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3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse
Minor: Violence, Mass/school shootings, Stalking
I devoured this book! *Definitely check TW! * This is the first book in a new series. Ben's protectiveness over Colby is swoon worthy. I appreciated how their relationship wasn't purely sexual. Building up that trust and emotional relationship first in that situation is crucial. Nicole handled the sensitive topics perfectly. I can't wait to continue with this series
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
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:
Yes
Definitely gonna read the next book.
Bruised but not Broken is book one in the Spark of Hope series. A contemporary MM romance series.
Ben is the owner of a gym and the location for newly started Spark of Hope support group one of his best friends has started to focus on helping those struggling with trauma. Ben is far from the kind of person to speak about his problems.
Colby is trying to survive after an abusive relationship chewed him up and spat him out. He stumbles onto the gym that's hiring. It's the first step to the rest of this life.
This book tackles a few hard issues with trauma and the difficulties that can surround both mental health and therapy.
It's a low/medium angst read which given the topics was a surprised, but enjoyable nonetheless. Colby is a sweet cinnamon roll and Ben has a bit of a saviour complex. What could go wrong?
I'm really keen to see where the next book in this series goes. By the small teaser we got at the end, I can tell it's going to be interesting.
Ben is the owner of a gym and the location for newly started Spark of Hope support group one of his best friends has started to focus on helping those struggling with trauma. Ben is far from the kind of person to speak about his problems.
Colby is trying to survive after an abusive relationship chewed him up and spat him out. He stumbles onto the gym that's hiring. It's the first step to the rest of this life.
This book tackles a few hard issues with trauma and the difficulties that can surround both mental health and therapy.
It's a low/medium angst read which given the topics was a surprised, but enjoyable nonetheless. Colby is a sweet cinnamon roll and Ben has a bit of a saviour complex. What could go wrong?
I'm really keen to see where the next book in this series goes. By the small teaser we got at the end, I can tell it's going to be interesting.
I love the idea that the author had for the series, to show that all types of trauma exist and that it's okay to talk about it. I also loved Ben as a character, he's very sweet and doesn't waffle once he's made a decision.
I found there was a lot of "text book" conversation about trauma in this, which meant it lacked feeling for me. There were also inconsistencies with how characters behaved versus what they said. I struggled to engage with the storyline because of these two aspects.
All in all, I applaud the idea but the execution just didn't quite get there for me.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and I have chosen to leave an honest review.
I found there was a lot of "text book" conversation about trauma in this, which meant it lacked feeling for me. There were also inconsistencies with how characters behaved versus what they said. I struggled to engage with the storyline because of these two aspects.
All in all, I applaud the idea but the execution just didn't quite get there for me.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and I have chosen to leave an honest review.
emotional
sad
fast-paced
I devoured this book in one sitting, I couldn’t put it down! I was so invested in their personal stories as well as their building relationship. I actually picked this one up because I got an ARC for the 2nd book recently, and I’m so glad I did because I loved it! I also liked how the book highlights that trauma comes in many forms.
Ben likes to play the hero and help people in need, and he does the same with Colby. When he just immediately helped Colby out when he saw he was clearly having a hard time had me🥹 It was just so sweet how much he cared about him from the very beginning. I really enjoyed their relationship and seeing them healing together. I also really liked how Ben handled his sexuality. He went from think he was straight to being attracted to Colby, and he just took it in his stride. I do think their story would’ve benefited from being a bit longer. With Colby’s trauma, I feel like it would’ve made more sense for their relationship to develop at a slower pace than it did. But regardless, I still really enjoyed it. It’s a fast paced, easy, emotional read with some heavier topics.
I honestly loved all the characters in this book and I’m very excited for future books in the series!
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book was utterly amazing! This is a bi-awakening m/m love story. Both men struggle with trauma and need each other to heal.
When Colby walks into Ben’s gym all Ben wants to do is help Colby. Colby has just walked out of a very bad relationship and he’s bruised literally and figuratively. These two unlikely men become fast friends but after a surprise kiss that friendship turns into so much more. I loved that this book was pretty low angst. Their relationship is wweeet and beautiful and I couldn’t get enough of their love story. I’m super excited to read Brooks and Roman’s story next.
When Colby walks into Ben’s gym all Ben wants to do is help Colby. Colby has just walked out of a very bad relationship and he’s bruised literally and figuratively. These two unlikely men become fast friends but after a surprise kiss that friendship turns into so much more. I loved that this book was pretty low angst. Their relationship is wweeet and beautiful and I couldn’t get enough of their love story. I’m super excited to read Brooks and Roman’s story next.
3.5 Stars
*** ARC provided by GRR. This is my honest and voluntary review ***
When this one was offered I jumped at it but to be honest there were parts of this one I really liked and parts that I just didn't buy.
I liked Ben and his need to protect the ones around him. I also liked the way the ex wide was handled here. She wasn't painted to be the evil character. His friendly work and friend groups were fun to read. I'd like to find out more about a couple of them (Ethan in particular - there's a story there). Ben's brother Roman drove me nuts, I didn't really understand that dynamic.
I even liked Colby and felt for him after the abuse he had suffered. I just didn't buy his relationship with Ben though. I have never been abused by a partner so don't have first hand knowledge but his reactions to Ben and the way he moved on quickly with Ben didn't ring true to me. He never once flinched away from Ben or showed any signs of being scared. I understand he wasn't scared of Ben but I'd expect it from a person who has beaten for anything and everything like Colby was by his previous partner.
I liked that the guys created a friendship first and them progressed to the relationship.
All in all an ok read, and not a bad start to the series. Looking forward to seeing where the series leads
*** ARC provided by GRR. This is my honest and voluntary review ***
When this one was offered I jumped at it but to be honest there were parts of this one I really liked and parts that I just didn't buy.
I liked Ben and his need to protect the ones around him. I also liked the way the ex wide was handled here. She wasn't painted to be the evil character. His friendly work and friend groups were fun to read. I'd like to find out more about a couple of them (Ethan in particular - there's a story there). Ben's brother Roman drove me nuts, I didn't really understand that dynamic.
I even liked Colby and felt for him after the abuse he had suffered. I just didn't buy his relationship with Ben though. I have never been abused by a partner so don't have first hand knowledge but his reactions to Ben and the way he moved on quickly with Ben didn't ring true to me. He never once flinched away from Ben or showed any signs of being scared. I understand he wasn't scared of Ben but I'd expect it from a person who has beaten for anything and everything like Colby was by his previous partner.
I liked that the guys created a friendship first and them progressed to the relationship.
All in all an ok read, and not a bad start to the series. Looking forward to seeing where the series leads