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Pretty Broken #1
Pretty Broken Girl
Alternate cover edition of ASIN B014UDQ72W
Love isn't always pretty. Sometimes you have to break the thing you love in order to put the pieces back together again.
"Life is all about choices. Do I want pizza or a hamburger for dinner? Should I wear a red skirt or blue slacks to work? Do I take a million dollar check and divorce the love of my life to keep my baby brother out of jail? In case you're wondering, I took the check. Now my ex is back in my life. He's still angry and...he's my new boss."
Pretty Broken Girl is the passionate retelling of a marriage gone wrong.
From the boardroom to the bedroom, Dakota Atwell and Samuel Seaforth are locked in a battle of wits and desire. One of them will break. One of them will pay. Both of them want to win. Neither of them expects to fall in love…again.
This is Book 1 of a five book series. It contains adult language, adult situations, and hot steamy sex with a HFN ending. Although it can be read as a standalone, it will be much more enjoyable when read with the other books in the series.
Love isn't always pretty. Sometimes you have to break the thing you love in order to put the pieces back together again.
"Life is all about choices. Do I want pizza or a hamburger for dinner? Should I wear a red skirt or blue slacks to work? Do I take a million dollar check and divorce the love of my life to keep my baby brother out of jail? In case you're wondering, I took the check. Now my ex is back in my life. He's still angry and...he's my new boss."
Pretty Broken Girl is the passionate retelling of a marriage gone wrong.
From the boardroom to the bedroom, Dakota Atwell and Samuel Seaforth are locked in a battle of wits and desire. One of them will break. One of them will pay. Both of them want to win. Neither of them expects to fall in love…again.
This is Book 1 of a five book series. It contains adult language, adult situations, and hot steamy sex with a HFN ending. Although it can be read as a standalone, it will be much more enjoyable when read with the other books in the series.
245 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 21, 2015
About the author
Jeana E. Mann
43 books908 followersJeana E. Mann is the award-winning author of billionaire and bad boy romance. Her books focus on second chances and workplace relationships while touching on real-life topics like autism, drug addiction, mental illness, and family dynamics. Her latest release, THE EXILED PRINCE, is available now!
You can find her here:
Website: http://jeanaemann.net
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JeanaEMann
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/JeanaEMann
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Jeana-E.-Mann/...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeana.e.mann/
Standalone Series:
THE PRETTY BROKEN SERIES
Pretty Broken Girl
Pretty Filthy Lies
Pretty Dirty Secrets
Pretty Wild Thing
Pretty Broken Promises
Pretty Broken Dreams
Pretty Broken Baby
Pretty Broken Hearts
Pretty Broken Bastard
FELONY ROMANCE SERIES
Intoxicated
Unexpected
Vindicated
Impulsive
Drift
Committed
ROYAL SECRETS SERIES
The Exiled Prince
The Dirty Princess
The Rebel Queen (Releasing Fall 2018)
The Bastard King (Releasing Fall 2018)
STANDALONE ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
Monster Love
You can find her here:
Website: http://jeanaemann.net
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JeanaEMann
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/JeanaEMann
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Jeana-E.-Mann/...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeana.e.mann/
Standalone Series:
THE PRETTY BROKEN SERIES
Pretty Broken Girl
Pretty Filthy Lies
Pretty Dirty Secrets
Pretty Wild Thing
Pretty Broken Promises
Pretty Broken Dreams
Pretty Broken Baby
Pretty Broken Hearts
Pretty Broken Bastard
FELONY ROMANCE SERIES
Intoxicated
Unexpected
Vindicated
Impulsive
Drift
Committed
ROYAL SECRETS SERIES
The Exiled Prince
The Dirty Princess
The Rebel Queen (Releasing Fall 2018)
The Bastard King (Releasing Fall 2018)
STANDALONE ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
Monster Love
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 328 reviews
May 24, 2019
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I wouldn't be Queen of Literary Garbage Cans™ if I wasn't on here reading deliciously trashy fiction brought to you courtesy of the Kindle store. I'm actually trying to focus on reading books I already own, which is why my latest slew of reviewed books has been so weird. I've hoarded almost 1,000 books over the last four years, and my taste has changed a lot since then. This particular book was scored from the Kindle freebies section, and was something I probably wouldn't have even bothered to pick up if my trusted book whisperer, Heather, hadn't recommended it to me first.
Here's a true confession: even though I like the idea of second-chance romance, I often say I hate it, because when I read books in that genre, they're almost never done correctly. I love it when two characters start off the book hating each other and wanting revenge. When it's done right, it usually ends up being a favorite. But 9 times out of 10 it ain't done right. PRETTY BROKEN GIRL does it right.
Sam and Dakota used to be married...until Dakota betrayed him. For six months, she cried herself to sleep every night before getting over it and putting the past behind her, where it's firmly stayed in the backs of her mental closets - until she finds out that he's her new boss and plans on making her life hell. Slowly, piece by piece, we learn about how they met, how they fell in love, and how she betrayed him, as their story is told in alternating past and present, switching between their two POVs. And it's freaking exhilarating.
I don't normally like dual POV or alternating timelines but it really worked for this story. When these two characters first meet, they hate each other - with good reason. But their past gives that simmering hatred some unresolved sexual tension that sets the pages ablaze. I also liked learning about their past, and the inequality between them (Sam was rich, Dakota was poor), and how Dakota felt powerless with her lack of choices and undeserving of him. Whether or not that excuses what she did is up in the air, but I definitely didn't think she was TSTL. Not at all.
If you're into love-hate romances, second chance romances, rich-guy/poor-girl romances, and boss/employee romances, this book has all of that, and it still manages to do it in a way that doesn't read as being totally cliche, knocks down some of the usual stereotypes, and has enough angst and emotional content to keep you anxiously flipping the pages. Heather doesn't usually steer me wrong, and I'm happy to say that this recommendation from her was yet another win.
3.5 to 4 out of 5 stars
Want to read
November 2, 2016
FREE on Amazon US today (10/26/2016)
Stand-alone book 1.
***2016 Gold Medal eLit Award Winning Novel***
BLURB:
Love isn't always pretty. Sometimes you have to break the thing you love in order to put the pieces back together again.
"Life is all about choices. Do I want pizza or a hamburger for dinner? Should I wear a red skirt or blue slacks to work? Do I take a million dollar check and divorce the love of my life to keep my baby brother out of jail? In case you're wondering, I took the check. Now my ex is back in my life. He's still angry and...he's my new boss."
Pretty Broken Girl is the passionate retelling of a marriage gone wrong.
From the boardroom to the bedroom, Dakota Atwell and Samuel Seaforth are locked in a battle of wits and desire. One of them will break. One of them will pay. Both of them want to win. Neither of them expects to fall in love…again.
FREE: https://www.amazon.com/Pretty-Broken-...
FREEBIES are often good for MORE than one day. I have gathered all my FREEBIES on a special shelf: Kindle-freebies (currently over 600 books)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...
August 23, 2018
While cleaning my Kindle yesterday, I came across this book and wondered why I'd downloaded it. The title sounds like something that would never, ever appeal to me, and I almost deleted it, but instead I went and read the synopsis. Dakota betrayed her husband, Sam, when they were both young, and ten years later they're unexpectedly reunited... but he's her boss. I thought the first part sounded good, the boss part not so much.
Nevertheless, I started reading before I made my final decision to delete, and I was hooked immediately. I love a good second chance romance, especially if there's betrayal involved. The couple working through hurt and anger, hurting each other, coming to terms with the fact that they still lust after/love each other but trying not to show it... YAS. DO WANT.
Oh, and by the way... *cue applause*
The characters were likable, especially Dakota. Little details made her stand out. For example, the author would have another coworker bother her on occasion, and the way Dakota reacted to him was just so real. Sam was alpha in a way that didn't make me rage, and that says a lot coming from someone who generally can't STAND alpha males in romance. I really enjoyed their backgrounds, and the secondary characters were so much more than just cardboard cutouts.
This takes place in the corporate world, and there is a lot of business talk. As someone who knows nothing about business and isn't interested in it, I thought it was really well done. It felt authentic and critical to the story, unlike other boss romances where the setting is just an excuse for desk sex and power plays.
I didn't expect this to be an HFN ending, however. I thought this book would wrap up Sam and Dakota's story, and the second one would be about some other character. But their story actually continues in the second book, so I guess I have to read it. I'm really curious about some of the loose story threads. Actually, almost every thread the author introduced is loose.
I believe this is still free on Amazon, so definitely check it out if it sounds interesting to you!
Nevertheless, I started reading before I made my final decision to delete, and I was hooked immediately. I love a good second chance romance, especially if there's betrayal involved. The couple working through hurt and anger, hurting each other, coming to terms with the fact that they still lust after/love each other but trying not to show it... YAS. DO WANT.
Oh, and by the way... *cue applause*
The characters were likable, especially Dakota. Little details made her stand out. For example, the author would have another coworker bother her on occasion, and the way Dakota reacted to him was just so real. Sam was alpha in a way that didn't make me rage, and that says a lot coming from someone who generally can't STAND alpha males in romance. I really enjoyed their backgrounds, and the secondary characters were so much more than just cardboard cutouts.
This takes place in the corporate world, and there is a lot of business talk. As someone who knows nothing about business and isn't interested in it, I thought it was really well done. It felt authentic and critical to the story, unlike other boss romances where the setting is just an excuse for desk sex and power plays.
I didn't expect this to be an HFN ending, however. I thought this book would wrap up Sam and Dakota's story, and the second one would be about some other character. But their story actually continues in the second book, so I guess I have to read it. I'm really curious about some of the loose story threads. Actually, almost every thread the author introduced is loose.
I believe this is still free on Amazon, so definitely check it out if it sounds interesting to you!
March 9, 2016
4 stars
Well, this book was a good surprise ! I love discovering new authors and the blurb of this book caught my attention. As it happens, Jeana E. Mann is an author I will definitely follow in the future. Her writing is very engaging, I simply could not put this book down. What really stood out for me is the way she writes sexual tension, and this story has it in spades !
Dakota Atwell and Samuel Seaforth used to be each other’s universe. They believed their young love was stronger than anything else. Against all odds, and despite Samuel’s father threats, they married at 18. But two years later, Dakota left Samuel without a word of explanation. Deeply hurt, Samuel has never been able to forget her.
Ten years later, they are forced to meet again, when Samuel takes over the company Dakota works for. According to his usual ruthless modus operandi, he intends to dismantle and absorb it in his own company. He didn’t count on having to keep his ex-wife on board. As much as he loved her, he now wants to break her. But he is haunted by the thought of her. Dakota has never forgiven herself for what she has been forced to do for the sake of her family. Both of them are trying very hard, but often failing, to hide their emotions. Their struggle was heartbreaking. But can Sam forgive Dakota and give their love a second chance ?
I really enjoyed this book. I must admit I had some problems believing Samuel’s passive attitude when he was confronted with Dakota’s decision to divorce, but apart from that, I found that the author did a great job with this story. She combines past and present storytelling, with dual POV, which helps a lot to understand the characters. Dakota and Samuel’s story continues in the second book in the series, “Pretty Filthy Lies”. And, of course, I hope for an happy ending !
Well, this book was a good surprise ! I love discovering new authors and the blurb of this book caught my attention. As it happens, Jeana E. Mann is an author I will definitely follow in the future. Her writing is very engaging, I simply could not put this book down. What really stood out for me is the way she writes sexual tension, and this story has it in spades !
Dakota Atwell and Samuel Seaforth used to be each other’s universe. They believed their young love was stronger than anything else. Against all odds, and despite Samuel’s father threats, they married at 18. But two years later, Dakota left Samuel without a word of explanation. Deeply hurt, Samuel has never been able to forget her.
Ten years later, they are forced to meet again, when Samuel takes over the company Dakota works for. According to his usual ruthless modus operandi, he intends to dismantle and absorb it in his own company. He didn’t count on having to keep his ex-wife on board. As much as he loved her, he now wants to break her. But he is haunted by the thought of her. Dakota has never forgiven herself for what she has been forced to do for the sake of her family. Both of them are trying very hard, but often failing, to hide their emotions. Their struggle was heartbreaking. But can Sam forgive Dakota and give their love a second chance ?
I really enjoyed this book. I must admit I had some problems believing Samuel’s passive attitude when he was confronted with Dakota’s decision to divorce, but apart from that, I found that the author did a great job with this story. She combines past and present storytelling, with dual POV, which helps a lot to understand the characters. Dakota and Samuel’s story continues in the second book in the series, “Pretty Filthy Lies”. And, of course, I hope for an happy ending !
January 8, 2016
**Pretty Broken Girl generously provided by Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.**
4 "When he shifted, I shifted." Stars
I had absolutely no expectations going into this story all I knew was the blurb intrigued me. The entire story toggles between the present and past of the points of view from both our hero, Samuel, and the heroine, Dakota. With no expectations I was able to fully immerse myself in the book and the results were awesome. This is my first Jeana Mann romance and certainly won't be my last.
The premise of entire story is one I enjoy - rich boy, girl from the other side of the world, meddling father, and an inevitable separation. Mann made her story unique in the way she structured the present re-connection of Sam and Dakota. Written with such an open, honest tone the book isn't masked in secrecy in lies but rather a telling of what happens after the those secrets and lies have done their damage. This story is not a guessing game and while I could make an argument for it being a bit predictable however this authors writing kept me engaged from beginning to end so it didn't matter.
These two characters with their rich history of love and betrayal were two people for whom you could feel their connection. Young and carefree they wanted to conquer the world together and believed in each other so much to do so. As mature adults who've gained perspective laced with bitterness and regret over their demise as a couple, their connection still cannot be escaped. A game of cat and mouse ensues. Each guarding themselves, protecting themselves from the hurts of the past and the devastation they could reek on each others futures, Samuel and Dakota's journey is just as fun and unusually romantic as it is emotional. Being first hand eye witnesses to the turmoil inside each of their minds we as readers easily connect to the two of them. Another testament to the writing of Mann.
The way in which Jeana Mann tells us Samuel and Dakota's story in Pretty Broken Girl, the way in which it falls into place, it was a really an enjoyable read that strayed from the usual structure of this kind of love story. I'm quite impressed with the way the plot played out and I'm definitely invested in this hero and heroine. So excited to read the next installment.
Readers Note - Book One of a series. Pretty Broken Girl comfortably leaves you feeling good with Samuel and Dakota's plight, excited for what's to come.
Want to read
November 13, 2020FREE on Amazon today (10/26/2017)!
March 9, 2016
Pretty Broken Girl was a very nice surprise, especially since I went into it with no expectations. The blurb on Goodreads doesn't give much away, but I was intrigued anyway. I found myself really enjoying the characters of Dakota and Samuel, two broken people with a broken marriage and 10 years of silence between them. Jeana E. Mann does a great job of giving you just enough to feel the live chemistry and broken relationship between Sam and Dakota, but not enough to let you really understand it. At first we just see glimpses of Dakota's life now, get a clear idea of Sam's womanizer ways, but overtime as they reconnect as boss and employee we grow to understand who they are apart and the damage Dakota's choice wreaked on both of them. I felt myself feeling for both of them, really sad at how their lives had turned bitter and lonely, even if neither would admit it. I really enjoyed the game they both seem to be playing, especially having Sam show this alpha side of himself, both with no idea of what the outcome would truly be. There's a lot more to the story than just the relationship of Dakota and Sam, though it all is connected. Family and friend relationships were interesting and provided more insight into the past of each character.
While the book was predictable at times, the writing style kept me engaged and I enjoyed it from start to finish. Written in past and present alternating POV's it can seem a bit confusing, especially when a character's POV repeats, but getting inside each head offered a unique look at their relationship. The changing POV brought to light many of the secrets about each character and made the chemistry real. I liked the end of Pretty Broken Girl as well, because it felt final and still left an open door for the sequel, Pretty Filthy Lies. No cliffhanger here! I definitely recommend this to readers looking for a shorter book filled with drama and romance.
December 13, 2018
Heather has a better review.
What makes this book stand-out is that, for once, the heroine has to grovel. She made a bad (and questionable) decision and broke her marriage with a sweet, decent guy. Fast forward 10 years, he is a now materialistic hard-ass with every reason to hate her and yet he is still pretty decent. It is just rare to see a man portrayed so well in a romance.
WARNING: there is a HFN - not HEA - so it could be a standalone but their story continues through book 2 and 5 (and possibly other ones).
What makes this book stand-out is that, for once, the heroine has to grovel. She made a bad (and questionable) decision and broke her marriage with a sweet, decent guy. Fast forward 10 years, he is a now materialistic hard-ass with every reason to hate her and yet he is still pretty decent. It is just rare to see a man portrayed so well in a romance.
WARNING: there is a HFN - not HEA - so it could be a standalone but their story continues through book 2 and 5 (and possibly other ones).
October 29, 2018
I did not like this book. Didn't like the characters. Dakota was a fool. Sam was jackass. Their love story was garbage. She never should've taken the money from Sam's dad. Even when she did she should have told him why WAY before she did. I felt like for being a short book this one wasn't very good. No story other than the hot and cold relationship between the two MC. I didn't like it.
May 12, 2022
Dakota Atwell and Samuel Seaforth have history.
Book 1 takes us through the meeting, falling in love only to be ripped apart by Sam's father. A carrot dangled in the form of a million-dollar cheque that will keep her brother out of jail and her mother safe. This leads Dakota to make a wrong decision. She finds out that love is not always pretty and sometimes you have to break the thing you love in order to put the pieces back together.
good story and well written. Straight onto book 2.
PS. I prefer the original book cover.
Book 1 takes us through the meeting, falling in love only to be ripped apart by Sam's father. A carrot dangled in the form of a million-dollar cheque that will keep her brother out of jail and her mother safe. This leads Dakota to make a wrong decision. She finds out that love is not always pretty and sometimes you have to break the thing you love in order to put the pieces back together.
good story and well written. Straight onto book 2.
PS. I prefer the original book cover.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2016
Great read. The parallel flashbacks were very well written and I really enjoyed the novel. There wasn't anything that made me "love," the book, but It was entertaining.
Want to read
May 30, 2017
February 6, 2016
I freaking looooooved this book.
September 11, 2017
3.5 stars - I enjoyed this more than expected!! =)
Read
July 30, 2018What you need to know:
* This is the first of 9 books in a series.
*Happy-for-now ending with a semi-cliffy.
*It's perma-free!
The idea for this book came to me when I was at a coffee shop and thinking about how it might feel to run into an ex, someone from my past. I wanted to make the heroine relatable, but a woman who'd done something horrible in her past. How would it feel to make a terrible mistake and spend your entire life running away from the consequences?
A divorced couple battles for control in the boardroom but things heat up when their competition reaches the bedroom.
Ten years ago, I divorced the love of my life for all the wrong reasons. I had no idea he’d walk through my office door ten years later as my new boss, more handsome than ever, determined to make me pay for my sins. My knees go weak every time I look at him. Too bad he hates me. He’s determined to make my life hell. The only thing I know for sure? We can still heat up the sheets. He thinks he can break me, but I’m not the girl I was.
From the bedroom to the boardroom, Sam and Dakota are locked in a battle of wits and desire. One of them will break. One of them will pay. Both of them want to win. Neither of them expects to fall in love—again.
You’ll never look at a closed office door the same way again.
If you enjoyed the heat of Beautiful Bastard and the suspense of the Crossfire Series, pick up this intriguing series today.
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1Mt45o3
B&N: http://bit.ly/1Mi2HkW
iTunes: http://apple.co/1NH0Efv
GooglePlay: http://bit.ly/1Zd74qG
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1NyhXfs
"Mann's erotic romance is a pleasant surprise in a crowded genre. The strongest elements of the novel are its unusual, multilayered narrative structure and solid character development...Erotic and emotionally charged, the nuanced narrative elevates this office romance." --Kirkus Reviews
"An angsty, second chance love story with an old-fashioned category romance feel to it...a well-written and enjoyable read." --RT Book Reviews
"This is the first book I've read by this author and I loved it! I couldn't put it down. It grabbed me within the first chapter and held my attention the whole way through." --Kindlebookaddictmom
"The book shifts masterfully between emotionally impactful introspection and light sadomasochism mind games...quietly shines in details...which keep the explosive emotions and dramatic sex tethered in reality. It will be hard to see a closed office door and not think about what--and with whom--is going on inside after reading PRETTY BROKEN GIRL." --Indie Reader Review
2016 eLit GOLD MEDAL Award.
2016 International Digital Award FIRST PLACE
* This is the first of 9 books in a series.
*Happy-for-now ending with a semi-cliffy.
*It's perma-free!
The idea for this book came to me when I was at a coffee shop and thinking about how it might feel to run into an ex, someone from my past. I wanted to make the heroine relatable, but a woman who'd done something horrible in her past. How would it feel to make a terrible mistake and spend your entire life running away from the consequences?
A divorced couple battles for control in the boardroom but things heat up when their competition reaches the bedroom.
Ten years ago, I divorced the love of my life for all the wrong reasons. I had no idea he’d walk through my office door ten years later as my new boss, more handsome than ever, determined to make me pay for my sins. My knees go weak every time I look at him. Too bad he hates me. He’s determined to make my life hell. The only thing I know for sure? We can still heat up the sheets. He thinks he can break me, but I’m not the girl I was.
From the bedroom to the boardroom, Sam and Dakota are locked in a battle of wits and desire. One of them will break. One of them will pay. Both of them want to win. Neither of them expects to fall in love—again.
You’ll never look at a closed office door the same way again.
If you enjoyed the heat of Beautiful Bastard and the suspense of the Crossfire Series, pick up this intriguing series today.
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1Mt45o3
B&N: http://bit.ly/1Mi2HkW
iTunes: http://apple.co/1NH0Efv
GooglePlay: http://bit.ly/1Zd74qG
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1NyhXfs
"Mann's erotic romance is a pleasant surprise in a crowded genre. The strongest elements of the novel are its unusual, multilayered narrative structure and solid character development...Erotic and emotionally charged, the nuanced narrative elevates this office romance." --Kirkus Reviews
"An angsty, second chance love story with an old-fashioned category romance feel to it...a well-written and enjoyable read." --RT Book Reviews
"This is the first book I've read by this author and I loved it! I couldn't put it down. It grabbed me within the first chapter and held my attention the whole way through." --Kindlebookaddictmom
"The book shifts masterfully between emotionally impactful introspection and light sadomasochism mind games...quietly shines in details...which keep the explosive emotions and dramatic sex tethered in reality. It will be hard to see a closed office door and not think about what--and with whom--is going on inside after reading PRETTY BROKEN GIRL." --Indie Reader Review
2016 eLit GOLD MEDAL Award.
2016 International Digital Award FIRST PLACE
March 10, 2023
Purch Amazon April 28, 2018
Pretty Broken Girl by Jeana E. Mann
Genres; Adult, Contemporary, Romance
4 Stars
Very intense.
Well written. Decently paced and smooth flow.
Dakota and Samuel are very easy to connect to and root for.
A lot of steamy passion and sweet romance.
Some interesting twist that keep you intrigued.
A couple of areas that were slightly repetitive.
I found 1 editing error.
I cared about the characters and enjoyed this one enough that I want to read more by this author.
Got a few of her books on my kindle and I will be exploring her a lot in the next few months.
Pretty Broken Girl by Jeana E. Mann
Genres; Adult, Contemporary, Romance
4 Stars
Very intense.
Well written. Decently paced and smooth flow.
Dakota and Samuel are very easy to connect to and root for.
A lot of steamy passion and sweet romance.
Some interesting twist that keep you intrigued.
A couple of areas that were slightly repetitive.
I found 1 editing error.
I cared about the characters and enjoyed this one enough that I want to read more by this author.
Got a few of her books on my kindle and I will be exploring her a lot in the next few months.
March 19, 2019
Life was all about making choices. I'd made bad choices for good reasons. The best I could do was to learn from my mistakes and do better.
Predictable. Uneventful. Uninteresting. Unsatisfactory. Disappointing.
I didn't care about the story. Couldn't care less about the characters. I found the flashbacks annoying and unnecessary.
There is nothing outstanding about this book. We have the classic scarred man who's too much of a coward to let himself feel any kind of emotion. He's weak. He became everything he despised and never wanted to be. And the typical beautiful, weak and broken woman who is ready to bend and break at any of his commands. She doesn't stand up for herself. Definitely not my cup of tea.
Predictable. Uneventful. Uninteresting. Unsatisfactory. Disappointing.
I didn't care about the story. Couldn't care less about the characters. I found the flashbacks annoying and unnecessary.
There is nothing outstanding about this book. We have the classic scarred man who's too much of a coward to let himself feel any kind of emotion. He's weak. He became everything he despised and never wanted to be. And the typical beautiful, weak and broken woman who is ready to bend and break at any of his commands. She doesn't stand up for herself. Definitely not my cup of tea.
Read
September 28, 2021free again 28 Sept 2021
February 6, 2016
3.5 stars
When I download freebies from Amazon I never expect too much but this book although far from perfect was a good read.
It flicks between the past and present but I would have preferred longer chapters in the past as we never got to read enough about how they met and when they fell in love nor did we read about the wedding or their two years of marriage.
However, I liked the present. Sam comes across as vulnerable rather than alpha male but I liked him and felt sorry for how Dakota had hurt him.
I wasn't sure about Dakota. At first she comes across as uncaring. I suppose the reason for doing what she did was explained and she was young at the time but I never felt like she felt enough guilt. There was a lack of emotion to Dakota's character. Sam's character was much better written.
The part of the story about Sam's business and takeovers reminded me of similar dialogue from the film, Pretty Woman!
I did enjoy this story but when I got to the end I had forgotten that when I downloaded it, it said book one of two! It doesn't end on a cliff hanger. I believe the second book is about Sam learning to trust Dakota again.
When I download freebies from Amazon I never expect too much but this book although far from perfect was a good read.
It flicks between the past and present but I would have preferred longer chapters in the past as we never got to read enough about how they met and when they fell in love nor did we read about the wedding or their two years of marriage.
However, I liked the present. Sam comes across as vulnerable rather than alpha male but I liked him and felt sorry for how Dakota had hurt him.
I wasn't sure about Dakota. At first she comes across as uncaring. I suppose the reason for doing what she did was explained and she was young at the time but I never felt like she felt enough guilt. There was a lack of emotion to Dakota's character. Sam's character was much better written.
The part of the story about Sam's business and takeovers reminded me of similar dialogue from the film, Pretty Woman!
I did enjoy this story but when I got to the end I had forgotten that when I downloaded it, it said book one of two! It doesn't end on a cliff hanger. I believe the second book is about Sam learning to trust Dakota again.
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July 15, 2016
02/08/2016 -- 3 Stars
I enjoyed this one, but it was predictable. I snagged it as a free book.
It ended with the understanding that there would be a second book continuing this story. I'm not a huge fan of stories that require you to read another to know how things truly end. The writing was good, not great [thus the predictability].
I'm not pulled to read the next book. I'll probably stop here. Therefore my rating.
Happy Reading!
I enjoyed this one, but it was predictable. I snagged it as a free book.
It ended with the understanding that there would be a second book continuing this story. I'm not a huge fan of stories that require you to read another to know how things truly end. The writing was good, not great [thus the predictability].
I'm not pulled to read the next book. I'll probably stop here. Therefore my rating.
Happy Reading!
August 3, 2017
Luckily this book is free on Amazon, or else I'd be really pissed to have paid for something this terrible.
The blurb is so promising; I'm a sucker for second chance romance, and there's a lot of potential in the story (blackmailed into divorce, 10 year subsequent separation, etc) I, a second chance romance lover, was prepared for all the angst and hard work into the reunion but instead all I got was meh.
My issues? I had perceived Dakota as a smart and strong woman. She has a pretty excellent career, and the sacrifice she made (ditching the love of her life in exchange for money in order to save her brother and mother) is not small. She's managed to get out of poverty and make something of herself. But when Samuel came back into her life and took over her company, she somehow immediately turned into a doormat.
Samuel is an asshole, period. I disliked how he tortured Dakota at work with menial tasks totally unsuitable for her position. It's been 10 years, get over yourself. His childish revenge is one of the biggest turn off I have about this story. He didn't want to listen to Dakota's explanations when she offered them, and instead resorted to acting like a petulant rich brat and slaving Dakota around.
I didn't see why they should reconcile, tbh, because I just can't see the great love they have for each other. Samuel treated Dakota poorly and justified it with the fact that Dakota left him and broke his heart ten years ago, but somehow managed to lust over her at the same time. And Dakota kept taking them all in because apparently she has no sense of self-preservation. I mean, it would have been better if she really loved her high power job and didn't want to leave it, but nope apparently she just loves misery and seeing her ex-husband who she still secretly loved (of course) every day.
There's so much that needed to be explored in the story in order for the second chance to work, and I didn't get that with this book and I'm disappointed.
The blurb is so promising; I'm a sucker for second chance romance, and there's a lot of potential in the story (blackmailed into divorce, 10 year subsequent separation, etc) I, a second chance romance lover, was prepared for all the angst and hard work into the reunion but instead all I got was meh.
My issues? I had perceived Dakota as a smart and strong woman. She has a pretty excellent career, and the sacrifice she made (ditching the love of her life in exchange for money in order to save her brother and mother) is not small. She's managed to get out of poverty and make something of herself. But when Samuel came back into her life and took over her company, she somehow immediately turned into a doormat.
Samuel is an asshole, period. I disliked how he tortured Dakota at work with menial tasks totally unsuitable for her position. It's been 10 years, get over yourself. His childish revenge is one of the biggest turn off I have about this story. He didn't want to listen to Dakota's explanations when she offered them, and instead resorted to acting like a petulant rich brat and slaving Dakota around.
I didn't see why they should reconcile, tbh, because I just can't see the great love they have for each other. Samuel treated Dakota poorly and justified it with the fact that Dakota left him and broke his heart ten years ago, but somehow managed to lust over her at the same time. And Dakota kept taking them all in because apparently she has no sense of self-preservation. I mean, it would have been better if she really loved her high power job and didn't want to leave it, but nope apparently she just loves misery and seeing her ex-husband who she still secretly loved (of course) every day.
There's so much that needed to be explored in the story in order for the second chance to work, and I didn't get that with this book and I'm disappointed.
January 30, 2016
A Second Chance Done Right
It is so easy to hate someone who broke your heart... until they're right in front of you. The characters were flawed in ways that made them realistic and the story flowed well, even with the timeline transitions. The realization that Dakota worked her way up makes her a favorite among my recent reads. Secrets are hard...
It is so easy to hate someone who broke your heart... until they're right in front of you. The characters were flawed in ways that made them realistic and the story flowed well, even with the timeline transitions. The realization that Dakota worked her way up makes her a favorite among my recent reads. Secrets are hard...
January 19, 2020
This was a pretty good book; a bit of a surprise. My first book by Jeanna and I enjoyed it. There were parts that I felt could’ve been done a bit differently but overall it was entertaining.
I wasn’t immediately connected to the characters but they did grow on me as the story progressed.
Overall, an enjoyable read and I’ll read other books by this author in the future.
I wasn’t immediately connected to the characters but they did grow on me as the story progressed.
Overall, an enjoyable read and I’ll read other books by this author in the future.
Want to read
August 13, 2017Amazon Freebie 8/2/17
March 10, 2021
Couldn't put it down
May have had a big of predictable behaviors. But I can't hand it down. One of the books that was hard to put down.
May have had a big of predictable behaviors. But I can't hand it down. One of the books that was hard to put down.
May 7, 2018
On est facilement happé par cette romance même si on devine la suite des événements dès le début du livre. C'est une agréable surprise et je suis tentée de lire la suite des aventures de Dakhota et Sam.
August 27, 2017
I grabbed this book as a freebie via BookBub. I gave this a 4 stars or 8/10.
I was drawn into the world of Dakota Atwell and her ex husband Samuel Seaforth. Once married Dakota, was given the chance to take a cheque that offered her enough money to keep her brother out of jail. Sadly, the cheque came at a cost. Dakota, had very little choice and did what was expected of her.
Jump forward in time to Dakota and Samuel's paths crossing again. As old animosities come to the fore and neither of them want to back down and both want to win. Dakota and Samuel take us on a journey of rediscovery.
I really enjoyed this first story in the Pretty Broken series, it can be read as a standalone. However, Dakota and Samuel's journey continues in the second story in the series, Pretty Filthy Lies. I found it well written and very engaging. I will be reading more in this series as I want to know what the future has in store for them both. With a great supporting cast of secondary characters who are bound to return in other books in this series, this series is shaping up nicely.
I was drawn into the world of Dakota Atwell and her ex husband Samuel Seaforth. Once married Dakota, was given the chance to take a cheque that offered her enough money to keep her brother out of jail. Sadly, the cheque came at a cost. Dakota, had very little choice and did what was expected of her.
Jump forward in time to Dakota and Samuel's paths crossing again. As old animosities come to the fore and neither of them want to back down and both want to win. Dakota and Samuel take us on a journey of rediscovery.
I really enjoyed this first story in the Pretty Broken series, it can be read as a standalone. However, Dakota and Samuel's journey continues in the second story in the series, Pretty Filthy Lies. I found it well written and very engaging. I will be reading more in this series as I want to know what the future has in store for them both. With a great supporting cast of secondary characters who are bound to return in other books in this series, this series is shaping up nicely.
November 3, 2017
So I grabbed this whilst it was a freebie on Amazon for the Kindle (and it still is, so grab it while you can if it takes your fancy)
Pretty Broken Girl is the first in the Pretty Broken series and is about Dakota Atwell and Sam Seaforth. Dakota and Sam had a forbidden love - Dakota's mother was the 'help' in the Seaforth house, and as such, Sam's father disapproved when they fell in love. Despite this disapproval they continued to see each other, breaking away from the Seaforth family and getting married. Their love was all they needed, until Sam's father made Dakota an offer she couldn't refuse.
Ten years later, divorced, Dakota finds herself confronted by her new boss: Sam. The feelings of hurt and betrayal bubble back to the surface as they are forced to work together, making each of them confront the love that never really left either of them.
This was a good easy read, and it was free which makes it even better! I found the story a little silly in places (without giving anything away, I'm not convinced Dakota would have chosen to divorce Sam considering how much he had already given up for her but that's just my opinion). There were very few surprises, but you don't always want surprises in your novels so this is not necessarily a problem. The characters however were well-rounded and believable, making them enjoyable to follow. The ending rather predictably set up the book for the next in the series. I won't be rushing to get the next book, but it doesn't mean I won't read it at some point in the future.
If you would like to check out my other books reviews, please visit my book blog https://chapterandcake.wordpress.com
Pretty Broken Girl is the first in the Pretty Broken series and is about Dakota Atwell and Sam Seaforth. Dakota and Sam had a forbidden love - Dakota's mother was the 'help' in the Seaforth house, and as such, Sam's father disapproved when they fell in love. Despite this disapproval they continued to see each other, breaking away from the Seaforth family and getting married. Their love was all they needed, until Sam's father made Dakota an offer she couldn't refuse.
Ten years later, divorced, Dakota finds herself confronted by her new boss: Sam. The feelings of hurt and betrayal bubble back to the surface as they are forced to work together, making each of them confront the love that never really left either of them.
This was a good easy read, and it was free which makes it even better! I found the story a little silly in places (without giving anything away, I'm not convinced Dakota would have chosen to divorce Sam considering how much he had already given up for her but that's just my opinion). There were very few surprises, but you don't always want surprises in your novels so this is not necessarily a problem. The characters however were well-rounded and believable, making them enjoyable to follow. The ending rather predictably set up the book for the next in the series. I won't be rushing to get the next book, but it doesn't mean I won't read it at some point in the future.
If you would like to check out my other books reviews, please visit my book blog https://chapterandcake.wordpress.com
January 11, 2020
Sam and Dakota used to be so in love. Then the act of betrayal that drove them apart. Years later they come back into contact when he becomes her new boss. Yikes...
I love me a second chance romance, plus you combine it with a sort of enemies to lovers vibe, AND a hot boss trope, and I'm so there. Yep, I really liked Pretty Broken Girl. Dakota is broken indeed, but she's strong, and I like how she behaved with Sam. I didn't necessarily like Sam, but I could sort of understand where his grumpy ass attitude came from, considering what he had been forced to think all the years they were apart.
Now the question is, can they truly make a second chance work? I certainly hope so and can't wait to read the rest of the series now!
ARC via Wildfire Marketing Solutions. Also purchased an ebook via Amazon.
Review: Live Through Books Blog.
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March 2, 2016
This is a pretty frustrating book for a number of reasons, but mostly due to the lack of apparent effective communication between any of the main players in the story. That said, it was an enjoyable (although not an outstanding) read.
I found the fact that the narrative flicked between the current story and Sam & Dakota's history worked suprisingly well and wasn't at all jarring. The drip feed of background information kept the tension between the two, and ultimately made this a more entertaining story. I look forward to reading the next in the series to see how their relationship develops.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I found the fact that the narrative flicked between the current story and Sam & Dakota's history worked suprisingly well and wasn't at all jarring. The drip feed of background information kept the tension between the two, and ultimately made this a more entertaining story. I look forward to reading the next in the series to see how their relationship develops.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
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