Broken (The Shattered Hearts Series Book 1)
Maddison Lily, Mazikeen Nieve
Reader Reviews
4.0
1 rating
Dhawy F.
Aug 9, 2026
Review of advance copy received from author
Kate… oh Kate. My heart really aches for her. There’s nothing more painful than a woman’s love being used like a toy, her sacrifices being dismissed like they never exist. Nothing hits Kate harder than her tons of regret from choosing the wrong man for eight years.
Jackson is not just forcing Kate to go through a series of medical procedures so they can have a baby. He also verbally abuses and gaslights her constantly, only to follow it with dramatic apologies, as if Kate doesn’t carry the wounds at all. But Kate stays. She endures, thinking he will change, thinking she will finally be appreciated… because it was never like this years before.
This book teaches me to recognize red flags in a relationship as early as possible. See them, and do not be in denial. After that, save yourself before guilt starts creeping in. And women need to be aware… once a man abuses you, the way he does it only grows more and more extreme over time.
Kenz is such a lovely supporting pet character. Though sometimes I wish he would just bite Jackson every time he hurts Kate. And Kate’s parents… they are the clearest water when her world starts to collapse. Kate once pushed them away, especially her mom, while building her own life, but they return that distance with love, washing away her regrets.
“I’ve been a horrible daughter, pushing her away all this time. I can see now she only ever wanted what was best for me.”
“When that sick feeling curls in your gut, you trust it. Even if it turns your world upside down. You run. You choose yourself. Because apology don’t mean change. They just buy time until the next time you upset them.”
Kate… oh Kate. My heart really aches for her. There’s nothing more painful than a woman’s love being used like a toy, her sacrifices being dismissed like they never exist. Nothing hits Kate harder than her tons of regret from choosing the wrong man for eight years.
Jackson is not just forcing Kate to go through a series of medical procedures so they can have a baby. He also verbally abuses and gaslights her constantly, only to follow it with dramatic apologies, as if Kate doesn’t carry the wounds at all. But Kate stays. She endures, thinking he will change, thinking she will finally be appreciated… because it was never like this years before.
This book teaches me to recognize red flags in a relationship as early as possible. See them, and do not be in denial. After that, save yourself before guilt starts creeping in. And women need to be aware… once a man abuses you, the way he does it only grows more and more extreme over time.
Kenz is such a lovely supporting pet character. Though sometimes I wish he would just bite Jackson every time he hurts Kate. And Kate’s parents… they are the clearest water when her world starts to collapse. Kate once pushed them away, especially her mom, while building her own life, but they return that distance with love, washing away her regrets.
“I’ve been a horrible daughter, pushing her away all this time. I can see now she only ever wanted what was best for me.”
“When that sick feeling curls in your gut, you trust it. Even if it turns your world upside down. You run. You choose yourself. Because apology don’t mean change. They just buy time until the next time you upset them.”