Advanced Reader Copy Review: Heartsmashed by Brooke Blaine
ARC provided by The Author Agency and this is my honest review. My thanks to them and the author for the opportunity to review.
Heartsmashed by Brooke Blaine is the second book in the Hate to Love You series. In this story we follow the journey of Sawyer, a radio show host who is nursing a broken heart and Beckett, a charming Sports Therapist. After a brutal break-up, poor Sawyer finds himself having to attend a week -long family celebration event where his ex will also be present. Rather than face the event alone he comes up with a novel idea attend to bring someone along, although this plan doesn’t quite work out as intended and he ends up meeting Beckett, who does agree to go with him. I really liked this premise of the story and with Beckett the only one of the two aware of the mistaken identity, it sets up a very interesting dynamic as the story progresses.
I thought Sawyer was a great character, he was passionate and sweet and genuinely wore his heart on his sleeves. It was clear that the breakup with his ex, Peter, had hurt him but he never hid away from that pain and was present for his family. His emotional arc as he begun to re-discover himself now that Peter was out of his life, was really gratifying to watch and the moment when he finally pushed back and stood up for himself was really well written and I definitely applauded when I read it! I really liked Sawyer as a character, but I adored Beckett. From the moment they meet he was perfect for Sawyer but didn’t come across as a one-dimensional character. Beckett was always kind, gracious and put Sawyer first (and Peter in his place). It was really interesting to see how he dealt with the realisation that he had developed true feelings for Sawyer but because of how they had met, there was a conflict as to how he could pursue those feelings. This is a story of mistaken identity, therefore there is fallout when the truth is revealed but it is well handled within the context of the story and it makes the happy ending all the sweeter!
I always like reading Brooke Blaine stories, as the world building is so immersive and the characters feel like old friends. The Montgomery family was so lovely and caring, and all the brothers were such good fun! I have not read the first book in the series, but this has made me want to go back and read Hudson’s story and check out Rome’s story next when it is available. I would definitely recommend this book. 4.4/5 stars
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Heartsmashed is available from 11.06.26
