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3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
So I read the first 65% of the book then, I got bored and stopped reading for like 4 months. I picked it back up quickly and finished... only cos I liked the blurb of some of the other books in the series. I may pick those up and read or may not. This was a good cute book but I think Colby & Ben both annoyed me a bit. Colby was just whiney and I'm not a personal fan of the hero complex thing.
Bruised But Not Broken is everything I’ve come to expect from Nicole Dykes - sweet main characters, a cast of interesting side characters, easy romance and low angst.
Ben has a bit of a hero complex - he loves to swoop in and save the day, something he finds himself trying to do often. He owns a gym and is a workaholic - putting his all into making his business a success. After his wife is attacked and springs a divorce on him, he feels adrift and confused until Colby wanders by his gym.
Colby found himself stuck in an abusive relationship for years, something that he thought he deserved. But once he gets himself out from under his boyfriend’s thumb, he’s in need of a job and a place to stay, which led him to Ben’s gym. Once he’s comfortable, Colby starts to recognize that he has some lingering trauma from his past relationship but is drawn to Ben’s stability and safety.
These two went from boss/employee to friends to boyfriends pretty quickly. They started opening up to each other about their pasts since they didn’t feel comfortable sharing at the Spark of Hope trauma support group happening at the gym and they built a relationship from there. Even though Ben hadn’t ever been interested in men before, Colby captures his attention. Once Colby accepts that he’s not just Ben’s experiment but someone who means something to him (and that he deserves it), their relationship turns into something solid and lasting.
I felt a little disappointed with all of the negative talk surrounding therapy. Ben and Roman are extremely outspoken about their feelings and I think it created a negative opinion with all of the gym workers. Since this is the first book in the series, I’m hoping it improves as more people are helped by the Spark of Hope group.
We met a lot of great characters in this series introduction (Roman, Andrew, Ethan, even Brooks at the very end), so I’m looking forward to seeing where this series will go next.
Ben has a bit of a hero complex - he loves to swoop in and save the day, something he finds himself trying to do often. He owns a gym and is a workaholic - putting his all into making his business a success. After his wife is attacked and springs a divorce on him, he feels adrift and confused until Colby wanders by his gym.
Colby found himself stuck in an abusive relationship for years, something that he thought he deserved. But once he gets himself out from under his boyfriend’s thumb, he’s in need of a job and a place to stay, which led him to Ben’s gym. Once he’s comfortable, Colby starts to recognize that he has some lingering trauma from his past relationship but is drawn to Ben’s stability and safety.
These two went from boss/employee to friends to boyfriends pretty quickly. They started opening up to each other about their pasts since they didn’t feel comfortable sharing at the Spark of Hope trauma support group happening at the gym and they built a relationship from there. Even though Ben hadn’t ever been interested in men before, Colby captures his attention. Once Colby accepts that he’s not just Ben’s experiment but someone who means something to him (and that he deserves it), their relationship turns into something solid and lasting.
I felt a little disappointed with all of the negative talk surrounding therapy. Ben and Roman are extremely outspoken about their feelings and I think it created a negative opinion with all of the gym workers. Since this is the first book in the series, I’m hoping it improves as more people are helped by the Spark of Hope group.
We met a lot of great characters in this series introduction (Roman, Andrew, Ethan, even Brooks at the very end), so I’m looking forward to seeing where this series will go next.
This was a great start to a new series! I will say this one did hook me in right away! This was pretty much a one sit read for me! I love Colby and Ben! They were just what each other needed. The set up for this series was great and it did not take away from the story being told. There are lighthearted moments and then there are moments that you will feel the feels. I can’t wait for the next book.
Received a arc for a honest review.
**author content warning: “***Bruised But Not Broken is set around a trauma support group and will, therefore, touch on extremely sensitive subjects. I’ll always do my best to handle these topics with care and healing, and with no intention of hurting anyone. But please, heed this warning if you have any triggers.**”
Received a arc for a honest review.
**author content warning: “***Bruised But Not Broken is set around a trauma support group and will, therefore, touch on extremely sensitive subjects. I’ll always do my best to handle these topics with care and healing, and with no intention of hurting anyone. But please, heed this warning if you have any triggers.**”
It’s funny how one moment can change everything. When Ben & his wife get in an argument and she is attacked on her way home it’s the impetus for her to realize their marriage isn’t working and leave. After being married for 10 years to the girl he saved so many years ago he’s alone for the first time.
Colby has just left his toxic relationship for what he hopes is the last time when he stumbles upon a flyer for a gym looking for help as well a trauma support meeting. He think this must be a sign but when sees the very handsome owner he’s distrustful about this seemingly nice guy who offers him, the bruised and bloody man who walked in off the street, not only a job but a place to live. In his experience there must be a catch. No way he just happened to find the last nice guy left in this city.
Ben has always had a bit of a savior complex but with Colby it feels different. He wants to earn his trust and help him get back on his feet especially when he’s reluctant to partake in the group support sessions. But when their after hours one-on-one therapy sessions start to get a little more intimate than either one of them bargained for can they find what each one of them needs in each other?
I loved the premise of this story. The overprotective gym owner with a biawakening who finds himself falling for the guy who desperately needs unconditional love and affection. But the way that Nicole weaves this story had me all up in my feelings with them. I felt the despair and hopelessness of leaving a toxic relationship only to worry you aren’t good enough for more. I felt Ben’s worry that no matter what he did he couldn’t get through to the damage that had been done. I was rooting for this couple so hard even before Ben realized what was happening in his heart.
I hope that if anyone who reads this book (or even this review) is in a similar situation to Colby they see that there is hope for them. You are worthy of love no matter what anyone says. We all are.
Thanks so much to Nicole for providing me with an early copy to review! You blew me away as always ❤️
Colby has just left his toxic relationship for what he hopes is the last time when he stumbles upon a flyer for a gym looking for help as well a trauma support meeting. He think this must be a sign but when sees the very handsome owner he’s distrustful about this seemingly nice guy who offers him, the bruised and bloody man who walked in off the street, not only a job but a place to live. In his experience there must be a catch. No way he just happened to find the last nice guy left in this city.
Ben has always had a bit of a savior complex but with Colby it feels different. He wants to earn his trust and help him get back on his feet especially when he’s reluctant to partake in the group support sessions. But when their after hours one-on-one therapy sessions start to get a little more intimate than either one of them bargained for can they find what each one of them needs in each other?
I loved the premise of this story. The overprotective gym owner with a biawakening who finds himself falling for the guy who desperately needs unconditional love and affection. But the way that Nicole weaves this story had me all up in my feelings with them. I felt the despair and hopelessness of leaving a toxic relationship only to worry you aren’t good enough for more. I felt Ben’s worry that no matter what he did he couldn’t get through to the damage that had been done. I was rooting for this couple so hard even before Ben realized what was happening in his heart.
I hope that if anyone who reads this book (or even this review) is in a similar situation to Colby they see that there is hope for them. You are worthy of love no matter what anyone says. We all are.
Thanks so much to Nicole for providing me with an early copy to review! You blew me away as always ❤️
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
“There’s nothing wrong with him at all. He’s not broken. Maybe he’s a little bruised up like the rest of us, but he’s far from shattered.”
Bruised But Not Broken is the first book in the Spark of Hope series. It’s centered around a trauma support group. You’ll be meeting different characters that show up to the group.
Ben and Colby are an interesting duo that I’m still trying to figure out if they REALLY fit together. Individually, I think they’re both great characters – I really enjoy Colby’s growth and journey in the book and how Ben discovers himself and just rolls with it. Together, though, I’m kind of thinking these two were better off just being friends.
In Bruised But Not Broken, there is trauma and tough situations that are discussed. While I think they were discussed in a way that won’t be offensive to anyone, I think the way the trauma support group/therapy was discussed was a bit off. Now, here me out… I don’t personally think therapy is worth it – personal experience, so I’m trying to look at this situation from a different perspective. Characters rudely discuss the idea of therapy and the support group and they. They joke about it. It is what it is. However, we must remember, what a character does doesn’t necessarily represent what the author believe. And in this case, that’s 100% the case – Nicole means absolutely no harm about it. Like real life, everyone has different opinions about things, and it’s no different for these characters.
The gaggle of side characters were pretty entertaining at times. This wasn’t my favorite book, but I did enjoy many aspects of it. Definitely want to see what happens to Colby and Ben – there’s no way their story is finished! At the end, a new character brought in, and I’m pretty excited to learn about him.
Bruised But Not Broken is the first book in the Spark of Hope series. It’s centered around a trauma support group. You’ll be meeting different characters that show up to the group.
Ben and Colby are an interesting duo that I’m still trying to figure out if they REALLY fit together. Individually, I think they’re both great characters – I really enjoy Colby’s growth and journey in the book and how Ben discovers himself and just rolls with it. Together, though, I’m kind of thinking these two were better off just being friends.
In Bruised But Not Broken, there is trauma and tough situations that are discussed. While I think they were discussed in a way that won’t be offensive to anyone, I think the way the trauma support group/therapy was discussed was a bit off. Now, here me out… I don’t personally think therapy is worth it – personal experience, so I’m trying to look at this situation from a different perspective. Characters rudely discuss the idea of therapy and the support group and they. They joke about it. It is what it is. However, we must remember, what a character does doesn’t necessarily represent what the author believe. And in this case, that’s 100% the case – Nicole means absolutely no harm about it. Like real life, everyone has different opinions about things, and it’s no different for these characters.
The gaggle of side characters were pretty entertaining at times. This wasn’t my favorite book, but I did enjoy many aspects of it. Definitely want to see what happens to Colby and Ben – there’s no way their story is finished! At the end, a new character brought in, and I’m pretty excited to learn about him.
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
I have discovered my newest comfort read.
Ben & Colby did something to my heart that just made it…sigh…is that a thing? Because it definitely should be.
The way Ben & Colby helped one another acknowledge and face their individual traumas, while still being respectful of each other’s boundaries…just melted me.
They took a chance on each other, and it was such a beautiful thing. Ben & Colby took their past regrets, and grew from them. Not only for themselves, but also for each other.
AND HONEY - their chemistry? PHEW! Straight fire!!
Ben & Colby did something to my heart that just made it…sigh…is that a thing? Because it definitely should be.
The way Ben & Colby helped one another acknowledge and face their individual traumas, while still being respectful of each other’s boundaries…just melted me.
They took a chance on each other, and it was such a beautiful thing. Ben & Colby took their past regrets, and grew from them. Not only for themselves, but also for each other.
AND HONEY - their chemistry? PHEW! Straight fire!!
3.5/ stars
It was very average. It was a very fast book to read, but I just felt that they ending was very rushed through. I also thought that the relationship itself was moving faster like they got together then BAM "i love you".
It was very average. It was a very fast book to read, but I just felt that they ending was very rushed through. I also thought that the relationship itself was moving faster like they got together then BAM "i love you".
Bruised but not Broken was just such a heartwarming and emotional read, considering the rather heavy topics it was surprisingly hopeful and not as dark as I thought it would be.
The story and characters felt real to me; they struggle, and falling in love isn’t a magic cure for all that they’ve been through. Both Ben and Colby have negative views on therapy which I know will bother some people, but it wasn’t an issue for me. Therapy isn’t for everyone, the important thing is to find a safe space where the healing can start and Ben and Colby found that with each other in their own little support group.
Ben was such a sweet character and I adored how patient and loving he was towards Colby. Their story focused a lot on struggles and healing, but it managed to stay hopeful and never got too dark. However, in my option, their relationship happened a little too fast, especially considering Colby’s recent breakup from an abusive boyfriend and that Ben had never been attracted to a guy before. There could have been some more building, pining and tension between them before anything happened.
Overall Bruised but not Broken was a great read and an absolutely beautiful love story, but it was a little too fast paced for me and I didn’t connect as much as I would have wanted with the story. There were many side characters introduced though and I’m curious to see which characters that will get their own stories, I really want to see more of Ethan - he seemed so sweet!
The story and characters felt real to me; they struggle, and falling in love isn’t a magic cure for all that they’ve been through. Both Ben and Colby have negative views on therapy which I know will bother some people, but it wasn’t an issue for me. Therapy isn’t for everyone, the important thing is to find a safe space where the healing can start and Ben and Colby found that with each other in their own little support group.
Ben was such a sweet character and I adored how patient and loving he was towards Colby. Their story focused a lot on struggles and healing, but it managed to stay hopeful and never got too dark. However, in my option, their relationship happened a little too fast, especially considering Colby’s recent breakup from an abusive boyfriend and that Ben had never been attracted to a guy before. There could have been some more building, pining and tension between them before anything happened.
Overall Bruised but not Broken was a great read and an absolutely beautiful love story, but it was a little too fast paced for me and I didn’t connect as much as I would have wanted with the story. There were many side characters introduced though and I’m curious to see which characters that will get their own stories, I really want to see more of Ethan - he seemed so sweet!