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3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
stopped reading at 85%
Not every author is for me, and this book just didn’t do it. I was so, so bored. Skipped to the end, didn’t feel worth actually finishing.
Not every author is for me, and this book just didn’t do it. I was so, so bored. Skipped to the end, didn’t feel worth actually finishing.
This story takes place in a unique little world of a trauma group. It is kind of like a rag tag team of people who are there for each other even though they all really wish they did not have to be there! Poor Colby needs to learn to trust again, and Ben is a natural protector and caregiver and that is what he wants to be for Colby. They develop a tentative friendship that starts to naturally grow into trust and love. This is definitely a slower burn, light steam book. I read an arc and I thought this was a heartwarming hurt comfort read. There is some sadness for what the characters have been through, but we also get Ben and his brother Roman's dynamic and all their bantering to lighten things up. This is the first book, and we are introduced to many characters, but I am all for Roman's Romance next!
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Started off this series reading Ethan and Knox’s story and really enjoyed Nicole’s writing style. One of my favorite m/m tropes is the bi-awakening or gay-for-you trope. This is the first book in the Spark of Hope series and it’s Ben & Colby’s story. I absolutely loved how sweet and loving Ben is and definitely enjoyed the banter between him and his brother and Andrew. I’ll definitely be reading Roman and Brooks story next and any future work Nicole puts out.
Hurt/ Comfort
Bi awakening
Top bottoms
Insta Love
Low angst
Bi awakening
Top bottoms
Insta Love
Low angst
Dykes sets the foundation in place with Bruised But Not Broken.
Ben and Colby are two different men coming from very different backgrounds. One has the need to be the hero and one is a survivor.
Their story does seem more slower and laid back compared to Dykes previous books... but that's works for them. Especially with how serious their situation is.
Several characters are introduced in this book that for sure will come into play in future stories. They are all strong.. meaning Dykes made sure their personalities were able to shine bright.
I can't wait to see what her insanely talented mind comes up with next!
Ben and Colby are two different men coming from very different backgrounds. One has the need to be the hero and one is a survivor.
Their story does seem more slower and laid back compared to Dykes previous books... but that's works for them. Especially with how serious their situation is.
Several characters are introduced in this book that for sure will come into play in future stories. They are all strong.. meaning Dykes made sure their personalities were able to shine bright.
I can't wait to see what her insanely talented mind comes up with next!
dark
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Another excellent MM story by Nicole Dykes. Nicole weaves a beautiful love story between our MCs while balancing very heavy subject matter. As book 1 in a new series I was sucked in from chapter 1, and can’t wait for the side characters (who I fell for just as much as our MCs) to find their HEAs too. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.