REVIEW: Broken Play by Alison Rhymes

 

OUR REVIEW:

You should know that if you don't like cheating, this is definitely not the book for you. The first pages plunge us into Drew cheating on June and the rest of the book is the aftermath of this decision. I wouldn't say that I avoid cheating books nor do I necessarily seek them out but I think when I think about cheating books, it's usually something that happens after we've gotten to know and care about the characters. I don't know that I've read a book that's begins with that poor decision and then follows the struggle to figure out where the characters go next. I liked that this was something unexpected and so honest. 

Having been cheated on in my dating life experience, I know how painful it can be--the way you start to second guess and doubt yourself and those around you. The way you constantly ask why or when or who or how many times and these are things that June cycles through from the moment she walks in on Drew cheating. Her pain is immediately and deeply felt and it all rang true to me. As she begins to make a plan for how she wants to move forward, her anger and hurt and sorrow also felt all too real. Alison Rhymes didn't have June wallow though, she gave her a chance to grow and become even stronger than she already was. I really appreciated the fresh start she gave June--a new location, job opportunity, time with her best friend, and a friend, Noah, who had the potential to be a real hindrance in any kind of reunification with Drew. Her evolution was heartening to read.

Drew. Ugh. I really really wanted to hate him so much more than I did. Nothing he said excused his behavior and I'm not sure I honestly 'bought' what his excuses were. But, he did all the things I'd want to happen if I were in June's shoes. He makes all the efforts, takes ownership, and has hope but no expectation. What I appreciated about Drew's sections were how she showed him learning and messing up and learning from those messes. He didn't cheat and then suddenly become perfect--his evolution was also heartening to read.

And then there's Noah. It appears that he might be the next book in this series and I'm verrrry curious about his story and what he's thinking. He was a wrench in Drew's plans. A dreamy, delicious wrench and some of the scenes with him are hotttttt hotttt hottt. I mean. Whew boy. I wasn't expecting some of those scenes but I wasn't sad that they were there and am hoping to see more of those when his book comes out. 

All of this is a recipe for disaster--cheating, separation, and a new friend that may have intentions that aren't friendly. Throw in that Drew is an NFL quarterback and June and Noah are co-hosting a series of shows leading up to the Superbowl and the under the microscope pressure on this relationship just elevates an already tough situation.

I won't reveal how the HEA comes about or with whom but I will say that I was content with the choices made. I also love the Nola setting and am hoping to see more of that with Noah's book (and hopefully Love's book too). 

BUY IT HERE.

SYNOPSIS:

They have ties that bind.

June grew up in the shadow of her brother and his best friend, Drew McKenna. She stood back while Drew dated his way through high school and college, watching and waiting. Waiting for him to realize he loved her as much as she loved him.

When he did, it was the happiest she’d ever been. Until she found him with another woman only five years after their marriage.

Leaving her husband was a simple decision, but there was no easy way to cut him out of her family. When June receives a fresh start to her career, she also finds what could be a new lease on love. Reality hits Drew with a vengeance.

He wants her back.
She wants to make him suffer.