Reviews

Something Broken by Erin Fitzgerald

rahanahava's review

challenging dark emotional funny hopeful sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

4.5 stars. 

While reading book 1 the entire time I just kept thinking about how I wish I had known what happened with Ashley and Travis. Well, now I know. This is a standalone, but I would very much recommend reading book 1 Something Lost about Mark and Lana first as it's one twisty ride with a lot of stuff that happens and there is a big chunk of the 2nd half of this book 2 that you might get confused with if you don't know what's happening at the same time but over with Lana and Mark. I LOVE how these books are basically the same story from different points of view. Like, everything going on in Something Broken is happening at the same time as Something Lost, just a different couple. 

Let's get back to Ashley and Travis. Man, oh, man the predicament that Travis finds himself in because of his own doing is crazy! Honestly, coming into this  book with the little background I got in book 1 really helped  with understanding Travis' side which allowed book 2 to focus a little more on Ashely. Ashley, who is a goddess among men, is the most caring, empathetic, amazing person who is able to overcome her own issues and put aside her own trauma for the people she loves. She really was put through the ringer and came out happy and with everything she'd ever wanted in the end. It made my heart happy.

I docked this 1/2 a star only because in the entirety of Ashley and Travis' relationship they never once had sex with each other. I mean, if you love angst, this. is. the. book. for. you. It's 20 years of angst before the good stuff. They're not virgins, but it takes so damn long for them to get together I was a little doubtful if their relationship could actually have been as strong as it was over all those years without it, but, hey, not sure if that's a me thing.

-BFFs older brother
-Second Chance
-It's Always Been You
-Overcoming Trauma
-Mental Health Rep (soooooo much)
-Late In Life Love (40s and 50s)
-Single Dad
-Possessive MMC
-Small Town
-Sloooooooooooooooooow Burn

This series is seriously climbing the ranks at light speed to becoming my favorite. I can't wait to dive into book 3 and see where we get taken to next. 

Thank you, Erin, for an ARC of this and these are my honest opinions.

nrskelley's review

4.5

I was so ready to get go Travis and Ashley’s story. And it definitely didn’t disappoint.  I always feel like Erin writes female characters who reflect a bit of me in them.  Not only that, but it’s nice to see characters in their 30s-50s finding love.  Not all of us are 18 and wanting to jump right into a marriage. And that definitely didn’t change with this book.  
I laughed out loud at so many parts as well as groaned at how stubborn the two main characters could be.  Honestly, I just read this book in a few hours.  It’s just that good. 

readintowonderland's review

4.75

This book is the second in the Wolf Mountain Rancher series. As such, the end result of this book is revealed in book one as well as a good bit of their journey. Even so, I found it worth reading. 

There were some rather skippable scenes because many of the days were quite repetitive. There were many instances discussing Ashley getting sad and drinking. 

This book goes back and forth in time a lot as the characters remember and address more of the past as the story progresses. I really appreciate that these time changes are clearly labeled throughout the chapter and at the beginning of the chapter.

While I am not going to go into details as to avoid spoilers, the scene with Ajmal and Travis was by far my favorite part of the entire book. At the end of the book there is a completely adorable wedding scene. I absolutely had misty eyes by the end. It's impressive for a not-sad scene to incite some tears. 

I will note that there is some spice in this book. These scenes do not go into too much detail or depth. These scenes can be skipped without missing any important plot points. 

Please see my more in-depth review on my blog:  https://readintowonderland.blogspot.com/2024/02/something-broken.html 

 I received this book as part of a release team. My review is honest and voluntary. 

bookswithames's review

4.0

Second book in the Wolf Mountain Rancher Series, it crosses over the same time frame as Something Lost but from Ash & Travis's POV. 

Ashley is the one that got away but after Travis loses his wife, Ashley comes to help him care for his two young sons & ends up falling in love with them but can she forgive Travis or will her stubborn pride keep them apart. 

This story is heartbreaking 80% of the time but has such a eagerly awaited ending. Travis & Ashley are the love that came to soon & nearly destroyed destiny itself.
 Life really played with this couple, making them work even harder to find theirselves back in each others arms. 

"I was yours then, I'm yours now - I'll always be yours."

17jardo's review

emotional funny medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Erin Fitzgerald does it again!! I’ve been in a reading hang over since finishing this book!!

20 years ago, Ashley meets Travis, Lana’s older brother (read Something Lost to see Lana’s love story!!), and the sparks flew instantly during her summer trip to visit her best friend. Once the summer was over, Ashley and Travis try to make long distance work, but the worst happens tearing them apart. Fate steps in 20 years later, giving these two love birds the chance of a lifetime to rekindle their once steamy summer romance. 

Tropes included:

• Best friend’s brother 
• Age gap
• Single dad
• He falls first
• Second chance
• Small town romance 

The rekindling of Travis and Ashley’s love story was a page turner that I struggled to put down. I am in love with her writing style using both dual POV and dual time points.

wanderingreadings's review

emotional hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

ARC REVIEW

I don’t know even where to begin. I absolutely loved this book and Travis & Ashley. I love that Ashley is the strong independent woman who doesn’t need no man but I also love at how much she comes undone by Travis. My heart breaks for her that she won’t be able to have any of their own kids but I’m so happy they got the ending that they deserved. Travis was absolutely amazing, it broke my heart to find out that he married someone else before Ashley but after reading the whole book, I kinda understand why and that they got into each others ways. ALOT. Overall I absolutely adored this book (even the very slow burn romance that was absolutely killing me). Definitely for someone who loves second chance, brothers best friend and small town. Thank you to the amazing Author Erin for reaching out and letting me read her story in advanced. I absolutely adored it!

kenna25's review

4.0

Something Broken is the second book in the Wolf Mountain Ranchers series and it follows Ashley and Travis. Travis is Lana’s (from book 1) older brother and he has two little boys and is mourning the loss of his wife. While mourning the loss of his wife he feels guilty because he has never been able to get over his first love, Ashley. Travis has loved her for years ever since she came over on summer day because she is Lana’s best friend. 

I loved getting to read Ashley and Travis’s story. Ashley is strong, funny, witty and more. Travis is a grumpy cowboy who loves his boys and Ashley more than life. This read was the slowest of slow burn but it was worth it! Travis and Ashley have over twenty years of built up tension and anger. I also feel like miscommunication played a huge role too. There were many times I was frustrated with them because they just needed some sense knocked into them. 

I did like how this book took place along with book one. I recommend reading book one (Something Lost) first and we were able to get different perspectives from others. There were a lot of supporting characters which were great.