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A Broken Fairy Tale #3
His Jar of Hearts
Joey McMillian is man that everyone loves. Women fall at his feet everywhere he goes, and men want to be him. Working at the fire department in the small shore town where he grew up, staying close to the only constant in his life, his best friends, has been all Joey thought he wanted in life. While his friends have all found love and started families, Joey bounces from woman to woman, never opening himself up to the opportunity of loving someone and being truly loved in return.
Kat Pierce is a fiercely independent thirty something who knows Joey’s womanizing ways far too well. When she lands a teaching job and moves into her cousin’s house at the shore, she finds herself with Joey more than she would like. There’s always been an attraction between the two of them, but Kat knows better than to act on her feelings. Her heart has been broken before, and she knows Joey is a one way ticket to having it broken again.
Will Joey and Kat find the love they are looking for?
Kat Pierce is a fiercely independent thirty something who knows Joey’s womanizing ways far too well. When she lands a teaching job and moves into her cousin’s house at the shore, she finds herself with Joey more than she would like. There’s always been an attraction between the two of them, but Kat knows better than to act on her feelings. Her heart has been broken before, and she knows Joey is a one way ticket to having it broken again.
Will Joey and Kat find the love they are looking for?
Paperback
First published December 10, 2014
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About the author
S.P. Cervantes
12 books189 followersS.P Cervantes lives in Orange County, California with her husband and three children, where she is a teacher. She enjoys spending time with her family, writing, reading, and running, but is always thinking of an idea for her next novel.
The dystopian romance An Impossible World will be released on July 25, 2017.
S.P. Cervantes is the author of the highly rated New Adult Romantic Fantasy series Secrets of Shadow Hill. “Always and Forever”, “The Prophecy” and “War of Wizards” are available now. S.P. Cervantes also has a contemporary romance series, A Broken Fairy Tale. “Dust to Dust" is the first book in the series, with "Wished Away" and "His Jar of Hearts" are the second and third books in this stand alone series.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
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June 14, 2020As of June 14, 2020, I have never received the copy of this book that I won via Goodreads First Reads. I am making a note here to keep track of what ones I was unable to read due to it being lost/unreceived.
September 2, 2020
I never heard of this book but Goodreads says I read it so I must have . In fairness I gave it 3 stars not knowing if it was good or bad .
November 26, 2014
His Jar of Hearts by SP Cervantes
5 end of series stars
I've read this whole series from the beginning and I've learned things about myself while reading it. I've learned that love is living, friendships can last for forever if you help nurture them and help them grow, and I've learned that we all need a little plaster in our lives. Read this series and you'll understand.
I've watched Cam and Holden, once high school sweethearts, break up and get back together many years later. I watched Dave die and Jess mourn but also learn to love again. Now, in His Jar of Hearts, I get to watch my book husband, Joey, the fire fighter playboy find his one true love.
Joey McMillan is the epitome of a player. He's sexy, well built, with blonde hair and blue eyes, tats, and has an arrogance about him. He doesn't do relationships. He loves em and leaves em. Though it's getting more and more difficult in their little town to someone he hasn't slept with.
" I'm Joey Fucking McMillan. I don't get excited over a girl."
For years it's just been him and the gang, the Goodfellas, and even though Jess' cousin, Kat, has been around the circle, she was never really in the circle. Sure, she was included but not an original. Joey's always flirted and stolen little moments with Kat but it can never be anything more. He's thought about more but he's not ready and Kat's definitely not the loving and leaving kind. He knows with just the right touch and he will be hooked. Joey doesn't do hooked. Since Dave died, though, Joey's outlook on life has changed a bit. He's grown up and started seeing that maybe he should settle down. Can he convince Kat that he's serious and can hold a meaningful relationship? Or will she ever be able to trust a man with a past like his?
"She knows all the ugly about me. Now all I have to show her is the good. It's a little dusty, but it's there."
Kat had always loved flirting and messing with Joe but she vowed a long long time ago she would never be a notch in his bedpost or another heart in His Jar of Hearts. She's finally broken things off with that douchebag Kevin but he keeps coming around and she keeps going back. She wants to find someone to give her a reason not to go back to Kevin. Could Joey possibly be that guy?
"I've never wanted to be Joey McMillan's one night stand. I've only ever wanted to be his happily ever after."
Joey finally breaks down one night after a couple glasses of wine and a Game of Thrones episode and asks her out. Kat isn't so sure what she should say bc she doesn't want him to think if she says yes that means he can get her into the bed.
"I don't know, Joey. I'm afraid if we cross that line, things with us will never be the same again. I don't want to be a test."
Well after agreeing to one date and some conditions, Kats already seeing a different side to Joey. He's not the same playboy all the other girls get. He actually has a soft and vulnerable side to him, too. But we all know skeletons like to jump out of closets at the most inopportune moments and for Joey and Kat it's no different.
Can they overcome Joeys past and Kats ex? Will Joey really get his happily ever after with Kat?
There are several emotional moments in the book. Many relate to the previous books in the series but there is a very frightening and bone chilling incident that will make you shudder, cry, and panic. It's very unexpected but necessary because out of the darkness comes the light that is shed on our lives and makes us rethink ourselves and our priorities and for Joey and Kat it's the same way.
I am super sad that this series is finished. I adore each and every one of these characters. I love what I've learned from them. I cherish these books, the stories, the life lessons, and I cherish my friendship with Susan that's emerged from the books. I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us all next. Whether it be YA Fantasy or New Adult Romance I will definitely be reading it.
Thank you Autumn at WordSmith Publicity / The Autumn Review for allowing me to read and review these for you! Because of you I've grown as a reviewer! Thank you!
Book provided by WordSmith Publicity for an honest review.
5 end of series stars
I've read this whole series from the beginning and I've learned things about myself while reading it. I've learned that love is living, friendships can last for forever if you help nurture them and help them grow, and I've learned that we all need a little plaster in our lives. Read this series and you'll understand.
I've watched Cam and Holden, once high school sweethearts, break up and get back together many years later. I watched Dave die and Jess mourn but also learn to love again. Now, in His Jar of Hearts, I get to watch my book husband, Joey, the fire fighter playboy find his one true love.
Joey McMillan is the epitome of a player. He's sexy, well built, with blonde hair and blue eyes, tats, and has an arrogance about him. He doesn't do relationships. He loves em and leaves em. Though it's getting more and more difficult in their little town to someone he hasn't slept with.
" I'm Joey Fucking McMillan. I don't get excited over a girl."
For years it's just been him and the gang, the Goodfellas, and even though Jess' cousin, Kat, has been around the circle, she was never really in the circle. Sure, she was included but not an original. Joey's always flirted and stolen little moments with Kat but it can never be anything more. He's thought about more but he's not ready and Kat's definitely not the loving and leaving kind. He knows with just the right touch and he will be hooked. Joey doesn't do hooked. Since Dave died, though, Joey's outlook on life has changed a bit. He's grown up and started seeing that maybe he should settle down. Can he convince Kat that he's serious and can hold a meaningful relationship? Or will she ever be able to trust a man with a past like his?
"She knows all the ugly about me. Now all I have to show her is the good. It's a little dusty, but it's there."
Kat had always loved flirting and messing with Joe but she vowed a long long time ago she would never be a notch in his bedpost or another heart in His Jar of Hearts. She's finally broken things off with that douchebag Kevin but he keeps coming around and she keeps going back. She wants to find someone to give her a reason not to go back to Kevin. Could Joey possibly be that guy?
"I've never wanted to be Joey McMillan's one night stand. I've only ever wanted to be his happily ever after."
Joey finally breaks down one night after a couple glasses of wine and a Game of Thrones episode and asks her out. Kat isn't so sure what she should say bc she doesn't want him to think if she says yes that means he can get her into the bed.
"I don't know, Joey. I'm afraid if we cross that line, things with us will never be the same again. I don't want to be a test."
Well after agreeing to one date and some conditions, Kats already seeing a different side to Joey. He's not the same playboy all the other girls get. He actually has a soft and vulnerable side to him, too. But we all know skeletons like to jump out of closets at the most inopportune moments and for Joey and Kat it's no different.
Can they overcome Joeys past and Kats ex? Will Joey really get his happily ever after with Kat?
There are several emotional moments in the book. Many relate to the previous books in the series but there is a very frightening and bone chilling incident that will make you shudder, cry, and panic. It's very unexpected but necessary because out of the darkness comes the light that is shed on our lives and makes us rethink ourselves and our priorities and for Joey and Kat it's the same way.
I am super sad that this series is finished. I adore each and every one of these characters. I love what I've learned from them. I cherish these books, the stories, the life lessons, and I cherish my friendship with Susan that's emerged from the books. I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us all next. Whether it be YA Fantasy or New Adult Romance I will definitely be reading it.
Thank you Autumn at WordSmith Publicity / The Autumn Review for allowing me to read and review these for you! Because of you I've grown as a reviewer! Thank you!
Book provided by WordSmith Publicity for an honest review.
December 19, 2014
4.5 out of 5 stars
I stumbled upon The Broken Fairytale Series when I first read Wished Away. I immediately fell in love with this group of friends and never expected the emotional journey that ensued. It's always the ones which take you by surprise that end up being the best reads.
For me Joey always came across at the life of the party. He was fun, good looking and made it seem as though he didn't have a care in the world. But on the other hand he was a solid support. The glue who helped hold his friends lives together when they seemed to spin out of control. He may be a womanizer, who doesn't want commitment but he will ALWAYS put the ones he loves first.
Throughout the other two books I suspected there may be something more to Kat and Joey than just friendly banter and getting to know these two as individuals and watch them risk their hearts for one another made for a really great book. I loved watching Joey struggle with admitting his feelings but nothing made me more proud than seeing him go after what he wanted without a second guess. I loved watching him turn from playboy to man. He's the kind of man who cherishes and appreciates what he has. He may not have any experience in being a "boyfriend" but he completely nailed the role.
Kat on the other hand has always known about her feelings for Joey, she just isn't willing to be another notch on his belt and has grown to love their friendship, but when it matters is she willing to risk their friendship for possibly the greatest love of her life or will her fear keep her from missing out. She's stuck in a on again off again cycle with the man who was her first love and cutting those kind of ties, stepping away from what's comfortable isn't easy and SP Cervantes captures the essence of this perfectly with Kat. Without a doubt you'll be able to relate with Kat's character.
I have to admit I did wonder where SP Cervantes would take these two characters, what kind of "drama" they would face and I have to say their trials and tribulation period didn't disappoint. SP Cervantes once again tackles a touch subject and manages to shed light on it in a very real and refreshing way.
If you're taking the time to read this review then I encourage to give the Broken Fairy Tale series a chance. SP Cervantes has created some pretty unique stories and you're missing out if you don't see what all the fuss is about. While Wished Away is without a doubt my favorite of the series, I still really enjoyed Dust to Dust and His Jar of Hearts (Joey will have women everywhere swooning, I know I was!).
http://romancerewind.blogspot.com/201...
I stumbled upon The Broken Fairytale Series when I first read Wished Away. I immediately fell in love with this group of friends and never expected the emotional journey that ensued. It's always the ones which take you by surprise that end up being the best reads.
For me Joey always came across at the life of the party. He was fun, good looking and made it seem as though he didn't have a care in the world. But on the other hand he was a solid support. The glue who helped hold his friends lives together when they seemed to spin out of control. He may be a womanizer, who doesn't want commitment but he will ALWAYS put the ones he loves first.
Throughout the other two books I suspected there may be something more to Kat and Joey than just friendly banter and getting to know these two as individuals and watch them risk their hearts for one another made for a really great book. I loved watching Joey struggle with admitting his feelings but nothing made me more proud than seeing him go after what he wanted without a second guess. I loved watching him turn from playboy to man. He's the kind of man who cherishes and appreciates what he has. He may not have any experience in being a "boyfriend" but he completely nailed the role.
Kat on the other hand has always known about her feelings for Joey, she just isn't willing to be another notch on his belt and has grown to love their friendship, but when it matters is she willing to risk their friendship for possibly the greatest love of her life or will her fear keep her from missing out. She's stuck in a on again off again cycle with the man who was her first love and cutting those kind of ties, stepping away from what's comfortable isn't easy and SP Cervantes captures the essence of this perfectly with Kat. Without a doubt you'll be able to relate with Kat's character.
I have to admit I did wonder where SP Cervantes would take these two characters, what kind of "drama" they would face and I have to say their trials and tribulation period didn't disappoint. SP Cervantes once again tackles a touch subject and manages to shed light on it in a very real and refreshing way.
If you're taking the time to read this review then I encourage to give the Broken Fairy Tale series a chance. SP Cervantes has created some pretty unique stories and you're missing out if you don't see what all the fuss is about. While Wished Away is without a doubt my favorite of the series, I still really enjoyed Dust to Dust and His Jar of Hearts (Joey will have women everywhere swooning, I know I was!).
http://romancerewind.blogspot.com/201...
January 31, 2015
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is the third and final book in the series. The first two books are Dust to Dust and Wished Away. All three books could be read as standalone I suppose but I feel you benefit more from reading them in order and they have all been 5 star reads for me.
Joey, Joey, Joey….what can I say, you were so much sweeter than I ever thought you could be. Ladies you will love him, he is thoughtful, hot, confident and a firefighter. Don’t think that just because he is sweet that he has lost any of his alphaness (not sure if that's a word?) because he hasn’t. I love male characters that are strong and confident but can still be sweet and loving and Joey was all those and more. Kat is literally the woman next door that Joey has known and been friends with for years, she doesn't take any crap off of him and has no trouble calling him on his BS. Both have had feelings for one another that they always thought it was best not to act on until Joey decides that Kat is the one he wants and just remember what Joey wants, Joey gets!
I fell head over heels for Joey and Kat’s love story. It was beautifully written and I wouldn't change one thing about it. I will say out of all the books in the series I felt this was the sweetest love story. Kat and Joey really did make the perfect couple.
This book has a little bit of everything in and really surprised me towards the end with a twist that I didn’t see coming. The twist will bring out your emotions and really tug at your heart because unfortunately it is something that we are seeing in the news way too much these days. It made my heart hurt a lot and my emotions were all over the place. I do have to commend the Author for writing about it, I know it couldn’t have been easy to tell that part of the story, however I think she did an amazing job at it.
This story was the perfect mixture of drama, love, heartbreak, sex, humor and friendship. I am really going to miss this whole group of friends. I can’t stress that enough but the Author really couldn’t have ended the series any better in my opinion, if it must end!
Thank you S.P. Cervantes for writing such a wonderful series full of love, laughter and friendship! I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know each character a little better throughout the series. Your writing has made me feel a personal connection to all of these characters and I will dearly miss them. I can't wait to see what you have in store for us in the future.
This is the third and final book in the series. The first two books are Dust to Dust and Wished Away. All three books could be read as standalone I suppose but I feel you benefit more from reading them in order and they have all been 5 star reads for me.
Joey, Joey, Joey….what can I say, you were so much sweeter than I ever thought you could be. Ladies you will love him, he is thoughtful, hot, confident and a firefighter. Don’t think that just because he is sweet that he has lost any of his alphaness (not sure if that's a word?) because he hasn’t. I love male characters that are strong and confident but can still be sweet and loving and Joey was all those and more. Kat is literally the woman next door that Joey has known and been friends with for years, she doesn't take any crap off of him and has no trouble calling him on his BS. Both have had feelings for one another that they always thought it was best not to act on until Joey decides that Kat is the one he wants and just remember what Joey wants, Joey gets!
I fell head over heels for Joey and Kat’s love story. It was beautifully written and I wouldn't change one thing about it. I will say out of all the books in the series I felt this was the sweetest love story. Kat and Joey really did make the perfect couple.
This book has a little bit of everything in and really surprised me towards the end with a twist that I didn’t see coming. The twist will bring out your emotions and really tug at your heart because unfortunately it is something that we are seeing in the news way too much these days. It made my heart hurt a lot and my emotions were all over the place. I do have to commend the Author for writing about it, I know it couldn’t have been easy to tell that part of the story, however I think she did an amazing job at it.
This story was the perfect mixture of drama, love, heartbreak, sex, humor and friendship. I am really going to miss this whole group of friends. I can’t stress that enough but the Author really couldn’t have ended the series any better in my opinion, if it must end!
Thank you S.P. Cervantes for writing such a wonderful series full of love, laughter and friendship! I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know each character a little better throughout the series. Your writing has made me feel a personal connection to all of these characters and I will dearly miss them. I can't wait to see what you have in store for us in the future.
December 15, 2014
His Jar of Hearts is the final installment in the Broken Fairytale series, and I for one am sad to see it end. I have grown to love all these characters. For me, they represent everyday people with everyday issues that we all seem to have to deal with. Love, loss, healing, and relationships.
In this book, we get to see all about Joey and him finally getting his happily ever after. Joey has long been in love with Kat. He may not have known it yet, but he has. Joey was always content with flirting and having the fun and single relationship. Joey has been happy being the single playboy who has fun and nothing too deep with women. That is, until his best friend Dave dies. Then things change. Things get put in a better perspective for him. Joey now realizes he wants more. He is no longer happy going from women to women. He sees what has been in front of him the whole time.
Kat has been friends with Joey, always wondering of there could be something there. She is too afraid to lose their friendship if things don't work out. With Joey's track record, she knows better than to jump into anything with him. She doesn't want to be just another one night stand for Joey. Not only would she be hurt, their group dynamic would change as well.
When Joey finally convinces Kat to one date, his goal is to win her over and see he is changed. Kat is unsure. Plus Kat is dealing with her own stuff. She has an ex who is trying to work his way back into her life. She is being pulled in 2 very different directions and not sure what path to take. Going back with her ex seems to be bad news and giving her heart to Joey seems scary too.
I loved watching these characters grow and mature. Joey has been a favorite of mine. He is a good guy who just needed to find the right girl. Turns out she was in front of him the whole.
In this book, we get to see all about Joey and him finally getting his happily ever after. Joey has long been in love with Kat. He may not have known it yet, but he has. Joey was always content with flirting and having the fun and single relationship. Joey has been happy being the single playboy who has fun and nothing too deep with women. That is, until his best friend Dave dies. Then things change. Things get put in a better perspective for him. Joey now realizes he wants more. He is no longer happy going from women to women. He sees what has been in front of him the whole time.
Kat has been friends with Joey, always wondering of there could be something there. She is too afraid to lose their friendship if things don't work out. With Joey's track record, she knows better than to jump into anything with him. She doesn't want to be just another one night stand for Joey. Not only would she be hurt, their group dynamic would change as well.
When Joey finally convinces Kat to one date, his goal is to win her over and see he is changed. Kat is unsure. Plus Kat is dealing with her own stuff. She has an ex who is trying to work his way back into her life. She is being pulled in 2 very different directions and not sure what path to take. Going back with her ex seems to be bad news and giving her heart to Joey seems scary too.
I loved watching these characters grow and mature. Joey has been a favorite of mine. He is a good guy who just needed to find the right girl. Turns out she was in front of him the whole.
December 23, 2014
Love Joey and Kat but especially Joey. He is so loyal and sweet. But most of all honest and hard working. Even with his upbringing of who his parents are he is grounded. Kat is cute but she needed to release herself from what was safe to her before she could really fly. This is a book about taking a chance on love even if you are afraid. Of being with you best friend and becoming who you are meant to be. About settling down and finding peace and joy with the one you love. For Joey it was Kat even if he kept denying it. I think he did this because he had been rejected by her too much when they were younger. Everyone in their group saw this but her. So to deal with this rejection he slept around. One day he realizes that he needs to take a chance again. That he wanted her and a future with her. Kat though feared giving into emotions. She had been hurt by someone in the past and didn’t trust easily. Even jumped to conclusions easily because of that past. Joey though was determined. Eventually she gave in and we got a sweet romance evolve before our eyes. We got to see fun times with great friends as well. We saw characters that had pasts and felt heartache and loss but still saw good in things. We saw what can happen when you push people to far with bullying as Kat dealt with a student at school. We saw how sometimes your past can creep up at the wrong moment and be misconstrued and almost take away what you love and want. Through it all though we saw unwavering love and devotion by Joey and even Kat to a point. She did have trust issues but once that was resolved she soared. A beautifully sweet romance that will have you ooh and aww as two friends become more and find their dream with each other fulfilled.
March 19, 2015
Okay, so I loved the first two books and as I read them I knew I wanted more of the story of Joey. He is the guy whom is the life of the party, but also the most fiercely loyal friend a person could have.
Kat has always been the bonus member of the group because she is Jess's cousin. She has known from day one she loved Joey. It took him MUCH longer to realize the same thing. It took the loss of one of his best friends and watching his friends find love for him to see what has always been in his face.
This was the perfect conclusion to a beautiful story.
Kat has always been the bonus member of the group because she is Jess's cousin. She has known from day one she loved Joey. It took him MUCH longer to realize the same thing. It took the loss of one of his best friends and watching his friends find love for him to see what has always been in his face.
This was the perfect conclusion to a beautiful story.
January 28, 2015
Holy cow
I thought the first book was emotional this one was almost as emotional as to be first. I love these characters. If this series was a t.v. show I would for sure watch it. I loved Dave and Gage in first book and I must say in this one my favorites are Joey with all his bad boy badassery. And Holden with his playful but serious when needed attitude. Love love love this series.
I thought the first book was emotional this one was almost as emotional as to be first. I love these characters. If this series was a t.v. show I would for sure watch it. I loved Dave and Gage in first book and I must say in this one my favorites are Joey with all his bad boy badassery. And Holden with his playful but serious when needed attitude. Love love love this series.
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December 14, 2014Lovely ending to a heartfelt series! Don't miss Kat and Joey's story!
May 1, 2015
Loved this entire series. Can't believe it's over.
January 13, 2018
As the circle of friends closes Joey the last of the Good Fellas has been a womanizer loving life. He realizes he is in love and he wants her to know his heart is true. Kat has been part of this close knit group of friends, but always felt a little bit on the outside since she didn't grow up with them. Love this group of friends and family, they look out for each other and call each other on the dumb things they do. Loved it Great ending to the series. Loved all the musical references and texts.
December 19, 2016
A great friends to lovers read. Joey will win your heart. A romantic read that has just enough angst. I loved all of the characters. Each and every one has had their tragedy and will have you feeling so many emotions.
January 5, 2015
one pet peeve of mine is if you're a fan of someone, you should at least get their name right. but it's not in this author's case.
she used three of christina perri's songs in this book(distance, arms and of course, the infamous jar of hearts which is clearly the inspiration behind this book title). i'm gonna assume she's a fan because she used so many of her songs as references. but the author still managed to misspell her name, christina perri aint no katy perry.
other than that, the book was not too bad. the starting was a bit frustrating because both characters were living in denial. it's like they want to be with each other but they're not sure if the other party likes them. and whenever a thought comes to their mind, they will try to push it away because they're afraid of rejection.
thank god one of them finally decides to make the first move.
i love the ending though. ultimate happy ending.
she used three of christina perri's songs in this book(distance, arms and of course, the infamous jar of hearts which is clearly the inspiration behind this book title). i'm gonna assume she's a fan because she used so many of her songs as references. but the author still managed to misspell her name, christina perri aint no katy perry.
other than that, the book was not too bad. the starting was a bit frustrating because both characters were living in denial. it's like they want to be with each other but they're not sure if the other party likes them. and whenever a thought comes to their mind, they will try to push it away because they're afraid of rejection.
thank god one of them finally decides to make the first move.
i love the ending though. ultimate happy ending.
July 11, 2016
His Jar of Hearts is the third installment in the A Broken Fairy Tale by S.P. Cervantes. Again, another fabulous book in this series that had me hooked from beginning to end. The twists and turns were fantastic and made this book absolutely perfect. The characters were well developed and had tons of love and chemistry. I loved that each book in this series was standalone but the author still continued the other characters stories. Great book and series that I would recommend.
February 18, 2016
This was a great story, I love this group. They are all such a close knit group and the relationships they form bring them that much closer, Kat and Joey further solidify the group as they get together. A great conclusion.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews