Darren Single father WidowerRetired Three things I never thought I’d be by thirty, yet all my daily reality. This is not the life I would have chosen, but it’s the hand I’ve been dealt. I love my daughter. I loved Belle. I’m not interested in more heartache. Relationships are a thing of the past.Until I meet her – She’s the awakening I desperately need, but one I’m not sure I deserve. Haddie …
She’s the awakening I desperately need, but one I’m not sure I deserve.
Haddie
Everything happens for a reason.
Time heals all wounds.
You’re too young to give up on love.
They say that, but they’re wrong.
My world crumbled when my fiancé died.
Then I met him –
He’s flawed in the same ways.
Broken in the same places.
Scared of the same things.
He looks at me like I’m his salvation.
And I want to be, but an open heart means risking a broken one.
Broken Beats is the second spin off novel of The Illusion Series. This book can be read as a stand-alone novel but the characters from the previous books do intersect and there will be spoilers from the earlier books.
Mature Content- This book contains situations not intended for persons under the age of 18. Including, but not limited to – sexual situations, cursing, alcohol and/or drug use, and possible triggers.
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Darren’s happily ever was such a long time coming and Dee couldn’t have picked a better more amazing person for him. Two broken souls finding their way to happiness again. And getting to see more of Cady and Nate, I hope to someday read their story.
This whole series leaves me with a hole in my heart each time I read it because I feel the characters and their lives so completely. Absolutely incredible series that I recommend often. I hope to some day get more of these guys because it’s so hard to let them go.
Loved the book.
I really enjoyed this book by D. Kelly. It was great reading about Darren’s life as a single father, and learning how he is working through his grief after losing his great love. It was also great catching up on the rest of the Bastards & Dangerous family. This book is a wonderful contemporary romance that I definitely recommend, but make sure to read the other books in The Illusion Series before reading this one!
I was wondering if Darren would find love again, and I was so happy that he did.
I hope there will be more books for the Illusion series because I’m not ready to let these guys go.
Darren
Single father
Widower
Retired
Three things I never thought I’d be by thirty, yet all my daily reality.
This is Darren’s story- part of a series and it has taken awhile to get here but I knew it was going to be simply amazing. Haddie comes along at the right time for Darren and Cadence and their story is amazing, the epilogues are so good. Honestly I don’t even know what to say other than I love this series, all the characters and how their lives are interwoven into each other. Darren is the best man you could ask for Haddie. LOVE LOVE LOVE
This book shows Darren’s life after Belle if you haven’t read Just an Illusion series you need to start there!
Broken Beats is a dual POV book.
SOME SPOILERS
Darren grew from a groupie man into a one-woman man then one fateful night tore his Belle away from him, the most perfect little baby was made with their love and luckily she survived the crash. Darren had to learn how to survive and be a single dad, luckily he has loads family and friends to support him.
Broken Beats shows how Darren finds new love with Haddie and all the struggles they face along the way with overcoming grief and becoming not just a couple, but a family.
Haddie has also had her fair share of grief, she has insecurities about herself, Darren helps her see past them, they heal each other and love unconditionally. As new family you see how they all blend so well, like Noah would say ‘it is fate’ and Belle would definitely want her baby girl and Darren to have Haddie in their lives.
You see a little into the future and a very happy day.
You get the added bonus of a sneak peek into Dating Roulette which is due July 2019
Broken Beats is Darren’s well deserved tale of learning to live and love again.
Quite a few years have passed since he lost Belle, the love of his life. Those years were full of sorrow on bad days and sadness on good days. He wholeheartedly loved his dagughter, whose soul was as beautiful as Belle’s, but he felt lonely more and more. A chance encounter with Haddie opened up his heart again. Haddie also knew heartache as she too lost her fiancé in a tragic accident a few years ago. Haddie and Darren quickly realised they share a painful but unique understanding of what they went through and it helped them form a strong bond. I liked the way they could be the support each other needed, how they were open and talked through the fears and struggles.
It was lovely to see how the whole extended family of Bastards and Dangerous grew since the last book in the series. I adored Cady, the way she embraced Haddie in her pure heart.
The loss of a loved one, the pain and guilt and every feeling in between – all this was handled with care and utmost respect by D. Kelly. Broken Beats was a well written emotional story.
Broken Beats is a great story in the Illusion Series. Candence and Darren have the love and support of his band/family members but something is missing in their life. He is putting his best foot forward to be the best dad for his beautiful daughter. The emotions you will feel, and if you believe in fate then this book is or you. Haddie and Darren were like two pieces of a puzzle just waiting to connect with eachother. Little Nate and Cadence were so cute, really hoping we might get the next generation stories. Loved getting a glance of the other characters from the series.
This was one I was on the edge waiting for. Darren drilled a spot in ya and did not let go but you felt for him also. The hurt tore at you so when it was time for him and us to see how it would happen the beginning of a healing, oh ya. Even though they are retired they also can still be news too. When Haddie steps into the picture you forget all else and sink into the story watching and feeling it evolve. She too knows heartache and loss with when they connect the pieces start to fall into place. Drama will hit in this a time or two also with also the heat flaring and searing. Another delight in this series that leaves you a bit breathless but satisfied.
DARREN! HADDIE! Do I need to say that again? As an eager reader of the Illusion Series, I have been waiting for Darren’s book. It was not a disappointment! Haddie was a pleasure to get to know, a mature, lovely woman, and Darren is truly trying to honor Belle. I never wanted it to stop…I just want it to keep going forever.
I can’t wait till Eli’s story!
I was honored to receive a ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The author has written the reader a message so make sure to read it before going on to the story.
Darren Miller gives voice to something I never thought of before. I found it an interesting way to start the book. It’s also a great way to grab your attention right from the start. You can almost feel his pain coming right off the page. Haddie knows first hand what he’s feeling. But the sad part for me was how she felt about herself and she keeps bringing it up.
It’s hard to think of this as Darren’s story because there are a couple of cuties that steal the show whenever they pop up. You may also come to think of him as book boyfriend material because he doesn’t body shame and seems to go out of his way to make his date feel comfortable. I liked the idea that we get to know our main characters as they get to know each other. It’s almost like an old fashioned courtship – it’s sweet and there’s no rush to take it to the next level. Also liked that the author has a female character that’s not based on Barbie or looks like a model.
If you don’t mind getting emotionally involved than you should like the way this story is from beginning to end. Maybe you like the idea of having a second chance at a happily ever after. How about a guy who’s in the business and yet seems so down to earth compared to what you feel they might act like. And who doesn’t like to see a mismatched pair find a connection that will leave you with a smile on your face once everything is said and done.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
5 Healing Stars!!!
Whoah!!!! Where in the world do I begin with this review?!?!?! I’ve been waiting for Darren’s story since the beginning of Just An Illusion . All through Mel and Sawyer’s POV I’d been biting my nails to get to Darren. I fully admit the wait was worth it.
Being the drummer for the band Bastards and Dangerous Darren never had to work hard for a girl. When Mel and Belle walked into him and his brothers lives Darren’s life was never going to be the same.
His connection with Belle was instant and the next minute they conceived Cadence. Darren’s life was complete with his two girls. Than four months after his daughter arrived he lost Belle and Darren didn’t know how to move on.
For years Darren lived in the dark. His only brightness was Cadence and he was OK with that. One night he’s playing pool and in walks in a beautiful girl. She didn’t even see him at first and then realized she didn’t even know who he was and that was a breathe of relief. After a Darren comment he learns she’s lost her fiancé and trying to finally move on. For the first time since he lost Belle he realizes its time for him to move on. They agree to be grieving friends. Darren knows in his gut everything in his life is about to change. He just has to figure out if he’s truly ready for it.
Haddie was ready for her HEA. One night changed her life forever. An accident took her fiancé from her and left her with matching scars on both the outside and inside. Haddie let herself feel sorry herself for awhile now and it’s time for her to move on.
Haddie goes to the place that reminds her of her love the most. The last thing Haddie was expecting was to be in the same place with Darren from Bastards and Dangerous, not that she knew who he was at first.
They hit it off quick. They understood exactly what the other one was feeling. What started as a friendship quickly turns into something more. Something either of them was expecting but were shockingly open for.
Darren understood she has her issues to work through. But, was always there to let her know how beautiful she was. Haddie knew and completely understood that Cadence was Darren’s first and main priority and she completely let him take the lead. Darren was completely open and honest with Haddie. Telling her things he’d not told his brothers and families yet.
Talk about the perfect story!! My heart had been breaking for Darren since the beginning and he deserved his HEA. Haddie totally was his perfect match.
I found myself laughing, smh and crying the whole book. I also wished these guys and gals were real bc I want in their lives. D. Kelly knocked this out of the park. Can’t wait for her next book.
Beautiful Story!
Broken Beats is an amazingly beautiful story of finding love again after a tremendous loss.
I have loved each and every one of the books in this series (even when they absolutely gutted me) and am dreading the day it all ends. These characters are so authentic and you just wish you could jump into their life with them.
I have been patiently waiting for Darren’s story so he could finally have his “happily ever after” and this book did NOT disappoint! Haddie is an amazing character and the perfect addition to this huge family! After they both suffered an unimaginable loss and have spent years just existing, they are finally allowing themselves to feel and experience love again. Of course, their story isn’t without some bumps along the way, which you’ll just have to read for yourself.
‘Sometimes, life is wicked and unkind. It puts us through the worst kind of torment, and the only thing we can do is fight to see another day. But when we least expect it, we’re given incredible people to walk beside us. They’re the ones who help keep the bad days in the shadows. They make us laugh , and they love us through anything life throws our way .’
Oh my heart. I was so nervous going into Broken Beats. I mean this is Darren. The quiet one. The one in the back. But I shouldn’t have worried because D. Kelly gave this man all the goodness and love and understanding that he deserved and then some with Haddie.
When Darren laid eyes on Haddie, he knew this woman was different. And she was. She was more. Both of these characters had been through an unbelievable and unexpected loss. They handled it in vastly different ways. One hiding away. One getting lost. They saw each other for who they were. Flaws, fears and all. When they were together, the pain of their loss wasn’t as stifling. They could breathe again. Dream again. Hope again. Love again. And between the sheets, Darren and his dirty mouth were hot!!
They fell for each other hard and fast but they also let each other remember who they had lost. They gave themselves and each other permission to have bad days, sad days. Because grief does that to you- comes out of nowhere and kicks you in the chest. Not to worry, it wasn’t all melancholy. There was sweet Cadence (and her best friend Nate), to lighten things up with their innocence.
I think my favorite thing about Broken Beats was the love. It was given so freely and unconditionally. The love Darren and Haddie found with each other in no way diminished what they had with Belle and Richie, respectively, but made them appreciate the gift they found in each other even more. And that ending, oh man, D. Kelly gave me the happy tears. It was swoony and romantic and everything these two deserved.
D. Kelly always brings the tears, though this book is not quite the emotional roller coaster past books have been. Haddie and Darren are perfect for each other. They both have experienced great loss and can relate to each other in ways others can’t. While there is drama, the drama is not due to lack of communication, which is refreshing. Haddie and Darren actually talk to each other and communicate their issues. I love the openness of their relationship. While I do feel that their relationship progressed rather quickly, the story didn’t feel rushed. The ending was perfect.
I have been anxious to read Darren’s book for a while. I was not at all disappointed. I think I love him even more now. He’s still reeling from losing his fiancé, Belle, six years ago. He is an amazing dad to their daughter, Cadence. But he is missing companionship that only a significant other can give. While out playing pool at Just an Illusion, he meets Haddie. He is instantly attracted to her, but it takes a little finesse to get her to go out with him. I adored Haddie. She has also lost a fiancé and is ready to get back out there. She is a plus sized woman with insecurities and is hesitant to get involved with a celebrity. However, she can’t deny they’re perfect together. I loved watching these to imperfect people find perfection together. I also enjoyed catching up with the rest of the crew.
Darren’s story of moving on with a kindred spirit he finds in Haddie is outstanding. So worth the wait! From their first meeting, they could not be any better for each other and those around them. So many ups and so few downs (because let’s face it, they have had plenty of downs!) make this story a pretty easy read. This one is all about the healing and going forward while still embracing past love. And don’t miss the deleted scenes!
Broken Beats was one of my most anticipated reads of this year. I have absolutely loved this series and these characters and have been dying for Darren’s story. I knew going in it would be an extremely emotional journey, and I wished with everything in me that he would get the HEA he so desperately deserved.
I have said it before, but it deserves repeating; D. Kelly has a true gift with words. She has created an amazing set of characters you can’t help but love. She makes you feel absolutely everything her characters are feeling, which in my opinion is the hallmark of a truly brilliant author.
I enjoyed every moment of Broken Beats. I loved Cady and Darren’s relationship and watching him be an amazing dad. I loved the moments when he was utterly broken but could own it and worked to be better. I loved the relationship Darren and Mel worked to have with each other following their great losses, and I 100% adored watching Cady and Nate’s relationship grow.
I loved D. Kelly’s choice of a female heroine for this book and the woman who would make Darren whole. This book was engaging, beautiful and everything I would expect from D. Kelly.
Darren’s story was the one that I was most excited to read after The Just an Illusion series.
It’s hard to imagine a rock star as a single father but is harder when he lost the love of his life in an accident.
Darren’s old days partying are over, he needs to focus in his little girl and she is his world but deep down he knows something is missing for them, for him and Cady.
Haddie is in almost the same situation as Darren and together they could heal each other if they are willing to let the past in peace and start wishung for a better future.
Darren, Haddie and Cady will understand each other in a way that there is no room for doubts about being together as family. But Haddie is not used to fame and all the things that come from it, she will have to consider if everything is wirth her peace of mind.
I loved how Darren and Haddie completed each otger and how we still get to know more about old characters and their stories.
Now I can’t wait for Eli’s.
Absolutely Amazing!!
I have loved the BAD guys from that very first book and this book is just added to that list. Sure I’ve read a lot of good books but this stands out because of the emotions this author can pull from me. I hate to cry but this book had me doing it all over again. Darren’s story is heartbreaking after losing the love of his life and having to try to keep going to be the best he could for his daughter Cadence. Time has passed and Darren is just plain lonely …and afraid to give his heart to someone with the possibility it could be broken again. I loved Haddie right from the start. The chance meeting these two had was meant to be.
This is a must read that will be a book that sticks with you. And if you really want to get the full affect you should read all the books in this series because every one of them is outstanding.