Zero three zero nine.Four little numbers … four little words. They might be random and insignificant to anyone else, but they meant something to us. No, they meant everything to us. Until they were ripped away.That was the day our lives took a different course. One we had no control over. One that others puppeteered and mangled into a cluster so big, it left us with emotional scars lined with … with emotional scars lined with resentment and venom toward each other.
All because I’m a Montgomery and he’s a Barrett.
Now, Trig’s back and he hates me with more hostility and rage than ever … and I’ve learned to do the same. But when the world comes crashing down and the stakes couldn’t be higher, I can’t run and I can’t hide.
I need the help of the one person whose loathing for me runs deeper than blood and colder than his icy-blue stare.
I need Trig.
I need him more than I know.
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When you pick up this book, be prepared to have your heart twisted and shattered, and then so sweetly and carefully pieced back together more beautiful than before – think kintsugi!
So much of Trig and Ellie’s story hit my heart deeply and I felt everything they did, from the pain and confusion and frustration to the relief and peace and happy moments. Trig was amazing with his bad@$$ self in a suit. Loved his confidence, his drive, his way with Ellie (and then with her family). Ellie – you could feel so much of her struggle and pain, how much she was in desperate need of someone to have her back, front, and all over. I wanted to jump into the book and wrap her up in cotton and save her myself. Good thing Trig was better at it and already there. I loved her heart, her passion, her strength.
Another thing that shone through was the depth of love shown from so many people and places, and just what family really means.
I also gotta say – I stinkin’ loved whenever Eli and Jen showed up on the pages!
So grab this book and be ready to experience twist and turns, heartache and heart-melting, and a beautiful story that will give you the best kind of book hangover.
This book chronicles the complicated past of the life and love of Ellie Montgomery and Easton Barnett (aka Trig) by slowly showing us pieces of their damaged hearts in collidescope fashion using unexpected, painful past and present remnants of their ripped apart lovebirds’ lives.
Hurt, anger, resentment, and betrayal give way to truth, understanding, renewed love, and healing. It’s a melting pot of emotions as they struggle with what was, never will be, yet what could be again. Twists, turns, and big secrets get revealed here, folks. All after some knock down, drag out, stubborn battles of wills and long term family feuding drama thrown into the mix. The out of the blue, big tie-in twist near the end was a bit much for me to digest. It felt like another heaping serving of unexpected subplot when my plate was already full. It no doubt though will pave the way to more fallout in future sequels.
Trig is one hot tempered yet cool as a cucumber lawyer who has sets his sights on helping Ellie, whether she likes it or not. Their explosive past and sizzling chemistry once again reignites and won’t be denied this time, my fellow romance book loving friends. Their time has finally come.
Ellie has always been the unpredictable wild card in the Montgomery family deck of siblings. She’s feisty, sassy, and has had enough heartbreak to last a lifetime. She also has had quite enough of feeling out of control due to the chaos that seems to shadow her. She’s suffered in silence and sacrificed more than she ever should have. Fiercely protective of those she loves, she’s determined to blaze a new trail for herself and infant son. Lucky for her and us, Trig begins to come along for the ride.
As a lover of relationship angst in second chance romantic tales, I shrugged off Trig’s at first harsh demeanor. I knew I would be rewarded when realization would be unleashed in a big way.
All in all, I really enjoyed this new addition to the series and look forward to more sequels. I lowered it one star only because I had mixed feelings about the big twist at the end.
Title: Broken Halo, Series: The Montgomery’s (Book 2), Author: Brynne Asher, Pages: 349, stand-alone but part of a series, complicated past, very graphic steamy scenes, relationship angst, some violence.
(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review. There is no affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/PR firm.)
Everything Brynne writes is absolute magic and Broken Halo is the most magical of all. There is angst. There is heartbreak (mostly mine while I was reading it.) You’re going to feel a tirade of emotions during this wild ride. But I promise, in the end, it’s totally worth it.
*****5 stars*****
I’ve become a broken record at this point about how great Brynne Asher’s books are. Every time I read the newest one, it becomes my favorite. This installment in the Montgomery series has the PERFECT mix of romance and suspense, paired with characters that are so funny and interesting.
While this book can be read as a stand-alone, I think it’s best read after the other Montgomery book so that you get the full read of the all of the characters in this world.
Ellie and Trig are just…amazing. Brynne really, really knows how to craft a backstory and create full characters that come to life. There’s humor and snark, passion and flames, tears and joy – it’s a wild ride that you don’t want to miss! There are so many moments in this book that will take your breath away that I’m having a hard time not revealing any spoilers! Just go read it – you won’t be disappointed!
Brynne Asher has outdone herself!!! I have always loved her work.
Broken Halo is an excellent name for this one. I felt broken while reading it. It tore me up to read all the torments these 2 have gone through and proved once again how important communication really is in order for a relationship to work.
I won’t go into any details because this is one you just have to read for yourself.
After ten years and incredible heartbreak Ellie and Trig come crashing back together. They each have to face the past that nearly destroyed them and set them both down different roads of life that were both painful and destructive.
Trig and Ellie’s story runs the emotional roller coaster of hurt, deceit, longing, anger, passion and peace. This duo were destined to be together but the journey to their HEA is anything but easy.
I loved this story. Both Ellie and Trig deserved happiness and healing and I thoroughly enjoyed their story!!
I should probably start off with a disclaimer – I avoid reading second chance romances. There’s just something about them, maybe the extra drama or the push and pull. Push and pull can be so exhausting to read. So why did I agree to read this? One reason only – Brynne Asher. There isn’t one book that I haven’t read of hers, what can I say? Being on her ARC team is something I’m proud of. And, like I knew would happen, I got sucked into this second chance romance.
Second disclaimer – have tissues nearby.
There are very real feelings that a person goes through while reading this book. Sadness and anger being the prevalent ones. The feels, oh the feels!
“Fucking missed you,” he breathes. “When will that go away?”
I shake my head. “Maybe never? Hearts can’t break if they haven’t loved. We might never recover from that.”
Regarding the push and pull I mentioned above? There isn’t nearly as much as I expected there to be. It’s practically nonexistent really once the truth of the past comes to light. One thing we learn is that no matter what the past may have been like, when two people love each other as much as these two do, nothing else matters.
“Tomorrow, angel, it begins.”
“My love for you never ended, Trig.”
“Never,” he promises.
And, this time, I know nothing will ever rip us apart.
They have a bit of a road ahead of them. First, they have to learn the truth of why they were kept apart. You can’t see it but I have my angry face on.
Then they work through forgiveness- of each other and the outside forces. But love has a way of easing that road.
nothing has been harder than hating her. But loving her? Fuck, that’s as easy as breathing.
And then we have some drama that had been boiling in the background for the whole book that finally reaches that point, you know, that point every cook dreads? When the pot boils over and leaves a goopy mess all over the stovetop? Yeah, the drama boils over. Just enough to get your heart rate up. I love a little sprinkle of drama in my stories. The tension in the big climatic scene where you just KNOW there could be a potential tragedy but hope the hero/heroine will be able to superhero their way into defeating the bad guy and save the day, yeah, I love those types of scenes.
Over all, there are many reasons to love this story and recommend it.
The writing is wonderful
The characters are real
The storyline is believable
For those that need it – this is a safe read. Yes there is a 10 year separation and they have both been with others during that time, but they are all it for each other when the time comes.
Please give this read a chance, even a second one if you can 😉
**5 “Angel” Stars**
I just finished “Broken Halo” and I am not exactly sure what to say. Pardon my review if my thoughts are a jumbled mess. This book was so heart-breakingly beautiful. I had no idea what to expect for Trig and Ellie’s story and I really wasn’t sure if I could emotionally make it thru this once I started. The story and writing is amazing, it flows effortlessly … but it just felt like nothing would ever go right for this couple. One thing after another just kept coming and I was like “No more, Ms. Asher … stop it right now – Leave them alone”! But did she listen to me? Nope! ::Shakes fist at you:: But, I hunkered down and neglected all my house chores just to finish this story as I desperately needed to reach the HEA. And I am so glad I made it to the end because the Epilogue makes it all worth it. But the journey along the way … phew, that was a doozy.
“Broken Halo” has it all that I enjoy in a book. Suspense, drama, romance, Alpha, mystery – Check! Check! Check! A fantastic addition to the Montgomery series. Bravo!
Brynne Asher is one of my favorite authors so I am always anxiously waiting for the next book. Broken Halo, book 2 in the Montgomery series, was simply fantastic. I literally sighed when I finished this book. I felt so much reading Trig and Ellie’s story. In the previous book, Bad Situation, we all get an inkling that Trig and Ellie’s history is extreme. Their past is filled with such anger and gut-wrenching sadness. My heart hurt for all that they had lost and then to learn more of what separated them was maddening to say the least. When all secrets and miscommunications are revealed it was both difficult and also a relief, relief that they finally have the second chance we all want for them. There are definitely still outside sources that make their way to a happily ever after hard, but Trig and Ellie are more mature and stronger now. Even when they were at their angriest, the chemistry and love they had felt for each other was still so strong.
There were quite a few surprises that threw me for a loop, but this is why I love this author’s books so much; you get an amazing storyline, feel all these emotions, and right when you think you know what is going to happen, you get sucked right back into turmoil. Trig and Ellie’s story has all that, so to finally be able to see them healed and finally together was so satisfying. Then we get that amazing epilogue that gives us a glimpse into the future of all the happiness that surrounds them. I absolutely loved this book so much! Definitely a 5-star read!
It is so hard to find the words that can accurately describe how this book made me feel (I would say that’s a great sign!) I felt so much while reading this book. In fact, I started reading it when the hubs put the kids down for bed thinking I would just read a little bit…NOPE! I tried putting the book down 5 times, 5 times y’all and I kept picking it back up because I JUST HAD TO KNOW what was going to happen next! So unpredictable, so much heartache and broken hearts, this book just kept me wanting more! Talk about a book hangover! This book is by far my favorite writing by this author to date and I just know it is going to be an awesome reread for me!
A fantastic second chance storyline with a twist. Devoured this read and loved the sizzling chemistry between Trig and Ellie. Get ready for ALL THE FEELS! A great addition to the Montgomery series and can’t wait to read book 3!
An angsty, enemies-to-lovers slow burn that ends with a bit of a thrill ride!
If you’ve read Bad Situation, then you already know Ellie and Trig…or you THINK you do.
The pain of life changes you. But so does love.
Broken Halo is a story full of heartache, loss, and regrets. It’s also a story full of second chances, redemption, and forgiveness. Throw in a healthy dose of heat, and you’ve got a romance that will wreck you in the best way possible. Just as it mends your heart back together again.
“When you lose something precious and find it again, hold on so tight it’ll never fall from your grasp.”
You know you’ve read an amazing book when you go through all these emotions when reading it. It’s Brynne’s best work to date and one of my best read this year.
Everything about this book is amazing. The dialogue, the characters and the storyline with a twist you won’t see coming. I’ve swooned, my heart broke, got mad and laughed out loud while reading this book.
I was rooting so hard for these two and so glad they got their HAE. They so deserved it.
I won’t go into the storyline because you have to go blind and experience it for yourself, but I guarantee that you will love it.
“History. It can tear you up and put you back together in a way you’ll never look the same.”
6 STARS!!!
Oh my…wow. I adore this authors books. Her imagination is awesome. Her stories are inspired and her H are scrumptious. Her h just a little sassy. What a combination and this book was no different. We met Trig and Ellie in Bad Situation and we obviously knew they had a tumultuous past, but boy we didn’t know how much! This book got off to an explosive start and never stopped. The revelations kept coming and just when you thought you had a handle on it…bam Ms Asher hits you again with another plot twist. I can’t be more precise without giving anything away. It also would spoil what is an awesome story. I loved seeing them together their chemistry was off the charts. Getting a glimpse into the future always puts a smile on my face too, easing the pain of finishing a book you know will leave you with a book hangover. Awesome book.
Brynne managed to do it again! She provided it all: emotional rollercoasters, humor, some danger, suspense, and a bit of a mystery, all rolled up into one fabulous book. Ellie and Trig have a past that was once beautiful, but that snapped and became painful and ugly with one tragic event that led to lies and perceived betrayals. But now? Now they have to find a way to exist in the same darn town together and to move forward in some way, be that together or apart. Trig and Ellie have a rough road ahead here, but no one said that anything worth having is easily obtained. I’m only sad that I’ve finished reading it because now I have to wait to see what comes next from the mind of this author.
Broken Halo is Brynne Ashers newest release it’s a second chance romance. We follow Ellie Montgomery and Trig Barrett. You’re pulled in from the first chapters, even at a young age these two had experienced a love that most of us can only dream of, and to get to watch their story unfold is beautiful. It will grip you from the very start, it’s heartbreaking, full of plenty of secrets to keep you guessing, so much chemistry you’ll be reaching for a fan but also plenty of sweet and tender moments too.
Ellie and Trig were truly doomed with their young love straight from the start. She was a good girl that had everything going for her, rich family, perfect upbringing, everything a girl could want. Trig was labeled a boy from the wrong side of the tracks, you start off with the Prologue from 10 years ago when they’re still just young kids, but you can see it then they’re perfect for one another even then.
Ellie has had a lot of really rough breaks these last few months, if you’ve read Bad Situation you’ll know a lot of it already, if you haven’t though her husband wasn’t a good man at all. Now Ellie is left with her young son to raise all on her own and to try to put all the pieces of her life back together again.
Ellie and Trigs story is full of so many secrets that would break even the strongest of people, and so much to unravel along the way. It takes these two quite a while but once they get together it truly is the perfect storm!
“The sight of the man my heart has never stopped beating for, loving on the small human I’d lay my life down for, is too much”
This is truly going down as one of my favorite reads for the year. I love getting to continue to see all of our favorite Montgomerys throughout this story. I can’t wait to see what comes next for this family!
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Emotions……I experienced sooooo many while reading Broken Halo. I’m going to break them down:
Love: that intense feeling of pure joy/love/full heart….that is what I felt from page 1 when we get the start of Trig and Ellie. The love they have for each other is earth-shattering.
Heartbreak: that feeling of utter devastation…..yes, My heart broke for Trig and Ellie right from the start. You are probably wondering…..how can you experience love and heartbreak all at the same time?…..it’s easy when you have a story so intense and so full of emotion that it all comes crashing down on you….all at once.
Laughter: that feeling of complete joy that you just can’t stop feeling happy……I felt that with Ellie….even though life has dealt her the cards she has, she is handling life the best she can.
Devastation: when you feel like life has just given you too much to handle and you just can’t take anymore. Ellie and Trig had so much of this…..
So, you see, all of the above make Broken Halo a perfect addition to The Montgomery Series. I fell in love with Ellie and Trig, their story played out in such a way you needed them to find peace and just “be”.
Ms. Asher can intertwine so many facets of her characters; between their emotions, lives, the supporting characters that you are literally transported into the lives of her characters.