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3.97 AVERAGE
3.97 AVERAGE
Just going to point you to this review because I can’t say it better myself:
Read mith's 1-star review of Broken Beautiful Hearts by Kami Garcia
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1915749924
Read mith's 1-star review of Broken Beautiful Hearts by Kami Garcia
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1915749924
i didn't go into this with very high expectations, which i suppose was a good thing, given that i didn't like it very much, but considering the raving reviews from other authors (who have written books i've really enjoyed!), i thought i would have enjoyed this slightly more than i did.
having glanced at a review that spoke about how this book had been partially based on garcia's own experience with abuse, i knew that there would be some heavy topics in this book. i had braced myself to be shocked and challenged, and yet, i felt like the tone of the book did not match up with some of the issues that were being discussed. the characters felt so trivial and two-dimensional and even at times, problematic in their perpetuation of stereotypes. i couldn't believe how superficial the twins were, and even worse was the supposedly-funny-and-endearing-but-actually-sexist-and- unbelievable quips about cooking only being for women. i also didn't find the relationship between owen and peyton particularly realistic; given peyton's experience with abuse, and the ample discussion surrounding her fear and reluctance to open herself up again, the fact that she was suddenly super into owen, for lack of a better phrase, did not make sense.
i think there was a lot of potential in terms of the characters and their experiences, but it all just simmered down into a typical, cliched high school romance with very little nuance, and so i just found this wasn't for me.
having glanced at a review that spoke about how this book had been partially based on garcia's own experience with abuse, i knew that there would be some heavy topics in this book. i had braced myself to be shocked and challenged, and yet, i felt like the tone of the book did not match up with some of the issues that were being discussed. the characters felt so trivial and two-dimensional and even at times, problematic in their perpetuation of stereotypes. i couldn't believe how superficial the twins were, and even worse was the supposedly-funny-and-endearing-but-actually-sexist-and- unbelievable quips about cooking only being for women. i also didn't find the relationship between owen and peyton particularly realistic; given peyton's experience with abuse, and the ample discussion surrounding her fear and reluctance to open herself up again, the fact that she was suddenly super into owen, for lack of a better phrase, did not make sense.
i think there was a lot of potential in terms of the characters and their experiences, but it all just simmered down into a typical, cliched high school romance with very little nuance, and so i just found this wasn't for me.
I flew through this novel in the span of 24 hours. I found it so immersive and hard to put down once picked up, and that made my experience with it incredible.
The writing in this novel was incredibly intriguing and the way the novel was structured ensured that there was never a dull moment for the reader to become disinterested in what was going on in the story.
Peyton was an amazing character to follow because of the strength and fierceness she exhibited when faced with difficult circumstances. The fact that despite being in a situation where her dream of being a pro athlete is in danger of disappearing, Peyton endures and works hard to get her knee back in shape to ensure that her dream becomes a reality. Additionally, when leaving a toxic relationship, Peyton doesn’t just let herself live in fear of her past but continues to live her life to the fullest and create new relationships that are positive.
I really enjoyed the way Kami Garcia wrote Peyton, she created a character that readers who may have gone through similar situations can relate to and learn that even if something in your life goes wrong, the immediate solution isn’t to just give up and do nothing. It’s to fight.
I really also loved the addition of Peyton’s two overprotective, jock cousins. They were hilarious to read and I really loved seeing the family growth between them and Peyton. Additionally, I always love reading about overprotective siblings/relatives, I find it so endearing and adorable!
Owen was the perfect male protagonist. I found him to be sexy and sweet and everything I think Peyton deserved after her last relationship. Kami created the perfect man and showed us that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and that he can be one wonderful man.
All in all, I found the growth that this story shared to be an incredible story to share. It was a story that allowed us to understand the importance of asking for help when you need it and continuously working on bettering yourself and moving on with your life, even if you feel as though you can’t anymore.
I have to mention that there is a trigger warning for domestic abuse in this novel, so if that triggers you in any way just be aware of it. That being said, I think that if you have gone through something like that and are able to read novels that mention is, this novel is an valuable novel for you to read.
I highly recommend this novel!
The writing in this novel was incredibly intriguing and the way the novel was structured ensured that there was never a dull moment for the reader to become disinterested in what was going on in the story.
Peyton was an amazing character to follow because of the strength and fierceness she exhibited when faced with difficult circumstances. The fact that despite being in a situation where her dream of being a pro athlete is in danger of disappearing, Peyton endures and works hard to get her knee back in shape to ensure that her dream becomes a reality. Additionally, when leaving a toxic relationship, Peyton doesn’t just let herself live in fear of her past but continues to live her life to the fullest and create new relationships that are positive.
I really enjoyed the way Kami Garcia wrote Peyton, she created a character that readers who may have gone through similar situations can relate to and learn that even if something in your life goes wrong, the immediate solution isn’t to just give up and do nothing. It’s to fight.
I really also loved the addition of Peyton’s two overprotective, jock cousins. They were hilarious to read and I really loved seeing the family growth between them and Peyton. Additionally, I always love reading about overprotective siblings/relatives, I find it so endearing and adorable!
Owen was the perfect male protagonist. I found him to be sexy and sweet and everything I think Peyton deserved after her last relationship. Kami created the perfect man and showed us that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and that he can be one wonderful man.
All in all, I found the growth that this story shared to be an incredible story to share. It was a story that allowed us to understand the importance of asking for help when you need it and continuously working on bettering yourself and moving on with your life, even if you feel as though you can’t anymore.
I have to mention that there is a trigger warning for domestic abuse in this novel, so if that triggers you in any way just be aware of it. That being said, I think that if you have gone through something like that and are able to read novels that mention is, this novel is an valuable novel for you to read.
I highly recommend this novel!
I highly recommend this book to any one who loves a steamy romance. I also highly recommend this book to anyone who wants more than just a romance in their books. This story has such a good positive message about overcoming what holds you back in life and to choose to be a survivor. If you're like me and you've never read a Kami Garcia book before, I demand you try this one. There aren't enough great things I can say about this book. Absolutely stunning!
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review*
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review*
I guess I was expecting a lot from this book. It didn’t even come close unfortunately. 2-2.5 stars.
2.5
It was just so boring. The only good part was the talk about abuse, but other than that there was no chemistry between peyton and Owen. It just felt forced.
It was just so boring. The only good part was the talk about abuse, but other than that there was no chemistry between peyton and Owen. It just felt forced.
Peyton is a star soccer player planning to attend UNC in the fall. That is until her boyfriend pushes her down a set of stairs and damages her dreams. Peyton goes to live with her uncle and cousins in Tennessee in hopes of rehabbing her knee so she can play again. It’s there where she meets Owen. Peyton and Owen each have their own secrets, but will they be able to keep them while falling for each other?
If you enjoy teen romance and drama, then you will enjoy this book. I, however, find teen romance novels to be unrealistic and usually outlandish and this book was no exception. I found myself laughing at the cheesy dialogue and some of the scenes in general.
I also don’t think this book handles dating violence as well as it could have done. I think it could have been handled better, but I get then the story wouldn’t have happened the way it did. My issue though is it can teach teenagers the wrong thing and I always worry about that. I would probably pass on this book if given a redo.
If you enjoy teen romance and drama, then you will enjoy this book. I, however, find teen romance novels to be unrealistic and usually outlandish and this book was no exception. I found myself laughing at the cheesy dialogue and some of the scenes in general.
I also don’t think this book handles dating violence as well as it could have done. I think it could have been handled better, but I get then the story wouldn’t have happened the way it did. My issue though is it can teach teenagers the wrong thing and I always worry about that. I would probably pass on this book if given a redo.
First let me say I've been on this contemporary kick lately, and enjoy reading some lighter fiction. I will really try to avoid any spoilers, but caution.
That being said...There were so many things that annoyed me with this book. I'm not saying you can't have a good contemporary book, or that there isn't any good fiction out there, but this book annoyed me on a lot of levels. The writing was not strong throughout this book, it had it's moments, but most of the time it was choppy and tried too hard to have suspense. I didn't like the language throughout, now before you get upset saying that's how kids talk, here's my little rant, I get there is going to be language, but do we have to be ok with how young adults (or adults) talk? Can't we hope and strive through books to engage the readers enough to have them want to speak with a better vocabulary. I know it's my own pet peeve, but we should be enhancing our vocabulary not breaking it down. I'm also annoyed with the push for sex throughout and the constant push as to how "his body" looked and all...I know this is going to be unpopular, but can't we try to have some books that want to see more than meets the eye, I'm fine with the main characters being attractive, but shouldn't there be more to a relationship than sex first and then we get to know each other? I mean really? (insert eye roll here) The plot was just there for me, it wasn't something that had my attention past the first few chapters.
There were good points that I enjoyed about them, I liked Peyton and her want to be a strong character, but she had whiny and moments that she was so quick to get mad at Owen for keeping a secret, when she had her own? And I felt like her dad was used to gain more sympathy rather than a work in progress on Peyton's behalf. I liked the Uncle and her twin cousins, they were a fun addition and her mom was a strong character that was amazing as well.
It did have it's good moments, but there were too many negatives for me to enjoy this book.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC!!
That being said...There were so many things that annoyed me with this book. I'm not saying you can't have a good contemporary book, or that there isn't any good fiction out there, but this book annoyed me on a lot of levels. The writing was not strong throughout this book, it had it's moments, but most of the time it was choppy and tried too hard to have suspense. I didn't like the language throughout, now before you get upset saying that's how kids talk, here's my little rant, I get there is going to be language, but do we have to be ok with how young adults (or adults) talk? Can't we hope and strive through books to engage the readers enough to have them want to speak with a better vocabulary. I know it's my own pet peeve, but we should be enhancing our vocabulary not breaking it down. I'm also annoyed with the push for sex throughout and the constant push as to how "his body" looked and all...I know this is going to be unpopular, but can't we try to have some books that want to see more than meets the eye, I'm fine with the main characters being attractive, but shouldn't there be more to a relationship than sex first and then we get to know each other? I mean really? (insert eye roll here) The plot was just there for me, it wasn't something that had my attention past the first few chapters.
There were good points that I enjoyed about them, I liked Peyton and her want to be a strong character, but she had whiny and moments that she was so quick to get mad at Owen for keeping a secret, when she had her own? And I felt like her dad was used to gain more sympathy rather than a work in progress on Peyton's behalf. I liked the Uncle and her twin cousins, they were a fun addition and her mom was a strong character that was amazing as well.
It did have it's good moments, but there were too many negatives for me to enjoy this book.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC!!