Not So Broken by Renee Regent
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Not So Broken is the first book in the Love Grows series by Renee Regent. This story was a surprising experience, because even though I knew from the blurb that I would enjoy it, I just didn’t expect for it to creep its way under my skin and into my heart quite the way it did. Yes, the storyline was a little bit predictable, but it was so well written, and the characters were so wonderfully complex, that the predictability didn’t matter. I was invested and along for the ride, no matter what.
Gibson Colebank is the heir to the Colebank fortune, and a wealthy man in his own right- so why would he be living in a small country town and working as a handyman? Well, a tragedy shattered his world a year earlier, and Gib ‘checked out’ of his life- he found his way to Tilly, Georgia- and has lived a simple life ever since. He can’t face the life he lived before, guilt weighs too heavily on his shoulders. He has no interest in relationships and pretty much keeps to himself, in his simple cabin in the picturesque hills. He thinks he’s better off alone, as he really has nothing to offer anyone, anyway. But an out of character night out, changes everything- and turns his simple life upside down.
Sacha Rowan is a Rep in Liquor Sales. Her Job takes her all over the country, clocking up thousands of miles every year. Her hard work and dedication has seen her rise to the top of her field, now with a new promotion in sight. But she’s not getting any younger- her biological clock is ticking very loudly and the window to motherhood is closing, she has pretty much given up on having a child of her own. She has goals and is on a mission to fulfill her dreams- and failure isn’t an option. She is focused on her plans, her work, and success- her plans don’t include a man, especially after a bitter divorce left her reeling- she now has no interest in a relationship, ever. Stopping in town on business, a night out at the local bar will bring about a surprising development, which may just change everything.
This billionaire/contemporary romance was really well done- with secrets, baggage, angst, push-pull, some drama, trust issues, wonderful characters, a great storyline, sexy scenes, hot and steamy moments, and plenty of emotion. I was definitely invested in the outcome from very early on in the story. It was a little predictable, but I non-the-less enjoyed the journey that the author and characters took me on. There were times where Sacha really annoyed and frustrated me with her stubborn and argumentative nature. Her Ice Queen routine wore a bit thin at times, and some of the push-pull was quite maddening. But through it all, the story coaxed me on. The emotional quality to the story really surprised me, and yes, I shed a few tears. I particularly loved Marvil, one of the secondary characters, and he really stole a lot of the scenes he was in- while adding an extra element to the overall storyline.
I can’t wait for “Not So Wrong” (Book #2) to be released, because if this first story is anything to go by, book #2 is set to be fantastic!

Thank you, Ms. Regent!

REviewed by @angelahayes

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