ARC Review: Broken Juliet by Leisa Rayven ♥

Broken Juliet
Leisa Rayven

• Publisher: Pan Books; Main market ed edition (April 28, 2015)
• Genre: New Adult
• ISBN-13: 978-1447282990
• Pre-order: Amazon | Barnes & Nobles
• Source: Review copy was sent free of charge via Pan Books. Thank you Michelle.
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• Synopsis: Some loves never let you go ...Cassie swore she'd never forgive Ethan for breaking her heart when they were in acting school years ago. He was her one great love, and when he refused to love her back, a part of her died forever ...or so she thought. Now she and Ethan are sharing a Broadway stage, and he's determined to win her back. Finally he's able to say all the things she needed to hear years ago ...but can she believe him? Has he really changed, and what makes this time different from all his other broken promises? The answer lies somewhere in the past, and now the truth will come to light. Will Cassie rediscover what it's like to be trusting and open again - the way she was before Ethan? Or is it too late for these star-crossed lovers? Don't miss this mesmerizing final chapter in the Bad Romeo duet, the unforgettable love story that captured the hearts of over two million fans online.
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• The cover of Broken Juliet is quite pretty, it's the second thing I noticed - the first being the title. The story takes off where Bad Romeo left off, Broken Juliet is a continuation of Leisa Rayven's previous novel Bad Romeo, however, it can be read as a stand alone novel. Bad Romeo is mostly talk, Broken Juliet explains all the action that has happened in a past and present tone. Cassie hates her ex boyfriend Ethan Holt who broke her heart twice. Now, she and Ethan are sharing a Broadway stage together. Ethan still loves Cassie, and he is determined to win her over, however, Cassie is still hesitant because can someone really change their ways?

“Despite all the things I would have changed about our journey, I’d never want a different destination. It’s always been you.” 

• Cassie is a doormat and Ethan is just manipulative at first. However, they're both flawed characters and yes, they do have actual character growth. They go from being two stupid lovebirds into two independent and mature people. This novel does portray a realistic scenario. This happens many times where the good girl wants to change a bad boy, yet he misuses her every time. Cassie shouldn't have forgiven Ethan the first time, I mean seriously - he just used you and left you twice. You knew he wasn't the girlfriend type, yet you choose to chase him. This guy was a total nutcase, and he just has hubris most of the time. The NA angst in this novel made me want to scream, I wanted to put this novel down, but I also wanted to know what happens next in their relationship now. Maybe if Ethan didn't break Cassie's heart twice, it wouldn't have it been so bad.. 

• Ethan keeps a journal, that was almost like his perspective of his story, however I didn't buy it that much. It really bothers me, when a woman believes she is different and special, and she can change a man's heart - no, you cannot. It's great the novel makes this part clear that a woman cannot do that, it has to be the man's own will to change for the better. If someone has a lot of jealousy, insecurity and anxiety problems - love isn't the cure for that. Love can help but usually therapy is better and that's one of the best things that this novel portrays. I actually believe sometimes, romantic love can bring out the worst in someone because it triggers an already disturbed person. I do believe that someone can willingly want to become better for themselves and other loved ones. The romance was steamy and swoon worthy regardless though. The secondary characters in the novel were fantastic especially Connor, it would be interesting to see his story as well. His character is more appealing than Ethan because he's a good person, and he doesn't come with much baggage.

•  The writing of the novel is quite engaging and intriguing. It does touch your heart a bit, the dialogue is witty and hilarious. I laughed out loud at several parts. This novel might not appeal to some people because it does have plenty of love angst in the story which is quite common in NA novels, however it is different because the bad boy actually SEEKS outside help for his issues. The plot is pretty fantastic even if the characters aren't much likable. Giving another chance to someone who has broken your heart before? If there was something seriously wrong about them, but they actually seeked help about it - then most likely, I would forgive them.. Atleast they're trying.

• Ethan isn't abusive, he's mainly irrational, and he makes impulsive decisions which makes him dysfunctional. The girl doesn't fix the bad boy for once, nor she accepts to be the doormat anymore. The guy does change himself around willingly. I do like the change NA novels are making this year though, it's much more appealing. I would rate 5 butterflies alone for the powerful message it gives of, but it does have a couple of flaws with the rest of the story - so I would rate Broken Juliet 3.5 Butterflies.

Shukran for reading this! Leave your blog links in the comments & I'll be sure to check them out & follow :) Stay in tuned pretty creatures..

“Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim.” —Nora Ephron 

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