Friday, April 17, 2015

ARC Review: Broken Juliet by Leisa Rayven ♥

Friday, April 17, 2015

Broken Juliet
Leisa Rayven

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  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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 
femmmefatalee@gmail.com

53 comments:

  1. Ahh, love angst. This probably isn't one for me. I wasn't really familiar with it before. I'm glad you enjoyed it and you're liking the changes in NA novels overall!

    Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!

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  2. It is nice that he fixed himself instead of needing someone else to do it for him so to speak. I'm all for two people being better together but I like them to be strong on their own as well. ;)
    Wonderful review!

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    1. I agree, I love a couple even more if they can be strong by themselves ♥

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  3. Not a fan of the characters already (I hate doormats, I hate manipulative guys! HMPH!) but I'm content to know that despite all of that, the book does not encourage the thinking, "Love can save and change you." I mean, since when have we seen a book that tells you, "You have anxiety and jealousy problems. See a doctor." ?! We usually see the love interest changing them, which isn't realistic at all because like you said, it has to come from inside and from within and with the willingness to actually change for the betterment of oneself. I would read this NA just for that, honestly.

    Faye at The Social Potato

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    1. I hope you try and see what this book does have in store for you :) The NA angst can be frustrating at times, it made me want to scream, however I do like how this book progresses and turns around things. The concept is a bit cliche, but I love how Broken Juliet changes it.

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  4. I saw the first book making the rounds when it came out and was curious, but never felt the urge to actually read it. But now knowing that this actually makes a point of showing love doesn't cure, has me interested.

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    1. It did disinterest me at first when I read heard about it as well, but the plot overall does have a good message.

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  5. This sounds like a decent book but I am going to have to skip out on it. I don't think I could read it knowing that I wouldn't like the two main characters much because of various traits. It does sounds like an interesting idea though.

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    1. Thank you for dropping by though Olivia ♥

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  6. I tried reading Bad Romeo quite a few months ago, and it wasn't for me. It was very typical new adult and too focused on the sexual side to have a really in depth storyline. I had the issues with the jealous and self loathing in the first book, so I'm really glad it's addressed in this one. It sounds far more well rounded. It might be the fact that it's fan fiction turn published that is turning me off as well. Lovely review Benish and glad you enjoyed it overall <3

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    1. I agree with you, Bad Romeo was a decent read, although it did lack depth for me when I first read it - this one does progress better as you read it. Thank you Kelly ♥

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  7. Great post dear. Keep posting. Have a nice day.

    Would you like to follow each other?
    Let me know on my blog if you follow me.
    I will follow you back.
    Thank you.

    Www.tomntins.com

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  8. I love witty dialogue! I think that is my favorite part of a lot of my 5 star books!
    Missie @ A Flurry of Ponderings

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  9. I do love realistic scenarios and characters. The dialogue is something I'm very interested in. I love witty writing. Books that can make me giggle are my favorite. :)

    Lovely review! I'll have to pick this one up.

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    1. Haha yes it does have it's cute moments, thank you Magen. Hope you enjoy this one though, just don't give up on it :)

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  10. That cover is so pretty! Certainly makes me curious about the book! It is ncie that there are realistic scenes, but the character don't sound really likeable. And I do think that love can cure some things or make it easier to deal with, it can't solve everything. I do think it's nice that the bad boy actually seeks help for his issues, that isn't something you see often in books.

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    1. Yes, love can help sometimes, but it doesn't solve everything. You are right about that. Thank you Lola ♥

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  11. Hmmm. I haven't read the first book, but that's not a surprise. NA is typically not a subgenre I enjoy reading. Anyway, I love, and agree that all the insecurities and jealousy isn't cured by making the other person change. It has to come from the person having all those negative feelings.

    Fantastic review, Benish!

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    1. Thank you for agreeing! Usually change has come within and not from others ♥

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  12. Ones a doormat and the other is manipulative. That would be hard to get over for me. Happy you still enjoyed it though.

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    1. Thank you for dropping by Jennifer ♥

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  13. Oh adore second chance romance and then you mention Broadway. I want to read this, especially after reading your thoughts on the characters.

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    1. Hope you enjoy this one then Kimba :)♥

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  14. Another great review of a book. You save me so much time.

    Love Vikee
    www.slavetofashion9771.blogspot.com

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  15. Well it's actually really good to know that at the end of the day, Ethan managed to recognise that he had problems. Major problems. I really disliked Bad Romeo, I hated the themes and how much of an idiot Cassie was. Her obsession with sex drove me insane and I just could not stomach her relationship with Ethan. I'm probably not going to read Broken Juliet, but thank you for clearing up some of the issues Benish! I'm so happy to know that Ethan seeks help...but I really think Cassie should have as well. Oh well, you can win them all. :P

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    1. Though you for your thoughts Joy ♥ I liked this novel a lot more than Bad Romeo.


      *SPOILER BEGINS*
      She actually does seek therapy for herself too :)
      * SPOILER ENDS.

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  16. When you said "love isn't the cure for that" when someone has a lot of problems and angst, you completely nailed it for me. This is the reason why a lot of NA and even Katie McGarry doesn't sit with me, because I believe you should fix your own problems before you look at committing to a relationship with someone else - otherwise they're just going to get pulled in to the drama. Lovely review Benish!

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    1. Thank you Jeann <3 & Yes, I'm glad you could agree! I think this is the only NA I've read where the bad boy seeks legit help.

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  17. I bought a Nook copy of Bad Romeo when my friends told me to read it, but I haven't had the chance to read it yet so I'm browsing through your review :P From what you've said I probably won't like the characters too much, but maybe the writing will win me over. great review!

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    1. Thank you Sarah ♥ Hope this one wins you over though, it's better than Rad Romeo :)

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    2. Bad Romeo* Lol whoops.

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  18. I didn't read any good reviews forBad Romeo so I wasn't interested in this series. I am not thrilled about the drama and angst, but I do like that the bad boy fixes his problems himself instead of through a romance. That is a nice change.

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    1. That was a pleasant change and I was really surprised to see that in an NA novel.

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  19. I haven't heard of this book before now and I'm not sure if it would be for me. Cassie and Ethan don't sound like nice characters at all and the jealousy and love angst would grate on my nerves.

    A great review! Sharon – Obsession with Books

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    1. Thank you Sharon ♥ The love angst was too much at times, although the novel does get better.

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  20. I like the idea of a guy who actually seeks out help and isn't just magically fixed. That's always a great message!

    Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction

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    1. I agree, that's the best part of this novel ♥

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  21. It's funny that you can like some secondary characters more than the main ones!! Great too see the romance between Ethan and Cassie was sizzling!

    Naomi @ Nomi’s Paranormal Palace

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    1. Haha yes, I loved the secondary characters, all of them honestly. ♥

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  22. Yikes, this is totally not for me. I mean, I get for character growth usually the characters are weak and the growth makes them stronger, so in a sense, yeah, that does happen, and I love flawed characters, but I don't think I'd like these ones. And so much angst! Ugh. I love a good dose of angst, but wasn't that the same in the first one? It's like recycling, not the same situation in what's going on, but the same at its core. :(

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    1. Yes, this book might not be for everybody although, it does have a powerful message behind it.

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  23. I can't wait to get my hands on this book because I want to binge-read it with the first novel. I'm a bit disappointed you didn't find the characters likable but overall the book sounds really great so I'm sure as hell will be giving it a chance.
    Lovely review. :)

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    1. Thank you Veronika, the plot is a bit different from most NA novels - I hope you do enjoy it ♥

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  24. I like that the girl doesn't fix that bad boy. I agree with you, that just can't suddenly happen, I'm glad in this book he seeks out help.
    I'm having the same problem with some of the new adult books I'm reading, too much angst!
    Awesome review, thank you! :)

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    1. I agree, a lot have novels have too much angst - some of the NA novels this year are getting better though! Thank you Katie ♥

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  25. not my type of books but glad you enjoyed it :)

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  26. Ohmalord, I loved Bad Romeo so much, and I'm excited to read this book. Glad you enjoyed it even though you didn't love it. And I totally agree with the love angst, even Bad Romeo was oozing with angst, lol.

    Blessie @ Mischievous Reads

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    1. Yes, too much angst annoys me :( I did love the messages this book portrayed though.

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