Every now and then you come across a book which shows you the meaning of, ‘don’t judge a book by it’s cover’ and I would like to add, ‘just the blurb’ too. This novel from the first in the butterfly series for me is one of those. It delivered SO MUCH more than expected, and for a debut book it was wonderful!  I came across the book on Facebook in a group, and it’s free on Kindle Unlimited. I am so glad I found this series, I downloaded every one! Let’s get into it.

 

Ebony Campbell is a smart, sexy career-oriented black woman who wants nothing more than a summer fling with a man who challenges her mind and body. What she doesn’t expect is Brian Young, a blond-haired, blue-eyed bass player to step up to the challenge.

Despite negative reactions, their fling develops into a deep relationship, and Ebony discovers juggling love, family, and career are nothing compared to the ultimate betrayal she endures.

Now her dreams spiral into lies and secrets that threaten her future and the trust of those she loves.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I loved how the characters got to really know each other despite the ethnic differences… M.j. Kane has just found another fan.” — VINE VOICE

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “A Wonderful Story of Love and Triumph.” — Hopeless Romantic, Amazon Reviewer

 

Kim’s Review- 5 heart warming and unexpected stars!

I’ve never read this author’s work, and I have never really been drawn to the New Adult genre I do to be honest, prefer my heroines a little closer to my age. Due to the realism of this story line, and relate-able characters I completely fell in love with everything about it. It’s well written, engaging and has an unforgettable story line, that touched me in so many ways, and it was not because it’s a romance!  There is a real unexpected twist. Here’s what I loved.

Story line- I have to start here, like I said this book’s actual  plot delivers over and beyond what is shown in the blurb.  I have a feeling the whole series will. We follow Ebony on her journey as she tries to carve out her life as a young woman, only to fall in love with a guy her family, and her herself would never really go for. That’s not all. There is a unexpected twist about fifty percent through, that had me turning pages quicker than I have in a long time. I read this book in two sittings and it’s a 300 plus page book! The story line moves down a very realistic, gripping and tear jerker path. Not the  typical ‘forbidden love’, something happens to Ebony involving a third character which I did not see coming, I don’t want to give spoilers!

Experiencing her POV and life as she navigates this path is something every woman could relate to, and trust  me it is not what you think!! It’s unexpected change. At times I did grow frustrated with how she handled the situation, but I could understand, I think being a little older than her I would have took things down a different route. But, I could understand her choices 100 percent. Bottom line, the unexpected plot twist is a very engaging one.

Characters- Oh God, let’s talk about Brian for a moment. This author has carved out the ideal ‘book boyfriend’, in my humble view. Even though he is younger than me, I liked him a lot. Just like Ebony as a woman who has never dated outside her race ( not because I disagree, the chance has just never presented itself), I would have the same reservations or nervous feelings she had, and just like her I would have fell for Brian still. He is yummy!! His character, confidence, approach to love, dating and sex, even him during the sex scenes  really resonated with me. I felt while reading he was really authentic in his POV, and his approach to dating a woman outside his race.

Ebony, is relate-able, like-able and never came across as a naive younger heroine. I appreciated that. Her girlfriends for me were a laugh a minute, especially Kaitlin from Texas LOL.

Then, there’s Javan, I hated him the moment he made an appearance. My guess is the author carved him out this way intentionally, due to the role he plays in the overall story. I don’t want to give spoilers. But let’s just say he was well written, given his role.

Writing style- Engaging! It’s written in first person POV, via chapters of each character. I really enjoyed this, it brought be closer to the feelings and experiences. Overall this book’s pace was perfect to me.

The heat– Now, this is not a ‘steamy romance’ at all, but I have to praise this author’s ability to show the heat, sexual tension, and love building between Brian and Ebony.  The author did not show it all via sex at all, for  me as I whipped though the pages  it was how Brian went after Ebony to claim her love and attention, and Ebony’s change of heart. It really made me smile watching the characters develop and grow towards each other.

Overall, I am giving A Heart Not Easily Broken five wonderful and heart felt stars for its strong plot that’s realistic, wonderful ending to the tale, great character line up, yummy main man, and well it’s just an unforgettable story in my experience. I found there is a story here that is very contemporary and will be relevant now, five years from now and even beyond. For a debut novel, it’s a great read!  Five stars from me, and I’m a new fan of this author and maybe even  the New Adult genre??

Free on Kindle Unlimited too!