Didn't realise this was the third in a series until I'd read some of it. I probably would have enjoyed it more had I read the other two first. That being said, the story was dark which I enjoyed.

I liked this one even though it wasn't the kind of book that I would normally pick up.  I did have some issues with the book but nothing too overwhelming.  I have had a review copy of this book for over five years but put off picking it up during that time largely due to the fact that this is the third installment in the Beautifully Broken series and I worried that it wouldn't work well as a stand-alone.  I had no reason to worry since this book told its own story and read just fine without any knowledge of the rest of the series. 

This was a pretty dark romance.   The romance was a lot more erotic than I usually read.  I am not opposed to either of those things but this book did take me out of my comfort zone just a bit.  One thing that I really don't enjoy in a romance is seeing one of the main characters engaging in sexual acts with someone else.  I really do prefer stories to focus on the two main characters and their relationship with each other.  I do have to admit that some of the acts in this book left me with a bit of a sour taste in my mouth because I felt like one party was destined to be hurt.

Dominic and Jacey are the focus of this story and they both have dealt with some terrible things in their past.  Dominic is a famous actor who refuses to get close to each other but doesn't hesitate to get physical with others when he feels the need.  Jacey seems to always pick the wrong guy but she is trying to start over when she meets Dominic.

Dominic and Jacey are forced into a situation that requires them to spend time together.  They do have a lot of chemistry together.  Their problem is letting each other in and trying to trust each other.  As things about their past were revealed, I did understand why they acted as they did.  I actually found myself liking this book more and more as the story progressed and I think that was largely due to the fact that I started to understand the characters, although their behavior did also change. 

I decided to listen to the audiobook version of this book and I thought both narrators did an acceptable job.  I did prefer the female narrator over the male simply because of some of the voices that were used.  I did think that they both did a good job overall and I am glad that I decided to listen to the book. 

I would recommend this book to readers who like a darker, more erotic romance.  I found this book to be a good way to mix up my reading just a bit and try something a little different.  I would definitely read more of Courtney Cole's work in the future.

I received a digital review copy of this book from Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via NetGalley and borrowed a copy of the audiobook from my local library.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book (given by Netgalley)... 

I didn’t read the first 2 books in this series, but I did read Until We Burn, and I didn’t feel lost while reading this book. Now I have to say it would probably make it so much clearer if you read If You Stay, because of Jacey’s history.

This story did have a darkish feel to it especially when they reveal was actually happened to Emma. Jacey and Dominic are completely different people and in different walks of life, but after an arrest they are thrown together from three months. If you read Until We Burn, you know exactly how Dominic tries to bury his past, but when you read this book it tries to downplay his “extracurricular” activities; the man was NOT a saint. Jacey, from what it sounds like used to have some issues and there was a big conflict that ended in tragedy; unfortunately, this is not explained thoroughly we are just given some glimpses. Although this book is about Dominic and Jacey, we mostly get focused on Dominic’s story and Jacey is just there to take what he gives her until she decides she deserves more than she kind of turns into his therapist in way (not exactly sure). The whole situation with Sin seemed too easy for me, especially with Dominic’s reaction to what happened with Cris. Basically 90% of the book, Dominic is a tortured soul and Jacey is trying to heal him, but that last 10% everything was tied up in a quick neat bow.

Although, I do get the hard situation with Emma, but I felt they made her sound 100% innocent when in fact most of this happened because of her. The epilogue was both sweet and a little creepy, but it didn’t ruin the book for me.

I wonder if Brand, Fiona, Sin and Duncan will get their own books.

I read this via a digital copy through Netgalley.

I read this so long ago I only have a vague memory that I liked it. I have read some of Cole's other works, and I do love the damaged-but-not-quite-broken trope.

If you're into romances with oddly-matched characters, you'll enjoy this one.

I've not read the other 2 in the series, so I couldn't comprehend the storyline