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bookishlatinajenn 's review for:

What We Broke by Marley Valentine
5.0

Marley Valentine strikes again with What We Broke, a poignant, gut-wrenching, and beautifully crafted marriage-in-crisis romance that left me utterly destroyed—in the best way.

From the heart-shattering prologue to the final heartfelt vows, this story had me crying (yes, snot sobbing) on my commute. Narrated by the legendary duo Joe Arden and Teddy Hamilton (the man himself!), the audiobook breathes life into Jesse and Leo’s heartbreaking yet hopeful journey.

Tropes galore—marriage in crisis, hurt/comfort, second chance, and found family—blend seamlessly into a narrative about love, loss, and redemption. Leo’s raw grief and Jesse’s unwavering determination to save their fractured love were both devastating and inspiring. And that quote?

“You’re mine,” he says with such finality. “You’re my worry, my heartache, my burden. Whatever you think you are, whatever season it is for us, you’re fucking mine, Leo.” Goosebumps. Jesse's determination here just hits me right in my FEELS!

Valentine captures the highs of passion and the lows of despair with masterful dual timelines. This is more than a romance; it’s a testament to enduring love, even through life’s darkest storms.