The loss of her mother turned her world upside down and revealed a truth she had never known. Her entire life felt like a lie.
Sonny Now, she lives on her own terms. She does what – and who – she wants, when she wants. She can’t get hurt if she doesn’t let anyone get close enough. Being lonely is just the price she has to pay. She isn’t about to let a man like Brig get to her, no matter how good his looks or intentions.
Brig As one of St. Anne’s favorite sons, he has lived a charmed life, never wanting for anything. Family, friends, business – he is wealthy in ways that mean more than dollar signs. He doesn’t know what it means to fail. Foul-mouthed and beautiful, yet cautious, Sonny is everything he never knew he wanted. But when it comes to her, want has become need, and for the first time in his life, he has to fight for something.
Sonny has spent so much time keeping people out that the idea of letting Brig in feels dangerous.
Em Frances is a foul-mouthed, filterless Jersey girl who lives in northern Florida with an extremely patient and tolerant husband and their two dogs.
When she isn't writing, or when she's supposed to be writing (lol), she's usually on Facebook, reading or binge-watching TV...and sometimes all three at the same time!
Southern romance at its very best!!! Em Frances blew me away and I can hardly believe that this is her debut novel. The characters had such depth, the writing was stellar, and the chemistry between Sonny and Brig? Scorching! This book left me warm and fuzzy, and I anxiously await the next time I get to hang out with the crew in St. Anne. This is a must read!!
For a debut novel, Em Frances sure has a hit on her hands!
Sonny is new transplant to the Florida town of St. Anne. Brig grew up in town, but is recently moving back after moving away. This is a story about a young woman who is trying to break through the difficulties of her childhood. She finds her hero in Brig, who manages to break down her barriers and helps her to realize that she deserves more than she thinks.
How is this a debut? Em Frances's writing is flawless and mesmerizing, sucking you right into the heart of St. Anne and tugging on your heart strings. And holy Brigham O'Neill...hot doesn't begin to cover it because not only was a he a sweet talker with a deliciously filthy mouth but he is so genuinely loving and protective, he's ultimately the whole package wrapped into one stud of a southern boy. I fell hard for this first look into Em's St. Anne's series and cannot wait to dig deeper into this town and it's beautifully well-crafted characters. Keep an eye out of this one, she's quite the talent!
Prepare to be shocked. You will never think in a million years this is Em Frances's debut novel. The words flow effortlessly, beautiful prose and witty dialogue, she'll suck you right in.
Sonny's life was tough but she did all she could to look tougher. Brigham O'Neal brought her to her knees, no matter how much she tried to fight him. The chemistry between them jumped off the page. Brig was equal parts hot as hell and swoon worthy, and you practically scream at Sonny to allow herself to be happy and give in.
Em makes you feel like you're right in St. Anne and makes you never want to leave. We are introduced to a slew of characters with stories that need to be told. This is going to be an amazing series, and I am very impatiently waiting for the rest of it.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Emerson (Sonny) Decker doesn’t let anyone get close. After losing her mother, the trajectory of her life has forever changed once her death revealed a truth. She is determined to live life by her rules. And no one is going to change that. Not even Brigham (Brig) O’Neal . The town’s favorite son. He’s drop dead gorgeous. Wealthy. And is known to always get what he wants. He doesn’t understand why Sonny keeps him at a distance. The more he pushes, the more he pulls away. He’s never been challenged, but Sonny is one challenge he is up for. And he shows no sign of giving up.
The push and pull between Sonny and Brig was a slow burn. Sonny usually has no issue with loving and leaving them, but with Brig everything is so different. She knows that once her walls come down there’s simply no turning back. Brig makes her want to break every rule that she has established for herself. Brig is drawn to Sonny’s hardened exterior. He knows beneath her snarky and witty personality there’s a woman his heart wants to love. Their story isn’t an easy one, but Brig is patient. And he knows his connection with Sonny is one of a kind. The build up of their connection will have you on edge and once desires are given into, you feel everything. There is also a suspense type of feel within the story that the author subtly threads throughout. This will have you turning the pages.
Beautifully Broken is a southern romance that I think will easily charm any reader. The book is narrated seamlessly by dual POVs which truly allows you to experience Sonny and Brig’s story from their eyes. The town of St. Anne was very interesting with so many striking characters that I know we haven’t heard the last of them. While the author was great with executing a complex storyline, I do wish that the characters were introduced rather than told to us. They were presented in such a way that I felt like I was expected to know who they were, except I didn’t. As if I was in the middle of a series rather than the first of a series. Nonetheless, this debut was a great one. I found it to be funny, heartbreaking at times, but overall a solid and enjoyable read.
Emerson Decker is the woman all women strive to be. She is strong, beautiful, independent and has a "Don't Give A F***" attitude. She's loyal to a fault and would do anything for her friends and the one family member she has left. There is one thing missing though, love. She has walled up her heart so tight that nothing will break it down until HIM.
Brigham O'Niel is all man. He's growly and has caveman tendencies but underneath is a heart of gold. He just moved back to his home town and already set his sights on the difficult and sexy Emmerson aka Sonny.
While these two navigate through the landmines called relationship, situations arise and danger ensues. Will Brigham be able to protect Sonny? Will Sonny be able to let him in?
This book was a breath of fresh air. It had the right amount of mystery and intrigue as well as the perfect amount of dirty talking sexy time. I loved how the author created likeable characters with very different personalities.
The only thing that cut a star off for me was that certain parts felt rushed. It didn't take away from the story though just left me with a few questions. I'm happy to see that this is a series and look forward to reading more from this author.
Ummmmm debut novel?!? How???? This book was too good to be a debut for Ms. Em Frances!!! Aimed it, hit it out of the park, epic, amazing good!!!! Just wow!!!! I'm trying to process still what I just read!!!
First of all, I love small towns. I'd love to live in a place where everyone knows each other and is there for each other. St. Anne seems like the perfect place!!! Plus, this amazing group of friends we have?!? Of course our girl Sonny and our guy Brig... add in Hale, John, Tish, Mae, Sonny's crew from back home, and Q, Brig's dad!! When friends are like a family there is no going back when I'm reading. It's one of the ultimate books! Sonny has no actual family left and so this is her family! And what a family it is!! And Brig, he's wanted Sonny for as long as he's known who she is. It's just going to take a bit of work.
What I love most is when a guy refuses to give up. Or well any character really. I love the persistence and the determination. Brig has that all! Sonny is going to be hard to catch but she's also going to be worth it. Sweet, sassy, a little scared, but with a huge heart this girl has it all. She's had a hard life and all she needs is the right guy! And Brig is up for the job!!! And add in Sonny's adorable dogs Connie and Fredo!! I forgot about them! They love Brig too!!! They're amazing and such a big part of his story too!!!
And then, above all we have a little bit of mystery! I love a good romantic suspense and this book was perfect! It had it all!! Love, happiness, friendship, suspense, friendships, family, and just one big heart of a book!! You'll want this book on your kindle or in your hands tomorrow!! It's that epic of a read!!!
Beautifully Broken by Author Em Frances is her debut novel. It is a contemporary romance novel and, although the beginning of a series, is meant to be read as a a standalone.
"I'm coming for you, Sonny, so you better get used to it. And you better get ready."
Emerson "Sonny" Decker is just becoming part of the St. Anne's community, leaving an unwelcome past and acclimating to this small town. Brigham "Brig" O'Neal goes against Sonny's number one rule of dating, but his attentive and persistent nature strike her interest, again and again, making her want to break her own rule.
“Sweetheart, broken things aren’t always meant to be fixed. Sometimes, broken things get put back together with the pieces that are left and end up being more beautiful than the original. I don’t want to fix you. I just want you to see that even with pieces missing, you deserve to be cherished.”
I absolutely LOVED this book! Sometimes, when reading a debut novel, a reader can tell that an author may not have easily connected to their characters. However, Author Em Frances proved with her dialogue that she channeled the people of St. Anne's, giving us character interactions that were tight and flowed with ease. Beautifully Broken had snarky, sassy, in-your-face primary and secondary characters that welcomed me into the story and intensified all of the laughing, swooning, and gasping, tickling my funny bone and taking a piece of my heart. My ultimate adoration goes out to Brigham O'Neal, "Brig". He was hot and sweet Iike a savory treat. His larger-than-life presence was a chic magnet and drawing card for inappropriate lust-filled thoughts. But, when he spied out Emerson Decker, she became the axis on which his world rotated. She was sly and strong, a female not to be messed with or pushed around. Their banter brought fast amusement to the story, which made their heat burn brighter as the story progressed. At one point, it was baby cherubs flying, rainbows, and unicorns. And the really cool thing was that in the midst of sexy thoughts and heat-filled moments, this author added a mix of old-fashioned ideas and family values that brought authenticity to the small-town feel, the setting closely resembling one of my most favorite locations; small, quaint, and friendly. Em Frances also included some high emotional points in the plot that answered meaningful questions about the past that shaped our hero and heroine.
"You could never be invisible. You shine way too brightly, draw people to that light. Even in the dark, I'd know you were there."
Beautifully Broken was an exceptional debut novel that made my toes tingle and my heart pound, replete with fabulous characters, a quaint and beautiful setting, and an HEA that gave me warm fuzzies.
I just don't even know where to start! I absolutely fell completely in love with Beautifully Broken. Emerson "Sonny" Decker is exactly what what the title describes. She is just so beautifully broken, and Brigham O'Neal is there to help pick up the pieces. From the minute Brig laid eyes on her, he's had it bad, but Sonny has always kept Brig at arms length, even though she was adopted in, with welcome arms, by his life long friends. Brig really never pushed the issue, and her, because he was living out of town, but now he's moved back to St. Anne, and his sights are set on Sonny. This book... This book! I just can't believe this was a debut! Em Frances really hit it out of the park, her first time out. Brig has everything we want in our book boyfriends; he's an inked alpha, who wears his heart on his sleeve. And Sonny is the girl who he freely hands his heart too. I absolutely adored the hell out of this book. If you are into HEAs, than this is definitely the book for you.
I purposely chose this book because the storyline isn’t one I usually enjoy. I’m not generally a fan of overly promiscuous characters seeking physical escape with no feelings – male or female. I don’t judge and anyone is free to have any kind of consensual sexual relationship they choose, but this theme normally doesn’t click with me. However, I do like to be challenged in my reading and I consider it a success when the author can bring me around to relating in some way to the character(s) and becoming invested in the outcome. Em Frances did both and more.
“One of these days I was going to have to stop being a runner. But today was not that day.”
Emerson ‘Sonny’ Decker has got to find some perspective when it comes to St. Anne’s newest full-time resident. Known for her ‘hit it and quit it’ philosophy on relationships she’s starting to actually…feel…something, and it’ not solely arousal, every time she claps eyes on Brigham O’Neal. Holding the hurts of the past close to her heart, Sonny trusts very few and lets no man inside her protected walls – she never breaks her rules. Something tells her this time it’s different, but it’s easier said than done to convince her head and her heart – to let go.
“It was too much to ask to expect him to deal with my issues, the ones that kept popping back up like weeds. I wasn’t worth the effort.”
For years Brigham ‘Brig’ O’Neal has wanted to move his business to his hometown of St. Anne but the timing was never right…until now. It doesn’t hurt that the woman who has his guts all twisted is there too. Sonny’s been keeping her distance but all that’s about to change. Brig wants Sonny, thrives on her hard-headed ways and gets off on their snarky arguments. Why can’t she see how perfect they could be? If Brig has anything to do with it – she will.
“Sweetheart, broken things aren’t always meant to be fixed. Sometimes, broken things get put back together with the pieces that are left and end up being more beautiful than the original.”
Told in alternating chapters between Brig and Sonny I was a little hesitant in the beginning of the book. There’s slight repetition of story with this technique that is often times difficult to get away from. However, as I continued on I was engaged in the story and not bothered. Sonny is a vivacious, snarky, independent and guarded young woman. This can be tough to pull off without seeming to be a hardened bee-ot-ch, but although Sonny can be too stubborn for her own good I liked her. She has her reasons and they are unveiled throughout the book a little at a time. Brig is such a swoony, patient, sweetheart of a man. I loved watching him fight patiently for Sonny and the possibilities their future could hold. Neither is a push over for each other and is very upfront and honest with each other. There’s plenty of pop culture TV and movie references used by the two and although I understood some of them I don’t watch too much TV and didn’t get the joke or reference the majority of the time – that’s the only issue I had.
“Every day that I was with him, Brigham continued to prove John right: O’Neals were solid. And I couldn’t imagine a better foundation to build our future on.”
This is definitely a slow burn and a slow paced story throughout the entire length of the book and it fit the story if not my preferences. Despite Sonny’s laissez faire attitude regarding hook ups she’s incredibly gun shy with Brig for various reasons and she gets in her own way many times before letting her guard down and perusing a relationship – sexual and emotional. The plot line isn’t original, but let’s face it, it’s difficult to come up with a concept that hasn’t been done these days. What does shine here is the writing, which is excellent and doesn’t strike me as a debut. The ‘voice’ (especially little Mae) in this tale shines and the characters are engaging; I definitely want more stories of the characters I met.
“No matter how confident you we are, we all have doubts sometimes. I don’t want you to ever be afraid of what you feel when you’re with me.”
Colorful characters pepper the quaint coastal town of St. Anne and I loved my introduction. Though the story is of Brig and Sonny’s decent into emotional commitment and love (and their friends make sure to give their input often!) there are plenty of secondary characters and possible storylines, of which I look forward to. The end of the book gives you a peek at the next story (no expected date at this time) and let’s just say it’s a character I’m aching to find their Happily Ever After.
“When we were kids, Hale, John and I used to pretend we had super powers. I hadn’t thought of that in years, until that moment. Because right then and there, I wanted the super power to stop time.”
Probably one of my favorite things in the book world is discovering a hidden gem among the masses…the facets and dimensions of stories and characters that intrigue and delight once you realize what you’re holding in your hands. My introduction to St. Anne and Em Frances was nothing short of such a discovery and I’ll certainly be waiting for more to come, both in the series and beyond. Funny, irreverent and at times heartbreaking, this does not read like a debut novel…you want to 1-click this.
“But in the meantime, I was content in the knowledge that she was mine as much as I was hers.”
K’s Category: 1st date, first novel read by author to date. Characters: M/F OM/OW: No Sex: Yes, descriptive HEA: Y Standalone: Yes, standalone interconnecting series.
Town's Favorite Son & The Spunky New Girl = 4 1/2 Stars
Emerson ‘Sonny’ Decker is a spunky, independent young woman. She has been dealing with the death of her mother and her life since. Sonny keeps her walls up in order to protect her heart. She has decided to live her life on her own terms.
Brigham ‘Brig’ O’Neal is a sinfully sexy, wealthy man. Brig is very charming and used to having women fall at his feet. Not this time, Sonny makes Brig work for it. He knows what he wants, and that is Sonny. Brig has the patience and determination to help break down Sonny’s wall and wait her out.
Beautifully Broken is a wonderful romance with some twists and turns. The banter between Sonny and Brig is a great addition to this love story. I loved Brig and Sonny’s chemistry. This story has great writing and easily flow to it. There is believable and well developed characters that you will feel like you know them personally. St. Anne’s is a town that you will feel like you are part of it. So if you are looking for a story with suspense, love, romance, and a unique story line, then Beautifully Broken is your book. I definitely looking forward to more books by this author.
Overall Story – 4 ½ stars Chemistry – 4 ½ stars POV – Alternating POV’s HEA – yes Recommend to Others – yes Series – yes, 1st book in the series
This is Em Frances first book and I must say she did an amazing job her characters are really likable the story line draws you in keeps you hooked . Right from the start you just know that Brig and sonny are made for one another even though Sonny does fight the attraction but soon Brig breaks down her walls that are heavily built . Sonny was a strong heroine has a backbone and was stubborn wants do everything herself she knows she fells something for the hero but fights the attraction . Brig was just awesome he wont let sonny push him away , I also love his relationship with his friends they are family to him and finally after moving back he loves being home . I can't wait to see what is to come . copy provided for honest review **************************************** hero =10 heroine = 9 secondary characters = 10 Chemistry = 10 character development = 10 pacing = 10 enjoyment =9 writing style =10 storyline =9 romance =8 darkness level =6 humor =7 pov= dual cover =9 stars = 4.5 author = 8 would I recommend this book =yes would I re read this book = yes would I read future books by this author = yes
You wouldn't know this is a debut novel if someone didn't tell you. The writing is great, the story flows wonderfully, and the characters are well developed. The banter between the friends is fantastic and Brig and Sonny are perfect for each other. The sassy heroine with the no-nonsense hero. The chemistry is electric and the tension is so thick that when they finally get together, everyone can hear the loud snap.
I had so much fun reading about Sonny and Brig fighting. She is so sassy, but that only makes him pursue her more. And when she relents, those scenes between them were so Hot, you'll have to fan yourself as you read.
I received an ARC of this book. I loved the story of Sonny and Brig. Brigham is the best kind of book boyfriend. Smart, good looking, funny and tenacious when he has his sights set on someone. Sonny had to overcome so much to find her happiness. The way Ms. Frances weaves her magic will leave you smiling at the end of this sweet HEA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I loved this book and these characters. Emerson 'Sonny' Decker lives life in St. Anne's on her own terms. A new comer to town she lives by the motto you don't sleep where ya sh!t! She only does hook ups out of town. Keeping her heart closely guarded. Brigham 'Brig' O'Neal is coming home to St. Anne's..finally. He has his eyes and heart set on Sonny. He knows he has work ahead of him but he will not give up. I liked how Brig didn't want to change Sonny just wanted it to let it be him who she turned to and in the end loved. He just needed to show her it was ok to open heart. Once it happened they were just HOTT! We got to meet so many amazing supporting characters....I need all of their stories!
It's hard to tell this book is a debut. The writing is solid and clean. Sonny and Brig are good characters surrounded by good friends. You'll wish you were in their friend group! A true southern romance!
A beautiful self-searched story of a woman whose circumstances make her realise if she is worthy of love or not. A chivalrous man whose eyes have been set on a woman who needs to come to terms between being strong and reaching for help. If we add to the mix unforgettable friends, loyal dogs, and a great Pop. I did enjoy this plot, and Brig is definitely BBF material, and Sonny is a strong heroine. Secnd book of the series? Definitely yes!
The only reason this book didn't get 5 stars is I felt like I walked in late to the start of it. I had to check my kindle to make sure I wasn't missing the first couple of chapters. I hung in with reading it and I am so glad I did. The writing is wonderful, the characters are so well written that it feels like you know them. I didn't want the story to end. I am glad to see she is continuing the series.
5 stars as bright as Mae's Converse! 5 stars as bright as the Tin Brigham! 5 Stars as bright as Sonny's smile!
So. I think you get the picture that I absolutely adored the journey of Brigham and Sonny! The ONLY thing I didn't like was that it ended. I need more! I want to know more! I am hoping this is the first in a series thus leaving me in this "patiently waiting" pattern that the authors I love seem to have me in.
Em Frances gives us a story that is so detailed I could almost taste the Hummingbird cake. I could smell the hair spray that Lynette was antagonizing Ray Lynn with. I could see the sandy beaches as well as remembering the smell and touch of the salt water. I could feel the despair that Sonny feels at certain points in the book. Her words were so descriptive that it invokes your senses from the beginning to the end of the book.
I only hope Em Frances is working on the next chapter in the book of Brigham and Sonny.
This is a debut author I think she done a great job with the book, so congrats Em Frances. It I did take me a long time to get into it though and had to keep going back to it, but I suppose the build-up is part of the story. Sonny has faced a lot in her life and is still struggling to overcome a lot of things that have affected her. Where as Brig is out going popular with a determined easy going charm. St. Anne is an amazing place for the story setting with lovable residents.
4.5 Stars! Oh my goodness! This is a debut novel?! Seriously, this was so very good!!! You will be swept into the world of St. Anne and the lives of Sonny and Brig. These characters are so rich and deep that you feel like you’ve known them forever. You will feel with them. Sonny is strong and independent. You can’t help but love her. Brig is so delicious and undeterred in his pursuit of Sonny. Em Frances has woven such a beautiful tale here. I can’t wait for you all to read it!
I'm hooked! I absolutely loved this book from beginning to end! I really hope that we get a few more books about this town and the people that live there!
You would not know that Beautifully Broken is Em's debut novel! This story blew me away--excellent character development, great dialogue. I can this will be a great series and Em's writing career will go far. Give this book a chance!
Beautifully Broken is a debut novel from Em Frances. It may be her first book but wowza, she nailed it! I love when an author creates characters that are believable. I can totally see myself sitting at Books & Brews with the St. Anne gang. It would be a hoot! Emerson "Sonny" Decker is a broken soul who believes she is not worthy of anyone's love until Brigham "Brig" O'Neal. (Brig, what’s not to love) Brig is the perfect book boyfriend. He has it all looks, personality and a sense of humor. He is determined to make Sonny whole again. After reading this book, I felt like I have known the gang my whole life. The author gives the perfect amount of love, angst and sass. Cannot wait to read book two of this series. Kudos to Ms. Frances. Keep up the great work!
Title: Beautifully Broken Author: Em Frances Rating: ☆☆☆1/2 😣 💌REVIEW💌
☆♡☆RECEIVED NOVEL FOR REVIEW☆♡☆
Great read love the passion between both lead characters.
I've read a lot of novels, (putting "a lot" is putting it lightly) usually when lead characters have chemistry and passion your barely 30% in the book and magic sparks and sucks you right into the novel then you get into the ultimate action, something drastic happens and it brings out major qualities in each character. ETC....! You get the idea.
Anyway this novel has passion and chemistry but it didn't happen until 68% of this novel, there was to much info that was bring my interest away from getting into the best parts, like what's happening between Brig and Emerson or the fact that I'm 86% in the novel and we still haven't figured out what the heck is going on with the events that Emerson finds herself stranded and who could hate her so much.
My inner detective came out on the first one and couldn't wait for the clues to emerge. But none came and I'm left with "well this book is almost over and hope there's another book popping out soon because I'm not sure it will ever come to light".
The writing was great maybe next time less descriptive info of every single thing. I love the characters and Fire chief Sam has my interest big time! including Hale, and I can't forget about John and Tish.
You did a wonderful Job at this book that I recommend it to anyone who likes a drawn out, passion-filled, and intense sexual chemistry read.
I can't put a bad rating on this novel because it still came out great even if it was hardly my cup of tea but don't let my review sway you because in the end you may like it more then I did!♡
It's not very often you read a debut book that draws you in and holds you captive but I have to give props to Em Frances, as that's just what she's done with this book. The relationships she built inside this fictional town, the storylines she interweaves between characters you would never expect and the feelings she manages to invoke are some you expect from a seasoned author, not one who has just started her career. I look forward to more books by this author, and especially in this series that has drawn me in.
Sonny, the leading lady, isn't your typical damsel in distress. She's tough, sometimes brass, closed off and yet so loving once you get past her walls. Brig is the perfect man to break those walls down and I fell hard for him. The whole town of St. Anne drew me in, and has me wishing I could live there myself. All in all, I highly recommend this book, and I think it would make a great beach read.