Ever since that horrific night, I’d shut men completely out of my life. I’d gone from the spunky, fun, Alex DeMarco to a broken woman terrified of intimacy. Easing me back into dating, my best friend sets me up with kickboxing lessons from my charming and perfectly sculpted instructor—Carter Maxwell.
Carter’s goal is to break through my emotional barrier and mold my heart just like he molds my body, but trusting men is a battle I’m not ready for. What’s worse is my ex fiancé, Todd Livingston—the man who tore my heart in two—wants me back, and as much as I’d like to deny it, the feelings are still there.
Both men want what I can’t give—my body and my love—and neither are willing to give up the fight. But only one of them can unbreak this heart of mine.
Betty Shreffler is a USA Today and International Bestselling Romance Author. She writes sexy and suspenseful stories with hot alphas and kickass heroines with twists you don’t expect. She also writes beautiful and sexy romances with tough women and their journeys at finding love. If she’s not writing or doing book events, you can find her creating book cover designs, snuggling with her dogs watching a movie, or enjoying the outdoors on her motorcycle.
To be in the know for all of her sexy and suspenseful releases: JOIN HER NEWSLETTER @ www.bettyshreffler.com
Author Betty Shreffler also writes under the pen name, Betty Legend for paranormal and fantasy romance. To view the reading collection go to: www.bettylegend.com!
Holy Moly! I have no idea where to begin with this review. This book was an emotional rollercoaster, I went through every emotion possible. Alex's story shows that a person can survive a tragedy, and become a stronger person in the end.. Just when I thought I had the story figured out and Alex had her HEA, Betty decided to throw a twist I never seen coming. My poor heart almost did not survive! I was crying so hard I had to step away from the book for a minute and get my emotions in check ( it was not easy, but I needed to know what was going to happen). But in the end my heart was glues back together and I was happy all over again. This is for sure one of my top reads of 2018. This is a must read! I recommend this book to anyone and everyone.
Wow, Betty has done it again! This story will encapsulate your heart and show you the true meaning of unconditional love. You are sucked in from the first page right up until the end. Be prepared, have tissues handy as you will need them. The characters are so real and relatable. Each of their emotions runs deep, you can feel everything each character goes through. One thing I've learned reading this authors books is that she always throws in a twist. I knew it was coming but could have never guessed the impact it would have on the story. This book, hands down, is my favorite read of 2018...It has left a footprint on my heart!! This is an ABSOLUTE MUST READ!!
This story is beautifully written and will pull at your heartstrings in more ways then one. Alex has been through one helluva traumatic life changing ordeal and the flashbacks bring me to tears as she relives the event. Carter is a man that has such a beautiful soul and as strong as he is he’s also gentle and was falling for him instantly. I adore Alex’s BFF Jane is a woman I would proudly have as a friend. Todd, this man had me utterly fuming more often then not with his personality and actions throughout. There’s always a character that you love to loath and this man is it for me. This story flows smoothly and you get deep into the characters and start to feel as though they’re real and you’re living life right along side them. A true page turner with a ending that I adored. Highly recommend you grab this standalone ASAP. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.
All I can say is this book is everything! Such a rollercoaster of emotion from start to finish.
A beautiful story which I suppose can be described as a second chance romance and a love triangle!
After suffering a horrific ordeal which leaves Alex wondering if she is capable of love ever again this book promises to give you not only hope that love can conquer all but it also shows that friendship and family are also strong and can overcome difficulties too!
I loved the blurb for this book, the darker is always appealing to me.
But in this one, I think there was too much. Exes, sexual assault, amnesia, a personal trainer who, slightly out of the blue, had an MMA fight planned... that week. It just all seemed to happen like a plot bunny had jumped onto the page, so there it was.
Alex and Carter had a lot going on. A story about them, and her trying to move on, would have been enough.
I just thought there was too much going on to ever invest in any aspect of the story as there was always something else.
Unbreak This Heart By: Betty Shreffler 4 Emotional Stars
Unbreak This Heart is an emotional journey from the start to the ending. A standalone that I really enjoyed reading.
Alex has suffered so much in her young life. So much loss and a devastating event has sent Alex spinning. A once perfect life has now turned into daily survival.
Meeting Carter at her self-defense class, Alex was awestruck on how gorgeous this man was. Carter gave her feelings that she hadn’t felt in over a year. Working together in class, was the first time she let any man touch her since that horrible day. Carter just had the friendly attitude and Alex devoured it up!
While things are going good for Alex and Carter, who shows up in the picture? The evil ex-fiancé who walked out on Alex because he couldn’t deal with what she was going through.
Now seeing Alex moving ahead in life, having a good job, living in a new apartment, and now becoming more than friends with Carter, Todd steps in to take back what was his.
Having someone that understands you and is willing to accept to take time with you is everything that Alex wants, and she gets that with Carter. But the history and love that she had with Todd is there.
Until the day that Carter and Todd meet and everything changes!
Poderia ser ótimo, mas a autora se perdeu. A personagem principal perde a força pois o romance desenrola rápido já nos 50% e depois o foco fica no lutador e sua recuperação...
Unbreak This Heart will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions. Betty Shreffler has way of drawing emotion out of every scene. From beginning to end this book will take on an emotional journey.
Alex has been to Hell and back and is a survivor. After the person who was supposed to be there for her no matter what leaves her after her attack, she somehow manages to pick up the pieces of her life. But she is unsure of how to let someone into her heart again.
Carter is a patient caring man who wants to show Alex that he can be the person she needs. He is a MMA fighter who also is giving Alex some self defense lessons. He gets to know Alex and is completely taken with her.
This book has an amazing soul. Betty Shreffler takes you on a journey. After reading this book I realized that Carter may be the MMA fighter but Alex is every bit of a fighter as well. I think that is what makes every character in this book so relatable. Alex had to fight to live again and find love again.
Alex and Carter are survivors! What a story of overcoming extreme hardship! I almost didn’t read this book because every time I saw the title I started singing like Toni Braxton, but way worse!! Luckily I didn’t let that deter me. This book was sooooo good! I loved Alex and Carter but I also loved the supporting characters...Jane, Kyle, Kevin, Sandy. What an awesome group of people I’d want to have my back any day! There are moments of this book that are hard to read due to the nature of the subject but we know the strength of the character and know that they got through it, even if it was difficult. Definitely pick up this book. I must warn you, a book hangover is likely!
I like the story, but the book didn't do it justice. It had a lot of potential, but it fell short. Some things were really confusing because it seems like there was missing pieces everywhere like little random scenes were deleted. I hated that she was so indecisive. I didn't like Crank or his suggestion that Carter leave her at home so he could sleep with other women. I did like Carter immediately shooting the woman down after the fight. For the most part, I really liked him. I didn't really like her. I felt drawn to her story and could have liked her if she didn't keep going back to Todd. Maybe it's all understandable to some people, but I thought it was ridiculous.
Unbreak This Heart was a serious emotional roller-coaster. I'm normally not an angst fan, but Betty Shreffler does it so well that even as my heart is being ripped to shreds I keep reading. And if there is a moment that I had to stop and put it down (adulting getting in the way) then I quickly returned to reading even knowing what I could possibly endure.
Alex DeMarco has experienced one of a woman's worst nightmares. And she is just starting to put herself and her life back together after over a year and many a fearful, sleepless night. She's lost so much since that tragic night and is starting to find the strength she was sure she'd ever feel again.
In comes Carter Maxwell. He helps boost her confidence and is restoring more to her than she ever imagined, but she's not sure if she's ready for what all he's offering. She's not sure she ever will be. And to complicate matters further, the ex-fiance she thought gone forever after everything that happened is back and saying he wants another chance.
This book will have you invested. It will have you picking sides and wanting to scream there's no other choice then what to me was the obvious one. And it will have you continuing to turn the pages even if things aren't going your way because it's so well written. I experienced all that and just an overall great reading experience. This is a book that I highly recommend.
Unbreak This Heart by Betty Shreffler is a fantastic contemporary romance that captured my heart in so many ways. This is an exceptional story of love and loss- being broken and learning to live again! Oh my! This story broke me, tossed my heart from my chest, stomped on it- then scraped me back together again!! I really recommend that you don’t go anywhere near this book WITHOUT a huge box of tissues and a bottle of wine! Trust me, you are going to NEED them! I can always rely on Ms. Shreffler to deliver “the goods” when I dive into one of her books. She makes her story and characters so easy to love- her words coaxing me further into the story with every turn of the page- and holding my attention with her sexy, emotive and engaging style. I felt for Alex, my heart ached for what she had been/was going through. She really had been through the wringer! She is so much stronger than she gave herself credit for! Then there’s Carter
, what a man, he’s really perfect- and just what Alex needed to help her heal. I loved his family, too! Jane was such a fantastic addition to this story- who wouldn’t want her as their BFF!! Todd on the other hand, needs a good running kick to his……. There was some sensitive topics included in the storyline, which were handled in a careful, but realistic manner. I wonder what Ms. Shreffler has in store for us next??? Awesome!
I had the privilege of beta reading Unbreak This Heart the cover is stunning and so like the character, every single page has you addicted and craving more.
Mrs Shreffler this book is one hell of an emotional rollercoaster, I was sad, fuming, sad, angry, relieved, sad again, man I was all over the place. That being said this book is unfortunately so like real life events that can happen to anybody at any given time. Summing it up this book is heartbreakingly beautiful.
⛔️⛔️⛔️ STOP SOME SPOILERS ⛔️⛔️⛔️
Alex has been through an hell nobody should have to go through, and to top it off her financé Todd is now her ex leaving her further heartbroken (lucky escape if you ask me, man I cannot stick this guy, I wanted to wring his neck and chop off body parts). Her best friend is her saving grace and that's where Carter enters her life. He's kind, loving and she has an instant connection of feeling safe around him. Todd just don't know how to give in he's like a bad smell that won't go away and creates havok in his wake, but with all the bitching about the guy I truly believe he has major regrets with Alex, if he had just handled things differently the outcome could have been so much easier for him and everyone around him. Life is about to get a whole lot tougher for flex & Carter.
Will they both be strong enough to overcome obstacles and fears?
I've read a few books by this author before, and I've enjoyed them, so I picked this one up, thinking it sounded interesting. Boy, was I in for a surprise! This book was so good! The characters in this book pulled my emotions all over the place and I never knew what was coming next!
Alex is a woman on the edge. She is emotionally fragile, having survived something so horrible, so tragic, that most would just curl up and give up on life. To make things even worse, afterwards, the one she should have been able to count on deserted her in her time of need. Despite how emotionally fragile she is, she is also a very strong woman. She is able to pull herself up, with the help of some really amazing friends, and slowly move forward.
Carter is just purely amazing! He is sweet, patient, giving, and everything that Alex needs. He gives her what she needs, even if it isn't him at the time. His ability to put her first, regardless of his feelings and wants, absolutely made me swoon! He has his own past with bad circumstances, but he doesn't let it affect him or how he feels or reacts to Alex. He is so strong and determined! He is the perfect book boyfriend, and makes me want to claim him for my own! (LOL, just kidding, sort of!!!)
This book is more serious than some that I've read by other authors, because there is some very serious subject matters included (there are some events that may be triggers for some, that are very descriptive, and may be hard for some readers) but this book was simply perfect. I loved Alex and Carter together, even though at times I wanted to shake Alex and ask her what in the heck she was thinking! Their journey wasn't an easy one, but it was all the more amazing because they made it to their HEA together!
I had heard great things about this story so I decided to jump in and it was so amazing. It surpassed my already elevated expectations. A beautiful 5 star story.
Alex has suffered the unimaginable and more than a a year later she’s still having some major trust issues. She has come a long way from that terrible night. Her friend gives her as a gift certificate for self defence training lessons. She was not expecting Carter. He made her feel safe and has made her trust again. But now they are faced with another tragedy but together they can conquer all.
OMG!!!!! This was such a beautifully written story that made me fall in love with Carter and his selflessness. Alex is a strong fierce heroine, she never backed down even faced with more tragedies. They came trough for each other.
90% of my reading material are from ARC’s. This one was read by recommendation. The blurb itself invited me to read it. I was far from being disappointed. An amazing storyline with a shocking twist that took me by surprise. I like that. Bottomline this is a must read.
Standalone told in a dual POV with an HEA. I strongly recommend this story.
A great read about becoming whole and overcoming lifes terrible obstacles. I loved these characters and the patients and love he shows her was memorizing to say the least!
An okay read. I found myself thinking this could be a really awesome read as I started the opening chapters and I expected a lot more. I found myself drifting. Putting down and coming back to try and get engaged in the story again. But I just could not connect with anyone.
I didn't understand Alex and how she went back and fourth in regards to the two males in the story.
I know she suffered a horrible experience and the man she was engaged to could not deal with it and left her. For me that would have been it. There would have been no second chances.
I loved Carter at first but then the story went way off track. For me anyway. And I couldn't relate to his being a professional fighter. His first offical bout and he's 30? It didn't make sense.
It's not a book I'd be going back to pick back up.
What a roller coaster of an emotional ride this book is. The story of Alex and Carter is a amazing story strength, determination and love. Alex is trying to move on with her life from a horrific experience when she meets Carter, her new personal trainer. Carter wants nothing more then to make Alex his every broken piece of her. When her past comes back to interfere with their future, can they hold strong together or will their world be torn apart? This book is another must read by this author if you want action, romance, suspense, hot and steamy moments, love and every other feeling you can have. *tissues may be needed*
This was a beautiful, touching story. I loved every minute of it. Alex and Carter's relationship is an example of what true love is. Patience, understanding and full support of one another. The tragedies both faced in this book could be enough to break anyone, but together they made each other whole. An absolute must read!
A story of immense strength of spirit, reclamation of courage and learning to fly on wings of scars She conquered her demons and wears her scars like wings, An emotional journey into the life of a beautiful spunky girl, full of life, living her dream with a successful career, loving Boyfriend Todd when a sudden twist of fate happens. she becomes a statistic. A victim of a random act of violence that shatters her life into tiny shards. Everything breaks. She's left with nothing. Her courage is gone Her love is gone Her job is gone I was no longer the spritely, kinky, fun Alex I used to be. Now I’m the workaholic, structured, paranoid, can’t bring myself to love Alex.
It's so sad and heartwrenching how many women go through this in real life. The after effects on their psyche so damaging, that they lose their ability to function normally. Safe. I’m never safe. That monster took that security blanket from me and I’ve been fighting ever since to get it back. What they have to learn to live with are nightmares, panic attacks, anxiety and constant need to look over their shoulder. Makes me wanna murder someone !!!! In steps Carter Maxwell who not only provides her a safe space in his arms, right on his chest, he also teaches her self defence and life saving techniques. She starts to slowly ease back into the world of normalcy.......... Carter accepts my flaws and doesn’t punish me for them. With him, I feel free to be me, free to be scared, happy, or sad. He’s the kind of man who will wipe my tears and hold me through the pain. The kind of man who will make me laugh when all I want to do is frown. He makes me stronger, not just physically, but emotionally. With his patience and love, he’s repaired the shredded pieces of my soul. I no longer feel broken—he’s made me whole.
And then there's the dreaded TWIST !! This is my first book by Betty. I quite like her style of writing. The story itself is very inspirational and uplifting. Betty doesn't let hope vanish, she places it right in Alex's hands, sending out a supportive message to all the women out there who've been victims of crimes at some point or other in their lives. Never let the mishaps control your life, get up and take back the reins and ride life like a warrior princess. And if need be, save your saviour too! Learn to get up from the weeping floor and learn to walk again...then be the crutch to support others. 4 "New Memories" stars #BookBistroBlogApproved Follow us on : FB - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BookB... Blog -https://bookbistroblogcom.wordpress.com Blog -https://bookbistroblogger.blogspot.com Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/BookBistro Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/BookBistroBlog
This is a story that will definitely touch your heartstrings. It shows both the best and the worst in people. It's sad and happy both at the same time. It's a story of survival, fear, and strength to deal with it all, to deal with harsh realities of life. It talks about a very sensitive topic in a very beautiful way. So if you're reading it, be prepared to shed some tears, but fear not, there will be smiles too. Alex is not a normal person. She had to deal with trauma and that changed her for the worst. She is broken and battered, scared of living her life. Most importantly she is not ready to deal with the emotions that come with dating and being involved with someone. She has just begin to have a semblance of normality when everything gets upside down once again. Not only does she find her new instructor very attractive, but her ex is also back in her life at the worst possible moment. It seems that things that were beginning to get better will once again take a turn for the worst... or maybe not... There is one thing she does have aplenty is love and support of her friends, who are always there for her no matter what. Carter thinks Alex is the most beautiful woman in the world. He can feel falling in love with her, but unfortunately she isn't ready to accept it. He understands though and is willing to wait no matter how long it takes. Maybe in the end he will be able to 'unbreak' her heart. He will try for sure... Carter & Alex are meant to be together, they're perfect for each other. She is exactly what he wants and he is exactly what she needs. Can I just say that after reading this book I love the title even more? It makes perfect sense and I think it's an apt description of what this book is all about. I'd definitely recommend it to all romance fans who are not scared of emotional roller coasters. It's a great book and I really enjoyed reading it a lot.
This is going to be a short review because if I go on to long, I will spoil it for other readers. This book totally touched my heart and gave me emotions that were all over the place. From crying, to being happy, to being pissed off and to being confused over what the characters were having to deal with. Alex is a broken woman because of what happened to her but with her best friends help, she slowly returns to the land of the living. When she meets Carter, she starts feeling things she hasn't felt in a very long time. I love how the build up of their relationship is slow and steady instead of just rushed. Carter makes her feel safe but when her ex shows up back, she is confused. He left her when she needed him most. I seriously wanted to reach through the book and throat punch Todd. How dare he show back up and want her back!!!! I was fuming, but I kept pushing through and realized that Alex wanted Carter now. When another event turns almost tragic for the couple, I was so upset at the author. (bad Betty!!) Ms. Shreffler does redeem herself but I won't say what happens because you know, you just need to get the book to find out. But trust me, get a crying towel because you are going to need it! I'm a firm believer that Betty Shreffler is one of those authors who will never write a bad book. Awesome job!!!
This book almost broke my phone!! it flew through the air as I raged quietly (my son was asleep next to me). "Noooooo" I screamed silently, watching my phone land on the floor.
Pretending to not care lasted all of five seconds before I couldn't sit still any longer, and the hunger for more made me grab it apologising profusely to my darling book keeping phone.
That's the sign of a truly fantastic read. No not almost breaking my phone but feeling so connected to the characters that my emotions explode when something they didn't deserve happens and shatters my heart into tiny fragments.
A past so horrific, that nightmares are made from it. The present like a tightrope needing focus and concentration to stay upright. The future blurry and uncertain.
Alex so brave, a true hero trying to own her past and not let it swallow her whole. Her light surrounded by darkness, struggling to be seen.
Todd so slimy like something you stepped in. Cowardly and selfish, undeserving of a second chance at a new life.
Carter the man with a heart of gold, and muscles a plenty. Single, sexy and scrumptious.
I loved this book, the characters, the storyline. The way a sensitive topic was handled. It brings hope to sufferers, and reassurance to those who have gone through similar situations. You are not alone don't ever think that.
I'm thrilled that I lost my Betty viginity to this book. It's a truly wonderful read.
Wow! What a read. This is my first book by this author, it was a beautifully written heartwrenching story. It totally had me from the start completely captivated my heart.
Alex suffered terribly at the hands of a total stranger it completely broke her, left her feeling like she would be alone forever. When her best friend encourages her to take self defence classes and she meets her instructor Carter he arouses feeling in her she thought were long gone. Could Carter be the one to finally help her heal and move forward or is life about to shatter her happiness once again.
This book will definitely be in my top reads of the year. I only wish I could give it more than 5 stars it definitely comes highly recommended from me!!
SO MANY EMOTIONS!!!!! This book tugged at my heartstrings and had my heart in my throat more than once! Alex has been through a traumatic experience and is finally trying to live a normal life again. She is such an amazingly strong character which shows throughout the book with the way she handles things that life keeps throwing at her.
I loved Carter's character and the chemistry between him and Alex was off the charts. He quickly became a favorite book boyfriend for sure.
While this book faces some serious topics the way the author approaches them were handled in a way that made the book that much more powerful.
From start to finish I was hooked and couldn't put it down. This is a must read book for sure! - By Alisa
I just knew this one was gonna make me cry……….the blurb, and previous reads from said evil author assured me of this! I knew it, was prepared with my Puffs, back up towel and my cat to hug. Man that looks bad for me! LOL, oh well, the truth hurts.
Alex suffered what no woman, any person should ever have to suffer and her life was changed forever. Thank God for good friends like Jane, Alex is a survivor and didn't give in to the dark! Enter Carter, buff, handsome and a real sweetheart. He's just what Alex needs and is determined to show her just that. These two seem like the perfect fit but what happens when her past mixes with their present with devastating results???? Is there a strong enough connection between these two to overcome the obstacles?? Let's just say have some Puffs, a towel, a shoulder to cry on and maybe a glass of wine handy, you're gonna need one or all of these after this one!!
Alex and Connor's story was amazing keep your tissues ready. Alex had decided that it's time to learn some self defense and her friend Jane gives her kickboxing classes.A lex was a serial rapests last victim and it's time she opens a new page in life. Conner is the kickboxing instructor and Alex can't help but notice he's hot as hell. There were a lot of feels in this book and a surprising twist. I really wanted to throat punch a few characters at times.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.