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3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
Full review:
https://www.mmromancereviewed.com/2022/05/bruised-but-not-broken-spark-of-hope-1.html
https://www.mmromancereviewed.com/2022/05/bruised-but-not-broken-spark-of-hope-1.html
Nicole Dykes is so good at creating a beautiful love story between two wounded men. This one is no exception. Despite the heavy subject matter, it’s fairly low angst. I definitely had to keep an open mind about how different everyone’s approach to therapy can be, but once you move beyond those judgments, you find a super sweet romance between two men that find strength within themselves as they simultaneously find it in each other.
Ben and Colby … I just wanted to wrap them up in a big, squishy hug. I couldn’t decide who needed it most. It was so touching watching them learn to open up and trust again, together and through the support group at Ben’s gym. Once they’re able to fully trust in the bond they’ve formed, they find hope, some hot sexy times … but most of all love, of course.
Ben and Colby … I just wanted to wrap them up in a big, squishy hug. I couldn’t decide who needed it most. It was so touching watching them learn to open up and trust again, together and through the support group at Ben’s gym. Once they’re able to fully trust in the bond they’ve formed, they find hope, some hot sexy times … but most of all love, of course.
Beta Review!
This was such a beautiful and heartwarming story that I absolutely loved!
Both Ben and Colby have been through so much in the beginning of this book. Ben’s relationship with his wife doesn’t work out. And Colby was in a very toxic relationship that he just got out of. Ben and Colby are at such low points in their lives. What started out as trying to support Colby turns into Ben really discovering his sexuality.
Ben is the most caring guy, and I loved how protective he was of Colby. Colby has definitely been through hell, and he has trust issues now. So, obviously he had a hard time really letting anyone in, but he ends up really making a connection with Ben. What I really like about their relationship is that they actually communicate with each other. They truly understand one another, and it’s just so sweet to me. I just have to mention that I absolutely loved the side characters in this book. Ben’s brother was hilarious, and I can’t wait to hopefully read more about him! Gah, this book was just perfection! It truly is an amazing story about self discovery, true love, and second chances. Ben and Colby are both so amazing, and also my new favorite characters!
Trust me when I say you will fall in love with these characters! The plot? Fantastic! The romance? Sweet and steamy! Is it sad? Well, yeah. BUT ITS SO FREAKING GOOD AND THEIR JOURNEY IS A BEAUTIFUL ONE!! Whew, okay I’m good..
This was such a beautiful and heartwarming story that I absolutely loved!
Both Ben and Colby have been through so much in the beginning of this book. Ben’s relationship with his wife doesn’t work out. And Colby was in a very toxic relationship that he just got out of. Ben and Colby are at such low points in their lives. What started out as trying to support Colby turns into Ben really discovering his sexuality.
Ben is the most caring guy, and I loved how protective he was of Colby. Colby has definitely been through hell, and he has trust issues now. So, obviously he had a hard time really letting anyone in, but he ends up really making a connection with Ben. What I really like about their relationship is that they actually communicate with each other. They truly understand one another, and it’s just so sweet to me. I just have to mention that I absolutely loved the side characters in this book. Ben’s brother was hilarious, and I can’t wait to hopefully read more about him! Gah, this book was just perfection! It truly is an amazing story about self discovery, true love, and second chances. Ben and Colby are both so amazing, and also my new favorite characters!
Trust me when I say you will fall in love with these characters! The plot? Fantastic! The romance? Sweet and steamy! Is it sad? Well, yeah. BUT ITS SO FREAKING GOOD AND THEIR JOURNEY IS A BEAUTIFUL ONE!! Whew, okay I’m good..
3 stars…
This was… interesting. First of all I really want to like Ben, he seems like he’s clearly been through a lot and had a rough childhood, but I also think he’s kinda a douche with his ex wife and I also think Colby rushed wayyyy too quick into this relationship with him. Also Roman (Ben’s brother) seemed like a total dickhead. First of all he’s a cop… *cough* acab *cough*… anyways…. second saying someone had a hero complex in every conversation you have with them makes it kinda lose its meaning.
I don’t even feel like he had a hero complex, I feel like he’s a guy trying to treat people good who need it (besides his ex) and we are throwing out psychology terms that don’t apply… like he’s not looking for recognition or creating the problem, he’s just trying to help a lot of people. Kick rocks.
2/5 on spice. 1/5 on kink. 1/5 on tears. Roman sucks… I think I’d like Andrew tho.
This was… interesting. First of all I really want to like Ben, he seems like he’s clearly been through a lot and had a rough childhood, but I also think he’s kinda a douche with his ex wife and I also think Colby rushed wayyyy too quick into this relationship with him. Also Roman (Ben’s brother) seemed like a total dickhead. First of all he’s a cop… *cough* acab *cough*… anyways…. second saying someone had a hero complex in every conversation you have with them makes it kinda lose its meaning.
I don’t even feel like he had a hero complex, I feel like he’s a guy trying to treat people good who need it (besides his ex) and we are throwing out psychology terms that don’t apply… like he’s not looking for recognition or creating the problem, he’s just trying to help a lot of people. Kick rocks.
2/5 on spice. 1/5 on kink. 1/5 on tears. Roman sucks… I think I’d like Andrew tho.
What a beautiful story! Ben and Colby might just be the cutest couple I’ve come across. I was so proud of Colby for learning to acknowledge that the niggling voice in his head of Christopher (his abusive ex partner) didn’t have to define him and that he was indeed worthy of being loved. But he couldn’t have got there without Ben. He was the ultimate hero and took a chance on Colby, instantly recognising that he could offer him a sense of security and a safe space to heal. As they healed one another, their friendship quickly developed into something more.
I loved the banter between Ben and his older brother Roman. We find out that Ben had suffered intense trauma in his childhood and that Roman carried a truck load of guilt for not being there to protect him from it. This created such a wonderful dynamic between them.
This is a story that reminds us that whilst the people we surround ourselves with is important, we are only truly capable of saving ourselves and that talking to someone about the trauma we’ve suffered can be genuinely healing if we can find the strength to open up.
I loved the banter between Ben and his older brother Roman. We find out that Ben had suffered intense trauma in his childhood and that Roman carried a truck load of guilt for not being there to protect him from it. This created such a wonderful dynamic between them.
This is a story that reminds us that whilst the people we surround ourselves with is important, we are only truly capable of saving ourselves and that talking to someone about the trauma we’ve suffered can be genuinely healing if we can find the strength to open up.
reflective
medium-paced
⭐︎3.5 stars rounded up!⭐︎
Unfortunately, this was not got as good and enjoyable as [b:Hostile|60167858|Hostile|Nicole Dykes|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1648542280l/60167858._SX50_.jpg|94666222], which I absolutely adored. It's a good thing I read that one first, I think, because I think I wouldn't be quite so eager to read more of this author after reading this.
Which isn't to say it was bad. It was enjoyable and I liked Colby and Ben together a lot.
I guess they just didn't have that extra 'oomf' that the main couple in 'Hostile' had to make me absolutely adore and love them.
I felt that these two happened a little too fast, and they didn't have such amazing chemistry and connection that it made up for that fast pace, unfortunately.
Also, Colby starts off this book coming right off an abusive relationship, so it felt a little too fast, too soon, for him to be so okay with Ben and so trusting and ready to be in a new relationship. Even if they did start a new relationship so soon, it would have been nice to see Colby maybe struggle in their relationship.
Not because of anything Ben does, but just because of what he went through. Like maybe they get in an argument and Ben raises his voice and Colby gets triggers. Or Ben steps toward him and Colby flinches back - which he did *right* at the very beginning, but not much after they got to know each other a little bit.
The only thing that really stuck with Colby throughout this is the emotional and verbal abuse his ex perpetrated towards him. Which is good, but he didn't struggle with it enough, you know? He had his moments of doubt, of hearing his voice in his head, but he was able to get over it fairly well, especially with the help of others around him reassuring him. But he was also physically abused, so I did expect more of Colby struggling with the physical part of his and Ben's relationship, and he never did.
Also I didn't quite like the negative attitude Ben and Colby had towards therapy. I mean, I get if it's something they hate to do and it's really hard for them to talk about what they went through, obviously, but this book introduced the whole trauma group thing into this story, and Ben and Colby both attend, but still have a "eh, it's not quite for me" attitude towards it, and I was hoping the opposite would happen and they'd find it very useful and then want to see a therapist professionally.
Because Ben also had trauma that he had a very big "talking doesn't help" attitude about. He had an abusive father, a junkie mother, who was murdered by his father, which Ben witnessed part of and had to go through a whole trial and everything, and you're telling me Ben isn't stills supremely fucked up from this? Even 20+ years later, especially when he's never talked to anyone about it, or gotten help over it? Like??
For a book focused so heavily on trauma and having them form a whole trauma support group, it wasn't handled 100% the best.
Now, it wasn't handled horrible or anything and it treated it with respect, but how the characters went about their trauma and dealt with it didn't feel entirely realistic. Ben especially, because I feel like he should have blown up at some point from all that trauma he was keeping buried, but he just talks about it with Colby - and only Colby - and he's all fine? I just didn't buy it.
Which, yes, I loved that they shared such deep, personal things with each other. They should do that and they should talk things out. These two were very good at communicating with each other - which is amazing for their relationship and I'm very happy about that part of this - but it's just that...talking to your partner or loved ones is part of healing, but not all of it. They both should have seen a therapist, I think.
This would have been so great to get these two characters so resistant to therapy and talking and have them go through a whole metamorphosis into wanting to go to therapy. Talking in the support group is a great first step, but it's not the personalized, one-on-one that they would truly need, ya know?
I just think there were several areas this could have been improved upon to make it amazing.
It was still enjoyable and I liked the majority of Ben and Colby's scenes. I just didn't love them, and a few other niggles just made me feel like I couldn't give it the 5 stars I wish I could have, because I adored 'Hostile' so so much.
I will definitely read more of this author, though. This was still an enjoyable read overall and I hope to come across another read by this author that is like 'Hostile', because if I can get that invested in a story of this author's again and be so invested in the couple, I'll be so happy.
This one, unfortunately, just wasn't it. Still good, but not great, not amazing.
Still recommend this though, a definite thumbs up from me. Just not the amazing second outing I was hoping it would be. Oh well, onto the next!
Unfortunately, this was not got as good and enjoyable as [b:Hostile|60167858|Hostile|Nicole Dykes|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1648542280l/60167858._SX50_.jpg|94666222], which I absolutely adored. It's a good thing I read that one first, I think, because I think I wouldn't be quite so eager to read more of this author after reading this.
Which isn't to say it was bad. It was enjoyable and I liked Colby and Ben together a lot.
I guess they just didn't have that extra 'oomf' that the main couple in 'Hostile' had to make me absolutely adore and love them.
I felt that these two happened a little too fast, and they didn't have such amazing chemistry and connection that it made up for that fast pace, unfortunately.
Also, Colby starts off this book coming right off an abusive relationship, so it felt a little too fast, too soon, for him to be so okay with Ben and so trusting and ready to be in a new relationship. Even if they did start a new relationship so soon, it would have been nice to see Colby maybe struggle in their relationship.
Not because of anything Ben does, but just because of what he went through. Like maybe they get in an argument and Ben raises his voice and Colby gets triggers. Or Ben steps toward him and Colby flinches back - which he did *right* at the very beginning, but not much after they got to know each other a little bit.
The only thing that really stuck with Colby throughout this is the emotional and verbal abuse his ex perpetrated towards him. Which is good, but he didn't struggle with it enough, you know? He had his moments of doubt, of hearing his voice in his head, but he was able to get over it fairly well, especially with the help of others around him reassuring him. But he was also physically abused, so I did expect more of Colby struggling with the physical part of his and Ben's relationship, and he never did.
Also I didn't quite like the negative attitude Ben and Colby had towards therapy. I mean, I get if it's something they hate to do and it's really hard for them to talk about what they went through, obviously, but this book introduced the whole trauma group thing into this story, and Ben and Colby both attend, but still have a "eh, it's not quite for me" attitude towards it, and I was hoping the opposite would happen and they'd find it very useful and then want to see a therapist professionally.
Because Ben also had trauma that he had a very big "talking doesn't help" attitude about. He had an abusive father, a junkie mother, who was murdered by his father, which Ben witnessed part of and had to go through a whole trial and everything, and you're telling me Ben isn't stills supremely fucked up from this? Even 20+ years later, especially when he's never talked to anyone about it, or gotten help over it? Like??
For a book focused so heavily on trauma and having them form a whole trauma support group, it wasn't handled 100% the best.
Now, it wasn't handled horrible or anything and it treated it with respect, but how the characters went about their trauma and dealt with it didn't feel entirely realistic. Ben especially, because I feel like he should have blown up at some point from all that trauma he was keeping buried, but he just talks about it with Colby - and only Colby - and he's all fine? I just didn't buy it.
Which, yes, I loved that they shared such deep, personal things with each other. They should do that and they should talk things out. These two were very good at communicating with each other - which is amazing for their relationship and I'm very happy about that part of this - but it's just that...talking to your partner or loved ones is part of healing, but not all of it. They both should have seen a therapist, I think.
This would have been so great to get these two characters so resistant to therapy and talking and have them go through a whole metamorphosis into wanting to go to therapy. Talking in the support group is a great first step, but it's not the personalized, one-on-one that they would truly need, ya know?
I just think there were several areas this could have been improved upon to make it amazing.
It was still enjoyable and I liked the majority of Ben and Colby's scenes. I just didn't love them, and a few other niggles just made me feel like I couldn't give it the 5 stars I wish I could have, because I adored 'Hostile' so so much.
I will definitely read more of this author, though. This was still an enjoyable read overall and I hope to come across another read by this author that is like 'Hostile', because if I can get that invested in a story of this author's again and be so invested in the couple, I'll be so happy.
This one, unfortunately, just wasn't it. Still good, but not great, not amazing.
Still recommend this though, a definite thumbs up from me. Just not the amazing second outing I was hoping it would be. Oh well, onto the next!
3 stars for this series starter MM romance about men with trauma they help each other deal with.
Bruised but not Broken introduces some very interesting characters and a very intriguing storyline with Ben and Colby.
Both men have trauma, both men don't believe in therapy and both men struggle to move away from the past.
Ben's trauma is from his childhood and has resulted in a very strong desire in him to save and keep safe everyone in his life. His ex-wife, his brother and his new employee, Colby.
Colby's been abused by his boyfriend and he struggles with letting go of the shame and the insecurities and the mistrust his ex built up in him.
They find a friend in each other and funnily enough, though they don't believe in therapy and the support group that's run in Ben's gym, they end up confiding in each other and talking out their trauma.
What I liked:
The idea of the trauma support group.
The inclusion of traumatized characters.
The little world set up for a series.
What was not the best:
It was unrealistic. While trauma was mentioned, I think it was glossed over, especially its effects on the person.
I really don't get instant trust and lust between people.. especially not abused people. How can you feel safe with someone after only a few hours or days?
There was basically no angst. I mean I'm not a huge fan of suffering but I don't like unrealistic healing either, I don't like when the trauma is brushed aside after only a few weeks.
Overall, as always, it was a sweet story. But it was really not something for me. If troubled men are in the focus, then I want to see their journey, not just a miraculous healing.
While I think, this book is for a lot of people... it's not my jam. I quit enjoyed the author's first few MM books but now I feel like the writing style is not something I enjoy. It's too fast and too superficial.
Bruised but not Broken introduces some very interesting characters and a very intriguing storyline with Ben and Colby.
Both men have trauma, both men don't believe in therapy and both men struggle to move away from the past.
Ben's trauma is from his childhood and has resulted in a very strong desire in him to save and keep safe everyone in his life. His ex-wife, his brother and his new employee, Colby.
Colby's been abused by his boyfriend and he struggles with letting go of the shame and the insecurities and the mistrust his ex built up in him.
They find a friend in each other and funnily enough, though they don't believe in therapy and the support group that's run in Ben's gym, they end up confiding in each other and talking out their trauma.
What I liked:
The idea of the trauma support group.
The inclusion of traumatized characters.
The little world set up for a series.
What was not the best:
It was unrealistic. While trauma was mentioned, I think it was glossed over, especially its effects on the person.
I really don't get instant trust and lust between people.. especially not abused people. How can you feel safe with someone after only a few hours or days?
There was basically no angst. I mean I'm not a huge fan of suffering but I don't like unrealistic healing either, I don't like when the trauma is brushed aside after only a few weeks.
Overall, as always, it was a sweet story. But it was really not something for me. If troubled men are in the focus, then I want to see their journey, not just a miraculous healing.
While I think, this book is for a lot of people... it's not my jam. I quit enjoyed the author's first few MM books but now I feel like the writing style is not something I enjoy. It's too fast and too superficial.
Ohhhh this book wrecked me, it was so emotionally intense. For those who haven't read it yet, it talk of trauma but it was approached in a way that was not disturbing or horrific.
Colby tries to start a new life, away from the abuse he suffered, he doesn't consider himself as a victim, even if he suffered physical and mental abuses - he's strong, he has a hard time to accept help but he cannot fight the security he feels around Ben.
Ben has his own trauma, his past didn't let him rest and what happened to his ex-wife really chocked him, he's feeling guilty for not been there for her and realizing that his marriage was lost since many years. His brother and his friend Andrew ask him to host a Trauma support group in his gym twice a week. Ben doesn't want to participate or to talk to anyone, except with Colby, they start their own talks and little by little the walls start to go done and Ben realizes that there is something more with Colby and he's not afraid to express his strong interest, hoping it is mutual.
Two souls who find themselves and helped each other to hell - beautiful story !
Colby tries to start a new life, away from the abuse he suffered, he doesn't consider himself as a victim, even if he suffered physical and mental abuses - he's strong, he has a hard time to accept help but he cannot fight the security he feels around Ben.
Ben has his own trauma, his past didn't let him rest and what happened to his ex-wife really chocked him, he's feeling guilty for not been there for her and realizing that his marriage was lost since many years. His brother and his friend Andrew ask him to host a Trauma support group in his gym twice a week. Ben doesn't want to participate or to talk to anyone, except with Colby, they start their own talks and little by little the walls start to go done and Ben realizes that there is something more with Colby and he's not afraid to express his strong interest, hoping it is mutual.
Two souls who find themselves and helped each other to hell - beautiful story !