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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Broken Halo by Brynne Asher is a phenomenal 2nd chance at love romance read.
This book has everything that you want in a 2nd chance romance- young love, heartbreak, emotional rollercoaster of feels, drama, great characters, serious chemistry/connection, unbelievable heat, some really sweet moments that will touch your heart, and romantic moments. This is Ellie and Trig’s story. We were first briefly introduced to Ellie in Athica Lane and again in Bad Situation. Now this is her book and wow!! What a book it is. Ms. Asher has written a complex and touching story that shows what happens when miscommunications and misunderstandings ruled king. The journey that is gone on in this book is, at times, painful and heartbreaking but by the end, totally worth every tear shed. The steam factor is on the sizzling hot side. Just one great read guaranteed to make the best of 2019 list!!!
My Rating: 4.8 stars *******
Broken Halo (The Montgomerys, #2) by Brynne Asher
4.5 Stars!
Read On: 06/10/2019
4.5 Stars! Brynne Asher does second chance romance, and it is a stunningly emotional look at a love broken. Broken Halo will hit you in your feels while keeping you on the edge of your seat.
Summary:
Ellie Montgomery once had everything, but it was ripped away from her before she could grab a firm hold. Since that moment ten years ago, happiness has been in short supply. After enduring that long-ago but never forgotten pain and what seems a lifetime of bad decisions, she’s struggling not to drown in the guilt, anger, pain and resentment of her present. The only true joy she derives is through raising her son, Griffin. But when that privilege is threatened, Ellie is forced to face the history and the man that haunts her every day. After scraping and fighting his way out of the dead end life he was born to, Easton “Trig” Barret never imagined he’d have anything to do with a Montgomery again. Not after his life was thrown so drastically and painfully off-course by the family before. But here he is, a major player in their empire, and directly involved in protecting the woman he spent years trying to forget. But a love like theirs is impossible to forget, and close proximity brings their connection and past to the fore. Secrets are revealed, miscommunications explained and their lives change yet again. Before, the courses of their lives were manipulated by outside forces. Forces beyond the control of ones so young and powerless. But they are older, wiser and stronger now. Ellie needs Trig, maybe even more than she cares to admit. And Trig has always needed Ellie, his Angel. Can they face a piece of their past head on and succeed, or will history and tragedy repeat itself?
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This book took me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions from start to finish. I didn’t want to put it down and wouldn’t have, if every day life hadn’t kept pulling me away. Trig and Ellie have a beautifully broken love story that will turn you inside out. I liked Ellie, but she irritated me a bit. She was loving, independent, and determined, but broken. She endured tragedy, loss, neglect, and betrayal and came out a little stronger for it in the end. I also liked that Ellie admitted to making bad decisions. The obstacles in her life may have started with others, but she wasn’t blameless, and I loved that she had that transparency with herself. That said, her tendency to run away while others stood up for her, became aggravating. Trig was absolutely fantastic, and a highlight of the book for me. He loved fiercely, was protective, determined, and not afraid of hard work (physical or emotional). I loved that he didn’t back down from confrontation or difficult situations, but also didn’t lose his cool. He was able to remain cool, calm, and collected which often gave him the advantage. Trig carried the weight of his heartbreaking past with him every day, but used the loss and betrayal as fuel to succeed and become a far better man than the one he was born to. I felt he took on way more guilt for the past than he should have, but that’s also a quality that adds to the amazing man he is. As a couple, Trig and Ellie’s chemistry practically burned up the page. The connection they shared seemed to snap right back into place, but didn’t hide what the devastation of their past wrought. Resentment, lack of trust, and fear were major obstacles in their path, and not easily overcome. The depth of pain and anger they held, broke my heart and had me tearing up a few times. This is where I fell hard for Trig. His pursuit of Ellie was constant and without mercy. It’s exactly what I love to see from my heroes in my romances. In the end, Broken Halo touched my heart, broke it a little, and put it back together, maybe even better than before. It was impossible not to become invested in the story and characters when you experience the pain of their past, their denial of long-buried feelings, the struggle to heal, and the eventual reconciliation right alongside them. And if that weren’t enough, then the drama and suspense hits you square in the chest and keeps you on the edge of your seat. My heart was pounding at only 15%, and it barely got the chance to slow before something else happened that had me white-knuckling my eReader. The story is full of twists and turns, some of which our MC’s aren’t privy to, but all of which keep the story moving forward while slowly revealing pieces to a much larger puzzle. Supporting cast was fantastic since we got to catch up with Eli and Jen and got to know the beautiful and strong soul that was Faye. Griffin, though, pretty much stole the show along with Trig. I loved them individually, but mostly their scenes together. I’m not a huge fan of the senior Montgomerys, though. They are a little too high and mighty for me, and think their money can get or fix anything. No matter how much I wanted to slap Kipp, they couldn’t take away my enjoyment of the story or the absolute perfection of the epilogue. With a light heart and tearful eyes, I was able to revel in the deep and abiding love Trig and Ellie shared and know that their painful journey was worth it to see where they ended up. My recommendation to you? Don’t pass up this brilliantly written, heartrending second chance romance.
Wow what an emotional story! This book is an amazing emotional rollercoaster ride that you will love. The characters are great and the storyline will tug at your heartstrings. This book is a second chance, enemies to lovers must read!
Broken Halo is a second-chance romance that will have you on the edge of your seat as you are reading it. I binge read this book in a few hours while at my niece’s promotion dinner, it was so good. Broken Halo tells the story of Elle Montgomery and Trig Barrett. It picks up where Bad Situation left off, and while it isn’t necessary to read Bad Situation first I highly (highly) recommend it.
In this book, Brynne takes us on a journey. The characters learn to overcome their pain through love and forgiveness. Broken Halo is not your typical romance. We have a strong, smart, talented Hero who isn’t afraid to stand up for what he believes in. He also isn’t afraid to admit when he is wrong. While our Heroine is strong, determined but vulnerable. Their dynamic was amazing to read, and drew me in from page 1. The secondary characters do nothing but enhance the book, making it so I did not put it down once I began.
If you are expecting a cookie cutter, extremely fast-paced, love at first sight romance, you will not get that in this book. You will get passion, love, joy, turmoil, heartache, and so many twists and turns you cannot keep up. I will be honest and say I thought I had the book figured out in the beginning and I was so surprised at the end. I highly recommend you read this book because Brynne has once again created a masterpiece.
Ellie and Trig….sigh.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from these characters..we met them in Bad Situation. And that is just what we did. Barely scraped the surface. Peeling back the layers of these characters, they appeared simple in the first book, but were by far the most complex of all of the series to date. And I loved Brother Cam from Athica Lane so that is saying something!
Ellie is strong…she is real and has real feelings of hatred, betrayal, love and loss. She is trying to survive day by day for Griffin, her son and world.
Trig enters the Montgomery picture to save the day. But he is no white knight. Heartbreaking history.
Secrets are revealed. And Trig is the best determined alpha book boyfriend ever!
More situations arise and the universe seems to conspire against them. I love how this is a build up and a book about love, betrayal, forgiveness and discovery.
And holy hotness, do they have chemistry too. Do they!
Best book by Brynne yet. Hands down.
I loved this book!! From the first sentence, I was hooked!! The story of heartbreak and love between Ellie and Trig was beautifully done. I can’t wait for more from the Montgomery crew!
My expectations never falter when reading a Brunne Asher book. If anything, they raise. She has once again astonished me. I absolutely love Trig and Ellie. I was rooting for them so deeply. I’m in a bit of a book hangover! Definitely a one click book.
5 ‘Zero three zero nine’
Oh my… Brynne Asher’s BROKEN HALO wrecked emotional havoc in my heart, and put all the tiny pieces back together in the most gripping and seductive of ways! Trig and Ellie’s story will pull you through the full spectrum of feelings, of that I have no doubt. No worries though, the second of the Montgomery’s is an emotional rehab on its own, so you don’t want to miss this, believe me.
I couldn’t have been more intrigued by Trig and Ellie’s background – and future – while reading Bad Situation, so was beyond thrilled when Broken Halo hit my e-reader. Their story was far deeper and intense than I excepted, and that is saying something considering the anticipated combustion already surrounding on book one.
Broken Halo was indeed the literary FULL PACKAGE: all the hurt, all the pain, all the forgiveness, all the banter, all the happiness, all the passion and most of all, ALL THE LOVE! It is impossible to read this extraordinary and oh so realistic characters and not fall in love with their love story and root for them to get their HEA.
Ellie was such an incredible female main character, a true heroine. Her past – and present – heartbreak – her ‘wild’ personality, her heartfelt love for those around her, specially her baby boy, was so touching, I couldn’t her but adore her. And the way she make Trig work for it, and not give in instantly, I was cheering her on! She was fantastic!
Trig, maybe because of how much I connected and felt Ellie’s pain, was a bit harder for me to warm up to. With how forward and strong Ellie proved to be in the past, I felt she deserved a bit more from him, at least a reasonable doubt situation, lol, but once he pulled his head out of his @ss and realized the error of his ways, and fought for her, for them…Wow… It was full on Alpha mode, and when he never gave up on them, fought to prove to her they could have their much wanted HEA, now that was impossible to resist.
The setting, with the flash back of the past intertwined with their scenes of the present, were perfectly foreseen to keep us on the edge of our seats and uncovered what had happened to separated them and their young love, ten years ago. Now, a decade after, and so many years of hurt and pain need to be unveiled and overcome. Broken Halo is true second chance love, of destined soulmates finding each other again, moving on from their hurtful past, and building a forever future HEA.
Ms. Asher talented writing once again shone trough, and it was visible, and FELT from the very first line of this book, until the very last, and hinting at more to come. Trig and Ellie’s journey was gripping in a way that is rare for me these days, they were such complex characters, and I was so incredibly entranced in their relationship development, that time truly flew by. And all this deliciously enticing secondary characters, the suspense subplot, just hook us even more, and left us begging for the next book. Can’t wait for more of this series and even more Brynne Asher’s writing! <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
For full review, check out my blog post, http://gisspotreviews.com/index.php/2019/06/11/release-blitz-review-gis-fav-broken-halo-the-montgomerys-2-by-brynne-asher/
Broken Halo is an emotional journey. Ellie and Trig were young lovers ripped apart by circumstance. Both trying to protect the other. Then flash forward 10 years, true love always finds a way. Ellie’s world is coming down around her and only one person can step in and protect her. Trig wants answers about what happened 10 years ago and finds them in an unlikely place. This book was all the feels and a bit different from the typical Brynne Asher. I loved the book, especially the journal entries from Faye. Definitely a favorite read.
Oh how I just love a good second chance romance novel. This is probably my favorite of its kind, to date. Trig stole my heart from the very beginning and his love for Ellie is beyond amazing.
I felt so many emotions while reading this book. The back and forth between Ellie and Trig kept me turning pages and wanting more. Their chemistry was enthralling.
Brynne’s words will wreck you, and then put you right back together again in the most glorious way! This is definitely a book to put on your TBR list!
Aw Brynne why did you have to go and break me like that!! My heart was ripped apart with such ferocity I’m not sure it will ever fully recover but to be honest I don’t think I want to, Broken Halos is welcome to plant itself deep in my soul and stay forever.
Book 2 in The Montgomery’s series was a riveting masterpiece of how outside factors can destroy even the greatest love story.
The story and Trig and Ellie was filled with crossed wires and long times lies buried so deep it’s taken over a decade to come to light but with more twists and turns that Brynne writes so flawlessly I was held captive by her words.
I was completely smitten with Trig and Ellie had my utmost respect and admiration her strength in the middle of the biggest battle of her life was something every mother dreads but it was good to see the support she received even if some of it was unwanted, they all pulled her throughout when she didn’t think she could go another step!
I can only dream there is much more to this amazing series because I’m addicted!
There are two sides to every story; especially to a story of two young people who love each other, but who are forced apart. Broken Halo tells the story of Ellie and Trig; a couple that clearly belongs together, but who have deal with the ugly truths of their past. I love this second-chance story.
“History. It can tear you up and put you back together in a way you’ll never look the same.”
Ellie is a single mom and still recovering from the ordeal her death ex-husband has put her through. She’s absolutely not sad about his death and is even regretting the day she met him. Well, that’s not entirely true. She loves their son Griffin; the little boy is her everything. When Ellie sees her ex-boyfriend/love of her life Trig again, her heart hurts. All the memories – good and bad – are coming back full force. The same goes for Trig. Losing Ellie has hurt him in the worst way, and he realizes he needs answers to find some peace.
“What are you doing?” “Shh.” His hush tickles my temple and I tense, waiting for … something. Another touch, his warmth, his lips…”
My heart breaks for Ellie and Trig. They were so in love as youngsters. They made plans, even though they knew their families wouldn’t approve. And boy, how right they were. Fast forward 10 years, and Ellie and Trig are still not over their breakup. Yes, they both have moved on, but they’re still thinking about the other, believing in the ugly stories other people have told them. I was so happy when all was out in the open, and Ellie and Trig finally got their so deserved Happily Ever After.
Broken Halo is the second book in the ‘Montgomery Series’ and is a bit different then the first book. Book one was more fun, but this book is far more serious. And that’s not weird given the history of Ellie and Trig. They have to work through some painful things, so I’m happy with the way Brynne Asher has written their story. But there also a lot of similarities with other books by this author; a sweet leading lady, an Alpha hero, a few bad guys and a whole bunch of friendly, supportive side characters. I love Broken Halo; Ellie and Trig are an amazing couple, and I love their story (even though it made my heart hurt a bit…)
“My angel.” I am. I’ve always been his. I might look different than I ever have, but I’m better. And I’m not broken anymore.”
Broken Halo guts you in the BEST way possible. It will tear you apart piece by piece as you live all of the emotions, regret, fear, and pain along side these two characters who are made for each other — and then as it continues you find yourself being put back together in this amazing way emotionally that you didnt expect. This is an emotional read for sure; but you will be immersed in this in a way only a select few authors can do. You will ride the roller coaster WITH them instead of watching from the outside. 0309-still makes my heart skip a beat knowing what it means. <3
Trig is a prideful man who has built himself from nothing after living with an abusive father and falling in love with the Montgomery's daughter who was RIPPED from him in his weakest moment by the Montgomery Dad. Therefore, after a job offer from Jen Montgomery he now gives the world a big middle finger when he becomes the Lead lawyer for a Montgomery business and the Montgomery family. BUT with that he comes in contact with the exact woman that he fell in love with and then lost when he was accused of a crime and she refused to be his alibi to protect his innocence.
Seems crazy, huh? It is! I PROMISE it all makes sense, it all comes together, and all of the pain becomes beauty. HOW that happens? Its for you to find out. You will finish amazed and changed in a beautiful way.
(You do not have to read the first Montgomery story for this one, but I HIGHLY suggest you do so after you read this one -- it adds so much flavor and context!)
I love second chance romances and this is one of the best ones I have read. I loved that Trig and Ellie really found they happily ever after ten years of being apart. Their story was beautiful and was a delight to read. I didn’t want the story to end! Great story!
I had no expectations coming into this but I’ve enjoyed Brynne Asher’s books so I jumped right in. This was a aecond chance romance and then some. Hot lawyers, single parent, drama, action. I was hooked from the start. The dual POV gave much more insight into what broke these two and how they found each other again.
Trig and Elllie learned the past mistakes shape you but you learn from it and hold on tighter in the future. A young love that was separated by parents and many things in between. The hurt and anger from a miscommunication carried on but soon enough things change. Old feelings resruface but many hurdles along the way, being the kick butt lawyer Trig is he manages to get some of that away from Ellie and Griffin. They have stuff to deal with in their own hurts and it took time but they did.
It was nice how they connected through Trig’s mom and her journals brought them closer. Seeing Trig with Griffin was so sweet and adorable. As they continue with the old journals more secrets are revealed. Along with the suspense when Trig’s dad comes back into their lives. The Montgomery’s and Trig had to hash out issues too, I’m glad for the sake if the other family. It gives meaning to when you find something again you hold on to it tightly.
History is complicated, it can change things for the worse of better. I found the pacing to be well done, from little tidbits of the past to the present to the whole ending. It was sweet to see Trig, Ellie, and Griffin and the new family. Also Jen and Eli had a role here nice to see an update on them. With a meaty epilogue that ties it all together and more of Trig and Ellie’s happy ending.
5 BEAUTIFUL STARS!! Trig and Ellie’s story is a tough one, but so beautifully written. Their story hits all your emotion button with some suspense. Brynne Asher is one of my all time favorite authors, if you haven’t read her what are you waiting for. You definitely need to 1-Click this book.
“There are times in life where you’ll fall deeper into despair. Those are the days that make you who you are. Embrace them.”
Absolute perfection!!
Full of angst, heartbreak, sexual tension and laugh out loud antics with a twist I didn’t see coming!!
I found myself quietly….then loudly rooting for Trig and Ellie to reconcile. Despite a decade of heartbreak these two deeply damaged characters found strength I don’t know I’d ever be able to hold.
Forgiveness, redemption and healing are themes deeply entwined in the pages of this book. A love so deep nobody can keep them apart any longer.
Broken Halo….the story of the boy from the wrong side of the tracks and the girl from a powerful and prestigious family had me smiling so hard and crying into my glass of wine.
Brynne Asher has delivered….again. I can’t wait to see what she does next!!
It’s been a very long time since a book has left me so emotional I had tears in my eyes just starting to write the review. Good tears, to clarify. There are book hangovers and then there are Broken Halo hangovers. This one is in a category all of its own. I laughed with Ellie and Trig. I full out sobbed for them. I had tears of joy and I had BA you’re about to get some massive not so nice words in your messenger moments too. But at the end of the day, Broken Halo was a phenomenal reading experience. I was captivated from page one and cannot wait to read this story over and over again.
Story Line: We met Trig and Ellie in Bad Situation (Montgomerys Book One). We only got a tiny taste of what their story would entail. And by tiny, I mean like a grain of sand. Because anything you think their story may be about, throw it out the window. Ellie and Trig are the Power Tower of emotions. They have a history, and that’s putting it mildly. And now, 10 years have passed. 10 years that might as well be a lifetime because so much has changed. Trig isn’t the guy he was 10 years ago and Ellie is a widow with an almost one year old. Their lives are very different. But their souls? Well, I’ll let you figure that out. I don’t think I’ve ever fallen in love with a fictional character’s soul before. But these two? I’m pretty sure I have a girl crush on Ellie. I connected with her character on so many levels. Everything about her was so deeply relatable – to the point I felt every little thing she felt. It was absolutely incredible.
Interaction: One of my favorite things about characters who have a history is that there is never any awkward conversations. No getting to know you moments or fighting the overbearing he-man ways of these strong hero characters. I will say that even though Ellie and Trig didn’t have to start fresh, some character did have to meet and get acquainted and my heart turned to complete mush. I think my favorite part of the way Ellie and Trig communicate is the total transformation in their tones, their words, communication – all of it. As each pages turns, the fortresses they have built up between each other start to come down brick by brick. The journey to demolition is long, but it’s also funny, swoony and magical.
Laundry: Y’all. This book does not start at ALL the way I was expecting. Laundry right off the bat. SERIOUSLY. That’s all I’m going to say because I don’t want to ruin anything for you. But I would like to take a moment to bow down to the laundry queen. These were some of the hottest, sweetest and naughtiest scenes I’ve read in a very long time. Even the foreplay was off the charts. And can I just say the reference of roulette had me cracking up? Seriously, I can’t love this book anymore than I already do.
Depth: Okay, here is where I think I need a support group. This story is like the most insane roller coaster of emotions known to mankind. Note: Insane equal fantastic. Every time I thought my heart would return to a normal BPM, something else is thrown into the mix to stir everything right back up. I’m NOT EVEN EXAGGERATING. Ellie and Trig have more obstacles than a steeplechase race. They have wrenches literally thrown at them and somehow, through the grace of the big man upstairs, come out better than ever. Their story gave me hope for a better tomorrow. It brought to mind incredible memories of my own of how deeply I relate to these characters. And above all, Trig and Ellie reminded me that when your soul recognizes its counterpart, love will always win. I will forever love Broken Halo. BA, you freaking nailed it.
Once again Brynne has taken me on a roller coaster ride with this story. There are so many genre’s for books but second chance is one of my favorite!
Ellie and Trig go through a lot in the beginning and are torn apart by forces unknown to Trig. Ellie just feels she needs to do what she needs to, to save the love of her life. They both go their separate ways only to face one another 10 years later when Ellie is fighting for her son Griffin when the past smacks her in the face without much warning. You need to read this one to find out their story and what happens when lies are told that change the course you thought you were on for the rest of your life.
So much angst, love and banter in this book that is one of the many reasons I love Brynne’s books. If you have not read anything from this author, then I suggest you take a chance and discover a new author that will not disappoint you.
Brynne Asher never fails to captivate me with her stories and this one was no different. From the first page I found myself unable to stop reading and was so invested in these characters’ lives. I needed to know everything about them and I loved that there was so much that I had to keep reading to figure out. There wasn’t a ton of information that you don’t know but just little pieces of Trig and Ellie that you didn’t have the full story on and I really liked the way it kept me in suspense.
Do you ever have those books that you read and they make you go silent? Like you’re so attuned with a character that you don’t want reality to step in and rip you away and you fully immerse yourself into the book and ignore everything else including talking to other people? Because that’s how I was with Ellie. I felt for this girl so much and she had me wanting to be alone and focus solely on her story.
I’m probably making no sense and sounding like a complete wackadoodle, but just know that Ellie was an amazing character. And Trig was equally amazing, especially when he was with Ellie. Both of their strength had me admiring them so much and I was cheering them on to finally be together.
Bottom line, read this dang story! I would say it could be read as a standalone if you don’t mind spoilers about the first book. But I think it’s best to read this series in order to get the full effect of the Montgomerys.