Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
Nicole does it again and writes yet another epic story. Ben and Colby's story is emotional and hard hitting but beautiful. Dealing with mental health issues will test most authors but Nicole does it with ease and this story is amazing. Can't wait for the next book.
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
This book gave me all the feels! Nicole Dykes did such a wonderful job setting up the groundwork for her new series, centered around different types of trauma.
“Bruised But Not Broken” follows Ben and Colby. Ben owns a gym a block away from where his wife is attacked. The fact that he could not protect her bothers him a lot. It reminds him of a childhood trauma that he doesn’t like to think about. To top it off, she asks for a divorce in the hospital room. Ben and Summer have been together since they were 15 years old, so it’s hard to let go at 34, despite the relationship being hollow for a long while.
Colby sees a flyer asking for help at Ben’s gym. He has recently fled an abusive relationship from his boyfriend of four years, Christopher. Ben offers Colby a job and a small apartment above the gym. The two become fast friends and eventually grow close.
There’s a flyer in Ben’s gym advertising a support group for individuals dealing with trauma, called Spark of Hope. Both men feel some kind of way about therapy, but eventually attend and see the help talking about things (whether one-on-one or in a group) can bring.
Ben is achingly sweet. He’s very protective over the people he cares about. He’s a good guy and he’s always one to lend support any way he can. Colby is skittish when it comes to trusting again, but he’s so much stronger than he thinks. He draws people in without even realizing it. (I love how he got Ethan to attend a trauma support group meeting). I really appreciate the deep conversations that Colby and Ben have. The two brighten each other’s lives and become better versions of themselves around one another.
This was a great story of healing and finding/accepting yourself. It had a great supporting cast and I’m very much looking forward to Roman’s (Ben’s brother) book, up next in the series!!
“Bruised But Not Broken” follows Ben and Colby. Ben owns a gym a block away from where his wife is attacked. The fact that he could not protect her bothers him a lot. It reminds him of a childhood trauma that he doesn’t like to think about. To top it off, she asks for a divorce in the hospital room. Ben and Summer have been together since they were 15 years old, so it’s hard to let go at 34, despite the relationship being hollow for a long while.
Colby sees a flyer asking for help at Ben’s gym. He has recently fled an abusive relationship from his boyfriend of four years, Christopher. Ben offers Colby a job and a small apartment above the gym. The two become fast friends and eventually grow close.
There’s a flyer in Ben’s gym advertising a support group for individuals dealing with trauma, called Spark of Hope. Both men feel some kind of way about therapy, but eventually attend and see the help talking about things (whether one-on-one or in a group) can bring.
Ben is achingly sweet. He’s very protective over the people he cares about. He’s a good guy and he’s always one to lend support any way he can. Colby is skittish when it comes to trusting again, but he’s so much stronger than he thinks. He draws people in without even realizing it. (I love how he got Ethan to attend a trauma support group meeting). I really appreciate the deep conversations that Colby and Ben have. The two brighten each other’s lives and become better versions of themselves around one another.
This was a great story of healing and finding/accepting yourself. It had a great supporting cast and I’m very much looking forward to Roman’s (Ben’s brother) book, up next in the series!!
Another great story from Nicole
two characters very interesting , difficult topic and a very "light" writing.
Impossible to choose one, maybe Ben but just a little...
Everyone have a trauma to cope, they're so sweet and lovable, I want only happines for this two.
I can't wait for the next one, I'm curious for the next drama.
Thanks GRR for the copy, maybe for this one I write a italian review next.
two characters very interesting , difficult topic and a very "light" writing.
Impossible to choose one, maybe Ben but just a little...
Everyone have a trauma to cope, they're so sweet and lovable, I want only happines for this two.
I can't wait for the next one, I'm curious for the next drama.
Thanks GRR for the copy, maybe for this one I write a italian review next.
emotional
fast-paced
hopeful
fast-paced
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!
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I enjoyed this, but overall, it felt rushed. Colby walks into Ben's gym when he sees a help wanted poster in the widow whilst he is walking around after fleeing his abusive ex. Ben has a bit of a saviour complex and instantly knows Colby needs help, so he offers him the job and a place to stay. Their friendship and subsequent romance goes from there, but for me, it all happens too quickly, especially where Colby is concerned with him coming from an abusive relationship.
When topics like abuse & trauma are a main plot point for a character I feel they need to be given more depth, emotion and time to be worked through and other than a couple of conversations we didn't really get that with Colby and Ben who also has trauma in his past. Infact both characters openly say how they think therapy etc is ridiculous and how they don't see the point of it, which contradicts the fact Ben let's his friend Andrew who is a therapist hold a support group for trauma at his gym. 🤷♀️
Ben's bi?/gay? awakening also felt rushed, I'm all for low angst awakenings, but to have no internal trepidation for such a drastic shift within one's self felt unrealistic to me. Both MCs were sweet, though, and had cute moments together. The spice was ok, but because everything else felt rushed, it didn't add much to the story for me. I will give the next book in the series a go as I've read other books by this author and loved them, so maybe this one just slightly missed the mark for me. 🌶.5
When topics like abuse & trauma are a main plot point for a character I feel they need to be given more depth, emotion and time to be worked through and other than a couple of conversations we didn't really get that with Colby and Ben who also has trauma in his past. Infact both characters openly say how they think therapy etc is ridiculous and how they don't see the point of it, which contradicts the fact Ben let's his friend Andrew who is a therapist hold a support group for trauma at his gym. 🤷♀️
Ben's bi?/gay? awakening also felt rushed, I'm all for low angst awakenings, but to have no internal trepidation for such a drastic shift within one's self felt unrealistic to me. Both MCs were sweet, though, and had cute moments together. The spice was ok, but because everything else felt rushed, it didn't add much to the story for me. I will give the next book in the series a go as I've read other books by this author and loved them, so maybe this one just slightly missed the mark for me. 🌶.5
I liked this one. It flowed well and didn’t stick too long with the stubborn, I won’t let you help me vibes.
A beautiful, hope filled journey that I didn't want to end.
This is a story about trauma, healing, and budding relationships - both friendship and sensual. It takes a very personal path of not only two men who have gone through some very horrible trials in their lives, but also those close to them who have also experienced trauma in one form or another. There are very raw moments, but offset with extremely tender ones. It's very well done.
Ben and his brother, Roman, along with their long time friend, Andrew who is a therapist, begin a trauma group therapy meeting at Ben's gym and while Andrew is the therapist in charge, Ben and Roman lead self defense classes afterwards. This is the initial premise of the Spark of Hope group. A safe space for someone who has been involved in some form of trauma; whether it's by accident, abuse, attack, bullying, etc...their group is a safe space to meet. Plus Ben's gym is the perfect spot to not only hold the meetings, but also to have a self defense class where people won't have to travel or have the chance to change their minds if they have been in a situation where they need that opportunity to feel empowered again.
I have to say I love the premise and what these three men do. While these three men have had a long time bond, so there is lots of ribbing and such, at the heart there is a wonderful respect for one another that makes the story have this warm cozy feel.
Ben Price has only been with one woman in his life, but when his wife files for divorce, he's left feeling hollow and completely unsure of where life will take him. He's often accused of having a hero syndrome with everyone in his life, so when a beat up young man steps into his gym looking for a job, of course he offers to help. Never once did Ben look at Colby as anything other than a man who needed a job, a place to stay and someone who really just needed a little help getting back on his feet, but when they begin spending time together as friends and that friendship blossoms into more, Ben no longer has a hollow feeling inside and he sees hope for the first time in a long time, but is it his hero complex kicking in or could he really have true feelings for Colby?
Colby is a young man who will break your heart. The guilt and shame he carries with him is so heavy it's amazing he can walk around everyday, He's been emotionally and physically abused for years and like all domestically abused victims he doesn't know how to break the cycle. Learning how to trust, to stop hearing all the hateful words cycling through his head...well, I like to think it's fate that had him walking into Ben's gym one rainy day. However, he isn't sure Ben could like him for him. Ben has never been with a man before and then there are those awful voices that constantly filter through his mind. Yeah...I know how powerful those can be. I wanted to hug Colby all the time.
Their story touches on a lot of hard topics, but it's also like a phoenix rising from the ashes in its beauty. I loved reading how both of them blossomed in each other's presence, because that is what love truly does for the other person, it doesn't diminish or take away, but it makes the person you love really shine.
Bruised But Not Broken is a beautiful book and I loved reading it.
This is a story about trauma, healing, and budding relationships - both friendship and sensual. It takes a very personal path of not only two men who have gone through some very horrible trials in their lives, but also those close to them who have also experienced trauma in one form or another. There are very raw moments, but offset with extremely tender ones. It's very well done.
Ben and his brother, Roman, along with their long time friend, Andrew who is a therapist, begin a trauma group therapy meeting at Ben's gym and while Andrew is the therapist in charge, Ben and Roman lead self defense classes afterwards. This is the initial premise of the Spark of Hope group. A safe space for someone who has been involved in some form of trauma; whether it's by accident, abuse, attack, bullying, etc...their group is a safe space to meet. Plus Ben's gym is the perfect spot to not only hold the meetings, but also to have a self defense class where people won't have to travel or have the chance to change their minds if they have been in a situation where they need that opportunity to feel empowered again.
I have to say I love the premise and what these three men do. While these three men have had a long time bond, so there is lots of ribbing and such, at the heart there is a wonderful respect for one another that makes the story have this warm cozy feel.
Ben Price has only been with one woman in his life, but when his wife files for divorce, he's left feeling hollow and completely unsure of where life will take him. He's often accused of having a hero syndrome with everyone in his life, so when a beat up young man steps into his gym looking for a job, of course he offers to help. Never once did Ben look at Colby as anything other than a man who needed a job, a place to stay and someone who really just needed a little help getting back on his feet, but when they begin spending time together as friends and that friendship blossoms into more, Ben no longer has a hollow feeling inside and he sees hope for the first time in a long time, but is it his hero complex kicking in or could he really have true feelings for Colby?
Colby is a young man who will break your heart. The guilt and shame he carries with him is so heavy it's amazing he can walk around everyday, He's been emotionally and physically abused for years and like all domestically abused victims he doesn't know how to break the cycle. Learning how to trust, to stop hearing all the hateful words cycling through his head...well, I like to think it's fate that had him walking into Ben's gym one rainy day. However, he isn't sure Ben could like him for him. Ben has never been with a man before and then there are those awful voices that constantly filter through his mind. Yeah...I know how powerful those can be. I wanted to hug Colby all the time.
Their story touches on a lot of hard topics, but it's also like a phoenix rising from the ashes in its beauty. I loved reading how both of them blossomed in each other's presence, because that is what love truly does for the other person, it doesn't diminish or take away, but it makes the person you love really shine.
Bruised But Not Broken is a beautiful book and I loved reading it.