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Broken

by Jessica Freely (Goodreads Author)

3.74 of 5 stars 3.74 · rating details · 136 ratings · 36 reviews

When the closeted younger brother of a mob boss falls for the boss's latest acquisition, a rent-boy from Hong Kong, it's either suicide or one last chance for two broken men to rescue each other.

Paperback, 262 pages

Published September 3rd 2012 by Loose Id (first published September 20th 2011)

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Nov 20, 2011 Nikyta marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Shelves: loose-id, 2012-grl-authors-to-read

Damn, would you look at that cover? And holy shit mobsters? O_O Yummy

8 likes · like · see review

Sep 24, 2011 Lauraadriana rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: m-m, love-conquers-all

This book had certain things that were pretty interesting. I could tell the author is a big fan of yaoi, and that was reflected in the story in a way that worked for me.

This is they story of Eben and Xiu (or Shoe) as Eben calls him. Eben Flannery is the brother of Nicky Flannery one of the most powerful mob bosses in Boston. Xiu is a contracted escort Nicky has brought from Hong Kong. From the moment Eben sees Xiu in the airport he is intrigued. Eben is gay, but in the closet. Xiu is also very a...more

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May 28, 2012 Simsala*is getting slow* rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary, m-m

A nice cup of coffee and a yummy peace of cake would have been the better choice.
The comparison to Yaoi is not an excuse - I`ve read many Yaois that were better than Broken.
Incredibly dumb cardboard characters in a pathetic story...no,thanks!

2 likes · like · see review

Oct 12, 2011 Heather♥ rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is a random comment but as a niggle of mine (I know bitch, bitch) the early menage scene caused me to have a few doubts as to whether I would truly enjoy this story after all. I'm not a big fan of random menages unless they end up being in a relationship and then it can be quite hot. Here it just wasn't, but for good reason. They were simply trying out Xiu as the new whore. What I wasn't expecting was for Xiu to be begging for it and quite satisfied at the end (since he didn't want to be th...more

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Sep 28, 2011 Jenre rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary, action-adventure, m-m, romance

Those of you who like flawed heroes are in for a treat with this book because both men have some very un-heroic qualities about them. As the book begins our first hero Eben is nursing wounds on his hands from having beaten a guy the previous day. He gets a phone call from his brother Nicky who runs the family gangster outfit asking Eben to go and collect a man from the airport. He tells Eben that the man is an exchange student from China and so Eben heads off to the airport to collect him. In fa...more Those of you who like flawed heroes are in for a treat with this book because both men have some very un-heroic qualities about them. As the book begins our first hero Eben is nursing wounds on his hands from having beaten a guy the previous day. He gets a phone call from his brother Nicky who runs the family gangster outfit asking Eben to go and collect a man from the airport. He tells Eben that the man is an exchange student from China and so Eben heads off to the airport to collect him. In fact Xiu isn't an exchange student, he's a male prostitute and a damned good one at that. Not only that, but he's a heroin addict and when Eben arrives at the airport Xiu has a serious case of withdrawal. It isn't until Eben gets Xiu to Nicky that he figures out what's going on, but by then Eben finds he likes Xiu. As the book progresses, Eben is torn between loyalty to his brother and his developing feeling of love for Xiu, until circumstances mean he has to make a choice.

As you can see from the above description, neither hero seems at first particularly 'heroic'. Eben isn't the brightest button in the box, but he also uses that as an excuse not to see how much of a criminal his brother is. Eben is an enforcer, and whilst he hasn't killed anyone yet, he is still used by his brother for beating people half to death. Despite this, Eben is a nice guy when he's not being told to do his brother's dirty work, and in fact the only reason he does this is out a a deep sense of loyalty and love for his brother. One of the most interesting aspects of this book is seeing the change in Eben from a gentle hearted, yet clueless man, to someone forced to open his eyes and see - for the first time - how much of bad man his brother is, and how Nicky's control is making him into someone he doesn't want to be. I liked Eben a great deal and enjoyed seeing the way he slowly redeems himself.

Xiu (or Shoe as Eben calls him because he can't pronounce his name properly) is a practised whore whose act is completely undone by Eben's gentle concern and kindness for him. There were times I didn't like Xiu very much because by necessity he's a selfish person. There's growth for him too in the way that his self-image is altered as the story progresses. It was a brave move on the part of the author to have a heroin addict as a hero, and Xiu veers between the love of his habit and wanting to be free of it. It helps, I think, that Xiu is so upfront about his feelings for his habit, but also that there are specific (and heartbreaking) reasons for his addiction. Xiu is also a good foil for Eben. He's intelligent but never undermines Eben for his lack of quick thinking, instead Eben gentleness soothes Xiu and Eben unfailing ability to see the good in Xiu brings out a protectiveness that works both ways.

The romance between Eben and Xiu was sweet and charming and a good opposite to some of the darker themes in the book. This meant that those dark themes didn't overwhelm the story bringing a balance I liked a great deal. Alongside Xiu and Eben is the character of Nicky, Eben's brother. The way the author had portrayed Nicky was perfect for a Bostonian gangster, especially in the cadence of his speech and his rigid enforced rules. He's not a nice man and treats Eben badly, but then every so often he shows remarkable love and tolerance for his Eben which saved him from being an all out bad guy and made me understand why Eben is so loyal to Nicky. It was cleverly done. I also liked the character of Rhonda, who managed to combine pragmaticism and a little cynicism with a carefully guarded affection and friendship for Eben.

I don't have that many niggles with the book but one thing that spoiled it a little for me was the rather unnecessary epilogue. Also I had a few occasions where the plot stretched plausibility a bit - but then again I think that about action films all the time!

In the end, these niggles weren't enough to spoil what was an exciting and fast paced novel with a couple of flawed and unusual heroes. This has to be about the sixth book I've read by this author and she really does get better with each book. I can highly recommend Broken to those who are looking for a book which manages to successfully combine great characterisation with a very romantic story.(less)

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Nov 01, 2011 Dlee rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The characters had horrible lives and that misery was not glossed over. Neither were perfect. The romance progressed slowly so it felt possible. I would have been bothered by Eben's sudden raise in IQ points if people hadn't been commenting throughout the story that he was actually much smarter than he acted. His dumbness was a measure of protection against his brother. I do think that the story wrapped up a bit too neatly once the men decided to fight back but this was a romance. There is no re...more

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Nov 14, 2011 Valentina Heart rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: glbt, the-romance-reviews

This review was originally written for The Romance Reviews and can also be found there.

Ever read a book that screamed amazing, but you just didn't feel it? Wonderful characters, great plot line, sweet, adorable and even stupidly brave, but still, something just wasn't clicking. Well, it happened to me here, and I can't stop flipping the rating in my head.

Eben is the muscle for his brother Nicky, the mob boss. He does as he is told without questions, all the while hiding behind his false stupidi...more This review was originally written for The Romance Reviews and can also be found there.

Ever read a book that screamed amazing, but you just didn't feel it? Wonderful characters, great plot line, sweet, adorable and even stupidly brave, but still, something just wasn't clicking. Well, it happened to me here, and I can't stop flipping the rating in my head.

Eben is the muscle for his brother Nicky, the mob boss. He does as he is told without questions, all the while hiding behind his false stupidity so that he doesn't have to think too hard about his actions. He holds onto the promise he made to his mother before she died – he would do anything to protect Nicky and listen to what he was told.

Things are working out on the surface. Ebon goes through life with amazing naivety, taking the verbal abuse from his brother and doing everything he can to make his conscience shut up and to hide the fact he's gay. But then in comes Xiu or Shoe, as Eben calls him, his brother's new rent-boy, and suddenly questions just won't stop and secrets keep wiggling their way out.

I thought the romance was very believable, the slow growth from liking someone to right out loving him. The small gestures and honest words made it work even in the trap of a life both Xiu and Eben had. The bad guys didn't hold their punches and although this wasn't really a story with detailed descriptions of all criminal activity, it was a story with just enough information to keep the reader intrigued.

The final resolution, or should I say the final road to happiness was written nicely, without loose ends and unbelievable scenarios. I was actually wondering how the author would do it and wasn't disappointed.

Still, throughout the story, something was missing. Eben's slowness or rather his naïve outlook into the world didn't sit well with me. I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop, which it never did. Everyone who's ever read my reviews knows I like sex in books, and don't mind a lot of it. In this one, although hot, it kept popping up in awful moments. Don't get me wrong, there wasn't a lot of sex, at all, but if felt more like it was placed there just to make things explicit when in all truth wasn't even necessary. Can't believe I'm going to say this, but it would have completely worked without the sex between the two main characters. They were sweet enough, even damaged enough that the story could have easily stood on simple affection. Oh, and I should mention that the first sex scene in the book is a ménage not including both characters.

I didn't catch any big flaws nor do I have an explanation why this book didn't click for me. I guess sometimes it just happens, and a wonderful book doesn't light a flame it should have. Nonetheless, this is a popular subject and a nicely written book that shouldn't be missed. I'm sure it will find its place on many shelves and become a favorite pastime for Yaoi fans. So I'm going with four stars, but I'm thinking three.(less)

4 likes · like · see review

Dec 20, 2011 K.V. Taylor added it · review of another edition

Shelves: lgbtq, romance

I sat down and read this in a few hours tonight straight through, so you know it gets the thumbs up.

Imagine the chaotic, confused lovechild of yaoi manga and The Friends of Eddie Coyle and you're there. There's some massive angst and heavy issues -- drug addiction, organized crime, human trafficking, torture. They're treated with appropriate gravity, but at the same time with a kind of light touch you'd expect from... pretty much what I said up there in the first sentence. That's what makes it t...more

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Feb 07, 2012 Sammy2006 rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Poetic Justice...that is what happens in this novel, Broken by Jessica Freely...poetic justice. Some might see it as too neatly wrapping up a story...too sweet a happy ever after...an unrealistic outcome to an otherwise incredibly taut, action filled, intense dramatic novel. I call it poetic---the good get living and the bad get what they deserve. Ah...if only life could imitate art more often then we would hear a story such as this every time we opened a newspaper or turned on the television. O...more Poetic Justice...that is what happens in this novel, Broken by Jessica Freely...poetic justice. Some might see it as too neatly wrapping up a story...too sweet a happy ever after...an unrealistic outcome to an otherwise incredibly taut, action filled, intense dramatic novel. I call it poetic---the good get living and the bad get what they deserve. Ah...if only life could imitate art more often then we would hear a story such as this every time we opened a newspaper or turned on the television. One where a young man forced into sexual slavery and force fed heroin until he was addicted is actually set free from both his addiction and his live of slavery. Xiu comes to America to be sold to Nicky Flannery, a lowlife scum, who deals in sex and drugs. But perhaps Nicky's greatest crime is the way he treats his brother Eben. With disdain and ridicule, constantly reminding him of a deathbed promise to their mother and that his brother has not one thought to call his own--Nicky slowly grinds Eben down into a broken tortured soul, who thinks little of himself and believes everything his bastard of a brother tells him. One day, on a delivery for Nicky, Eben meets Xiu...and poetic justice begins it's slow and steady march across the pages of this novel as one barrier after another is erected and smashed much like the chains that hold both Eben and Xiu in their crippling brokenness.

This is a love story...a story of two souls that collide at just the right moment and the winds of destiny are forever shifted. Jessica Freely writes a compelling story, a hot, sensual story that never shies away from exploring the seedy underbelly of the drug and sex slave trade. While she does wrap up her story into an incredibly unbelievable happy ending (hence the 4 star rating) you still feel yourself sighing with gratitude that these two men made it--not only do they survive but they come away healed, ready to face a future together that promises to be sweet and gentle and kind...ah the beauty of poetic justice. I strongly recommend this book. It is well worth the almost overly sweet ending to read Eben and Xiu's story...to see two men who have suffered so much finally get what they deserve...love. (less)

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Oct 11, 2011 Carolyn88 rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: m-m-romance

At the start I did not know if I really liked this authors style of writting. There were a lot of dream sceens. I was screaming, "Get on with it, get the characters together." Once the characters got together I fell in love with the story and the writting. I ended up staying up all night reading the book. Meaning I started the book when I went to bed, planning to read for a few hours, and when the bedroom got lighter and lighter I realized that I had stayed up all night reading. Messed up my sle...more

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Nov 19, 2011 SueM rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: m-m, multiple-partners, criminal, out-of-the-closet, coming-of-age

3.5 stars
A good to very good M/M romance novel about two men who have been forced into a lifestyle not of their own choosing. Both men have been damaged by their past, but as they slowly become closer to each other, they become aware that perhaps with each other's help, they can escape the ties that bind them to their current roles. It is a novel of self growth, courage and love.

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Sep 22, 2011 Heidi Belleau rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I stayed up all night reading it, and despite my best efforts, couldn't put it down. I really can't give it a more glowing review than that! The characterization of Eben and all the supporting characters was really nuanced and interesting. I loved how complex his relationship with his brother was and genuinely didn't know how things were going to pan out! Immensely readable!

1 like · like · see review

Jan 17, 2013 Harlen M. rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: m-m, to-read-again

I read this a while ago and loved it, but I hate writing reviews after a long time has past because it's hard to remember everything, just the general drift of how things went. BUT, the 5 does the speaking because I think I will probably do a re-read, because this was a hot book. Though, it did take a little getting into, but not much. On my to-read-again list.

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Oct 13, 2011 Susan rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mm-read, z-2011

I wasn't sure about this book when I started reading it but I gave it a go because it was the BOM. I ended up really enjoying it. I didn't particularly like Xiu at the start of the story, particularly in the menage scene, but as the story progressed he did grow on me. I found Eben a much more lovable character and who wouldn't love a man who drinks cold coffee! As I was reading, I couldn't see how the story would resolve itself but the ending suited the book - not too sweet.

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Feb 24, 2013 Josh rated it 3 of 5 stars

***Disclosure - I received a copy from a Goodreads giveaway.***

I've never read yaoi or any other books like this (male/male erotica) before, so I don't have much to compare it to.

It was good and fast paced.

The love story was nice, the action worked well, and the erotic scenes were good too.

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Oct 25, 2011 pbj rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: z_2011, virgins, violence, the-cover, rentboy, m-m, mobster

Three and a half rounded up to four because it was much better than a lot of books I've given a three to, but somehow I didn't totally connect with this book. It felt predictable. Good, but unsurprising.

Plus - any book with a PL Nunn cover is an immediate yum!

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Oct 15, 2011 Tamela rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: adult-fiction, adventure, club-challenge-reads, contemporary, mid-size, mm-or-mmm, love-romance

I felt so awful for Xiu, forced into such a rough life, addicted to drugs against his will. But he deals, very strong. Eben is a surprise. At first he comes across as almost a simpleton. But really, he just has a very soft heart, a big soul. I enjoyed the story line and very quickly learned to really hate Nicky. I never really 'saw' Eben. I'm so sorry for the way things ended between Eben and Nicky, but it was almost the only way for Eben and Xiu to move forward. Good story. Recommended

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Jan 22, 2012 Chris rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012, gay, ebook, romance, done

Good m/m romance about a naive, closeted, yaoi-loving enforcer who works for his mobster brother. Things start to fall apart for him when he becomes entranced by a prostitute his brother has just purchased from China.

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Sep 13, 2012 Ann rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Heart-rending romance about two men broken by circumstance who find love and a chance to change their lives, but not without much of heartache and struggle.

Disclosure: I know the author.

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Aug 18, 2012 Kelsey rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: m-m-romance

Another weird plot/story that was surprisingly good. This author obviously has a talent for taking unlikely characters and relationships and giving them a happy ending. I loved 'Shoe' and Eben a lot.

For most of the book I really couldn't see how they were going to get out of their situations and get together in the end. But Ms. Freely made it happen. It was a very satisfying read.

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Jan 20, 2012 Mary Ellen rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: lgbt, rom

This should have been exactly my kind of book, but I really couldn't get into the story at all. I think the characters just weren't likable.

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Oct 11, 2011 Jani rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

3.5
I liked this. I don't have much of a review as it has all been said. Lauraadriana says how I feel pretty clearly.

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Jan 19, 2013 Marsha Spence rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: rentboys, abuse-trauma, dub-non-con

I don't usually like the rentboy theme but this was a definite exception! Fantastic story; extremely well written and so, so sympathetic. Just really enjoyed it!!

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Mar 03, 2012 Darkm rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: m-m

Very nice book about how meeting the right person can change the shape of someone's life, and for the best. Eben is a good man, but to not break a promise made to his mother when she was dying, he has become a thug bending to his brother whims, even when all he has to do is beat and scare people. Xiu is a prostitute and addicted to heroine, and he doesn't believe his future can hold something more than this. Despite everything they fell in love and manage to build a good future.
I loved the messa...more

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Oct 01, 2012 Sandra marked it as to-read

Shelves: giveaway, m-m, contemporary-romance

giveaway ends oct 31st

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Sep 18, 2012 Foolish rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: e-book, hitman-assasin, m-m, menage, dtr

Laughed and cried and loved this book !!!

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Aug 20, 2012 Sandra marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Shelves: m-m, rom-suspense, dark, nook-lendable, wishlist-nook

$5.56 on Nook

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Jan 22, 2012 Susinok rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary, glbt

Great story!

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Sep 19, 2011 Tj rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A sweet story. Eben is so abused and doesn't even seem to realize it. Xiu is a "junky whore" that has been forced into the life he is living and sold to Eben's brother Nicky. Nicky is a pretty typical "mobster", loves his brother but his "business" comes first. Eben seems really naive even given the fact that he has been a bit sheltered by his brother and his supposed low intelligence. Still it is a lovely written story and the romance is sugary, sweet:)

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Jan 08, 2013 Shannon rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Shannon by: Ann Roberts

Shelves: not-lendable, challenge-finished, gbc-finished, used-countdown

This was a tough book to read. And not because anything about it was bad. The writing was great, the story super interesting, it was just hard to see them kept apart. Two really sweet guys in what seemed to be an impossible situation. I stayed up way too late to read this which says a lot. I really, really got sucked right it. Great read! :D

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About Jessica Freely

Jessica Freely can't resist a wounded hero. As a reader and a writer, her favorite stories are of soul mates finding redemption in each other's arms. Married to the love of her life in a beautiful relationship based on mutual goofiness, Jessica also warps minds as an instructor in Seton Hill University's Writing Popular Fiction MFA program. Her dog, Ruthie, doesn't seem to care that Jessica's an a...more

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