Tuesday, August 12, 2014

ARC Review: Broken by Lauren Layne


Title: Broken (Redemption, #1) 

Author: Lauren Layne

Rating: 3 Stars

Release Date: September 2nd, 2014 

Over the past year, Lauren Layne has swiftly risen to become one of my favorite romance authors. So much so, in fact, that I request her novels without even glancing at their synopses. Thus, to find that Broken continued the tale told in Layne's debut, only this time following Olivia instead of Stephanie, was a pleasant surprise. In Isn't She Lovely Olivia stars as the villain--the ex-girlfriend who cheated on her perfect boyfriend and plans to steal him back. Now, in Broken, she stars as an angel--the college senior who drops out to take care of a soldier.

Only Olivia and a handful of her close friends know, however, that dropping out of college isn't an angelic task; it's redemption. In healing others, Olivia hopes to face the darkest parts of herself and come to terms with what she did to wreck the relationships around her. Paul Langdon, the young and tortured solider she finds herself in care of, seems to be an even greater expert on wrecking relationships, however. Ever since returning from Afghanistan, Paul has pushed aside those around him, refusing to face the world with the scars on his face and the limp he carries around as a remnant of battle. Chasing away caretaker after caretaker, Paul finally acquiesces with his father's wishes and promises to cope with the new caretaker for three months. Neither Paul nor Olivia are prepared, though, for the youth or attraction they feel for one another upon meeting. But their exterior veneers hide two very angry, very unstable, and very broken individuals inside. If they play the cards right, these two just may be the solution they've been searching for all their lives...if only they can get past their destructive tendencies to find the love beneath.

I find the premises of Broken far better executed than the actual novel itself. While I thoroughly enjoyed this love story, from its stumbling road blocks to the true struggle these characters were forced to undergo in order to make it work, I also remained unimpressed. Layne has, up until now, taken seemingly classic story lines and added her own unique twist to it. Not only are her protagonists independent, confident, and undergoing self-growth, but her relationships always end with equal footed partners. Moreover, she never fails to drop tid-bits that hint at so much more than mere romance in her characters lives, whether it be in the form of friendships or family. While many of these elements continue in Broken, from Olivia's growth and acceptance of her past to her difficulty sustaining her former friendships as she takes a different path in life, many of my qualms with this story stemmed from the love story itself.

From the beginning, Paul pushes Olivia away from him in what is an often irrational manner. We are forced to make many allowances for Paul, as a character, because of his past and the fact that we don't know the true extent of his battle scars, physical and emotional. Thus, when Paul treats Olivia's care and genuine affection with contempt I ignored it--but only at first. Despite the fact that Paul is rude, even cruel to Olivia at times, she forgives him very easily. On one hand, it's refreshing to see two characters understand one another so rapidly without unnecessary drama or angst taking over the plot, but at the same time, I couldn't forgive Paul as easily as Olivia could for many of his actions. I felt as if, by the end of this tale, Paul hadn't fully redeemed himself in my eyes.

Moreover, the tail end of this novel reads far too familiar and happily-ever-after, which is typical of any contemporary romance tale but feels particularly odd after the struggle these two underwent to be together. It felt too convenient, almost. I still enjoyed Broken very much: Layne's writing is impossible to tear away from and her pacing is impeccable. Yet, after Mila Gray's Come Back to Me perhaps my expectations of war-torn romance are slightly higher than usual. Whatever it may be, I'd still heartily recommend Layne's new adult and adult novels alike. I suspect Broken is a mere lapse in my otherwise perfect record when it comes to Layne's romances and I am fully on board for her next novel; really.

16 comments:

  1. I love the idea of reading true and realistic relationship struggles, so the premise really captures me. It disheartens me to see that it falls prey to casual contemporary traps though, Keertana. I don't necessarily just want it wrapped up neatly with a bow. Great honest review :)

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  2. I hope that the next one will be awesome for you then

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  3. Ack I hate it when an author tries to wrap up an ending too happily ever after when it just doesn't fit the story arc.

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  4. I haven't heard of this one but now I'm not really sure I'd enjoy it. I think I'd have troubles with Olivia. I don't forgive cheaters that easily so yeah, I'm not sure I'd connect with her. Also this HEA seems really forced. Great review, Keertana :)

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  5. I haven't heard of this one but now I'm not really sure I'd enjoy it. I think I'd have troubles with Olivia. I don't forgive cheaters that easily so yeah, I'm not sure I'd connect with her. Also this HEA seems really forced. Great review, Keertana :)

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  6. I definitely appreciate when characters are on an equal footing -- it doesn't always start out that way. And the premise is great! Wish the story itself lived up to it, as expected.

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  7. There struggles and acceptance of each other sounds interesting. I am bummed that the ending felt rushed or forced given the relationship. Great review!

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  8. "We are forced to make many allowances for Paul, as a character, because of his past and the fact that we don't know the true extent of his battle scars, physical and emotional."

    This is always a frustrating position to be put in Keertana, especially in a romance. I can only make so many allowances before I simply can't anymore. I'm intrigued by this author though, and am definitely going to go back and read one of her previous books since you're such a fan!

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  9. How did I not put two and two together and know that this was Olivia from Isn't She Lovely?!! I've been wondering when we'd get her story and I even have a review copy of this but it didn't click. Lol! It's a shame you weren't able to fully let go of Paul's behavior enough to enjoy their romance again. I hope this doesn't trip me up too. Excellent review, Keertana! :)

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  10. I'm not that familiar with the author's works, but if you're already taken with her writing, I can only surmised it to be outstanding.

    It's too bad this didn't really impress you the way the first novel did, but I can understand. I'm curious, nonetheless. :)

    Great review!

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  11. Sorry this one didn't work out for you, but she must write well for you to want the next book. So yep, you convinced me I need to make sure she is on my must try author list!

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  12. I'm sorry that this book by Layne didn't work out for you Keertana. But I can completely understand some of the issues you had, I don't think I could be easily forgiving of Paul's actions. Also although I detest neatly wrapped happily ever afters, I don't mind them, as long as they work, and so can see why this would be an issue for you too. However I am still interested in picking up a book by Layne, but think I may have to go with some of the ones you enjoyed more!

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  13. I completely understand how you feel, Keertana. While I adore couples who understand each other well enough to brush aside something rude.. if it's a thing that happens constantly.. I am not going to be happy because than it just seems like on person is making all the effort in the relationship by taking the blows from the other person. A good relationship SHOULD be on equal footing and.. no matter how many problems you've had in your past, constant cruelty just cannot be excused *sigh*

    I am sorry this didn't live up to your expectations but I AM glad that you managed to enjoy it never the less.

    Lovely review as ALWAYS, Keertana!! :)

    Rashika @ The Social Potato

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  14. I'm sorry this didn't work as well as some of her novels. Paul definitely sounds like a jerk...I don't know why book characters forgive bad guys so easily sometimes.

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  15. It's a shame Paul doesn't quite redeem his cruel behavior by the end, and that the HEA isn't hard won but just given. My takeaway from this review is that I really need to read a Lauren Layne book, but maybe I shouldn't start with this one. Still, glad you were able to enjoy it in spite of your reservations. Lovely review!

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  16. Ohh. I loved Isn't She Lovely so the thought of a story for Olivia is very appealing. I agree also that the set up as you described is one that I can't wait to pick up. BUT, what greatly concerns me is this sentence: "I felt as if, by the end of this tale, Paul hadn't fully redeemed himself in my eyes." If this was a struggle for you, I'm imagining it will be for me as well. There is a fine line between Olivia being wise and not letting him get to her, and her putting up with too much, and needing to say "that's enough." I'll have to think on this one a bit more. But thanks for putting it on my radar. Also, I'm certain you read more contemporary romance than I do!

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