The Bond Once Broken

The Girl Once Known #2

by R.M. Demeester

Reading The Girl Once Known is strongly recommended before reading The Bond Once Broken.


In the aftermath of Mira's hit-and-run accident, The Girl Once Known takes this dysfunctional family for another spin in its emotional, suspenseful sequel, The Bond Once Broken.

Sherry and Sierra, connected by a troubled childhood, have children who live out their mothers' legacy.

While one of Sherry's daughters seems to break free from the cycle of dysfunction, Sherry herself strives to leave behind a past she'd rather forget. Meanwhile, Sierra remains chained to the past, driven by a desperate need to right a deep-seated wrong from her childhood, which leads to a life of emptiness.

The tension between Sherry and Sierra reaches a boiling point when a reunion escalates their animosity. As long-hidden secrets from their shared history erupt, they face a crucial choice: either restore their bond or settle their scores, regardless of the consequences.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Mystery

293 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 7, 2024

About the author

R.M. Demeester, from Saskatchewan, loves being a mom, reading books, and writing. She's been writing since she was very young. Today, she's known for her stories in women's fiction, romantic suspense, and thrillers.

Reviews

[Sherry Fundin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Bond Once Broken is the sequel to The Girl Once Known by R M Demeester, so it’s best to read it first.

These dysfunctional characters, Sherry and Sierra, pass their legacy on to their children. Secrets and lies have followed them from childhood to adulthood. Sherry has worked hard to pull herself together, but Sierra cannot let the past go.

The Bond Once Broken is a complex psychological thriller that will have your head spinning, so brace yourself. You won’t want to stop reading once you start.

See more at http://www.fundinmental.com

[Katherine Hayward Pérez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was excited to find The Bond Once Broken, as I really enjoyed The Girl Once Known.

I've always wanted a sequel to Mina's story after the hit and run, and here it is.

Once again, R.M Demeester gives us well created characters to feel for and an intriguing story.

I hope there are more books in this series.

Thanks to R.M. Demeester.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Allow two days or an extremely long one for this complex, ugly, contemporary multi-generational adult psychological family betrayal saga thriller reminiscent of all those soap operas I've tried all my life to avoid.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laurie Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Tragic' is the best description I can use about the lives of two sisters. This is clearly demonstrated in this novel which delves deeply into how the lack of truth and misconceptions caused by irresponsible parenting can destroy lives for generations. Very moving with strong characterisation.

[Laurie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Bond Once Broken by RM Demeester

A whole lot of cheating, lies and deceit and a broken family. This is book 2 in the series, I was glad to have read the first book, although the author does a good job giving us the background needed.
I enjoyed the plot, I found the storyline good but at times some of the descriptions about events felt repetitive
The story is told by multiple characters so we get a good look at each characters thoughts and how they view each other.
It's a good novel, I enjoyed the first book more, but still a good, easy read.

[VDKeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some books pull you in gently, letting you settle into their world before the storm hits. The Bond Once Broken by RM Demeester doesn’t offer that luxury. From the very first page, it grabs hold and refuses to let go, spinning a tangled web of trauma, tension, and generational wounds that refuse to stay buried.

The air is thick with unspoken words, the kind that linger between family members who have loved each other too long and hurt each other too deeply. Sherry and Sierra are two sides of the same coin—both shaped by a troubled childhood, yet walking vastly different paths. Sherry is desperate to move forward, to shed the past like an old, ill-fitting coat. Sierra, on the other hand, clings to it with white-knuckled intensity, convinced that righting one old wrong will finally bring her the peace that’s always eluded her.

But peace isn’t easy to find when the past won’t stay quiet. And in The Bond Once Broken, the past doesn’t just whisper—it screams.

Demeester’s writing is raw and unflinching, making every interaction feel like stepping onto a battlefield where old wounds are reopened with every word. You can feel the weight of Sherry’s guilt, the burn of Sierra’s resentment, and the quiet desperation of their children trying to navigate a legacy they never asked for. And just when you think you’ve caught your breath, a long-buried secret detonates, shifting the ground beneath these characters—and the reader.

The tension builds like a storm rolling in, dark clouds gathering until the inevitable clash. When the moment finally arrives—a reunion between Sherry and Sierra—it’s not just uncomfortable; it’s electric, charged with years of unresolved pain. Every sentence crackles with intensity, making it impossible to look away. Will they find a way to mend what’s broken, or will they let their pasts drag them down for good?

Demeester doesn’t offer easy answers, and that’s what makes this story so gripping. It’s an emotional gut-punch, a reminder that family bonds can be both a source of strength and a chain that binds. If The Girl Once Known introduced us to this fractured world, The Bond Once Broken shatters it, leaving behind jagged pieces that may—or may not—be put back together.

If you haven’t read The Girl Once Known, do yourself a favor and start there. But be warned: once you step into this world, you won’t want to leave. Demeester has crafted something hauntingly real, and The Bond Once Broken is a masterclass in emotional storytelling.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nancy (The Avid Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bond Once Broken is the second book in The Girl Once Known by R.M. Demeester. The Bond Once Broken is a great continuation of the first book The Girl Once Known. After reading The Girl Once Known I couldn’t wait to start reading The Bond Once Broken.

The Bond Once Broken tells the continuing story of two sisters and their children. When the girls were young they were kept apart more than they were together. The two girls, Sherry and Sierra’s mother had an affair and became pregnant with Sierra.

Sherry’s father knew the moment he laid eyes on Sierra that she was not his daughter and he never once let Sierra, Sherry, or their mother forget that fact. He was mean to Sierra and never wanted her around. He would stay out late so he didn’t have to see her.

In the first book The Girl Once Known we learned that Sierra was sent to live with her aunt and uncle at a young age. Sierra wanted her mother’s love so much she would misbehave in school and at home just so she would be sent back to her mother.

She knew that she wouldn’t be able to stay home with her mother and sister for long as her mother’s husband would send her back to live with her aunt and uncle but she didn’t care she just wanted to be with her mother.

Sierra wanted revenge for how she was treated growing up and she vowed to make her mother and sister pay for what they did to her. She wanted to make her sister Sherry feel all the pain she felt growing up.

The Bond Once Broken was just as shocking and surprising as the first book The Girl Once Known if not more so. The Bond Once Broken is just as intense and filled with just as much suspense as the first book The Girl Once Known.

The Bond Once Broken grabbed my attention from the first page just like The Girl Once Known did and did not let go even after I read the last page. I do believe that this is one story that will stay with me for a long time to come.

I highly recommend The Bond Once Broken to anyone looking for their next great read! Grab a copy of The Bond Once Broken today! But I would strongly suggest that you read the first book The Girl Once Known before reading The Bond Once Broken.

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the aftermath of Mira's hit-and-run accident, The Girl Once Known takes this dysfunctional family for another spin in its emotional, suspenseful sequel, The Bond Once Broken.

Sherry and Sierra, connected by a troubled childhood, have children who live out their mothers' legacy.

While one of Sherry's daughters seems to break free from the cycle of dysfunction, Sherry herself strives to leave behind a past she'd rather forget. Meanwhile, Sierra remains chained to the past, driven by a desperate need to right a deep-seated wrong from her childhood, which leads to a life of emptiness.

The tension between Sherry and Sierra reaches a boiling point when a reunion escalates their animosity. As long-hidden secrets from their shared history erupt, they face a crucial choice: either restore their bond or settle their scores, regardless of the consequences.

This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Ashy Eddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book focuses more on the background and foundation of the relationships that led to the climax of the previous book, The Gril Once Known. We dive deeper into Sierra’s childhood and take a good peek at how her psyche has been shaped all these years. You can see the point of each sister and how each one has the right to their feelings towards one another. We pick up 13 years later when all the girls are grown. We also are dropped right into the aftermath of the accident as we go back through the years and present day with each character. Leah trying to reconnect and navigate having her mother back after all this time apart, is their relationship even still salvageable? Sherry still trying to come to terms with everything she let happen - if she had just spoken up so much could have been avoided. Mira still coping with what was done to her and just wanting to move on from everything. Tiffanee and her anger issues still creating uncomfortable situations and calling everyone out.
Tensions are HIGH, and there are still more twists to come! While this book didn’t captivate me quite as much as the first I still loved diving into the aftermath of the chaos from the last book! There are still secrets and deception galore!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Again I think my review would be higher if it weren't for the tremendous amount of editing errors (wrong words, added words, etc.) that made it difficult to read at times. I also got tired of the continued use of someone's Adam apple or releasing a breath they didn't know they were holding. Although these 2 phrases weren't used as often as they were in the first book, it was still repetitive. I mean, how many times does the author have to keep putting those phrases in the story. This book moved at slower than a snail's pace. It was more about character's thoughts, emotions and reactions that any real plot. Lots of cheating spouses, liars, children being used as pawns in adult games. We did get to know the characters a little more, except Mira. It was more about everyone else, and that was a shame.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jo Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twisted turns, fit for a dynamic rally race, confront the reader of R.M. Demeester's newest thriller. When one believes the plot is solid and unwavering, a gigantic curve confounds the reader's consciousness. The genesis of the tale concerns the birth of a second child to a cheating mother. The husband realizes the duplicity and makes life hell until the mother sends her illegitimate child to live with her sister. Unfortunately, things never settle down, and the two daughters continue to have issues until the end of the novel. Chapters narrated by different prominent characters resolve some questions but also trigger new quandaries. Suffice it to say that this is a complex, multi-layered novel that keeps one baffled to the book's conclusion. If one loves dissecting dysfunctional family dramas and unraveling mysteries, this is the one to buy and devour. Happy reading, thriller buffs!

[Bookaddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was heeded! Because we have to know Sierra better, to understand her and the circumstances that made her who she is.
In “The girl once known” we see her as the bad guy (woman).
As Sherry said, all the lies and the half truths in their lives led to these events.
And it seems that she also is a victim.

And the last chapter is needed also, because it explain the actions of their mother.

I love this book! The thrilling atmosphere made me waiting for something to happen.
The selfishness of people, all seeking only their interests, w/o thinking to the consequences of their actions - all this led to an array of victims, of people affected in more or less ways.
A real pleasure to read it!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 in this series continues with dysfunctional family dynamics. Sierra and Sherry are estranged because of their parents. Told from several points of view, you get how each character is feeling and how the secrets have affected them. Sherry is trying to move on from her past, but Sierra is still mired in the past and trying to gain her mother's love. This is an emotional story that shows how children are affected by the sins of the parents and carry it on to their children. When Sierra and Sherry finally meet again, they are shocked as more secrets are revealed. They have to decide to put the past in the past. I enjoyed learning more about this family and I am looking forward to finding out how things turned out. I would recommend it to readers who enjoy family sagas. I received an advance copy of this book via booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Rachel Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, I feel this is more domestic than thriller. But this one o found much more enjoyable.

The story, again, is told from multiple POV, and being able to read the characters' feelings and how they personally viewed events that took place really helps in understanding what led to the events in the first book.

This really shows the impact growing up in a dysfunctional family can change people, but also that this dysfunction can become a neverending circle if steps aren't taken to change.

I definitely felt I connected with the characters more the second time around. Overall a good read!

[Texas · Rating 3 out of 5]

THE BOND ONCE BROKEN, #2 - A good story but a tad boring and repetitive. I enjoyed the first book more but this is still an OK read. Source: Booksprout. 3*

THE GIRL ONCE KNOWN, #1 - Holy cow, the start of this book had me cross eyed and almost ready to toss it. BUT, then the story kicked into gear and became so intriguing and immersing that I could not put the book down. The story lines, the multiple character narrators and their dysfunctional relationships, and the unexpected kinks were intense. The ending chapter may set up a continuation of this story or just proof that not all goes well. Hopefully, this ARC goes through a final editing before its release. Source: StoryOrigin. 5*

[Janna-Lis · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I said in my review of The Girl Once Known (TGOK), this is about family, the good the bad and the toxic, and this book continues in the same vein, very heavy on the toxic.
The book starts several years after the end of TGOK. While the story continues the development of the lives of this family, it also fills in the blanks with forays into the past revealing what had led to the current situation.
This book is fantastic! it is the perfect sequel to TGOK and just as thrilling.
I would urge everyone to read it preceded by The Girl Once Known to get the full exhilarating experience.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Andy55 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Book 2 of 3 in The Girl Once Known Series. Told in dual POV, time jumping some 13 years later.
The price you pay for love has devastating consequences for this family, how they deal with it is encompassed within this series.
Strong storyline and character building, you really feel what they are going through.
Can we say this book is mired in tragedy, chaos, revenge, secrets, lies and sooo much drama! Read them all!!
I cannot wait to read the conclusion in Book 3 The Name Once Erased due Feb 2025.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Yoneidis · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️
The first chapters are about Sherri and Sierra's childhood, and what I thought when reading the previous book, I still stand by it: they all need therapy. At least by learning about their childhoods, you can understand the characters a little better, to a certain extent.
Starting in chapter 14, the story jumps forward a few years after the end of the first book, when Sierra returns after several years, and although each of them has to fight their own demons, it seems like things may be starting to stabilize, but no. There were still secrets in this family that could have saved all these characters a lot of pain.

[L.a.l · Rating 5 out of 5]

It starts with one character being released from prison after serving time (Sierra), involves sisters, cousins and exe's and keeps going from there. To keep up with who is related to whom and what was hidden from each generation, makes this book read fast and wanting you to route for the underdogs.
Only part that was hard to read with the language used.
Great ending that leaves you waiting for the next book and its generations to come.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bookish Babe53 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Initially, I was not aware that there was a book that proceeded this one. As a result, I had to double back and read it- The Bond Once Known. As a lover of mysteries, I found this to be a book that I could not put down. As I read, I found I was throw for twist and turns. You can't help but go along for a ride filled with multiple layers, trauma, complex relationships, and secrets.

Thank you R.M. Demeester,and Booksprout for my ARC copy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Chairee Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how this book played out. I found it emotional to learn about the past of the characters of The Girl Once Known and how it affected their adult lives. If only they would have known then what they know now, things could be so much different. There were so many twists into the dysfunctional families. Some I saw coming, but even at that, I was excited to see how things played out. Sometimes, no matter how hard we try, we can't overcome the past, but sometimes we can.

[Quanita · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ultimate in dysfunctional families makes this a page turner (what will they do next?). Three generations are tormented by the sexual act, and vindictiveness, of the grandmother. Sisters in each generation hate each other and are plagued by meeting the wrong men. I was gifted this ARC by the author. It is recommended that you read book one, I agree. Although enough background is given in this book, the first book gives the reader a better perspective on each of the characters.

[Terry M · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good psychological thriller. It follows on from 'The Girl Once Known' with a different POV. The devastation caused by a mother to a child, and the repercussions it causes is beyond reason. Instead of hating each other, the sisters could have been close and loving. Engaging from start to finish with an unexpected twist at the end. Recommended. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tahnia Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of a dysfunctional family and the consequences of their harmful relationships, which resulted in unwanted children who acted out violently. The story follows the journeys of half-sisters Sherry and Sierra, and their daughters, Mira, Tiffany, and Leah. It contains plenty of conflict but also features a lot of love, ultimately culminating in a much-desired marriage. Very highly recommended.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters are diverse and interesting to follow along. There is plenty of drama with secrets that unravel friendships and relationships. The setting is interesting and the dynamics between the characters makes for edge of your seat reading. There is so much as far as twist and turns in the story that makes you not want to put the book down. Good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Eve Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic follow-up to The Girl Once Known. I really enjoy the way that R.M. Demeester has written these books. Because this duo of books deal with some serious issues with relationships within families and also between couples.
This book is a real page turner which I thoroughly enjoyed and couldn't put down until I'd finished reading every last word.
I'd definitely recommend this book/duo ❤️

[AMBER CLARK · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Bond Once Broken is a real page turner! We learn more about the girl's turbulent childhood. A past that Sherry wants to move forward from but one that keeps Sierra bogged down with regrets. Secrets and deceptions abound as the sisters are forced to decide if they want to come together for one another or to perhaps break their bond forever. I hope the next book brings more peace for the sisters.

[Ashleigh Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love when we get to go back in the past and learn more about our characters! Knowing more about Sherry and Sierra and how their childhood molded them and their families was fantastic! I did not see the twists and turns that came out once the truth was shared. This family's secrets just keep coming and I am excited to dive in to the final book!

**I received The Bond Once Broken as an ARC in return for my honest review.**

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing sequel to the epic drama of book 1. Exploring why Sherry and Sierra have such a broken relationship clears up so much from book 1. Loved seeing how the daughters "grew up" since book 1. The twists and turns in this book were unexpected, especially the "big reveal." You won't be disappointed.

[Juli Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dysfunctional family drama on steroids.
I liked the first book in this series and the way it ended I was really looking forward to this book. I wasn’t impressed, it read like a teenager’s diary and the drama between everyone in this story seemed really excessive. Oh well, you win some, you loose some.