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Brooklyn and Bo Chronicles #2
Burnt Promises
Bo and Brooklyn’s relationship is tested while Bo’s soon-to-be-ex wife continues to try to hold on for dear life. Will Bo’s ongoing divorce battle ever come to an end or will she be able to break them up?
The main character, Brooklyn must learn many valuable lessons about herself, not without making many costly mistakes along the way. Now that she has found what she considered, her “soul-mate” in Bo, she would have to continue to defend herself against even her closest of friends, family members, and Bo’s soon-to-be ex-wife, Ruth.
This first person account chronicles the inexhaustible struggles she faces with the man that she loves. Brooklyn must learn a thing or two about patience as Bo’s divorce settlement seems to be never ending. Throughout her journey, Brooklyn shares some of Ruth’s intimate emails to Bo and gives you a good look into the mind of a woman scorned.
- GenresRomance
145 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 11, 2013
31 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Perlin
14 books175 followersBrenda Perlin lives in Orange County, California. She spent most of her working life in the physical fitness arena. She loves the gratification that comes with helping people achieve their fitness goals and the fulfillment that comes with having a healthy body.
She moved from the Los Angeles area where she was raised to Orange County in the Spring of 2005. During that time she was a housewife with a couple of dogs. Now she is not. Instead she is writing her adventures for all to read.
Brenda has been writing just for fun since she was a young teen. For many years she wrote on paper napkins.
She moved from the Los Angeles area where she was raised to Orange County in the Spring of 2005. During that time she was a housewife with a couple of dogs. Now she is not. Instead she is writing her adventures for all to read.
Brenda has been writing just for fun since she was a young teen. For many years she wrote on paper napkins.
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October 16, 2013
“Homewrecker II (Brooklyn Chronicles)” by Brenda Perlin tells the story of Bo and Brooklyn whose new relationship is tested by the judgement and interference of the two spouses they are leaving behind. Bo’s ex-wife in particular is taling the end of her 19 year relationship and her ‘replacement’ badly and engages in an endless legal battle and an abusive email campaign.
To this reader, not accepting the new life and moving on with it, it is actually the ex-wife who becomes the actual home wrecker. Told entirely from Brooklyn’s point of view, in memoir style, this book presents a lot of philosophical and ethical material and food for thought. Brooklyn suffers from a disease that makes her see life in a different light and she will no longer settle for second best.
Looking back at her previous relationships and her marriage the narrative explains just how Brooklyn came to the point of throwing her principles of not wrecking a home overboard. It is this central conflict that causes her guilt, yet needs to be overcome and dealt with constructively. Through her writing and her intelligent and emotional reflections the writer gradually comes to terms with this.
In the battle that ensues with the ex-wife Brooklyn – in my opinion – soon pays her dues and some more. The wronged party becomes the wrong doer, a moral twist that goes to show that not all relationships are to be rescued and that not all people can be helped. Who can blame Bo for wanting to part from such a nasty person.
Whatever your viewpoints on separation, cheating and marriage are, Brooklyn’s story will force you to reflect upon them in any case - so thoughtful and honest is the writing. And as in life, the story often continues, in our case with Book 3. A very accomplished piece of literature.
To this reader, not accepting the new life and moving on with it, it is actually the ex-wife who becomes the actual home wrecker. Told entirely from Brooklyn’s point of view, in memoir style, this book presents a lot of philosophical and ethical material and food for thought. Brooklyn suffers from a disease that makes her see life in a different light and she will no longer settle for second best.
Looking back at her previous relationships and her marriage the narrative explains just how Brooklyn came to the point of throwing her principles of not wrecking a home overboard. It is this central conflict that causes her guilt, yet needs to be overcome and dealt with constructively. Through her writing and her intelligent and emotional reflections the writer gradually comes to terms with this.
In the battle that ensues with the ex-wife Brooklyn – in my opinion – soon pays her dues and some more. The wronged party becomes the wrong doer, a moral twist that goes to show that not all relationships are to be rescued and that not all people can be helped. Who can blame Bo for wanting to part from such a nasty person.
Whatever your viewpoints on separation, cheating and marriage are, Brooklyn’s story will force you to reflect upon them in any case - so thoughtful and honest is the writing. And as in life, the story often continues, in our case with Book 3. A very accomplished piece of literature.
February 11, 2015
(Note: I received an advance release copy in exchange for an honest review)
Brooklyn never meant to be a cheater. She never meant to be a Home Wrecker. After living her entire life with honesty and integrity, she never planned to end her marriage, break her husband's heart, or exchange security for the unknown. This latest installment in The Brooklyn Chronicles picks up where the first book left off by following Brooklyn on her journey to establishing a life with the man she risked everything for. This book also delves deeper into Brooklyn's psyche and takes a brutally honest look at her shattered marriage.
Home Wrecker II is just as honest and emotionally gripping as the first book. It explores the issues of self-esteem, self-fulfillment, love, guilt, betrayal--and even racism. Brooklyn's guilt and Ruth's nasty accusations cause Brooklyn to embrace the title "Home Wrecker" and this theme creates great conflict in her life.
Ruth takes a leading role in this second book as letters and emails to her ex-husband paint a portrait of a bitter, irrational woman who is quickly losing her grasp on reality. Ruth hurls vicious anti-Semitic slurs at Brooklyn thus making it difficult to feel any compassion for her as a "scorned" woman. As Ruth's antics escalate, Brooklyn delves more deeply into her own past, her motivations, and her own guilt.
This book reminds us there are often more than two sides to every story. Home Wrecker II gives the reader insight into that "other" point of view we seldom read about. Does every person deserve a chance at happiness even if it means hurting someone else, or is each individual responsible for their own joy? How much should one sacrifice in a relationship before deciding to move on? How does someone forgive him or herself when the world conspires to reinforce feelings of guilt? Does love conquer all? These questions will leave you thinking about the book long after you've finished reading.
Brooklyn never meant to be a cheater. She never meant to be a Home Wrecker. After living her entire life with honesty and integrity, she never planned to end her marriage, break her husband's heart, or exchange security for the unknown. This latest installment in The Brooklyn Chronicles picks up where the first book left off by following Brooklyn on her journey to establishing a life with the man she risked everything for. This book also delves deeper into Brooklyn's psyche and takes a brutally honest look at her shattered marriage.
Home Wrecker II is just as honest and emotionally gripping as the first book. It explores the issues of self-esteem, self-fulfillment, love, guilt, betrayal--and even racism. Brooklyn's guilt and Ruth's nasty accusations cause Brooklyn to embrace the title "Home Wrecker" and this theme creates great conflict in her life.
Ruth takes a leading role in this second book as letters and emails to her ex-husband paint a portrait of a bitter, irrational woman who is quickly losing her grasp on reality. Ruth hurls vicious anti-Semitic slurs at Brooklyn thus making it difficult to feel any compassion for her as a "scorned" woman. As Ruth's antics escalate, Brooklyn delves more deeply into her own past, her motivations, and her own guilt.
This book reminds us there are often more than two sides to every story. Home Wrecker II gives the reader insight into that "other" point of view we seldom read about. Does every person deserve a chance at happiness even if it means hurting someone else, or is each individual responsible for their own joy? How much should one sacrifice in a relationship before deciding to move on? How does someone forgive him or herself when the world conspires to reinforce feelings of guilt? Does love conquer all? These questions will leave you thinking about the book long after you've finished reading.
October 5, 2013
Assuming Facts Not In Evidence
Brenda Perlin grapples again with the awkward steps of her times, the sour dissonance of marriage when two connect only in spurts and fits, and the bittersweet joy of retreat, neigh full comfort, with a caring body and soul who happens to be married. The author wears her heart on her sleeve while at the same time keeps her head on her shoulders. She writes about evidence she has assembled from her whole life. To borrow from Southern California’s great black and white television sleuth, Joe Friday, her interest is “just the facts, ma'am, just the facts.”
Guilt does not play a part in her introspection. Above all she avoids self-absorption as she traverses the landscape of what was and what is. She leaves open the possibility of full color resolution somehow saved from a scrapheap of monochromatic slivers. The narrative is almost pure clinical dissection with even her own warts and foibles laid bare. Home Wrecker II is another iteration of the sequence of events that became Brooklyn and Bo and all the ramifications. Wrought if it were from a well-tuned exercise regimen, the book is lean and buff, posed with just the right context and relevant retrospective. While the future is never clear, the reader turns the last page knowing that the main character is not a home wrecker since she fell in love with a man from a mere house no matter how well its trappings of material objects and its elevated "quality of life." As I became involved in the clean prose, different songs of our lives popped into my head, from Luther Ingram’s “(If Loving You Is Wrong), I Don’t Want To Be Right, to Graham Parker's “Temporary Beauty,” and last, but not least, to Barbra Streisand’s “My Heart Belongs To Me.”
Brenda Perlin grapples again with the awkward steps of her times, the sour dissonance of marriage when two connect only in spurts and fits, and the bittersweet joy of retreat, neigh full comfort, with a caring body and soul who happens to be married. The author wears her heart on her sleeve while at the same time keeps her head on her shoulders. She writes about evidence she has assembled from her whole life. To borrow from Southern California’s great black and white television sleuth, Joe Friday, her interest is “just the facts, ma'am, just the facts.”
Guilt does not play a part in her introspection. Above all she avoids self-absorption as she traverses the landscape of what was and what is. She leaves open the possibility of full color resolution somehow saved from a scrapheap of monochromatic slivers. The narrative is almost pure clinical dissection with even her own warts and foibles laid bare. Home Wrecker II is another iteration of the sequence of events that became Brooklyn and Bo and all the ramifications. Wrought if it were from a well-tuned exercise regimen, the book is lean and buff, posed with just the right context and relevant retrospective. While the future is never clear, the reader turns the last page knowing that the main character is not a home wrecker since she fell in love with a man from a mere house no matter how well its trappings of material objects and its elevated "quality of life." As I became involved in the clean prose, different songs of our lives popped into my head, from Luther Ingram’s “(If Loving You Is Wrong), I Don’t Want To Be Right, to Graham Parker's “Temporary Beauty,” and last, but not least, to Barbra Streisand’s “My Heart Belongs To Me.”
October 8, 2013
I loved Home Wrecker 1 so I was pretty sure I would love Home Wrecker 2, too, but it totally surprised me as it wasn’t just great it was brilliant! The honesty and the raw emotions just blew me away. Sure, beginning a new life and settling down with the love of your life while his crazy ex is haunting your relationship, not to mention attacking your personal space is tough but the way Brenda Perlin is telling about it takes it to a whole new level. The story is very hooking from the start and it crawls with strong, interesting characters such as Ruth, Bo’s ex-wife, who is quite unstable (and that’s an understatement). I know I should be more compassionate with her but she really sounds like a nasty person that probably would get diagnosed in a blink. Gerard, Brooklyn’s ex…good old Gerard who is probably a really good and loyal friend but so boring even Brooklyn felt she was being married with her dad. And then Brooklyn, I really felt for her and just wanted to hug her. I think she was being incredibly brave and yet her vulnerability won me over. She might be a home wrecker but can one really break a marriage if the couple is happily married?
Home Wrecker 2 is a must read! Not only cause the author skillfully describes Brooklyn’s life dropping great life lessons in every turn (the reader only has to pick them up and store them in their hearts) but also because sometimes life is not black and white. It does not necessarily always go as planned and also because I strongly believe that every story has two sides. Maybe after reading Brooklyn and Bo’s story you can see the world a bit more open-mindedly. Maybe the man next door who left his wife and three children had a reason to do so or maybe ‘the second’ woman is not the bad guy in the story. Just saying…
Home Wrecker 2 is a must read! Not only cause the author skillfully describes Brooklyn’s life dropping great life lessons in every turn (the reader only has to pick them up and store them in their hearts) but also because sometimes life is not black and white. It does not necessarily always go as planned and also because I strongly believe that every story has two sides. Maybe after reading Brooklyn and Bo’s story you can see the world a bit more open-mindedly. Maybe the man next door who left his wife and three children had a reason to do so or maybe ‘the second’ woman is not the bad guy in the story. Just saying…
October 16, 2013
HOME WRECKER II BY BRENDA PERLIN
What a roller coaster of a ride through many emotions this book is. Brooklyn casts herself as a home wrecker but as you read this fascinating story you may feel as I did, that she is far from the villain here. I felt I wanted to tell her not to put herself down!
As Brooklyn recounts her past history in her own words, and the lead up to her falling in love with another man, Bo, and the subsequent break up of her own marriage, we experience how Brooklyn feels. The fact that she suffers from a disease doesn’t help matters. When Bo’s hopefully soon to be ex pulls out the claws it is a miracle that Brooklyn survives the many attacks both physical and verbal.
Ruth seems to get more and more deranged as we go on. What havoc she causes is beyond belief. She is a greedy, manipulative person. She is playing every trick she can to get as much money as possible and puts so many obstacles in the way of any divorce.
This book gives pause for thought about human nature and how we deal with problems. I found it completely addictive. What was going to happen next? How would Brooklyn cope with the latest problem? Would Bo also be able to cope?
We all need an outlet when held within the grasp of seemingly unsolvable problems and Brooklyn turns to her writing for solace.
This is an exceptional book which grips the emotions. A definite must read worthy of five stars.
What a roller coaster of a ride through many emotions this book is. Brooklyn casts herself as a home wrecker but as you read this fascinating story you may feel as I did, that she is far from the villain here. I felt I wanted to tell her not to put herself down!
As Brooklyn recounts her past history in her own words, and the lead up to her falling in love with another man, Bo, and the subsequent break up of her own marriage, we experience how Brooklyn feels. The fact that she suffers from a disease doesn’t help matters. When Bo’s hopefully soon to be ex pulls out the claws it is a miracle that Brooklyn survives the many attacks both physical and verbal.
Ruth seems to get more and more deranged as we go on. What havoc she causes is beyond belief. She is a greedy, manipulative person. She is playing every trick she can to get as much money as possible and puts so many obstacles in the way of any divorce.
This book gives pause for thought about human nature and how we deal with problems. I found it completely addictive. What was going to happen next? How would Brooklyn cope with the latest problem? Would Bo also be able to cope?
We all need an outlet when held within the grasp of seemingly unsolvable problems and Brooklyn turns to her writing for solace.
This is an exceptional book which grips the emotions. A definite must read worthy of five stars.
April 27, 2015
The second in the series, takes us yet further on the journey with Brooklyn and Bo. As with the first book, I feel for Brooklyn as she bares her soul to us, the readers. Something about the way this is written tells me the writer has first hand knowledge of that about which she writes. The angst she experiences as she tries to come to grips with the fact that you can't help who you fall in love with. Some marriages just weren't meant to be and it doesn't take a 'home wrecker' (as Brooklyn calls herself) to bring that to light. Falling in love with Bo wasn't her fault; ending her marriage with Gerard was something that had to be done. It had evolved into a toxic relationship in my opinion. So Brooklyn did what she had to do to move on with her life. She didn't ask for Bo to come into her life, yet there he was. The fact that he is a married man? You'll have to come to you own conclusion about that. His marriage to Ruth was not happy - the feelings had long since died long before Bo met Brooklyn.
In Ruth, Bo's wife, the saying 'hell hath no fury like a woman scorned' is ever present. She takes on Bo and Brooklyn with a vengeance and you'll think this divorce will never be final.
No matter what your feelings are about infidelity, this book will give you an honest insight into how old relationships end, new ones begin and those that are meant to be flourish.....
In Ruth, Bo's wife, the saying 'hell hath no fury like a woman scorned' is ever present. She takes on Bo and Brooklyn with a vengeance and you'll think this divorce will never be final.
No matter what your feelings are about infidelity, this book will give you an honest insight into how old relationships end, new ones begin and those that are meant to be flourish.....
March 14, 2014
Burnt Promises is a great sequel but is also a riveting stand alone novel. Brenda Perlin has delved into many topics that surround relationships, marriage, and the aftermath. This novel is Brooklyn’s perspective of her relationships. It is the character of a strong woman who has dealt with illness, death, dishonesty and come out stronger each time. Her relationships with the men in her life are varied, from her complete devotion and love for her dad, a messed up one with Joey, a dark time married to Gerard to hopefully a successful one with Bo. Fingers crossed!
I liked the way the author hasn’t just made Brooklyn and Bo’s relationship ‘a happily ever after’ story. They’re still working at their relationship and learning about each other, while they deal with each other’s past as well as their own. Brooklyn grows from strength to strength as she deals with the hurdles that life throws her way, though she is still battling with her own perception of herself. Is she a good person or not? I think she is and I hope soon she will too. For those who enjoy an intimate, introspective read, this is a must. Brenda Perlin, waiting for more on Brooklyn and Bo!
I liked the way the author hasn’t just made Brooklyn and Bo’s relationship ‘a happily ever after’ story. They’re still working at their relationship and learning about each other, while they deal with each other’s past as well as their own. Brooklyn grows from strength to strength as she deals with the hurdles that life throws her way, though she is still battling with her own perception of herself. Is she a good person or not? I think she is and I hope soon she will too. For those who enjoy an intimate, introspective read, this is a must. Brenda Perlin, waiting for more on Brooklyn and Bo!
March 9, 2015
Bumpy Journey to True Love
Brooklyn is accused of being a home wrecker for breaking up Bo’s marriage. But in truth, the marriage was already falling apart. The label devastates Brooklyn because of her upbringing. For part of this book, she looks back on her failed relationships and laments the years lost on them. Ultimately this is a story of a woman finding true love while battling the opinions of others, including Ruth, the unstable ex-wife of Bo.
A quote, “With him, I found the girl that had been lost for so many years in her own sadness. I had forgotten that person even existed, but the more time we spent together, the more I remembered what it was like to find joy in the most mundane things.”
This is book two of this trilogy. It can definitely be read as a stand a lone but why would you? You should read the other two novels to get the complete view of Bo and Brooklyn’s relationship.
Brooklyn is accused of being a home wrecker for breaking up Bo’s marriage. But in truth, the marriage was already falling apart. The label devastates Brooklyn because of her upbringing. For part of this book, she looks back on her failed relationships and laments the years lost on them. Ultimately this is a story of a woman finding true love while battling the opinions of others, including Ruth, the unstable ex-wife of Bo.
A quote, “With him, I found the girl that had been lost for so many years in her own sadness. I had forgotten that person even existed, but the more time we spent together, the more I remembered what it was like to find joy in the most mundane things.”
This is book two of this trilogy. It can definitely be read as a stand a lone but why would you? You should read the other two novels to get the complete view of Bo and Brooklyn’s relationship.
January 19, 2014
In Burnt Promises, the second installment of Brenda Perlin's "Brooklyn and Bo Chronicles" Ms. Perlin relates the story of her falling in love with Bo, a man she meets at her gym, and the dissolution of both their marriages. As Ms. Perlin says, she was raised with "good morals" and never thought she would be a "home wrecker", but in this story she must come to terms with the fact that she has found true love with a married man--and he, found it with her. Ms. Perlin very honestly and engagingly relates her struggles to reconcile her unhappy marriage, her new found love, difficulties caused by his ex-wife, and most of all her evolving exception of self. Written in a free-flowing, conversational style if reads with the feel of a warm, intimate conversation. Bravo to Ms. Perlin for another engaging and heartfelt book!
April 9, 2014
Brooklyn's journey to live a happy fairy tale with her one true love, continues. As does her enemy from Book One who goes further, pushes harder and plays nastier.
Burnt Promises goes in depth about the details of relationship dramas. Seen as a homewrecker which brings consequences, emotional and life changing. Cheating on her relationship was not something Brooklyn did for a thrill. It was her way of discovering another way to live.
What if you made the biggest mistake of all, how would you fix it? How would you find another way?
Read the journey of Brooklyn's account of a marriage that should have been filled with love, open communication and support, but was not. And witness the problems that begin to spiral out of control.
Does this story have a happy ending? You will have to read it to find out.
Burnt Promises goes in depth about the details of relationship dramas. Seen as a homewrecker which brings consequences, emotional and life changing. Cheating on her relationship was not something Brooklyn did for a thrill. It was her way of discovering another way to live.
What if you made the biggest mistake of all, how would you fix it? How would you find another way?
Read the journey of Brooklyn's account of a marriage that should have been filled with love, open communication and support, but was not. And witness the problems that begin to spiral out of control.
Does this story have a happy ending? You will have to read it to find out.
August 1, 2017
Burnt Promises is the second book in the Brooklyn and Bo Chronicles and charts the conflicts involved in two marriage breakups told in the voice of the one who was ‘the other woman.’
There are some who will have little sympathy with this character, she even brands herself as the home wrecker, which I fear has done nothing for her own self-esteem. But, as we know it always takes two and I’m a strong believer in the fact that you can’t break up a happy marriage. You can only hope that when marriages break up it’s for the right reasons and that when the dust eventually settles the couple, after all the pain of divorce, eventual make a happy and successful life together. I can’t tell you what the outcome is for this couple, for fear of spoilers, but will be putting the third book on my to-be-read pile to complete the story.
This is an easy to read book and bravely written by the author as this is her first-hand experience told in faction style. It recounts her personal struggles with her health as well as the situation she found herself in and really portrays just what an emotionally exhausting time it all was.
There are some who will have little sympathy with this character, she even brands herself as the home wrecker, which I fear has done nothing for her own self-esteem. But, as we know it always takes two and I’m a strong believer in the fact that you can’t break up a happy marriage. You can only hope that when marriages break up it’s for the right reasons and that when the dust eventually settles the couple, after all the pain of divorce, eventual make a happy and successful life together. I can’t tell you what the outcome is for this couple, for fear of spoilers, but will be putting the third book on my to-be-read pile to complete the story.
This is an easy to read book and bravely written by the author as this is her first-hand experience told in faction style. It recounts her personal struggles with her health as well as the situation she found herself in and really portrays just what an emotionally exhausting time it all was.
July 25, 2019
Journeying To Self Evaluation
I’ll say one thing about this book two is it’s honest. Many books written about a personal experience has a soul bearing nakedness about them and this book does not disappoint. You really have gone from girl to woman and to do a self evaluation is a hard thing to do. Thanks for sharing your story.
I’ll say one thing about this book two is it’s honest. Many books written about a personal experience has a soul bearing nakedness about them and this book does not disappoint. You really have gone from girl to woman and to do a self evaluation is a hard thing to do. Thanks for sharing your story.
August 5, 2015
Burnt Promises is the second book in the Brooklyn and Bo Chronicles by Brenda Perlin and like its predecessor, Shattered Reality, is written with a searing honesty. Perlin’s style of faction is almost naked in its rawness; she offers us the bare details and leaves us to make of them what we will.
Where Shattered Reality presents Brooklyn’s life from childhood to her relationship with Bo, Burnt Promises focuses primarily on that relationship. Brooklyn meets Bo while they are both married to other people and the subsequent complications reflect a reality for a lot of people. Bo’s wife sets in motion divorce proceedings that drag them all through the mud and ultimately benefit nobody but the lawyers involved.
Brooklyn was raised in a traditional home, where she was expected to maintain high moral standards. Like many women, she was encouraged to put other people’s needs before her own and became a ‘people pleaser’. Throughout the novel, it is clear that Brooklyn judges herself more harshly than anyone else could. She is the one who labels herself a “home wrecker” and obviously feels a great deal of guilt over her failed marriage.
I think Burnt Promises actually works on two levels. On the one hand, it is an engrossing tale of a woman’s struggle to accept herself and make sense of her relationship but it is also a form of social history. Brooklyn’s story is such that it chronicles what life is like for many women who were born in the 1960s. The specifics may not be identical but there are many issues bubbling beneath the surface that I suspect lots of women will be able to relate to.
In common with many women, Brooklyn suffers from a lack of self-esteem, which leads her to a disastrous long term relationship with serial womaniser, Joey. Her inability to withstand Joey’s excuses exacerbate her feelings of worthlessness and her consequent attachment to Gerard, whom she marries, is primarily born out of the fact that he is nice to her. The marriage is doomed, Gerard is ten years Brooklyn’s senior and resents her free spirit, trying instead to control her. Brooklyn had a complex relationship with her father which has clearly impacted on her dealings with men, as her default setting seems to be to assume a passive role.
Despite marrying Gerard for the wrong reasons, Brooklyn tries to make it work, ignoring her own needs and feelings for fifteen years. When the marriage ends, it seems to Gerard to be out of the blue but that’s only because Brooklyn has never felt able to express her dissatisfaction with the relationship. It would have been easy for Perlin to cast Gerard as the villain of the piece but she goes to great lengths to show how he is damaged from his own parents’ divorce. He also takes good care of Brooklyn when she becomes ill with a neurological disorder but that consideration is not enough to base a marriage on. In fact, Brooklyn’s illness is a massive stress factor in a relationship that was never particularly strong to begin with. Brooklyn’s expectations for herself are so low, she probably would have settled for an unhappy marriage had she not met Bo, who represents a new beginning for her.
An interesting aspect of Burnt Promises is the way it reflects our society’s obsession with appearance and the impact that has on women. Exercise is a massive part of Brooklyn’s life; she was a fitness instructor prior to her illness and continues to spend a good deal of time in the gym after her recovery. There is poignancy in the fact that as she looks forward to a cruise with Bo, the first vacation of her adult life, one of her primary concerns is the potential weight gain she might experience. There is also a hilarious anecdote where Brooklyn compares her own lady parts to those of Pamela Anderson, whose vagina she has seen on a sex tape. At a time when young people are defining their own sexuality through porn and Brazilian waxes are the new norm, I found this episode incredibly relevant. Tellingly Bo’s ex-wife insults Brooklyn via her looks, which she obviously perceives as being more damaging than any other form of attack.
Perlin’s writing style is such that Brooklyn’s truth becomes the only truth. Even though I was aware that the novel is not necessarily autobiographical and, even if it were there are always many sides to any given story, I constantly found myself immersed in Brooklyn’s version of events. One of the reasons why Brooklyn’s truth is so compelling is the fair handed way in which Perlin delivers it. There are no villains, even Bo’s ex-wife, Ruth, who puts the couple through hell, is more mad than bad. In fact much of the humour in the novel comes from the emails that Ruth sends to Bo.
Burnt Promises is a novel that offers up a woman’s life for inspection and, through our relationship with Brooklyn, I think most readers will be forced to face truths about their own lives. It might not always be pretty but Burnt Promises is a reflection of reality for a lot of women trying to find their place in a so called modern world.
Where Shattered Reality presents Brooklyn’s life from childhood to her relationship with Bo, Burnt Promises focuses primarily on that relationship. Brooklyn meets Bo while they are both married to other people and the subsequent complications reflect a reality for a lot of people. Bo’s wife sets in motion divorce proceedings that drag them all through the mud and ultimately benefit nobody but the lawyers involved.
Brooklyn was raised in a traditional home, where she was expected to maintain high moral standards. Like many women, she was encouraged to put other people’s needs before her own and became a ‘people pleaser’. Throughout the novel, it is clear that Brooklyn judges herself more harshly than anyone else could. She is the one who labels herself a “home wrecker” and obviously feels a great deal of guilt over her failed marriage.
I think Burnt Promises actually works on two levels. On the one hand, it is an engrossing tale of a woman’s struggle to accept herself and make sense of her relationship but it is also a form of social history. Brooklyn’s story is such that it chronicles what life is like for many women who were born in the 1960s. The specifics may not be identical but there are many issues bubbling beneath the surface that I suspect lots of women will be able to relate to.
In common with many women, Brooklyn suffers from a lack of self-esteem, which leads her to a disastrous long term relationship with serial womaniser, Joey. Her inability to withstand Joey’s excuses exacerbate her feelings of worthlessness and her consequent attachment to Gerard, whom she marries, is primarily born out of the fact that he is nice to her. The marriage is doomed, Gerard is ten years Brooklyn’s senior and resents her free spirit, trying instead to control her. Brooklyn had a complex relationship with her father which has clearly impacted on her dealings with men, as her default setting seems to be to assume a passive role.
Despite marrying Gerard for the wrong reasons, Brooklyn tries to make it work, ignoring her own needs and feelings for fifteen years. When the marriage ends, it seems to Gerard to be out of the blue but that’s only because Brooklyn has never felt able to express her dissatisfaction with the relationship. It would have been easy for Perlin to cast Gerard as the villain of the piece but she goes to great lengths to show how he is damaged from his own parents’ divorce. He also takes good care of Brooklyn when she becomes ill with a neurological disorder but that consideration is not enough to base a marriage on. In fact, Brooklyn’s illness is a massive stress factor in a relationship that was never particularly strong to begin with. Brooklyn’s expectations for herself are so low, she probably would have settled for an unhappy marriage had she not met Bo, who represents a new beginning for her.
An interesting aspect of Burnt Promises is the way it reflects our society’s obsession with appearance and the impact that has on women. Exercise is a massive part of Brooklyn’s life; she was a fitness instructor prior to her illness and continues to spend a good deal of time in the gym after her recovery. There is poignancy in the fact that as she looks forward to a cruise with Bo, the first vacation of her adult life, one of her primary concerns is the potential weight gain she might experience. There is also a hilarious anecdote where Brooklyn compares her own lady parts to those of Pamela Anderson, whose vagina she has seen on a sex tape. At a time when young people are defining their own sexuality through porn and Brazilian waxes are the new norm, I found this episode incredibly relevant. Tellingly Bo’s ex-wife insults Brooklyn via her looks, which she obviously perceives as being more damaging than any other form of attack.
Perlin’s writing style is such that Brooklyn’s truth becomes the only truth. Even though I was aware that the novel is not necessarily autobiographical and, even if it were there are always many sides to any given story, I constantly found myself immersed in Brooklyn’s version of events. One of the reasons why Brooklyn’s truth is so compelling is the fair handed way in which Perlin delivers it. There are no villains, even Bo’s ex-wife, Ruth, who puts the couple through hell, is more mad than bad. In fact much of the humour in the novel comes from the emails that Ruth sends to Bo.
Burnt Promises is a novel that offers up a woman’s life for inspection and, through our relationship with Brooklyn, I think most readers will be forced to face truths about their own lives. It might not always be pretty but Burnt Promises is a reflection of reality for a lot of women trying to find their place in a so called modern world.
February 18, 2014
I really loved Home Wrecker I and could not wait to read II. Home Wrecker I was raw, honest, and emotionally gripping and Home Wrecker II, if possible, was even more so. Both books explore tough issues. Brooklyn's real self is laid bare for all of us to see. She shares her past, her motivations, and her own guilt with a candidness that I can but admire. The moral dilemma presented here is something many have faced.
Brooklyn was raised to live a life of integrity, and had endeavored to do so all her life. Never did she for one minute think she would ever be `the other woman.' It wasn't in her psyche. She wasn't a cheater, a Home Wrecker.
Brooklyn never planned to get a divorce, hurting those she loved and sacrificing relationships in the process. But something changed in her when she struggled with a near fatal illness. Life was short, why live on eggshells and just exist? Why be afraid and unhappy? She never thought she would exchange security for the unknown either. But sometimes, security comes at too high a price. And for Brooklyn, this was exactly the case. Home Wrecker II delves deeper into the whys, showing the reader just how shattered her marriage really was.
For me, loving Bo and Brooklyn was easy. I found myself rooting for them. They both seemed to be paired with not only the wrong people, but to ones that were harming them to their very core. Brooklyn was married to a angry, controlling man and Bo was married to a very unstable, selfish woman. As they try and start a new life together, the all consuming trial in their lives is Bo's ex, Ruth. Her emails and calls to him only go to show a very embittered woman who is quickly losing her grip on reality.
This story serves to remind us that there are two sides to every situation. For Brooklyn, she continues to examine her motives and her actions; that after living through much heartache and oppression, she finally is able to stand up for herself. She is now in charge of herself as a person. She fully accepts her own actions, both good and bad, and is working on forgiving herself. I look forward to the next book and to seeing the growth that both of them go through.
Brooklyn was raised to live a life of integrity, and had endeavored to do so all her life. Never did she for one minute think she would ever be `the other woman.' It wasn't in her psyche. She wasn't a cheater, a Home Wrecker.
Brooklyn never planned to get a divorce, hurting those she loved and sacrificing relationships in the process. But something changed in her when she struggled with a near fatal illness. Life was short, why live on eggshells and just exist? Why be afraid and unhappy? She never thought she would exchange security for the unknown either. But sometimes, security comes at too high a price. And for Brooklyn, this was exactly the case. Home Wrecker II delves deeper into the whys, showing the reader just how shattered her marriage really was.
For me, loving Bo and Brooklyn was easy. I found myself rooting for them. They both seemed to be paired with not only the wrong people, but to ones that were harming them to their very core. Brooklyn was married to a angry, controlling man and Bo was married to a very unstable, selfish woman. As they try and start a new life together, the all consuming trial in their lives is Bo's ex, Ruth. Her emails and calls to him only go to show a very embittered woman who is quickly losing her grip on reality.
This story serves to remind us that there are two sides to every situation. For Brooklyn, she continues to examine her motives and her actions; that after living through much heartache and oppression, she finally is able to stand up for herself. She is now in charge of herself as a person. She fully accepts her own actions, both good and bad, and is working on forgiving herself. I look forward to the next book and to seeing the growth that both of them go through.
October 12, 2013
I really loved Home Wrecker I and could not wait to read II. Home Wrecker I was raw, honest, and emotionally gripping and Home Wrecker II, if possible, was even more so. Both books explore tough issues. Brooklyn's real self is laid bare for all of us to see. She shares her past, her motivations, and her own guilt with a candidness that I can but admire. The moral dilemma presented here is something many have faced.
Brooklyn was raised to live a life of integrity, and had endeavored to do so all her life. Never did she for one minute think she would ever be `the other woman.' It wasn't in her psyche. She wasn't a cheater, a Home Wrecker.
Brooklyn never planned to get a divorce, hurting those she loved and sacrificing relationships in the process. But something changed in her when she struggled with a near fatal illness. Life was short, why live on eggshells and just exist? Why be afraid and unhappy? She never thought she would exchange security for the unknown either. But sometimes, security comes at too high a price. And for Brooklyn, this was exactly the case. Home Wrecker II delves deeper into the whys, showing the reader just how shattered her marriage really was.
For me, loving Bo and Brooklyn was easy. I found myself rooting for them. They both seemed to be paired with not only the wrong people, but to ones that were harming them to their very core. Brooklyn was married to a angry, controlling man and Bo was married to a very unstable, selfish woman. As they try and start a new life together, the all consuming trial in their lives is Bo's ex, Ruth. Her emails and calls to him only go to show a very embittered woman who is quickly losing her grip on reality.
This story serves to remind us that there are two sides to every situation. For Brooklyn, she continues to examine her motives and her actions; that after living through much heartache and oppression, she finally is able to stand up for herself. She is now in charge of herself as a person. She fully accepts her own actions, both good and bad, and is working on forgiving herself. I look forward to the next book and to seeing the growth that both of them go through.
Brooklyn was raised to live a life of integrity, and had endeavored to do so all her life. Never did she for one minute think she would ever be `the other woman.' It wasn't in her psyche. She wasn't a cheater, a Home Wrecker.
Brooklyn never planned to get a divorce, hurting those she loved and sacrificing relationships in the process. But something changed in her when she struggled with a near fatal illness. Life was short, why live on eggshells and just exist? Why be afraid and unhappy? She never thought she would exchange security for the unknown either. But sometimes, security comes at too high a price. And for Brooklyn, this was exactly the case. Home Wrecker II delves deeper into the whys, showing the reader just how shattered her marriage really was.
For me, loving Bo and Brooklyn was easy. I found myself rooting for them. They both seemed to be paired with not only the wrong people, but to ones that were harming them to their very core. Brooklyn was married to a angry, controlling man and Bo was married to a very unstable, selfish woman. As they try and start a new life together, the all consuming trial in their lives is Bo's ex, Ruth. Her emails and calls to him only go to show a very embittered woman who is quickly losing her grip on reality.
This story serves to remind us that there are two sides to every situation. For Brooklyn, she continues to examine her motives and her actions; that after living through much heartache and oppression, she finally is able to stand up for herself. She is now in charge of herself as a person. She fully accepts her own actions, both good and bad, and is working on forgiving herself. I look forward to the next book and to seeing the growth that both of them go through.
February 6, 2014
"Finding Salvation and Redemption"
Written as a memoir, Brooklyn Rosen chronicles her life's struggle which has left her with much pain and sorrow. She had been raised in a highly moral, ethical, and well parented home and wonders why she has turned into a home wrecker, as she describes herself. Why did she frequently make poor choices? Before she had connected up with Gerard, 10 years older than her, she has an open relationship with Joey, her aerobics instructor who is mostly all about himself. However, she feels he is worthy enough of her friendship. Eventually she loses her appeal for Joey and feels Gerard is someone she can trust and would be loyal to her. He was a nice guy but not her optimal choice. He was falling in love with Brook, while she felt he was more a dear friend. Looking back at her life, Brook realizes she'd allowed many people to influence her. She hadn't been standing strong with the values taught her as a child. Gerard seems to love and respect her, but in time he seems to pressure her by trying to change her, to do his will. In time, Gerard loses his respect for her and she finds it easy to walk away from the empty marriage. Having lost her mom, having a loveless marriage, and facing a debilitating disease, Brook is desolate, depressed, and has little or no faith in obtaining a comfortable future. She has barely survived all kinds of emotional and physical challenges. Soon, Brook and Bo begin their affair together while having to cope with ex-spouses and family and friends who do not agree with their actions. They've become cheaters. This is a very revealing, emotional story which is very well written about shedding the guilt of walking away from a failed marriage and stepping forward and creating a rewarding future. A very poignant analysis of one's life.
Written as a memoir, Brooklyn Rosen chronicles her life's struggle which has left her with much pain and sorrow. She had been raised in a highly moral, ethical, and well parented home and wonders why she has turned into a home wrecker, as she describes herself. Why did she frequently make poor choices? Before she had connected up with Gerard, 10 years older than her, she has an open relationship with Joey, her aerobics instructor who is mostly all about himself. However, she feels he is worthy enough of her friendship. Eventually she loses her appeal for Joey and feels Gerard is someone she can trust and would be loyal to her. He was a nice guy but not her optimal choice. He was falling in love with Brook, while she felt he was more a dear friend. Looking back at her life, Brook realizes she'd allowed many people to influence her. She hadn't been standing strong with the values taught her as a child. Gerard seems to love and respect her, but in time he seems to pressure her by trying to change her, to do his will. In time, Gerard loses his respect for her and she finds it easy to walk away from the empty marriage. Having lost her mom, having a loveless marriage, and facing a debilitating disease, Brook is desolate, depressed, and has little or no faith in obtaining a comfortable future. She has barely survived all kinds of emotional and physical challenges. Soon, Brook and Bo begin their affair together while having to cope with ex-spouses and family and friends who do not agree with their actions. They've become cheaters. This is a very revealing, emotional story which is very well written about shedding the guilt of walking away from a failed marriage and stepping forward and creating a rewarding future. A very poignant analysis of one's life.
December 23, 2014
Burnt Promises by Brenda Perlin is the second book in the Brooklyn and Bo Chronicles and one that fills in the rest of Brooklyn's story after the ending of the first book, Shattered Reality.
The story of Brooklyn and Bo is complicated to say the least. They are finally together, but cannot seem to get away from the hatefulness of Bo's soon to be ex-wife, Ruth. Maneuvering through the legal system, Bo is faced with many obstacles in his pursuit of freedom from his crazy, over the top wife. How long will it take before the divorce is final? It could be years - from Brooklyn's perspective.
Brooklyn gets assaulted by Ruth at the gym where Bo and Brooklyn first meet. Ruth gets away before the police come. Brooklyn gets a restraining order on Ruth. Brooklyn must also endure Ruth's anti-Semitic verbal attacks through out the course of the divorce proceedings.
In Burnt Promises, the reader is taken on a roller-coaster ride of emotion and I found myself wanting to scream at Ruth for her stubbornness, craziness and all out hatefulness. The woman was scorned, I get that, but sometimes you just need to cut your losses and move on.
I felt empathy and compassion for Bo and Brooklyn, they found their soul mate in each other and just want to live happily ever after. Hopefully they can do that when Ruth finally lets go of the marriage that has been broken for years and she allows Bo to move on.
Brenda Perlin has a wonderful way of weaving an emotional, thought-provoking tale. I thoroughly enjoyed this second installment of the Brooklyn and Bo Chronicles and have already read the next book, Fractured Vows, which gives a great perspective of the story from Bo's point of view.
The story of Brooklyn and Bo is complicated to say the least. They are finally together, but cannot seem to get away from the hatefulness of Bo's soon to be ex-wife, Ruth. Maneuvering through the legal system, Bo is faced with many obstacles in his pursuit of freedom from his crazy, over the top wife. How long will it take before the divorce is final? It could be years - from Brooklyn's perspective.
Brooklyn gets assaulted by Ruth at the gym where Bo and Brooklyn first meet. Ruth gets away before the police come. Brooklyn gets a restraining order on Ruth. Brooklyn must also endure Ruth's anti-Semitic verbal attacks through out the course of the divorce proceedings.
In Burnt Promises, the reader is taken on a roller-coaster ride of emotion and I found myself wanting to scream at Ruth for her stubbornness, craziness and all out hatefulness. The woman was scorned, I get that, but sometimes you just need to cut your losses and move on.
I felt empathy and compassion for Bo and Brooklyn, they found their soul mate in each other and just want to live happily ever after. Hopefully they can do that when Ruth finally lets go of the marriage that has been broken for years and she allows Bo to move on.
Brenda Perlin has a wonderful way of weaving an emotional, thought-provoking tale. I thoroughly enjoyed this second installment of the Brooklyn and Bo Chronicles and have already read the next book, Fractured Vows, which gives a great perspective of the story from Bo's point of view.
February 17, 2014
This is the second of the books in the Home Wrecker series. The first book tells Brooklyn's life story so that we come to understand the person she has come to be. This book chronicles the events around her new relationship with Bo and principally their attempts to cope with the many evil facets of Bo's ex-wife who is seen primarily through her correspondences with Bo via email which are passive aggressive bipolar essays in madness, spite and dark obsession. Brooklyn describes Ruth in what I think are pretty generous terms given the ex-wife's proclivities toward vicious lies and obvious attempts at manipulation.
By now, readers of the series will know that Brooklyn, as lovable and sympathetic as she is, has her own preconceptions about life and love. Book three promises a new perspective, that of Bo's, which should prove quite interesting as this world has been completely described to this point by Brooklyn.
This series is rather addictive as a bit of modern American psycho-drama. Sort of desperate housewives mixed with sex in the city and the bachelor rolled into one. While Brooklyn's story is complex and seems a bit overly dramatic, it always has the ring of authenticity to it that holds our voyeuristic tendencies interest in spite of never delivering anything explicitly sexual. What's left are romantic implications and vicarious cheer leading for the couple as their story unwinds.
By now, readers of the series will know that Brooklyn, as lovable and sympathetic as she is, has her own preconceptions about life and love. Book three promises a new perspective, that of Bo's, which should prove quite interesting as this world has been completely described to this point by Brooklyn.
This series is rather addictive as a bit of modern American psycho-drama. Sort of desperate housewives mixed with sex in the city and the bachelor rolled into one. While Brooklyn's story is complex and seems a bit overly dramatic, it always has the ring of authenticity to it that holds our voyeuristic tendencies interest in spite of never delivering anything explicitly sexual. What's left are romantic implications and vicarious cheer leading for the couple as their story unwinds.
March 27, 2014
Where to start… This book was incredible. It was a relatable story with everyday life characters. I could literally name names of people I know that fit each of them. I’ve dealt with many crazy ex-wife women like Ruth in my life, and I’m sure there are more lurking out there ready to spit on me. Brooklyn is the product of a broken girl, struggling to put the pieces of her life together, and we as the reader, are right there with her every step of the way.
Everyone has a story, and Brooklyn’s is no exception. The choice to leave her husband and pursue her own happiness has its costs. With a health issue, old friends and a broken family to now worry about, Brooklyn isn’t in for an easy ride. However, her knight in shining armor, Bo, is there to help her every step of the way. Although – as with every single person over the age of 25 --Bo brings along some baggage – a haunting ex-wife names Ruth. Uggghh. Bring in the strait jacket and ankle cuffs, because this woman is a legit psycho.
There are times, where I’m not sure how Bo or Brooklyn deal with the awful things that spew from that woman’s mouth, and just when you think things will somehow get better, they get worse.
The author did an excellent job at keeping the reader interested all the way to the end, and telling a remarkable story of an average woman, who wasn’t average at all. I will definitely recommend this to my friends.
Everyone has a story, and Brooklyn’s is no exception. The choice to leave her husband and pursue her own happiness has its costs. With a health issue, old friends and a broken family to now worry about, Brooklyn isn’t in for an easy ride. However, her knight in shining armor, Bo, is there to help her every step of the way. Although – as with every single person over the age of 25 --Bo brings along some baggage – a haunting ex-wife names Ruth. Uggghh. Bring in the strait jacket and ankle cuffs, because this woman is a legit psycho.
There are times, where I’m not sure how Bo or Brooklyn deal with the awful things that spew from that woman’s mouth, and just when you think things will somehow get better, they get worse.
The author did an excellent job at keeping the reader interested all the way to the end, and telling a remarkable story of an average woman, who wasn’t average at all. I will definitely recommend this to my friends.
October 9, 2013
*I received an advance copy of Home Wrecker II: The Brooklyn Chronicles for an honest review. After reading Home Wrecker I, I was looking forward to Brenda Perlin's next installment in the series.
Brenda Perlin's stories are penned in a comfortable, easy to read style. Her writing is purposeful and delves deep into the truth. Disjointed, segmented spaces of time in Brooklyn's life come together in an explosion of clarity when she meets Bo. Their immediate attraction deepens from a dear friendship to an all-consuming love that rips their predictable lives apart while renewing their hopes that there truly is more to life than simply existing. Doing what is expected is not longer acceptable for either of them.
Brooklyn and Bo's happiness is hampered by his soon to be ex-wife. It's not as easy to break away when old wounds fester and other people stand between the happiness they've found and the contentment they seek.
The Brooklyn Chronicles is not what readers expect when first they begin the story. It's a story of friendship, betrayals, true love and a passion worth fighting for. The battle rages on for Brooklyn and Bo. I'm very much looking forward to Miss Perlin's next book.
Brenda Perlin's stories are penned in a comfortable, easy to read style. Her writing is purposeful and delves deep into the truth. Disjointed, segmented spaces of time in Brooklyn's life come together in an explosion of clarity when she meets Bo. Their immediate attraction deepens from a dear friendship to an all-consuming love that rips their predictable lives apart while renewing their hopes that there truly is more to life than simply existing. Doing what is expected is not longer acceptable for either of them.
Brooklyn and Bo's happiness is hampered by his soon to be ex-wife. It's not as easy to break away when old wounds fester and other people stand between the happiness they've found and the contentment they seek.
The Brooklyn Chronicles is not what readers expect when first they begin the story. It's a story of friendship, betrayals, true love and a passion worth fighting for. The battle rages on for Brooklyn and Bo. I'm very much looking forward to Miss Perlin's next book.
April 13, 2014
There are always two sides to a dispute but we sometimes forget how much popular opinion gets weighed into play. Stereotypes leap up and down to get our attention, but not in this book. Here is an honest look at how people deal with changing circumstances in their lives.
Brooklyn leaves her husband to hook up with a boyfriend, but does that make her a bad person? No. She was very unhappy. Bo is still married to his wife when he has Brooklyn move in with him. Does this make him a bad person? No. Sometimes relationships, for all good intentions, go sour with time. People grow apart and become toxic to each other. Some people can adjust to change, but others, like the ex-wife and to a certain extent, the stirring ex-husband, cannot.
Real people can behave very badly and often do so out of spite. Sometimes the ‘meal ticket’ that wasn’t particularly interesting now becomes of paramount importance when someone else comes into the picture. Who is the bad guy? The person who behaves in a spiteful and undignified manner every time.
This was an informative and fascinating read that I would highly recommend.
Brooklyn leaves her husband to hook up with a boyfriend, but does that make her a bad person? No. She was very unhappy. Bo is still married to his wife when he has Brooklyn move in with him. Does this make him a bad person? No. Sometimes relationships, for all good intentions, go sour with time. People grow apart and become toxic to each other. Some people can adjust to change, but others, like the ex-wife and to a certain extent, the stirring ex-husband, cannot.
Real people can behave very badly and often do so out of spite. Sometimes the ‘meal ticket’ that wasn’t particularly interesting now becomes of paramount importance when someone else comes into the picture. Who is the bad guy? The person who behaves in a spiteful and undignified manner every time.
This was an informative and fascinating read that I would highly recommend.
May 23, 2015
After reading Home Wrecker 1 I knew I wanted to read more about Brooklyn and Bo.
This factual account of their life and experiences just showed how fragile we are, even when we do what is best for oneself there are people that will get hurt in that decision no matter how hard you try to do it right. In so many ways I could relate to their struggles, understanding the depth of pain, of guilt but also the desire to get past the now and start with something new. Of being true to oneself.
I just love the openness of the author's heart, revealing her own struggle for others to identify with but also learn from. It is written with thoughtfulness, a deep knowledge of understanding and the greatest empathy.
The relationship between Brooklyn and Bo is clearly something to admire since they are true to each other even in the most awkward moments. To open yourself to another is one of the bravest things one can do, and this is truly a beautiful relationship.
I wish them all the best and love in their quest to experience true happiness with one another.
This factual account of their life and experiences just showed how fragile we are, even when we do what is best for oneself there are people that will get hurt in that decision no matter how hard you try to do it right. In so many ways I could relate to their struggles, understanding the depth of pain, of guilt but also the desire to get past the now and start with something new. Of being true to oneself.
I just love the openness of the author's heart, revealing her own struggle for others to identify with but also learn from. It is written with thoughtfulness, a deep knowledge of understanding and the greatest empathy.
The relationship between Brooklyn and Bo is clearly something to admire since they are true to each other even in the most awkward moments. To open yourself to another is one of the bravest things one can do, and this is truly a beautiful relationship.
I wish them all the best and love in their quest to experience true happiness with one another.
August 26, 2016
I received an advanced copy of Burnt Promises in return for an honest review. As that is what the author asked of me, I feel obligated to offer exactly that.
Within the first few paragraphs of Burnt Promises I was drawn back into Brooklyn's world. Her hopes, her fears and frustrations, her disappointments, her triumphs, her heartbreaks and her new lease on love -complete with all the roadblocks and potholes on the road thereto- are there for the reader to share. I came to envy Bo the company of this wonderful, open, and honest lady. In offering such an intimate and in depth look into Brooklyn's life, mind, and heart, Brenda Perlin is showing a level of trust in her readers to see past Brooklyn's foibles and mistakes and to embrace her as the woman she has become.
Often as I read, I felt like I was having a conversation with an old friend as she caught me up on her life over a cappuccino at a local coffee shop. Brenda has created a memorable character in Brooklyn, and I will miss her when the Brooklyn and Bo Chronicles conclude.
Within the first few paragraphs of Burnt Promises I was drawn back into Brooklyn's world. Her hopes, her fears and frustrations, her disappointments, her triumphs, her heartbreaks and her new lease on love -complete with all the roadblocks and potholes on the road thereto- are there for the reader to share. I came to envy Bo the company of this wonderful, open, and honest lady. In offering such an intimate and in depth look into Brooklyn's life, mind, and heart, Brenda Perlin is showing a level of trust in her readers to see past Brooklyn's foibles and mistakes and to embrace her as the woman she has become.
Often as I read, I felt like I was having a conversation with an old friend as she caught me up on her life over a cappuccino at a local coffee shop. Brenda has created a memorable character in Brooklyn, and I will miss her when the Brooklyn and Bo Chronicles conclude.
March 30, 2014
I can truly say that I am a person that reads romances - mysteries,,, science fiction, and historical fiction are my normal trips to fantasy land, but, after only reading a few pages of BURNT PROMISES I read the book in a single evening. I can relates to the characters having been through several relationships like those in the book. Brenda writes with an evocative style that is easy to follow and engaging - she brings out the turmoil and complications of a woman falling in love with a man that is going through a divorce where you feel for both people - maybe in many broken relationships there really is no right or wrong or one to blame. It is a nice thing that in books complications can be tidied up and life goes on with smiles and the promise of a bright future. Simply - I enjoyed the novel. For people that read romances it is one step up over most - most make me feel like I am back in high school and looking at the world through rose tinted glasses - no glasses here....the truth and nothing but the truth.
October 7, 2013
I received an advance readers copy of Home Wrecker II in exchange for an honest review. I read Home Wrecker I a few weeks before this book became available. After finishing the first book, I was very interested to find out what happened to Brooklyn and Bo and gladly agreed to preview the new book.
Brooklyn and Bo were happy, but Bo's soon-to-be ex-wife, Ruth, tried to destroy any chance of success. Ruth did not want to give up her luxurious lifestyle and placed one obstacle after another to delay the divorce. Anyone else would have given up but love conquers all, right?
Interwoven throughout the story is the inner turmoil Brooklyn suffers with as being labeled a home wrecker. She had no intention of leaving her marriage for another man but fate ruled otherwise. Was she wrong or was she right? You have to read to book and decide.
Brooklyn and Bo were happy, but Bo's soon-to-be ex-wife, Ruth, tried to destroy any chance of success. Ruth did not want to give up her luxurious lifestyle and placed one obstacle after another to delay the divorce. Anyone else would have given up but love conquers all, right?
Interwoven throughout the story is the inner turmoil Brooklyn suffers with as being labeled a home wrecker. She had no intention of leaving her marriage for another man but fate ruled otherwise. Was she wrong or was she right? You have to read to book and decide.
March 12, 2014
Burnt Promises (aka Home Wrecker II) is the continuing story of Brooklyn and Bo as they start to live their life together. Bo has asked his wife for a divorce and she seems to be dragging her heels as long as possible to stop Brooklyn and Bo from being able to live happily. It's told, as in the first book, from the perspective of Brooklyn and in little snippets as if you were on the couch with the character talking about her life. It pulls you in and makes you feel like you're her friend and you end up rooting for Brooklyn and Bo to find happiness and for the struggles they have faced, and will continue to face to end and to allow them to have some time together with Ruth (Bo's soon to be ex wife) from spewing her volatile anger at them both. Brenda Perlin has a way with words and a unique way of telling a story. Highly recommended.
March 11, 2014
I read this book in several sittings and it was like being inside someone's mind, heart, and soul as they experienced the craziness of life. To me it was like finding someone's personal diary and seeing the nastiness of divorce, and family death through the eyes of reality. It was a raw and real portrait of the ugliness of human beings where money is concerned, and the levels they stoop to in order to get it, or hold onto it. The author probably doesn't realize it, but she was dealing with sociopaths, as I have researched them extensively. Standing ovation to Brenda Perlin for bringing it to the table in such an unfiltered way. It's by no means pretty, but it's honest. People are both dark and light at the same time, and this duality can be confusing, but the truth always prevails in the end. A MUST read!!!
January 1, 2015
I read the first book of Brooklyn and Bo Chronicles so I was curious to read Book Two to see where the story was going. In Burnt Promises we learn more about the characters. It's more focused on Bo and Brooklyn's relationship and it also brings the x-wife more in the picture. We see all her emails sent to Bo and clearly it's obvious that she has issues. The author does a very nice job telling the story from the perspective of the mistress. Sure, she's the "other woman" but again, from reading this story, it's easy to like Brooklyn and understand her predicament. I'm looking forward to reading the third book because it sounds like it's told from Bo's perspective... I think it'll be nice to get into his head. If you're looking for a book for a nice escape and to get lost in Brooklyn/Bo's world, this is a great series!
May 8, 2014
*I received a free copy of this book for a fair and honest review.*
I was impressed with the detail in this book when it came to matters of the heart. I found myself bonding with the characters and empathizing with their different plights. This book is much like a drama genre movie which can appeal to the masses and I will be recommending it to friends and family.
You will find yourself on an emotional journey as the author depicts true to life; just how agonizing that a divorce can be. She also delves into the personality of a wife who simply cannot and will not let go.
Regardless of your genre preference, you are sure to enjoy 'Burnt Promises.'
I was also impressed with the professional level of the book and I am certain that you will be too.
I was impressed with the detail in this book when it came to matters of the heart. I found myself bonding with the characters and empathizing with their different plights. This book is much like a drama genre movie which can appeal to the masses and I will be recommending it to friends and family.
You will find yourself on an emotional journey as the author depicts true to life; just how agonizing that a divorce can be. She also delves into the personality of a wife who simply cannot and will not let go.
Regardless of your genre preference, you are sure to enjoy 'Burnt Promises.'
I was also impressed with the professional level of the book and I am certain that you will be too.
June 3, 2014
“Burnt Promises” by Brenda Perlin is the second book in the Brooklyn and Bo Chronicles. Having recently read “Shattered Reality” I can easily say that this follow-up is just as good as the first, which is quite a feat to keep books in the same series consistent in quality. The characters are just as lively and interesting, and Ruth is an absolute crazy person! I thought Perlin did a very nice job of portraying Ruth. I could just see her scheming and rubbing her hands together as she launches into her villainess laugh. Though Brooklyn would like the reader to believe she’s the bad guy in the story, I don’t believe it for a second. Though I’ve already read the first one, this book could easily work as a standalone. No matter which book you read first, you’ll be happy that you did!
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