What if you were in love not just with one, not just with two, but with three hot guys?And what if they wanted you back?There are three of them. Three boys.We’re friends. Neighbors. Our lives are linked through disaster, fear and pain.I love them all. Not sure I can live without them. Can we just stay friends?Can we ignore the desire flaring when we’re around each other?Can I kiss one and not the … when we’re around each other?
Can I kiss one and not the other?
I can’t choose.
Don’t want to choose.
And I’m not sure they can, either.
This story will either end up in heartache, or as any story should: in a happy ending.
Love is not a road. It’s a country. A sprawling galaxy.
Love has no compass. No rules. No limits.
Love is a universe. Lose yourself in it.
more
Wow. Where to start. Broken Compass by Jo Raven is the romance story I didn’t know I needed. Anyone who knows me, knows that bisexual polyamorous romance and broken characters are two of my favorite things.
I’ve been describing this book to people as “the second coming of Rock Hard Beautiful (by CM Stunich),” but where RHB dropped the ball on the bisexual part of the storyline at the very end of the last book, Broken Compass brings it home and scores the winning goal.
If you need a story (as I did) where love can heal the deepest wounds, and where hearts are large enough to beat for many people rather than just one, do yourself a favor and pick up this book. As of this writing, it also happens to be an insanely great deal at 99¢ for more than 600 pages (it’s a standalone), or free to read in Kindle Unlimited.
Honestly, between this book and CM Stunich’s RHB series, I’m going to have to stop telling people that I have no use for the contemporary romance genre.
Broken Compass by Jo Raven is a reverse harem read. Its beautifully written with such emotion and there is a slow burn on the romance between the main characters—Nate, West, Kash and Sydney. Their chemistry pops on the pages along with a really good plot. This book is separated into a several parts starting when the characters are sixteen years old and follows their circumstances for a few years. There are occasional time jumps but not too many. Also, since there are 4 main characters, there are 4 main plot lines that end up coming together and end up together in the end. Each character has pain, angst, suffering and the characters feel for one other. Sydney is the glue that holds this bunch together. She was so young but at the same time, a soul that was born old. All the main characters were characters that had been abused which left them coming across as seeming older. There will possibly be trigger moments so just known the main characters suffered terrible abuse. There are moments of tragedies and as I have said at times the book fast forwards in time. West, Nate, and Sydney live in the same apartment complex and are friends. Kash moves in and their dynamic starts to change and it isn’t noticeable at first because it happens slowly. Because of what the boys went thru, it seems they might be broken beyond repair but Syd is the glue, the fix. She is what pulls them all together and is what heals what is broken. But things aren’t the same without her there. I don’t want to give too much away. This is a story that will break your heart, will rip you to shreds and piece you back together in the best way possible. I really enjoyed every moment of this read. I also loved the appearance of Zane and how this book has a tie in with the Candy Boys. This is one book you do not want to miss.
My Rating: 4.6 stars *****
“I received an advanced copy of this book from the author at no cost to me.”
This book was a lot to take in. So much stuff happened that you had to pay attention and keep going. I will say that I liked each character. They were all unique in their own way. Once you get to the end of the book you will see how perfect the title is for this story. Below I will talk about the characters and how I perceived them and their own personal story’s. It was 4 plots all weaves into one with suspense galore.
Sidney was so strong but having her boys with her made her that much stronger. Her issues were more emotional then physical, but at the same times that can be worse. I loved her quick wit and her ability to understand. Her past was wrapped with a nice bow. We get to see some type of closure when it comes to her mom and that helped.
West broke my heart the most. His issues and past were raw and sometimes hard to read. All his issues made him who he was, and his past….. it was very cut and dry. The author did an awesome job at wrapping up god story.
Kash to me was the heart of the group. He came in last but at the same time he was the one that helped them all come together. If it wasn’t for him this who knows what would have happened. I feel like his past, while we get all the answers that we need was too lightly explained. I needed more info, maybe flash backs….. just something more to really understand it all.
Oh Nate. I truly love who he is. He was broken but he was still an amazing guy. His past….. issues….. they were the hardest and I’m really sad that the author didn’t expand on that. Yes it would make for hard reading but while we can understand and have thoughts of what we are pretty sure happened…. it was never fully explained. We never really get closure. We never see what happens with his family. It was all just brushed under the rug. I hate that to be honest. They live in the same town and poof, everything is ok…. just no. I don’t want to do spoilers but if you read the story you will know what I mean.
Overall I did like the story. It’s 4 broken souls that come together when they need each other the most and I enjoyed the dynamic they had. Hot sex, great banter, Hard pasta to overcome…. it was just an overall good story. I’m giving it 3 stars because while I did enjoy it, I didn’t feel the closure that I needed to with 2 of the characters (explained above). I do plan to still read other books by this author because I really enjoy her story’s. 3 stars #2OCCJD
This book isn’t for the faint of heart. There is abuse, mental and physical, hints of sexual without actually saying so. It’s a dark book, but so good. Jo Raven does amazing writing damage guys and the women who help them.
Amazing book, no I’m serious it was absolutely amazing!! I’m loving these reverse harem stories more and more with each new one that I read. And this is my favorite thus far!! It is a very well written beautiful story full of emotions plus so much more. And it had just enough mystery and drama to really keep me hooked all the way to the end.
Man did I love this book hard!! Although it’s a reverse harem, it isn’t what you would think of one. The relationship that Sydney had with Nate, West and Kash is so different and we really get to see it develop throughout the book. The pain that all four of them go through is really unfathomable, and the fact that they are all there for each other was soooo sweet. The things that each person endeared to stay with the other was also unfathomable. I really love how we got to see so many sides of all of the characters, especially Kash. Kash made the story even more special than it already could have been. To me, he was really the glue that kept the other three running. It was his influence that made them make the decisions that they did. The kind of love that they all built was one that anyone wishes they could have with one person, and they were special enough to have it with three others. There were sooo many emotions, twists and turns that it really kept me going right with them.
Now, being a reverse harem, there were some SEXY parts!!!! MAN were they hot!!! Everything that led up to them being a quad was just so hot! We realllllly got that slow burn, the exact same way that they did. I loved seeing how each relationship started to turn from friend to lover, and then when they all came together it was so special. And again, SO HOT! I loved every minute of this story, from the good, to the bad, to the ugly, to the amazing. Every Second, Minute, Hour, Word, Sentence, Paragraph, and Chapter. Definitely one of my favorite reads so far this year.
I haven’t read too many reverse harem romances (they seem to be the en vogue sub genre at the moment), so this was a fun read for me. This has a character connection to Bad Wolf, which I did not read. You can definitely read this as a stand alone, though I do plan to go back and read it for some additional character background down the road. We also get a cameo from a character in Candy Boys and that made me very happy!
Sydney has a bit of a problem. Her life is linked to three men. They are friends and neighbors. They have shared pain, fear and she loves them all. They love her too. How does one choose between three people who all set your heart on fire in unique ways you can’t imagine losing? It seems impossible to choose and she isn’t sure she wants to. Where can they go from here?
So when you think reverse harem, you probably figure heavy on the sex and low on the character development and emotion. That is not at all the case here. All four characters have clear and distinct voices and the men are the tortured kind Jo Raven does so well. This book surpassed all of my expectations and I definitely recommend it. Even if you think reverse harem books are not your type of books, I think this one will sneak in and surprise you!
Broken compass
This book was a bit of everything. It had drama, suspense and of course it was hot. Be prepared for m/m and ménage if thats not your scene then sorry this is not the book for you. But well i do well with both of those so…. Childhood is hard especially when your keeping dark secrets from your friends. Who will stand by you when the worst happens? Who can you trust? Where can you find a place for your heart and soul to rest? This book is longer than most of Jo Raven’s books because we need those stories. A few friends with extreme life experiences come together and bring you a heartbreaking, soul searching, love story. It was a great book. Don’t pass it up. Enjoy!
I loved this RH romance! Most of the ones I’ve read are with slightly older characters (though still young). This one features four college-aged people who are neighbors and then friends, and then so much more! Getting each of their POVs was seamlessly done, and they gave me a good glimpse into Sydney, Nate, West and Kash’s damaged souls. It was a complicated and enthralling relationship, and I loved the M/M, as it really gave the men some good focus and it wasn’t just about Sydney. This was such an amazingly well done story, both sizzling hot yet so thoughtfully sweet!
These is a reason Soulmates is puralized and that reason is Sydney, Kash, Nate, and West! From the moment Sydney moves into their apartment complex it is clear that one with the others is not possible. Tragedy and pain clouds their pasts, but they are uniquely and utterly there for each other. You may be thinking that Reverse Harem is not your thing (Lord knows it’s not mine) but this is a Jo Raven RH! Her writing sets this trope apart and delves into souls, hearts, and minds and truly becomes more than a book about 4 people.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book
Broken Compass is a really well written emotional story. Four friends who are going through their own personal agony. My gosh this story made me feel every emotion that these characters did. I really liked Sydney, Kash, West and Nate. They had a strong bond that couldn’t be broken. Add in their naughty scenes and we have a hit. Really good read!
Its was a great book.
The story was good, even with all the dark stuff surrounding it. The characters each have their own story to tell and many things to overcome but when they come together, they really come together–no pun intended.
Sydney and the guys are kids when they meet, but their home life makes them grow up faster than most. You don’t see 16 year old kids. You see young adults with a hard life and tough childhood. As the story progresses, we see the them stripped down to their core and vulnerable. We see their struggles on how to cope with all they’ve been through and relying on each other in the most intimate way.
The story has many plots and puzzles to solve, but it did drag on for a while. Yeah, we do see the characters grow and fall in love, but it did not need to be dragged out as much as it did. Still an interesting story with very hot scenes. I did enjoy it.
Survival: Mending Tattered Hearts
“Syd is our all, our true north…The central, essential, and vital she is…she’s been hauling us along through our troubles and tragedies…”
I normally don’t read reverse harem stories, so this was quite an interesting experience for me. I’ve read other Jo Raven books and absolutely loved them, so I wanted to give Broken Compass a chance.
Wow! Such intensity and pain for people so young! My heart truly broke for these characters and for all they had to endure. I must say, I didn’t really care much for Sydney as Gigi’s friend in Bad Wolf, and I wasn’t quite sure how I’d respond to her in her own story. I decided I’d have an open mind, and read this book as if I’d never previously met Sydney. Honestly, she’s still not one of my favorite characters, but I do understand her better. I got an amazingly deeper grasp of why she went to such great lengths to put herself in dangerous situations. It was still stupid of her to not be cautious about her safety and the safety of her friend Gigi, but I do understand it.
What I did love about Broken Compass the most was the way in which Nate, West, Syd, and Kash gravitated towards each other and bonded over being “broken.” Their connection was powerful and real, and they all cared so deeply for each other. If one of them, any one of them was separated from the “family” they created (whether it was emotionally or physically), they felt that person’s absence so strongly. The emotions of it all and the trauma these kids suffered was felt tremendously in the flow of the author’s words. Readers must not discount Jo Raven’s talent in writing about tortured souls with tumultuous pasts.
**Be prepared for lots of sex–maybe just a little too much sex–once the story really gets going.**
5 Stars
This is honestly the best book I have read this year thus far! First, I will say I have been a die hard fan of Jo’s from her first release and I look forward to every new book she writes. Second, I will say that I have never read an author that even comes close to totally annihilating my heart the way she does. The best part is she puts my broken pieces back together. Jo has never, ever disappointed me and I know she never will. Her writing talent is just absolutely amazing. Jo will cross boundaries; she is not afraid to torture her characters. I have never read characters like hers. If you are currently a fan of this author, than you know exactly what I’m trying to say. If you aren’t, hold on for the literary ride of your life.
To all my friends…I would never steer you wrong. This book is amazing! This author is amazing!
While all Jo’s books are stand-alones, they all interconnect somehow. There is always a familiar name or place mentioned.
Broken Compass is a new adult reverse harem. And while there are plenty of well-written sexy moments, this book is about so much more. The epitome of unconditional love and support. The development of their unconventional relationship is not rushed. That said, the tension and chemistry between these amazing characters is present on every page.
This book is separated into a few parts starting when the characters are sixteen years old and follows their circumstances for a few years. There are occasional time jumps here and there but nothing that left me lost or changed the steady pace of the book. As there are four main characters, there are four plot lines. While they are all tied together for a more than well deserved happily ever after, each character has their own suffering as well as their suffering and concern for each other.
Sydney, Kash, Nate, and West…..
Sydney is the glue that holds this bunch together. She was so young but at the same time, an old soul. They were only sixteen but years of abuse left them seeming much older. I’m sorry I can’t tell you more about what each character went through individually because I don’t give spoilers. However, if you have questions, you can message me because I can tell you there are many triggers. This book has many tragic moments. I promise there is a happy ending, so keep that in mind as you read. Even if you wonder how there can be a happy ending, I promise you Jo Raven does not leave you hanging.
West, Nate, and Sydney live in the same apartment complex and are friends. Kash moves in and their dynamic starts to slowly change. From the first page, I couldn’t get to the end of this book fast enough. With four main characters having their own issues you might worry about the author keeping your attention. Fear not! I couldn’t put this book down once I started it.
While this is my absolute honest review, I can’t claim it to be completely unbiased. Jo Raven is my favorite author and it is because her writing is absolutely amazing and every one of her books left me with the worst book hangovers ever.
Thank you for taking the time to read my review! 🙂
You experience So many emotions during this read, HEARTBREAK, LOVE, LUST, FRIENDSHIP, ANGST, I don’t even know how to fully describe everything I felt other than to say this book made you FEEL!
There are 4 main characters in this book have all
Experienced betrayal, heartbreak or rejection by someone they loved and someone that was meant to be be there for them, loving them, looking after them but instead they find themselves depending on each other for that love and support and their feelings develop on a much deeper level.
Nate, West, Sydney (Red as Kash calls her) and Kash have found a connection that was formed by friendship, secretly they wanted more but never voiced it until they found the courage.
West stole the show for me in this book, his strength to stay and look after his miserable Grandfather and Sister when he could have left them
For dead amazed me. We were thrown an absolute curve ball I didn’t see coming half way through the story and my heart shattered for him. West also cracked me up with his smart witty remarks at times. His love and devotion to Nate and Syd and even Kash was unwavering and that was what was holding him together and stopping him from
Completely breaking ( or dissolving from all that bleach)…
Sydney was the glue that held them all together. He ability to love each one completely and equally without feeling the need to choose one only. She was a strong person who didn’t want to follow in her mums footsteps and declared her heart was big enough to love each one (Nate, West and Kash) completely.
This book touched me on so many levels and has become one of my Top reads of 2018!
*4,5 stars*
First of all, it is a long book and it took me more than a day to read it but damn it is so worth it 🙂 I’ve read MMF books before but to read a MMMF book is a whole other level! So going in this story, you definitely need to prepare for that. I truly enjoyed the story of Sydney, Nate, Kash and West. One I’ll not likely forget!
Sydney has been in love with her two neighbours for a long time now and although Nate and West seem to like her, she doesn’t seem to think they are interested in the same way she is. And even though they are hanging out, they all have problems of their own but there’s something underneath that seems to keep them together. And when Kash comes into their lives, things are about to change in a way they never saw coming. Maybe, just maybe, there’s a light in every situation and they can have it all in the end…
One of my best reads this year! Jo has a way with words and this book will not disappoint.
This book was insane! So dark and so much more twisted than I could have ever imagined. Their separate stories are horrible and devastating, soul shattering in the ugliness that is experienced. These four troubled, broken and bleeding souls find something in each other that they had never experienced or expected to experience again. Their interactions are hot and seriously sexy when they look at each other. The waiting and longing is intense, it will leave you panting right along with them. If you like that sort of thing! Which you must if you got passed that hot as all get out cover! Some of the themes in this book are really hard to read about, I seriously want to kick some butt while reading, so take it seriously if you don’t like dark reads. I really enjoyed. It was beautiful in a tragic, heartbreaking and soul healing way. The characters were so vividly described and their stories were so well written, I love them all. Well done Jo, this book deserves every star I can give it
ARC REVIEWER
WARNING… Prepare yourself for one emotional ride with triggers and a hangover when the book is finished.
Consider yourself warned
Normally I don’t read reverse harem books as I am not a fan of multiple love interests. But I have to be honesty here and say I was completely taken with this book. Jo Raven is one hell of an author that likes to take her readers on a journey and she most definitely didn’t disappoint with ‘Broken Compass’. If you are a regular reader or just new to Jo Raven you would know that all her books are standalone’s but do also interlock with each other.
The chemistry between these amazing characters is present on every single page, from beginning to end.
This book is broken into several parts, starting when the characters are 16 years old where we follow theirs lives for a few years, to the present. There are four main characters, each character have their own demons and pasts.
Sydney, Kash, Nate, and West have many issues between them that you may get worried that either one how is this book going to keep me guessing, two how will they get through it and three how are they expected to get their HEA. Fear not I wasn’t able to put this book down once I started it, and loved every single word.
Once again a big congratulations to Jo on another great book and look forward to the next thing from you xx