In real life, she's never a princess. He's never a knight in shining armor. In real life, people don't get together because of simply what they have in common, or just because they hit it off. Everyone has superficial things in common. Usually matches work because when partners find each other, their broken pieces fit.

And meshed broken pieces are what make S. L. Carpenter's Broken work. It's a walk on the real side of wild. Or rather, the morning after the night before. Kari hits bottom, and sleeps with a sleazy night club crooner, just because of his song. Only his song has a heart, and all he has is some quick testosterone. But don't get the idea she's a pushover. She's got a heroic quality. She's the kind of person who's lost it all, but she's not going to crumble--even if she starts off a little soggy to begin with.

The story begins after Jesse hits bottom. His ex-girlfriend had dumped him for someone with money and a creepy personality. Standing drunk in an alley, he spies on a sad woman in a shower until he passes out. When he wakes up, the sad-eyed woman is stepping over him to get in her car.

That might have been their first meeting, but Jesse takes matters into his own hands, and meets her at work. After that, it is all just a matter of getting to know each other. And dealing with her one night stand. And his ex. And another little complication or two.

And is it ever graphic! The bedroom door is wide open. (Just wait until you meet Jesse's roommate!) This is not an ordinary story with ho hum characters.

What is more moving than a second chance story? Second chance to succeed. Second chance at love. Broken is a surprisingly sweet, touching tale with realistic motivations and believable characters caught up in the downturns of real life tribulations. It's nice to see some real people find happiness. Don't miss this one.

Reviewed by Maîtresse
Copyright August 2006