Broken Beautiful Hearts by Kami Garcia is contemporary young adult novel about picking yourself back up after being broke and battered, and finding your happiness afterwards.

Peyton Rios’ life is coming together. The stars are aligning and all is good in the world. However, that all changes in the blink of an eye when her MMA boyfriend, Reed, pushes her down the stairs in a fit of rage and she breaks up with him for using steroids. However, when she tells people what happened, no one believes her. Soon she’s dealing with threats and Reed hounding her to be reunited. To keep her safe, Peyton’s mom sends her to her brother’s home in Black Water.

Once in Black Water, Peyton lives with her uncle Hawk and her twin cousins, Christian and Cam. She also slowly begins to make new friends like Grace, but especially with Owen, a local MMA fighter and fellow classmate. Their attraction is palatable even as Peyton tries to fight it and say they’re just friends. As for Owen, he has his own backstory and would love to get deeper into his character, but he was a strong and steady support to Peyton, as well as a contrast to Reed.

Broken Beautiful Hearts is an enjoyable story about finding yourself after feeling like you’ve lost your way or purpose in life. Peyton as a character is strong and though she struggles at first at Black Water with trusting people and her own decision-making, she begins to find her way. Ms. Garcia writes a well-paced and compelling story, and adds an element of mystery into the story as well.

Overall, Broken Beautiful Hearts by Kami Garcia is both entertaining and thought-provoking with topics like abuse (physical and substance) and grief, as well as what happens when something as life-changing as an injury or illness effect your life or future (as seen with Peyton and Owen). I would recommend this novel and can’t wait to read more by Ms. Garcia.

(I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book I received for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my open and honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.)

Following an accident, Peyton's friends will turn against her and she will have to go live with her uncle Hawk and her two cousins, Christian and Cameron in another city. This is of course only temporary, just to get in shape for football and especially to let time go for everything to be quiet again and for the threats to stop.
Peyton is great, she’s strong, determined, she’s very good at football, and especially what I admire in her is her strength of character, she’s hurt but still she goes up the slope, whether painful or not she tries to forget and move on.
Owen is nice, he doesn’t open up too much to others but he likes Peyton, he does MMA and he will also help Peyton get back on her feet. Owen also has problems but totally different from those of Peyton, he will have to open up and learn to trust.
As you may have guessed, the attraction between these two is quite explosive. Peyton has difficulty staying away from Owen, but she doesn’t want to get back into a relationship with a fighter, but the attraction is stronger than anything and Owen is not Reed.
Christian and Cameron, the two twin cousins of Peyton are adorable, they are very protective of her, they are both American footballers and they don’t want the boys approaching Peyton. Which will inevitably generate lots of funny situations since Peyton knows how to defend her alone and does not need his cousins to overprotect her. I loved these two, they are really adorable and a bit crazy anyway.
There are inevitably many other characters that I don’t speak of to leave you a little suspense.
I loved this book, it deals with a subject that particularly affects the author since she announced that it was partly lived. I liked that Peyton sticks to her story and she doesn’t lie even though it would have made her life a lot easier.
I loved the relationship between Owen and Peyton, she is slowly evolving, they have trouble admitting their feelings, especially Peyton but Owen knows how to do it with her. They are made for each other but they need to get to know each other and to trust each other.
The family relationship between Peyton, Christian and Cameron is also very important in the story, I think without them, Peyton's life at Black Water would have been a lot sadder.
Quick word: A story that will carry you away and you will not be able to stop until the end.

Surprisingly this didn't feel heavy despite the serious blurb and the tone was nice for a young adult. Very relatable for that age your focus is friends and college. I admire Peyton's tenacity to go after her dreams even with all the setbacks. Life changes we don't expect plans get altered and well we roll with the bunches as our heroine will learn. There are also unexpected people we meet along the way. They also add to the change in the whole plot.

Owen has a secret and when that gets out it changed the burgeoning attraction. They fought it and there was a good reason. Peyton didn't trust herself. I admit I was scared where this is going after that reveal. But it was handled well I felt like it could have been fleshed out more. I wondered what happened to the friend issue though. The romance between Peyton and Owen was sweet, youthful earnest and much believable. Ah young love.

Even though this is more mature YA wishful thinking I hoped for more after. It did have that a little. This book also has serious issues like drug abuse (doping) and violence. I enjoyed the book overall it had good secondary characters too. I've only read Kami Garcia once before but I like her contemporary writing. It was heartwarming and touching story and good plot.

Broken Beautiful Hearts promised that it would break my heart and put it back together again, and it did just that. This book was an emotional roller coaster that was full of so many interesting twists and turns. Reading this book reminded me why I love Kami Garcia's writing so much!

A large portion of the plot focuses on abusive relationships. I have no personal experiences with abusive relationships, but it is so important to have these topics brought up in books. I felt like the author handled this topic in an honest and realistic way. The author not only focused on what happened within the relationship but also focused on how people outside of the relationship reacted. It was heartbreaking to see the main character go through the abuse and hate that she did. This story is so important for this plot point alone.



The main character of this book, Peyton, was a piece of work, to say the least. She was a character that I hated at first but then grew to love. I really didn't like her for a while because she came off as extremely rude, narcissistic, petty, and superficial. However, she really flourished throughout the book. Peyton became such a strong, brave, and ambitious girl as the book continued. She was constantly being put down and accused of lying, but she stuck to her story and wouldn't let others convince her to change her story. There were still moments throughout the book when I wanted to shake some sense into her, but I am glad I end the book liking her a lot more than I did in the beginning.

There were also some side characters that were really enjoyable in this book. Owen, the love interest, was freaking adorable. I really enjoyed getting to know his character and swooning for him and his cuteness. His romance with Peyton was perfectly paced and was full of hilarious banter. Petyon's cousins were also a lot of fun! They were kind of crazy and a bit out there, but I loved their dedication to Peyton and Peyton's dedication to them.

Overall, this was a powerful and addictive contemporary novel. If you are looking for a book that is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, then I would recommend checking this book out!

4 / 5 Fangs

*This ebook was given to me in exchange for an honest review. *

All I have ever read by Kami Garcia is the first couple of books in the Beautiful Creatures series. I haven’t read any of her other YA standalones or series. I was very interested in getting this ARC from Netgalley so that I could see if I like her contemporary - since I know I like her fantasy/paranormal stories.

I wasn’t disappointed! This book read like a true young adult - Peyton’s life is shaping up nicely - she has it all… an acceptance to UNC, she’s excelling in her division for soccer, and a loving boyfriend. But, once you’re on top - you don’t get to stay there for long. Life throws her some pretty tough curveballs - and it was an interesting ride to see how she dealt with them, and how she grew as a character. Her strength, and tenacity were admirable. Then, we have Owen - an MMA fighter that Peyton meets on her road to dealing with life. Secrets all over the place, and it was interesting watching these two young people navigate their feelings, and how to deal with them.

I really enjoyed the depth of the characters that we got to experience, and their growth. Do I think they Peyton is a bit of a bore sometimes, and has her weak moments? Sure. She’s a young girl, trying to overcome some pretty tough situations. Do I think she over thinks her decisions and sometimes has the wrong reaction? Sure… also typical of the age range of these characters. I liked that this book felt real. It felt like a story that could be happening to some teenager out there.

I loved Garcia’s writing style in this contemporary manner. I easily could relate to and feel for these characters. The plot as whole as a tad predictable, but otherwise entertaining.

Broken Beautiful Hearts

*received an arc in exchange for an honest review**

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A great book that you won’t want to put down. Two people will be faced with losing their dreams and what are they going to do to make sure they don’t lose each other. They will be faced with challenges and have to find strength in not only each other but themselves. Kami Garcia weaves a heartwarming story that will have you wanting more.

Peyton was on her way to her dream school playing soccer, but after a fateful night where her boyfriend pushes her down the stairs and wrecks her knee, her dream is slipping through her fingers. The worse part is no one except her mother believes her and Reed won’t leave her alone. Her mom decides to send her to her uncle’s to continue PT until things die down.

On her first day there she meets Owen who even though they don’t say much to each other she can already feel a connection. When she finds out that Owen is an kickboxer/MMA fighter and will be helping her with her PT she knows it could change things. As she grows closer to Owen they can’t deny their feelings but as time goes on they both find out that they are hiding things from each other.

Will they be able to help each other and their own dreams? Or will Peyton once again lose someone she loves because they won’t take care of themselves?

Review: The story plot really builds and the characters really grew on me, especially Peyton, although I did like it (and her) from the start. I think I fell in love with Owen "The" Law that same time that Peyton did, because ugh! He's the best. And pretty much an all around good guy. I mean when do we really see that in young adult lit now a days. It's all brooding love interest, and he's mysterious and what not. But Owen's different, you can't help but just really like the guy right away.

  This was my first time reading a young adult novel with soccer (which I love) and MMA fighting (I've read New Adult with it, but it was underground MMA fighting). This YA seemed to be a lot of firsts for me. I think in another way it was a first, was the drugs and abuse that played a pretty big role in the whole story line. I really don't think I have seen that in other YA novels in the past or now. 

The other thing that I really loved was the name Peyton for the main character, I don't see that like  ever. And its also my younger sisters name, and there's never  a character or person (that we've met) that spells it this way too. So I think I will have to buy this book for my sister, I think she'll love it. But I'll have to get her  her own copy, because once I get mine. No ones taking it from me!


Favorite quote: I just love these two!!

"Are we going to fight?" I hold back a smile.

"Are you ever gonna go easy on me?"

"Probably not."



"I'm not looking for a happily ever after. I want a happily even after."

Note: This review contains NO spoilers

I loved this story. Broken Beautiful Hearts is a poignant and riveting story of heartbreak, betrayal, and second chances. Secrets has a way of coming out and hurting people. This story also tackles very real issues. I would also suggest reading the Author Note at the end of the story. This read kept me turning the pages as I followed these characters to the end of their emotional and troubling journey.

Kami Garcia has created a story that others can relate to. Her character development and world building created this emotionally compelling story of young adults dealing trauma(s) in their lives and how they deal with it. Kami created strong characters, yet they also have their faults/weaknesses. Each having unique personalities. The character dialogues and setting itself also created somewhat of a mysterious atmosphere.

All in all, Broken Beautiful Hearts is an emotionally heartbreaking and heartwarming story that touches real issues. This story is a definite must-read.

Disclaimer: Received a Netgalley review copy for an honest review/opinion

*Book Received in Exchange for Honest Opinion/Review*

This book, come at me YA feels! I knew the plot line...by half way through the book I knew how things were going to play out but damn if that mattered because by then I was already consumed by these characters. I put the book down to sleep and spent the entire day at work thinking about Owen and Peyton, and being totally productive *cough, cough*. In all seriousness, I adored this story and love that Kami Garcia has come to the contemporary YA side because this is truly where she shines as an author.

Kami writes about things that matter to her, and Broken Beautiful Hearts is no exception. I could feel tangible emotions from each character. The twins are absolutely fantastic and blend just the right amount of over-protective family and smart-*sses that had me in stitches laughing. Grace is sweet, adorable, and let me be honest here, I was Grace in high school. I was the one pining after the best friend who I was never going to have...lucky for Grace though she has someone waiting for her.

Now let me talk about Peyton, she is a hard-*ss and I loved it. Her personality was vivacious and her fire was inspiring. But the real star of this story is Owen...cue the swoon. I don't know what it is but Kami just writes these boys that I fall for over and over again and Owen was no exception. I found myself drooling over the Kindle screen and I couldn't get enough of him. I could write you a short story professing my love for Owen so you will just have to take me at blog value that he is all the levels of perfection in one sculpted body.

The story line, while somewhat predictable, still had several elements of surprise. I teared up towards the end, and for once it was happy tears, my heart full of joy and at peace for a character who has struggled far too much in her young life. Characters grew and found inner peace, happily even afters took place and honestly, my heart is just content and full and this is how I want to end every book.

4-4,5 STARS

Kami Garcia delivers a poignant,heartwarming and sweet story!I was hooked from the beginning and there were many things I enjoyed in this story!The writing was beautiful, the plot interesting and the characters were great!I haven't read before a book from Kami Garcia and I'm happy that I finally did it, because I loved it!

Everything about it felt realistic and I could easily keep up with the story!Peyton was a difficult heroine in my opinion.I didn't like her from the beginning she annoyed me sometimes but I could understand her behavior.Owen was one of the best parts in the story!

If you like reading YA books then you definitely have to check this one!I'm planning to read soon more books from this author!!

I thought this was a sweet story. I had moments of heartbreak, but it also had moments that healed as well. The characters were easy to relate to. While I didn't always agree with them, I understood where they were coming from. They were real and flawed and beautiful. I loved this story. I don't read YA very often, but I am always a fan of Kami Garcia and she definitely does the genre justice. I absolutely fell in love with the world created in this story.

Peyton Rios has a boyfriend and is starting her senior year as a star soccer player on her high school team. Her dreams of playing on a college soccer team are within her grasp until a fall injures her knee. Was it a fall or was she pushed? Peyton now has to concentrate on her recovery while being accused of lying about what truly happened to her. Her mother decides to send Peyton to her uncle’s house to rehabilitate her knee and get away from her accusers. There, Peyton meets Owen Law who, as it turns out, is much more than she bargained for.
I appreciate the depth of the characters and the bravery that Peyton demonstrates throughout the story. You will not want to put this book down!

This was my first Kami Garcia and I really enjoyed it. I definitely plan to read her future work and hope to enjoy it as much as this. There wasn't much that made it stand out in a positive or negative way, but i just really enjoyed it.

I really enjoyed this book. I think it's funny that the world of MMA which is a huge theme in adult romance has finally made it to YA. I would say this book is definitely older YA as it has a fairly descriptive sex scene. This book deals with many serious issues: emotionally and physically abusive relationships, harassment, stalking, drinking, drugs, peer pressure, bullying, doping with steroids, and more I'm sure I'm forgetting. What touched my heart and made me cry was the authors notes at the end where she went through a relationship like this and also didn't seek help or report him. I think it's very brave of Kami to put story out there and then give teens resources for help. Well done! I have already told all my co-workers and look forward to recommending this book to my veracious teen readers.

*I do not post negative reviews online, so I will not be posting this to any site.
Being that I like Kami Garcia, I was really disappointed when I finished this book. The world does not need another romantic tale of a young woman who is against love and relationships and falls in love anyway. Oh, wait! The object of her affection must be an MMA fighter/boxer/Ultimate Fighting Champion/ninja or something of the sort. This story was all over the place and I couldn't decipher which was supposed to be the main story line. Moreover, the relationships were very superficial and petty. Finally, I tire of reading about girls who are automatically mean to each other because of the way they look. There are too many YA books in which we are supposed to like the main character because she "isn't like other girls," but this protagonist is often just as judgmental and, well, mean as the other girls. We need to teach girls to give each other a chance, not immediately size each other up and determine they won't like the other. Overall, Broken Beautiful Hearts was a huge letdown.

I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it either. Around 30% is where I started to get interested, but sadly I wasn't ever truly invested (and I really wanted to be!). Then with about 20-25% left a potential game changing reveal hits that took me almost completely out. Personally these types of reveals are not my favorite, but I powered through and was okay with how it turned out. The author's note at the end of the book sheds some light on how this story and the subject of abusive relationships came together and I applaud Kami for having the strength to put it to paper. While this wasn't my favorite and I personally couldn't relate, I'm sure this will connect with others and help them through their own personal experiences.

I loved this book! Kami Garcia is a master of her art. I loved all of the characters, with their depth and goals. I even loved the jaded boyfriend's character. He was made into a monstrous guy, but I could feel his suffering as an addict and as someone who felt backed into a corner by his life.

Thank you for the opportunity to read BROKEN BEAUTIFUL HEARTS. I loved Kami's, THE LOVELY RECKLESS, and was so looking forward to this one. but it fell short for me. I had a difficult time relating to Peyton and some of the events felt too far-fetched to be believable. This may not have been the book for me, but I don't doubt there will be readers who love it.

I can sum Broken Beautiful Hearts up quickly: the main character, Peyton is a rising star, amazing soccer player headed to her dream college. Then she finds out her fighter boyfriend is abusing steroids, confronts him, he goes into a rage and pushes her down a flight of steps outside a party. Peyton tells everyone, including her boyfriend's sister who is also her best friend, what happens but nobody (other than her mother) believes her. Then the threats start and Peyton has to leave town. In her new town she meets a new boy, Owen and tries to fight her attraction to him but she really likes him. Then her psycho ex shows up with the attitude "If I can't have you no one can", things escalate, and finally at the end Peyton allows herself to be with Owen. I mean, some other stuff happens but that's basically the gist.

I requested to be on the blog tour for this book because I've read and loved other books by Kami Garcia and the way it was promoted sounded like if you liked The Lovely Reckless, Garcia's last book, you'd love this one. While I loved The Lovely Reckless and devoured it in one night, this book reminded me of the plot of about 10 Lifetime movies I've seen. I've read other books where the main character is an athlete, which is not exactly something I can relate to, but I've enjoyed those books and thought I'd like this book but it seemed almost too focused on the boring mechanics of soccer in the beginning. I also get that the author was trying to convey a true image of teen dating violence but if I were Peyton I would have handled things differently from the start. I wouldn't have given a damn that Reed was supporting his family, his butt would have been in jail and there would have been a restraining order.

The players in this book:

The Heroine / Survivor:
Peyton is supposed to be shown as a girl putting her life back together but I honestly didn't like her very much. In the beginning she was whiny and kind of self-absorbed then after the incident it was like she was still trying to protect Reed, even indirectly. I never really grew to like her after that.

The Perpetrator:
Reed is your basic controlling, abusive boyfriend. Steroids or not, he's not a good guy no matter what anyone says. The whole fact that Peyton didn't want to rush in and tell Reed her good news that morning in case waking him up caused an argument? That's what we call a red flag. He's not a sexy bad boy we love, he's a psycho to run far away from.

The Traitor:
Don't get me started on Tess. I know Reed was her brother but come on, you've seen his mood swings! You know something is up!

The Love Interest:
Honestly, Owen was the only thing that saved this story for me. I loved him as a character.

Overall, I didn't like the first half of this book and I almost DNF'd it a few times because I didn't like the main character, but the second half of the book got better. It was a quick read and the book's intent has an important message but it wasn't a unique story for me. I feel like I've seen the same story in different variations in television movies and other books.

I could not put this book down! Kami Garci truly knows how to write for teens! Her small town high school was spot on from the girl drama to the lockers and cafeteria (and athletes!) Of course the romance of it all was swoon worthy. She gave her characters room to grow and threw in several great lessons for readers of all ages, most notably that the ever after is the important part, and you control your own happy! I loved the transparency and authenticity of her authors note and how she snuck good advice on what to do if you ever find yourself in the same situation into the text without being too "preachy." Thank you for allowing me to read and review his book. I will definitely recommend it to my readers not just because of the great message, but because it is a great book!