REVIEW: Bruised But Not Broken by Nicole Dykes

Review:

Bruised But Not Broken is the first book in a series exploring characters who have experienced trauma. It was a beautiful story, that yes, was at times sad, but it was also playful, and sweet, and sexy. Two genuine and kind men who have their past pain and the struggles that have left them with. But together they learn how to heal and forgive (themselves and others).

Ben and Colby complement each other wonderfully. They are fun and flirty with one another, but also there for the tough stuff. As Colby learns to believe in himself, Ben learns to stop hiding behind his need to ‘save’ people. In short, they are pretty adorable together, and nothing can be better than them getting their happy ending.

This story is deep and covers difficult topics, but it didn’t feel oppressive or draining. Rather the opposite, in fact, it definitely had an optimistic vibe.

Stars: 5

🕮 Bruised But Not Broken by @nicoledauthor
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Synopsis:

Ben
Spark of Hope: A bi-weekly trauma support group.
This is my nightmare. When I think of a support group, I think of sad people sitting around talking about their feelings and nothing changing.
And yet, when my brother and his best friend, who happens to be a therapist, presented the idea of holding the meetings at my gym, I caved.
Because I, Benjamin Price, have always tried to rescue the people in my life. But I can’t. I’ve usually failed them.
Now, I’m hosting a trauma support group and desperately trying not to fall into my old habits—of attempting to save everyone.
And then, he walks in.
Bruised. But not broken. No matter how exhausted he may feel, a strength in him calls to me.
And there’s no way I can ignore the need deep inside me to at least try.

Colby
I’m tired. I’m afraid. And I don’t want to go back.
Not to the abusive relationship I told myself I was okay with for years.
But what am I supposed to do?
I have no real life skills. All my life, I’ve been told I’m pretty and that’s it.
Then I walk into a gym, looking for a job, but I find so much more.
I don’t want to trust Ben. I don’t believe his help doesn’t come with a price.
But what choice do I really have?
One thing’s for sure . . . Neither of us are getting out of this intact.
What we lose though, that’s anyone’s guess.

***Bruised But Not Broken is set around a trauma support group and will, therefore, touch on extremely sensitive subjects. I’ll always do my best to handle these topics with care and healing, and with no intention of hurting anyone. But please, heed this warning if you have any triggers.

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