipedia there are at least 25 sign languages in Africa.
This is like going to Spain to learn Spanish to live in Italy to translate Italian. So I'm going to suspend disbelief and pretend that this is an AU where all Sign Language is the same and see if I can get through the rest of the book, because generally I like books with this general premise.
__
Update: Finished. Going from 2 to 2.5 stars for me. Couldn't get over that, even with trying to imagine that there's only one sign language in the world. There's also the keeping a person awake for eight hours after a concussion thing. And there was a flight from London to New York with an eight hour layover in Atlanta, and I spent time trying to figure out why. All of these things distracted from the story, which could have been great. (Quick Google shows that a flight from London to New York takes seven to eight hours, he'd have been better off waiting for one of those, even if he wanted to get out fast.)
I did like the characters, for the most part. I just found the non-important things that were wrong but thrown in anyhow to be annoying.
November 21, 2011
Another rare book that is going to my "abandoned" shelf.
Why I hate so much this book?
One simple thing... I get tired of so many drunk characters.
First thing I want to clear that the author do not stimulate alcoholism, is not that... at all! BUT the writer exaggerate with characters so drunk that don't remember anything... really something that was no necessary! Worst of all is the behave of Ilsa. She is recovering from alcoholism (she do not drink) so what she do? Buy or give everyone around her something to drink... and her friends, knowing she had this terrible problem don't give a damn and drink a lot, in her face.
Sorry if I'm a little exaggerate, but I think is a serious disorder, and can kill, who drink or who is in the street when a drunk person drive. I can accept that Eli after his horrible assault (when he saw his boyfriend be killed) could get drunk, but the others? Everyone get drunk all the time, for everything! Like a dinner, a gallery opening, or a party near a lake, and someone will wake up without memory!!! WTF! I must take that like a "normal" behave working in a hospital an seeing so many young that arrived in ER already dead? I don't think so... sorry... no... and I was piss off so many times that I can't keep reading.
So, that's why this book don't works for me... I repeat that the writer DO NOT stimulate alcoholism, but I can be comfortable reading about a bunch of drunk and unconscious friends.
Why I'm giving 2 not 0 stars?
It's a good plot, well written, and the romance is pretty good.
But regardless the positive aspects, I do not finish it... there are only 20 pages to finish it, but I can go on... I'm done...
2 stars
Why I hate so much this book?
One simple thing... I get tired of so many drunk characters.
First thing I want to clear that the author do not stimulate alcoholism, is not that... at all! BUT the writer exaggerate with characters so drunk that don't remember anything... really something that was no necessary! Worst of all is the behave of Ilsa. She is recovering from alcoholism (she do not drink) so what she do? Buy or give everyone around her something to drink... and her friends, knowing she had this terrible problem don't give a damn and drink a lot, in her face.
Sorry if I'm a little exaggerate, but I think is a serious disorder, and can kill, who drink or who is in the street when a drunk person drive. I can accept that Eli after his horrible assault (when he saw his boyfriend be killed) could get drunk, but the others? Everyone get drunk all the time, for everything! Like a dinner, a gallery opening, or a party near a lake, and someone will wake up without memory!!! WTF! I must take that like a "normal" behave working in a hospital an seeing so many young that arrived in ER already dead? I don't think so... sorry... no... and I was piss off so many times that I can't keep reading.
So, that's why this book don't works for me... I repeat that the writer DO NOT stimulate alcoholism, but I can be comfortable reading about a bunch of drunk and unconscious friends.
Why I'm giving 2 not 0 stars?
It's a good plot, well written, and the romance is pretty good.
But regardless the positive aspects, I do not finish it... there are only 20 pages to finish it, but I can go on... I'm done...
2 stars
June 11, 2010
What a powerful, powerful story. I was very quickly caught up in the book; it wasn't very long before I couldn't put it down.
This is a story of recovery, of learning to live again, and of second chances. It's especially a story about love; love for one's partner and lover as well as love of, and for, friends and family. It's about the healing power of love and it's a beautiful and touching romance. It's also a terrifying reminder of just how precious and fragile life can be. And it's a testament to just how disgusting and totally destructive hate is and the frightening prevalence of prejudice towards people who are, in whichever way, different.
Eli's memory of the murderous attack on his partner and himself was completely and overwhelmingly horrific. The violence of the attack, and subsequent murder of Bennett, is graphic but not to the point that I couldn't stand it. If anything, it was the emotional destruction that I found hard to deal with. What really made me ill is that the hatred behind it can be found everywhere; as one character later puts it, "he was murdered because he loved a man."
Senseless, frightening, appalling, stupid and outrageous. In turn, I was murderously furious with the attackers. I'm still horrified with the mindset of intolerance and extreme prejudice that exists, often openly, in society. There is something inherently wrong when people are judged, attacked, maimed and murdered because of whom they love.
It's extremely hard to read Ms. Johnson's Broken remain on the sidelines. But she's also given us a story that is, ultimately a celebration of the strength of the human spirit. And I dearly hope that we are treated to another story featuring Eli, Alec and the various others in their lives.
Reviewed for Dark Diva Reviews
This is a story of recovery, of learning to live again, and of second chances. It's especially a story about love; love for one's partner and lover as well as love of, and for, friends and family. It's about the healing power of love and it's a beautiful and touching romance. It's also a terrifying reminder of just how precious and fragile life can be. And it's a testament to just how disgusting and totally destructive hate is and the frightening prevalence of prejudice towards people who are, in whichever way, different.
Eli's memory of the murderous attack on his partner and himself was completely and overwhelmingly horrific. The violence of the attack, and subsequent murder of Bennett, is graphic but not to the point that I couldn't stand it. If anything, it was the emotional destruction that I found hard to deal with. What really made me ill is that the hatred behind it can be found everywhere; as one character later puts it, "he was murdered because he loved a man."
Senseless, frightening, appalling, stupid and outrageous. In turn, I was murderously furious with the attackers. I'm still horrified with the mindset of intolerance and extreme prejudice that exists, often openly, in society. There is something inherently wrong when people are judged, attacked, maimed and murdered because of whom they love.
It's extremely hard to read Ms. Johnson's Broken remain on the sidelines. But she's also given us a story that is, ultimately a celebration of the strength of the human spirit. And I dearly hope that we are treated to another story featuring Eli, Alec and the various others in their lives.
Reviewed for Dark Diva Reviews
April 5, 2010
For being an m/m book about romance blooming out of trauma, it rides some incredible, beautiful lines. I resisted reading at first because I worried it would be sad and emotionally difficult to read, pulling on parts of me I didn't want pulled on, or worse, that it might be too angsty. Neither worry proved true. The book deals with, as the title suggests, a broken protagonist trying (and initially failing) to move on with life after a brutal attack while at the same time processing a loss from that same attack. Throughout the course of the book he comes to some healing through a friendship and the start of a relationship with Alec, who happens to be a psychiatrist.
Broken is a story rich in subtlety and verisimilitude. It made me long for London and the friendships I enjoyed when I visited there, living in a shared house situation much like Johnson paints for the characters. It is a story about trauma told sweetly—but not neatly. I think that was my favorite part. There were so many places where Johnson could have gone with stock characters or plots or easy reaches, but usually she walked up to them, maybe gave a nod, then, bless her, gave an interesting twist instead. I also loved the little details of shared house life and the unique but well-researched professions and traits of the secondary characters. I read the book in an afternoon, but I felt like I languished in a lovely world of story for a week at least.
To read this story is to immerse yourself gently in slightly dark but ultimately healing waters, which, under Johnson's skilled hand, let you bloom along with the characters—and as Alec would say, she lets you do so in your own time.
Thanks, Dawn, for the great read.
Broken is a story rich in subtlety and verisimilitude. It made me long for London and the friendships I enjoyed when I visited there, living in a shared house situation much like Johnson paints for the characters. It is a story about trauma told sweetly—but not neatly. I think that was my favorite part. There were so many places where Johnson could have gone with stock characters or plots or easy reaches, but usually she walked up to them, maybe gave a nod, then, bless her, gave an interesting twist instead. I also loved the little details of shared house life and the unique but well-researched professions and traits of the secondary characters. I read the book in an afternoon, but I felt like I languished in a lovely world of story for a week at least.
To read this story is to immerse yourself gently in slightly dark but ultimately healing waters, which, under Johnson's skilled hand, let you bloom along with the characters—and as Alec would say, she lets you do so in your own time.
Thanks, Dawn, for the great read.
November 10, 2010
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the angst and humor and all the emotion. The characters were well-written and I could picture them easily in my head; their strengths and flaws, fears and insecurities, as well as all the love they had to give. Eli was so, as the title, "Broken" and that scene with the painting of Bennett had me in tears - it was so realistic and raw. Alex was a great character and I really liked his intelligence along with his emotional neediness and kind heart.
I have to say I read a few comments before reading Broken, comments regarding gratuitous use of alcohol, and I have to disagree. These are young single people who hold down jobs, have other interests, love each other and like having a good time. I know people who enjoy themselves to the extent of falling down drunk, and ones who numb themselves from the rigors of their aching hearts and souls the same way. I don't think drinking and getting drunk is in any way more gratuitous or unrealistic than reading stories where casual sex, drug use or abuse is rampant. That's just my opinion, of course.
Sorry for the rambling - I'll just say again that I enjoyed this book; the relationships, the trials and tribulations, the characters and the love. I'll definitely read more by this author.
I have to say I read a few comments before reading Broken, comments regarding gratuitous use of alcohol, and I have to disagree. These are young single people who hold down jobs, have other interests, love each other and like having a good time. I know people who enjoy themselves to the extent of falling down drunk, and ones who numb themselves from the rigors of their aching hearts and souls the same way. I don't think drinking and getting drunk is in any way more gratuitous or unrealistic than reading stories where casual sex, drug use or abuse is rampant. That's just my opinion, of course.
Sorry for the rambling - I'll just say again that I enjoyed this book; the relationships, the trials and tribulations, the characters and the love. I'll definitely read more by this author.
July 20, 2014
I really like Dawn Kimberly Johnson style of writing.
Her books just work for me.
This one is no exception.
Eli has suffered the loss of his lover for two years. He watched him die and almost lost his own life during the attack that killed him.
He's functioning, but just barely, and he's certainly not living.
His 'family' his chosen one, is supportive and is doing their best to help him get back In to life.
This brings Alec in to his life.
Alex is a phycological, although he seems to have some issues of his own.
This book was great, I might have sniffled a little bit and was sad for Bennett, but still happy for Alec and Eli.
Can't wait to get to book 2.
Her books just work for me.
This one is no exception.
Eli has suffered the loss of his lover for two years. He watched him die and almost lost his own life during the attack that killed him.
He's functioning, but just barely, and he's certainly not living.
His 'family' his chosen one, is supportive and is doing their best to help him get back In to life.
This brings Alec in to his life.
Alex is a phycological, although he seems to have some issues of his own.
This book was great, I might have sniffled a little bit and was sad for Bennett, but still happy for Alec and Eli.
Can't wait to get to book 2.
April 9, 2010
A very powerful story that got to me right from the beginning. I have to warn that if you read this, and you tend to cry, be prepared with a box of tissues at hand.
But Dawn Kimberly Johnson did an amazing job bringing Alec and Eli to vibrant yet sometimes painful life. I loved the ebook so much I bought the print version as well.
Broken is one of those stories that you read and it hits you right where you live. Fear of losing someone you love is something to which we can all relate; but to let fear rule your life is not something to just sit back and accept. And in Alec and Eli's story we're reminded, once again, that while life can be fragile, love can give us a strength we never anticipated.
Oh, and once you read Broken , be sure to check out Ms. Johnson's short story - Biting the Christmas Biscuit - that is part of Mistletoe Madness and a wonderful way to finish up Broken.
But Dawn Kimberly Johnson did an amazing job bringing Alec and Eli to vibrant yet sometimes painful life. I loved the ebook so much I bought the print version as well.
Broken is one of those stories that you read and it hits you right where you live. Fear of losing someone you love is something to which we can all relate; but to let fear rule your life is not something to just sit back and accept. And in Alec and Eli's story we're reminded, once again, that while life can be fragile, love can give us a strength we never anticipated.
Oh, and once you read Broken , be sure to check out Ms. Johnson's short story - Biting the Christmas Biscuit - that is part of Mistletoe Madness and a wonderful way to finish up Broken.
December 3, 2009
3.5 stars
This was a very well told story that could easily have sank into overwhelming bitterness and angst. Considering the storyline is weighty and filled with sadness and at times despair it is riveting.
Revolving around the recovery, heart and soul, of one man after senseless brutal violence takes his partner the story watches Eli climb out of mourning and back into living life again.
This book is touching and emotional as we watch Alec reach Eli and help him move forward. Interestingly this book actually has no sex scenes. Not a single one. Since the book ends just as Alec and Eli really firmly reach out to each other we never see them as a full blown couple which is disappointing. After that much emotional investment into the two I felt like the story was just about to really get good and the payoff for all the tears I had shed was just at hand when it ended.
This was a very well told story that could easily have sank into overwhelming bitterness and angst. Considering the storyline is weighty and filled with sadness and at times despair it is riveting.
Revolving around the recovery, heart and soul, of one man after senseless brutal violence takes his partner the story watches Eli climb out of mourning and back into living life again.
This book is touching and emotional as we watch Alec reach Eli and help him move forward. Interestingly this book actually has no sex scenes. Not a single one. Since the book ends just as Alec and Eli really firmly reach out to each other we never see them as a full blown couple which is disappointing. After that much emotional investment into the two I felt like the story was just about to really get good and the payoff for all the tears I had shed was just at hand when it ended.
November 30, 2011
4.5 stars
An amazing book. Have you ever felt your stomach being twisted into knots and your breath hitches painfully in anguish? You can be assured to expect all that and more. Wonderful MC's who pull on every heart string imaginable, its such a beautifully written story. Loved it.
An amazing book. Have you ever felt your stomach being twisted into knots and your breath hitches painfully in anguish? You can be assured to expect all that and more. Wonderful MC's who pull on every heart string imaginable, its such a beautifully written story. Loved it.
November 15, 2009
4.5 stars. Really liked this story that dealt with recovery from loss and opening up to new love. My only complaint is that I wish the ending had been a bit longer or that there had been an epilogue because I wanted to read more about these guys.
February 17, 2010
This is a well written story of loss and second chances. It's also very emotional and angst-filled and as such may not be to everyone's liking. However, if you appreciate the themes of loss, recovery and new beginnings and stories that feature excellent characterization, solid writing and descriptive prose instead of focusing on the physical relationship between the protagonists this would be a great book for you to read.
Eli and Alec are both trying to deal with painful pasts, Eli more so than Alec, and parts of the story are quite sad as Eli recalls the tragic death of his lover, Bennett. As the men form a friendship Eli is firm in telling Alec that it can't go any further as he is "broken" and unable to commit to another man. But Alec doesn't give up on him and slowly Eli starts to see Alec as more than just a friend. Just as they are heading towards a turning point in their relationship Eli learns something about Alec that sends him running off.
Normally I'm not fond of the 'big misunderstanding' trope but in this case it worked well. Eli was able to achieve a measure of closure and peace with his past which allowed him to return to Alec ready to work on a possible future with him.
Another aspect of the book that worked well was the cast of supporting characters. I found them developed enough in their own right to be fun and interesting additions to the story. Eli, with Alec's friendship and support, finds a way to start dealing with the pain of losing the man he loved and in so doing also helps his friends deal with their own grief over the death of the Bennett.
Broken is a riveting story about coming to terms with loss and finding a way to move forward. I really liked both Eli and Alec and felt their relationship was written realistically since it really can take a long time to recover from what Eli went through. Surprisingly enough the fact that there are no sex scenes in the book, aside from kissing and some touching, barely registered and was actually nice for a change. If their relationship had been rushed or if the book had contained a lot of sex scenes it could have diminished the impact of the story.
I highly recommend Broken. It's a beautifully touching story that I think readers of M/M romance books would enjoy.
Eli and Alec are both trying to deal with painful pasts, Eli more so than Alec, and parts of the story are quite sad as Eli recalls the tragic death of his lover, Bennett. As the men form a friendship Eli is firm in telling Alec that it can't go any further as he is "broken" and unable to commit to another man. But Alec doesn't give up on him and slowly Eli starts to see Alec as more than just a friend. Just as they are heading towards a turning point in their relationship Eli learns something about Alec that sends him running off.
Normally I'm not fond of the 'big misunderstanding' trope but in this case it worked well. Eli was able to achieve a measure of closure and peace with his past which allowed him to return to Alec ready to work on a possible future with him.
Another aspect of the book that worked well was the cast of supporting characters. I found them developed enough in their own right to be fun and interesting additions to the story. Eli, with Alec's friendship and support, finds a way to start dealing with the pain of losing the man he loved and in so doing also helps his friends deal with their own grief over the death of the Bennett.
Broken is a riveting story about coming to terms with loss and finding a way to move forward. I really liked both Eli and Alec and felt their relationship was written realistically since it really can take a long time to recover from what Eli went through. Surprisingly enough the fact that there are no sex scenes in the book, aside from kissing and some touching, barely registered and was actually nice for a change. If their relationship had been rushed or if the book had contained a lot of sex scenes it could have diminished the impact of the story.
I highly recommend Broken. It's a beautifully touching story that I think readers of M/M romance books would enjoy.
September 17, 2010
This book was an amazing read. I liked that the author didn't skim over Eli's struggles in order to make a sweeter story. Everything seemed realistic, yet it was still a terrific, sweet romance. I do want to mention that this is not an erotic story; the only 'scene' in the story is interrupted before anything can happen. However, I was so engrossed in the story that I didn't even realize they hadn't had sex until I had finished it!
The story ends before the relationship actually begins, and we're left with a hopeful HFN so it seems very undeveloped, but there is also a sequel, Home, so hopefully we'll get to see the development of the relationship then, plus the sex! :)
The story ends before the relationship actually begins, and we're left with a hopeful HFN so it seems very undeveloped, but there is also a sequel, Home, so hopefully we'll get to see the development of the relationship then, plus the sex! :)
July 23, 2020
3 stars
The plot was great, the execution of it...not so much.
We were introduced to Eli two years after his long term boyfriend died in an encounter of a hate crime. Eli was there but he survived when his boyfriend didn’t, and even after two years he still wallows in his loss and cant move on.
Alec just moved to england after yet another breakup and is looking for an accommodation. After finding an advertisement of an empty room, Alec moved in the house where Eli lives along with 3 other people.
The book is straight up hurt/comfort and could’ve been amazing except...it wasn’t.
I was soooo bored. I needed a hobby from my hobby. I think it was supposed to be slow burn but it was just slow.
It was very tame and mediocre and i was close to begging for something interesting to happen.
The plot was great, the execution of it...not so much.
We were introduced to Eli two years after his long term boyfriend died in an encounter of a hate crime. Eli was there but he survived when his boyfriend didn’t, and even after two years he still wallows in his loss and cant move on.
Alec just moved to england after yet another breakup and is looking for an accommodation. After finding an advertisement of an empty room, Alec moved in the house where Eli lives along with 3 other people.
The book is straight up hurt/comfort and could’ve been amazing except...it wasn’t.
I was soooo bored. I needed a hobby from my hobby. I think it was supposed to be slow burn but it was just slow.
It was very tame and mediocre and i was close to begging for something interesting to happen.
September 7, 2013
3.5 Stars
I am not sure where to begin here. I cried. A LOT. My heart ACHED for Eli. Then when people wouldn't leave him alone or look at him like he was "broken", it hurt. Leave the man alone. He'll be okay! I wanted to slap Isla. I know what she did wasn't out of malice, but she went about it the wrong way.
When Alec came into the picture, I really liked him. Then for some reason he fell flat for me. Like he wasn't trying hard enough, giving Eli too much space? I don't know. I am a firm believer in fighting for what you want and if Alec wanted Eli as much as he says he did then I think he would have tried harder. Instead, I found him acting more like his therapist when he stated he only wanted to his "friend".
The constant POV changes--sometimes in mid paragraph were really confusing. Why did I need to know something from Isla's POV? Speaking of Isla
Overall, it was an emotional tearjerker. I was a sobbing mess for almost the entire thing. I kept thinking about what I would do in that situation. How would I feel? Would I be like Eli or would I move on--for the kids? Would I be a shell? I would have liked to have seen more of Eli and Alec together, just the two of them.
Oh and for some reason, Mirabelle annoyed the piss out of me. HATE her and she really didn't do anything wrong. Go ahead and judge ;)
I am not sure where to begin here. I cried. A LOT. My heart ACHED for Eli. Then when people wouldn't leave him alone or look at him like he was "broken", it hurt. Leave the man alone. He'll be okay! I wanted to slap Isla. I know what she did wasn't out of malice, but she went about it the wrong way.
When Alec came into the picture, I really liked him. Then for some reason he fell flat for me. Like he wasn't trying hard enough, giving Eli too much space? I don't know. I am a firm believer in fighting for what you want and if Alec wanted Eli as much as he says he did then I think he would have tried harder. Instead, I found him acting more like his therapist when he stated he only wanted to his "friend".
The constant POV changes--sometimes in mid paragraph were really confusing. Why did I need to know something from Isla's POV? Speaking of Isla
Overall, it was an emotional tearjerker. I was a sobbing mess for almost the entire thing. I kept thinking about what I would do in that situation. How would I feel? Would I be like Eli or would I move on--for the kids? Would I be a shell? I would have liked to have seen more of Eli and Alec together, just the two of them.
Oh and for some reason, Mirabelle annoyed the piss out of me. HATE her and she really didn't do anything wrong. Go ahead and judge ;)
June 12, 2011
Overall
A perfectly acceptable and enjoyable novel, it did nothing to entrance me or amaze me, although it did entertain.
Strengths
Pacing. Although the pace is slower, it worked for the style of story being told as the relationship develops and then faces its conflict. while not a page turner, it is enjoyable in its own right. It feels more like a lazy day with an old friend than a day out on the town.
Ending. Despite feeling this book was unremarkable, I did enjoy the ending and the overall events that led up to it. It wasn't enough to leave me enraptured with the completed text, but did redeem the slow beginning.
Characters. The characters were interesting and definitely struggling with themselves and the circumstances. They were both fairly likable, although Eli was more difficult to like since he made everything more complicated, even if he had a reason.
Weaknesses
While I really wanted to enjoy this book, it did nothing to entice me to do that. It was acceptable, maybe even good. But it took a long time to create a bond with the characters so that the beginning of the book was a little slow as the characters took the stage. It neither thrilled me or repulsed me, leaving me to finish the novel and go, "Oh" and that was that.
Be sure to check out my other reviews on my blog.
A perfectly acceptable and enjoyable novel, it did nothing to entrance me or amaze me, although it did entertain.
Strengths
Pacing. Although the pace is slower, it worked for the style of story being told as the relationship develops and then faces its conflict. while not a page turner, it is enjoyable in its own right. It feels more like a lazy day with an old friend than a day out on the town.
Ending. Despite feeling this book was unremarkable, I did enjoy the ending and the overall events that led up to it. It wasn't enough to leave me enraptured with the completed text, but did redeem the slow beginning.
Characters. The characters were interesting and definitely struggling with themselves and the circumstances. They were both fairly likable, although Eli was more difficult to like since he made everything more complicated, even if he had a reason.
Weaknesses
While I really wanted to enjoy this book, it did nothing to entice me to do that. It was acceptable, maybe even good. But it took a long time to create a bond with the characters so that the beginning of the book was a little slow as the characters took the stage. It neither thrilled me or repulsed me, leaving me to finish the novel and go, "Oh" and that was that.
Be sure to check out my other reviews on my blog.
May 4, 2010
A nice novel with a sense of serious issue (of gay bashing) around it. I don't know why, but the tone of the story somehow reminds me of a novel by Lisa Jewell called "Ralph's Party" (Random weird opinion, of course) -- since there are a number of characters and secondary stories happening surrounding the main story of Eli and Alec. It's not "heavy" enough that it takes focus out of Eli and Alec but still kind of making me distracted at times. Overall still enjoyable though. It has no sex in it, just a couple of kisses.
December 13, 2011
Good God, by re-reading this story, I still feel the same. This book is simple amazing. The start was tragic and horrible from Eli's point of view. Then the story continues from Alec point, he came to London to get away from his ex. When the path from Alec and Eli crosses, their lives get intervened. I really love this slow development.
This first book was beautifully plotted. The story was full of emotions and tragic elements. I loved all characters, and will gladly re-read other books in this series.
This first book was beautifully plotted. The story was full of emotions and tragic elements. I loved all characters, and will gladly re-read other books in this series.
March 1, 2017
3.5 stars. M/M. A nice story about a victim of a brutal gay bashing (his partner was killed) and a psychiatrist who moves into another room at the boarding house where the victim (and several others) live. The victim is completely closed off, haunted by his memories and injuries. The psychiatrist tries to help him open up. Good idea, but the book moved slowly for me. I was tempted to give up a few times, but happy I finished.
February 19, 2013
★★★☆ rounded up to ★★★★
This was a sweet tale about love healing a battered & broken psych...the characters were likable...the plot was believable but I didn't feel the chemistry between Alec & Eli. I think there needed to be more 'lover-ly' behaviour (hand holding; snuggling; kissing etc) to make the romance more engaging. Not a bad read but not as compelling as I hoped.
This was a sweet tale about love healing a battered & broken psych...the characters were likable...the plot was believable but I didn't feel the chemistry between Alec & Eli. I think there needed to be more 'lover-ly' behaviour (hand holding; snuggling; kissing etc) to make the romance more engaging. Not a bad read but not as compelling as I hoped.
July 31, 2011
3.5 stars.
I found the end to be less than satisfying, while I always felt less connected to the characters than I thought I should. This had great potential but for me, didn't live up to that potential.
I found the end to be less than satisfying, while I always felt less connected to the characters than I thought I should. This had great potential but for me, didn't live up to that potential.
December 6, 2009
I enjoyed this book alot. The characters were well developed and interesting. I look forward to good things from Dawn in the future.
May 2, 2010
Interesting plot, good characters, but no sex. Yeah, I know, I'm shallow.
November 23, 2012
3.5 stars.
August 12, 2016
4.5* very good book--highly recommend
March 11, 2020
I really liked Eli in this book. I wasn’t so hung ho on Alec, though. I did think he made a big mistake by not telling Eli his true profession early on and that he did write a book on surviving trauma. The story was fine and the supporting characters were good; I just didn’t like Alec after he withheld that information. But, all in all, it was a good story.
Read
December 2, 2009Broken is, as expected, a story very heavy in the angst side but not overtly dramatic. I poured my one tear or two, but basically, I think the story was more sweet than anything else, and I really enjoyed the fact that it was "physical" without being sexy. Let me explain a bit: both main characters, Eli and Alec, are very aware of each other in a physical way, the love between them is both a match of minds than bodies, and all around them there are people who are in different stage of relationships, but the novel never goes down to the details, never once there is a full sex scene, even if, more than once, the men fall asleep together (and you will have to read the book to know what I mean). So yes, the novel is physical, but it's not sexy, we and they are aware of the men and their sexuality, and so no, this is not a "sweet romance" as the old romance rules state (no sex we are English...), but it's sweet since the author manages to maintain it on a balanced level, not too much of that, not to few of this.
Eli is recovering from a trauma, his life partner was killed in a gay bashing, and 2 years after his impromptu family, the lesbian best girlf friend of his former partner, and two gay roommates they were living with, think it's time for Eli to come out from the self-imposed "widower" mourning. Ilsa in particular decides to take the matter in hand and rent the attic of the house where they are all living to Alec, an American writer and Psychology professor who is searching a place to live in London, after moving from Chicago due to another one of his "usual" heartbroken. Just from that you can understand that Alec is not exactly the classical psycho-therapist, that let me say, I sometime find boring: when a man has all the answers, I think he is not a nice character. Alec, instead, I think he is a man who learns how to understand and comfort people, since he wanted to understand his own fears and doubts. When one of his relationships fails, he moves to another city to completely change his life; it's a run from reality, but he knows it well. And I think that Alec has also some self-esteem problem, he always thinks that the relationship fails due to some fault from his side... unlikely, but the human mind works in a strange way.
Anyway, when Alec meets Eli, he is the only one who understands that Eli has not the need to be pushed out from his mourning, he needs to be taken by. Eli is almost ready, he only needs to find a reason, and maybe the reason can be a new love, Alec. Obviously when you hide to Eli that Alec is a psychologist, and more he is specialized in after-trauma, well, you also understand that troubles are behind the corner.
Eli and Alec are very nice characters, well developed and likeable. The story between them is nice and sweet. What probably is the best part of this novel is that they are not the only ones to be good characters. They can be the main focus of the story, but all the supporting characters around them, from the most important ones, like Ilsa, Lyle and Tony, Eli's roommates, to Casey, Mirabell, the best girl friends, to even the cameo roles like Dray, Reggie and Ray, they all have an interesting background story, they all aroused my interest and made me wonder about them, about their story and its possible evolution. Broken could be Eli and Alec's love story, but it's also a choral book where all the characters have a very important role.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1615810870/?...
Eli is recovering from a trauma, his life partner was killed in a gay bashing, and 2 years after his impromptu family, the lesbian best girlf friend of his former partner, and two gay roommates they were living with, think it's time for Eli to come out from the self-imposed "widower" mourning. Ilsa in particular decides to take the matter in hand and rent the attic of the house where they are all living to Alec, an American writer and Psychology professor who is searching a place to live in London, after moving from Chicago due to another one of his "usual" heartbroken. Just from that you can understand that Alec is not exactly the classical psycho-therapist, that let me say, I sometime find boring: when a man has all the answers, I think he is not a nice character. Alec, instead, I think he is a man who learns how to understand and comfort people, since he wanted to understand his own fears and doubts. When one of his relationships fails, he moves to another city to completely change his life; it's a run from reality, but he knows it well. And I think that Alec has also some self-esteem problem, he always thinks that the relationship fails due to some fault from his side... unlikely, but the human mind works in a strange way.
Anyway, when Alec meets Eli, he is the only one who understands that Eli has not the need to be pushed out from his mourning, he needs to be taken by. Eli is almost ready, he only needs to find a reason, and maybe the reason can be a new love, Alec. Obviously when you hide to Eli that Alec is a psychologist, and more he is specialized in after-trauma, well, you also understand that troubles are behind the corner.
Eli and Alec are very nice characters, well developed and likeable. The story between them is nice and sweet. What probably is the best part of this novel is that they are not the only ones to be good characters. They can be the main focus of the story, but all the supporting characters around them, from the most important ones, like Ilsa, Lyle and Tony, Eli's roommates, to Casey, Mirabell, the best girl friends, to even the cameo roles like Dray, Reggie and Ray, they all have an interesting background story, they all aroused my interest and made me wonder about them, about their story and its possible evolution. Broken could be Eli and Alec's love story, but it's also a choral book where all the characters have a very important role.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1615810870/?...
March 5, 2017
3,5 stars
August 3, 2011
What a great read! This book could have contained some real heavy angst since Eli still hadn't recovered emotionally from losing his partner so violently, but it wasn't too bad. In fact, the "conversations" Eli had with Bennet (his dead lover) were just so sad but beautifully executed by the author because she didn't focus on how Eli lost Bennet but rather how much they loved each other. In fact, the very first scene about broke my heart. And Alec was simply wonderful but I'm still not sure I ever got why he qualified to write a best-selling novel on surviving trauma. So he had some crappy relationships in the past; not sure his "angst" compared to what happened to Eli.
A few things that made this a 4 star read instead of 5:
1. Head hopping!!! I hate it so much and it was really weird in this book because we got not only Eli's and Alec's POV, but the other housemates/friends as well. And sometimes within the very same paragraph. There was even one instance (within one paragraph) that we got Eli, then Alec, and then apparently the author? It was weird and so very distracting.
2. The book ended just when Alec and Eli finally got together. They never had sex and I think they may have exchanged a couple of kisses but that's about it. I don't need to really have on-page sex (although it's always nice, lol!). But we are left to assume they are finally together. I understand there is a sequel but I really didn't like how it just ended.
3. Too much about Casey/Isla and Tony/Lyle getting together/not together. I realize that these people are the housemates and best friends and I really liked them (they all really love each other and are definitely a strong support group), but it was too much that took away from Eli/Alec.
4. Not sure why Alec needed to be gay-bashed as well. That was too cruel, I think. Hasn't Eli suffered enough? Although Alec's disbelief about Tony knowing karate was kinda funny.
Despite all that, this book was good. I definitely recommend it.
A few things that made this a 4 star read instead of 5:
1. Head hopping!!! I hate it so much and it was really weird in this book because we got not only Eli's and Alec's POV, but the other housemates/friends as well. And sometimes within the very same paragraph. There was even one instance (within one paragraph) that we got Eli, then Alec, and then apparently the author? It was weird and so very distracting.
2. The book ended just when Alec and Eli finally got together. They never had sex and I think they may have exchanged a couple of kisses but that's about it. I don't need to really have on-page sex (although it's always nice, lol!). But we are left to assume they are finally together. I understand there is a sequel but I really didn't like how it just ended.
3. Too much about Casey/Isla and Tony/Lyle getting together/not together. I realize that these people are the housemates and best friends and I really liked them (they all really love each other and are definitely a strong support group), but it was too much that took away from Eli/Alec.
4. Not sure why Alec needed to be gay-bashed as well. That was too cruel, I think. Hasn't Eli suffered enough? Although Alec's disbelief about Tony knowing karate was kinda funny.
Despite all that, this book was good. I definitely recommend it.
December 11, 2009
4 stars. While I really really enjoyed reading this story and I loved the characters, there were a few things that kept me from completely loving it:
That said, this novel brought tears to my eyes! Lovely characterization and the author knows how to bring the emotions to life. I definitely recommend it.
1- The shifting pov's. Each paragraph it seemed was from different person's perspective, and the change sometimes occurred in the same paragraph and quite unexpectedly. This was a bit distracting and made the narration hard to follow.
2- As Jen said, I would have liked to read more about Alec and Eli getting together. Not actually having sex, but just *talking*. For instance, Alec never got to explain the whole debacle with his book on trauma. Anne Brooke had a similar ending in Bones of Summer, but there it worked better because the 2 characters had so much history between them you could imagine what would go on, but there we didn't have that.
3- The dynamics between Casey and Isla never got resolved.
4- There were a few editing slips. Misuse of homonyms, typos and such.
5- The scene with Alec that preceded the reconciliation seemed a little too convenient, too much of a coincidence.
That said, this novel brought tears to my eyes! Lovely characterization and the author knows how to bring the emotions to life. I definitely recommend it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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