What do you think?
Rate this book
When Dawn Breaks
Life is hard. There’s no secret in that statement. Life. Is. Hard. Simple enough. But my life hasn’t just been hard… I’ve gotten used to it over the years—come to expect it really. So when fate hands me yet another big f*ck you, I’m not even a little bit surprised. Why should I be? I mean, after everything I’ve been through, why not throw my best friend’s ex-boyfriend into the mix and see how royally I can screw this up too. It doesn’t matter that he loved her first. It doesn’t matter that he’s wrong for me in every way possible. It doesn’t matter that being with him could ruin everything. One touch and I already know it’s too late. When Dawn Breaks is a STANDALONE novel that can be read by itself or following Where the Night Ends. **This book contains content pertaining to sexual and physical abuse. Not recommended for readers who are sensitive to this subject matter.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 10, 2017
98 people are currently reading
724 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Toppen
55 books1,813 followersMelissa Toppen is a USA Today Bestselling Author who specializes in New Adult and Contemporary Romance. She is a lover of books and enjoys nothing more than losing herself in a good novel. She has a soft spot for romance and focuses her writing in that direction; writing what she loves to read.
For more information on Melissa and her books, visit www.melissatoppen.com
For more information on Melissa and her books, visit www.melissatoppen.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
December 1, 2017
4 ★'s
This is Anthony (Ant) and Bree's story and they are friends of Sebastian and Tess from Where The Night Ends. I don't think it's necessary to read their story before you read this one although it's always a good idea so you understand everything.
Ant and Bree were friends in high school but life wasn't kind to Bree and she ends up moving to California and making a life for herself.
Then Sebastian shows up and when Tess wants to contact him, Bree takes her over to his house where she's surprised to run into Ant again.
They immediately start back up their friendship but they both are wanting more. The huge problem with this is that Ant dated her other best friend, Courtney, and she just can't do that to her. (girl-code and all that)
They fight against it as much as they can but when Courtney shows up for a visit and wants Ant, Bree can't restrain herself. She and Ant keep things quiet until Bree can come clean with Courtney.
I really enjoyed Bree and Ant even if it was hard to hear their stories. What made me crazy was the constant push and pull and the rehashing of why they shouldn't be together. Ugh...it drove me a tad crazy!
It was great getting more Tess and Sebastian. I had read their book a few months ago so some of the things are a little fuzzy. I thought Melissa Toppen did a good job catching us back up.
And things seem to be setting up for Courtney's story. I really hope she gets one!
This is Anthony (Ant) and Bree's story and they are friends of Sebastian and Tess from Where The Night Ends. I don't think it's necessary to read their story before you read this one although it's always a good idea so you understand everything.
Ant and Bree were friends in high school but life wasn't kind to Bree and she ends up moving to California and making a life for herself.
Then Sebastian shows up and when Tess wants to contact him, Bree takes her over to his house where she's surprised to run into Ant again.
They immediately start back up their friendship but they both are wanting more. The huge problem with this is that Ant dated her other best friend, Courtney, and she just can't do that to her. (girl-code and all that)
They fight against it as much as they can but when Courtney shows up for a visit and wants Ant, Bree can't restrain herself. She and Ant keep things quiet until Bree can come clean with Courtney.
I really enjoyed Bree and Ant even if it was hard to hear their stories. What made me crazy was the constant push and pull and the rehashing of why they shouldn't be together. Ugh...it drove me a tad crazy!
It was great getting more Tess and Sebastian. I had read their book a few months ago so some of the things are a little fuzzy. I thought Melissa Toppen did a good job catching us back up.
And things seem to be setting up for Courtney's story. I really hope she gets one!
December 13, 2020
DNF 60%
To be honest, the story had potential - but it wasn't interesting enough
To be honest, the story had potential - but it wasn't interesting enough
November 14, 2017
2,5 stars!
November 10, 2017
Bree has always been surrounded by darkness; learning to hide things is second nature to her. After surviving a horrid childhood and seeing her life go astray, Bree moves states away to start over. Her life is now very focused on her son and schooling until Ant visits. One look at Ant and her life starts to get a bit rocky. Now she’s in the tough spot of choosing between her best friend and potential love of her life.
Ant has never felt feelings like he has for Bree, he wants to be with her, has for the last 5 years. In high school he saw how she’d hide things, because he hid them too. Always knowing he would become a better man than what he had at home, abusive and threatening. Ant knows overcoming their past will be the key to their future.
The plot pulls readers in within minutes, the holds it throughout the novel. The chemistry between these Ant and Bree is off the charts, explosive! They have been building on feelings for over 5 years, unable to act on those feelings until now. When Dawn Breaks is a roller coaster of emotions; anger towards the parents for not protecting their children, happiness from Tess and Sebastian reconnecting, hope for Ant and Bree, curiosity for Courtney, and joy from watching Jackson growing. I do wish there was more closure between Ant, Bree, and Courtney, there was a big build up, blow up and a quick resolution. Overall, I would recommend When Dawn Breaks to any readers who love to see love triumph over darkness.
November 14, 2017
I seriously love Melissa Toppen’s books. I know that when I pick up a book by her, I’m in for a good story. Add to it that this is a friends-to-lovers story, and it was sure to be a hit!
I was a little surprised that Bree and Anthony (aka Ant) were going to get a book together. I didn’t really see that coming (and honestly, I avoid spoilers so I just knew there was going to be a book, not who it was about)…but as soon as I started this book, I was totally on board with this pairing.
I loved seeing them meet again after high school, how they seamlessly seemed to pick up where they left off in their friendship and things were comfortable with each other. I loved how Ant was right there ready to develop a relationship with Bree’s son Jack.
I loved seeing Ant and Bree spend time together, it really allowed you to see their connection.
I will say that as much as I loved Where the Night Ends and Sebastian and Tessa, Tessa really pissed me off. This book picks up right where the previous one ends and so, for me, Tessa’s story was still fresh for me. Consequently, her stupidity was fresh for me and she annoyed me when she kept telling Bree everything she was doing wrong in regards to Ant and I just sat there getting irritated because Tessa jerked Sebastian around and ripped his heart out and she was no better! But I digress (and hold grudges)…
Overall, I really did enjoy Bree & Ant’s story and would definitely recommend it!
November 4, 2017
~Lynzi, ☆☆☆☆☆ stars
Oh my word. Such an emotional ride. This one had a knot in my throat for pretty much most of it. This book was such a sticky one. But oh man was it good. I didn’t expect anything less from Melissa Toppen. Her books are so flipping good. Her characters are strong. Her plots are emotional and gut wrenching. And even though she takes your heart and sometimes stomps on them, she still seems to make you smile and laugh a little. When a book can affect me in such a way, like hers do, they stay with me for a pretty long time. I have not read a book by her that I haven’t absolutely loved. Her writing is amazing and I can't get enough.
I was especially happy to hear Bree was getting a book. But Lord have mercy, I did not think it would be like this or with Ant. I think I now need to go back and read Where The Night Ends, to see if I missed something. It might be that it's been a while since I have read it and just forgot a few things. But either way, I will be jumping back into that one, because this book made me realize how much I miss Tess and Sebastian.
Bree has always been known as the slut. She doesn’t hide it nor does she let what people say bother her. It's part of her she has learned to embrace and not be embarrassed about. But little does everyone know, that’s now really who she is, or the kind of person she is. Bree has had a crazy life. Growing up with a mother who didn’t care enough about you to put you first and also looked the other way when you needed her the most. And having to live a life with a father who is no longer there and chose to walk out on you, is a hard pill to swallow. Only her best friends, Tess and Courtney, know her story and how her life really is. She is good at hiding behind her mask. But there is one person who has always seen past her mask. But Ant is off limits. He was when they were in school and has to be now. Even though its been five years since they graduated, and a few years since she has seen him, she still can't go there. Even though she wants to. But there is no way she can betray her best friend. Ant was Courtney’s, and even though he no longer is, doesn’t mean she can act on her feelings.
Anthony, or Ant, has known for a long time that he has feelings for Bree, but they aren’t something he could of acted on. Not only was she one of his friends, but she is also the best friend of his ex. Even though him and Court haven’t been together for a while, he knows that him and Bree can't cross that line. But when he finds himself in California, where Bree just so happens to live, he can't seem to stop his feelings from not only coming back out to play, but getting stronger. He has always been drawn to her, for some unknown reason, and he quickly realizes why. They can see through each other's masks and get each other so much more than they ever knew. They have way more in common than meets the eye. They both have scars that go deeper than the other knew, and both carry a darkness they need to help the other get out from under.
I didn’t think these two would be good together, but boy was I wrong. I fell so in love with them together. Ant’s story is just, wow. With trying to go back and think of what I've seen of him in the other book, I don’t think I thought it was that bad or that much. Nor did I think Bree’s story was so crazy. To have to see what she goes through, oh my heart! My heart broke for both of them. It was sad, it was hard, it was emotional, but so worth it. They needed their pain and scars to help the other heal. They needed their f’ed-upness to show the other that it was okay and they could move on.
They could be happy and deserved to be happy.
Not only did I love them together, but I love how Ant was with Jackson. That had my heart soaring. He never looked at him as a problem, nor did he treat him with any kind of ill will. I honestly think he fell in love with him faster than he did Bree which warms my heart. It takes a special man to love a child that isn’t yours, but treat them as if they are. I loved everything about the relationship they built together.
This one is another one for the books. I have started a collection of Melissa Toppen books, so once I get a chance, I can sit down and binge read them. And I can't flipping wait. I know it's gonna be epic!!
Oh my word. Such an emotional ride. This one had a knot in my throat for pretty much most of it. This book was such a sticky one. But oh man was it good. I didn’t expect anything less from Melissa Toppen. Her books are so flipping good. Her characters are strong. Her plots are emotional and gut wrenching. And even though she takes your heart and sometimes stomps on them, she still seems to make you smile and laugh a little. When a book can affect me in such a way, like hers do, they stay with me for a pretty long time. I have not read a book by her that I haven’t absolutely loved. Her writing is amazing and I can't get enough.
I was especially happy to hear Bree was getting a book. But Lord have mercy, I did not think it would be like this or with Ant. I think I now need to go back and read Where The Night Ends, to see if I missed something. It might be that it's been a while since I have read it and just forgot a few things. But either way, I will be jumping back into that one, because this book made me realize how much I miss Tess and Sebastian.
Bree has always been known as the slut. She doesn’t hide it nor does she let what people say bother her. It's part of her she has learned to embrace and not be embarrassed about. But little does everyone know, that’s now really who she is, or the kind of person she is. Bree has had a crazy life. Growing up with a mother who didn’t care enough about you to put you first and also looked the other way when you needed her the most. And having to live a life with a father who is no longer there and chose to walk out on you, is a hard pill to swallow. Only her best friends, Tess and Courtney, know her story and how her life really is. She is good at hiding behind her mask. But there is one person who has always seen past her mask. But Ant is off limits. He was when they were in school and has to be now. Even though its been five years since they graduated, and a few years since she has seen him, she still can't go there. Even though she wants to. But there is no way she can betray her best friend. Ant was Courtney’s, and even though he no longer is, doesn’t mean she can act on her feelings.
Anthony, or Ant, has known for a long time that he has feelings for Bree, but they aren’t something he could of acted on. Not only was she one of his friends, but she is also the best friend of his ex. Even though him and Court haven’t been together for a while, he knows that him and Bree can't cross that line. But when he finds himself in California, where Bree just so happens to live, he can't seem to stop his feelings from not only coming back out to play, but getting stronger. He has always been drawn to her, for some unknown reason, and he quickly realizes why. They can see through each other's masks and get each other so much more than they ever knew. They have way more in common than meets the eye. They both have scars that go deeper than the other knew, and both carry a darkness they need to help the other get out from under.
I didn’t think these two would be good together, but boy was I wrong. I fell so in love with them together. Ant’s story is just, wow. With trying to go back and think of what I've seen of him in the other book, I don’t think I thought it was that bad or that much. Nor did I think Bree’s story was so crazy. To have to see what she goes through, oh my heart! My heart broke for both of them. It was sad, it was hard, it was emotional, but so worth it. They needed their pain and scars to help the other heal. They needed their f’ed-upness to show the other that it was okay and they could move on.
They could be happy and deserved to be happy.
Not only did I love them together, but I love how Ant was with Jackson. That had my heart soaring. He never looked at him as a problem, nor did he treat him with any kind of ill will. I honestly think he fell in love with him faster than he did Bree which warms my heart. It takes a special man to love a child that isn’t yours, but treat them as if they are. I loved everything about the relationship they built together.
This one is another one for the books. I have started a collection of Melissa Toppen books, so once I get a chance, I can sit down and binge read them. And I can't flipping wait. I know it's gonna be epic!!
November 10, 2017
When Dawn Breaks is hands down one of the best books Melissa has ever written. This is a standalone!! I absolutely love Melissa's books but this one trumps them all. Beautifully written!!!!
I fell in love with Ant. He is so broken by his past. I loved watching him come out of his shell. And Bree is hands down my favorite character.
Very well written. So well that I couldn't put it down. I thought about this book even when I wasn't reading it.
I fell in love with Ant. He is so broken by his past. I loved watching him come out of his shell. And Bree is hands down my favorite character.
Very well written. So well that I couldn't put it down. I thought about this book even when I wasn't reading it.
November 12, 2017
Melissa Toppen est une auteure intéressante et régulière. Si ses romans ne sont pas formidablement originaux, elle trouve toujours des angles intéressants et raconte de jolies et graves histoires. C’est exactement le cas ici avec l’histoire d’Anthony et de Bree.
Ce roman peut se lire indépendamment mais il suit l’histoire d’un autre couple. C’est justement parce que Tess et Sebastian se retrouvent que Bree et Anthony vont renouer eux aussi. En réalité, Bree avait deux amies très proches, Tess et Courtney; la vie, les problèmes ont fait que les trois jeunes femmes se sont un peu perdues de vue entre déménagements entre la côte est et la côte ouest des USA. Bree a accompagné sa meilleure amie, Tess auprès de son copain et découvre avec beaucoup de surprise qu’ile st en colocation avec un autre homme qu’elle a bien connu au lycée. Anthony était alors en couple avec Courtney. Le couple s’est séparé, els années ont passé, très chargées pour Bree et elle retombe avec beaucoup de joie sur Anthony. Elle a toujours beaucoup apprécié ce jeune homme même si le fait qu’il sorte avec son amie a évidemment bloqué toute relation entre eux.
Bree est une jeune femme de vingt-deux ans seulement mais au très lourd passé et le début, assez léger n’est pas révélateur de la lourdeur de ses blessures. Élevée par une mère alcoolique et absente, Bree a connu les pires abus. Un des aspects du livre est de démontrer la gravité des abus sexuels, notamment dans le comportement des petites filles qui, en grandissant, composent avec la violence et l’intègrent comme une normalité. C’est rarement évoqué de cette manière et si certains passages sont durs à lire, ils sont aussi très intéressants justement à cause de cet angle d’approche.
http://romance-bluemoon.com/2017/11/w...
Ce roman peut se lire indépendamment mais il suit l’histoire d’un autre couple. C’est justement parce que Tess et Sebastian se retrouvent que Bree et Anthony vont renouer eux aussi. En réalité, Bree avait deux amies très proches, Tess et Courtney; la vie, les problèmes ont fait que les trois jeunes femmes se sont un peu perdues de vue entre déménagements entre la côte est et la côte ouest des USA. Bree a accompagné sa meilleure amie, Tess auprès de son copain et découvre avec beaucoup de surprise qu’ile st en colocation avec un autre homme qu’elle a bien connu au lycée. Anthony était alors en couple avec Courtney. Le couple s’est séparé, els années ont passé, très chargées pour Bree et elle retombe avec beaucoup de joie sur Anthony. Elle a toujours beaucoup apprécié ce jeune homme même si le fait qu’il sorte avec son amie a évidemment bloqué toute relation entre eux.
Bree est une jeune femme de vingt-deux ans seulement mais au très lourd passé et le début, assez léger n’est pas révélateur de la lourdeur de ses blessures. Élevée par une mère alcoolique et absente, Bree a connu les pires abus. Un des aspects du livre est de démontrer la gravité des abus sexuels, notamment dans le comportement des petites filles qui, en grandissant, composent avec la violence et l’intègrent comme une normalité. C’est rarement évoqué de cette manière et si certains passages sont durs à lire, ils sont aussi très intéressants justement à cause de cet angle d’approche.
http://romance-bluemoon.com/2017/11/w...
November 13, 2017
One fantastic read filled with highs and lows, but most of all a real story of life and how it hands you lemons and you must make the choice on what to make of it all. Ant and Bree are from the same high school, the same type of background, the same pain, heartache, abuse. There were so many things that told me to stop reading but at the same time it was a release of sorts. There was so much here that turned my heart strings tight, almost to snapping.
Bree’s life went left of center a long time ago and now all she cares to focus on is her son and making a better life for him. Oh, and providing support for her friend. That was until Anthony(Ant) walked back in to her life. Ant noticed Bree back in high school and could see a connection between them but never proceeded to act on his feeling.
There was power with each new chapter and the emotional linking that these two characters had was strong. The emotional, chemistry, past bounds allied and propelled this to be a very good love connection. I was pulled in to this read with just a few paragraphs. When Dawn Breaks brought the anger, pain, sadness, sorrow, love, joy, and continued curiosity for more to come from the characters and those around them.
I highly recommend this read for anyone looking for more that the chemistry behind the read. There was depth and connections.
Bree’s life went left of center a long time ago and now all she cares to focus on is her son and making a better life for him. Oh, and providing support for her friend. That was until Anthony(Ant) walked back in to her life. Ant noticed Bree back in high school and could see a connection between them but never proceeded to act on his feeling.
There was power with each new chapter and the emotional linking that these two characters had was strong. The emotional, chemistry, past bounds allied and propelled this to be a very good love connection. I was pulled in to this read with just a few paragraphs. When Dawn Breaks brought the anger, pain, sadness, sorrow, love, joy, and continued curiosity for more to come from the characters and those around them.
I highly recommend this read for anyone looking for more that the chemistry behind the read. There was depth and connections.
November 14, 2017
Wow. Didn't expect to really enjoy this one but I did. Bree finds herself falling in love with her best friend's ex-boyfriend. The whole group has been tight since high school so it is no shocker but Bree has a hard time going against girl code.
I was prepared to hate Bree but her story broke my heart. She and Ant deserved one another. It is like two broken souls becoming one. Nothing happened over night. It is designed to fall into place so perfectly that by the end, I was a teary mess. I loved every moment of it.
I'm glad that Bree was there for Ant as well. He struggled with his past and it was very painful to read some of what happened to both of them.
Outside of the romantic elements of the story, I completely loved the friendship between Tess, Bree and Courtney. They showed what true sisterhood is all about.
By the end, I was glad Bree finally stepped into the light and realized she was worthy of love.
I didn't realize there was a book before this one. I must, must go back to read it. I also hope Courtney get her own book. I felt there was something going on with her.
ARC provided to me by the author in exchange for a honest review.
I was prepared to hate Bree but her story broke my heart. She and Ant deserved one another. It is like two broken souls becoming one. Nothing happened over night. It is designed to fall into place so perfectly that by the end, I was a teary mess. I loved every moment of it.
I'm glad that Bree was there for Ant as well. He struggled with his past and it was very painful to read some of what happened to both of them.
Outside of the romantic elements of the story, I completely loved the friendship between Tess, Bree and Courtney. They showed what true sisterhood is all about.
By the end, I was glad Bree finally stepped into the light and realized she was worthy of love.
I didn't realize there was a book before this one. I must, must go back to read it. I also hope Courtney get her own book. I felt there was something going on with her.
ARC provided to me by the author in exchange for a honest review.
November 3, 2017
When Dawn Breaks takes you through a powerful and emotion story of Ant and Bree.
This was my first Melissa Toppen book and she has me... hook, line and sinker!
I loved the depth to this book! The background of both of the characters is so heartbreaking, but I think it makes their relationship so much stronger because of that.
I found myself tearing up at their moving journey to love.
Excellent read!
5 Passionate Stars!
This was my first Melissa Toppen book and she has me... hook, line and sinker!
I loved the depth to this book! The background of both of the characters is so heartbreaking, but I think it makes their relationship so much stronger because of that.
I found myself tearing up at their moving journey to love.
Excellent read!
5 Passionate Stars!
November 10, 2017
When Dawn Breaks is a standalone set in the same world as Where the Night Ends. Where you don't have to read Where the Night Ends first, I'd still recommend to (and not just because it's an amazing book).
Mild spoilers for both When Dawn Breaks and Where the Night Ends to follow...
Bree is a single mother of an amazing little guy, Jackson. And When Dawn Breaks picks up with Bree and her best friend, Tess, right where Where the Night Ends. Tess is trying to right her life and Bree is her supporting hand. Except while Bree waits to make sure Tess is all good, she comes face to face with a guy she hadn't seen in five years - Anthony.
Anthony (or Ant-man as Jackson and my inner Marvel girl prefer to call him) is a guy from high school. He's also Bree's other best friend's ex.
As the story plays out, we see that both Ant and Bree have similar backgrounds. Backgrounds both kept locked up. In the end, when dawn breaks, they both have to decide if love is enough to get over their individual pasts.
I related to this story in such a way. I actually dated (and married...then divorced) my best friend's ex. (Don't fret, Ant and Bree are a far better pair.)
Mild spoilers for both When Dawn Breaks and Where the Night Ends to follow...
Bree is a single mother of an amazing little guy, Jackson. And When Dawn Breaks picks up with Bree and her best friend, Tess, right where Where the Night Ends. Tess is trying to right her life and Bree is her supporting hand. Except while Bree waits to make sure Tess is all good, she comes face to face with a guy she hadn't seen in five years - Anthony.
Anthony (or Ant-man as Jackson and my inner Marvel girl prefer to call him) is a guy from high school. He's also Bree's other best friend's ex.
As the story plays out, we see that both Ant and Bree have similar backgrounds. Backgrounds both kept locked up. In the end, when dawn breaks, they both have to decide if love is enough to get over their individual pasts.
I related to this story in such a way. I actually dated (and married...then divorced) my best friend's ex. (Don't fret, Ant and Bree are a far better pair.)
October 20, 2017
Wow. This was definitely one of the best from this author that I have read. Its Bree and Anthony (Ants) story. It was definitely a very intense, emotional, heart felt and heart breaking story between these two. He has been in love with her since high school but kept it quiet, she's also always had a crush on him. At the time though he was with one of her best friends and let it go but developed a very close friendship. Even after 5 years they still have the same feelings but knows it wrong on so many levels and they don't want to hurt her friend. Still though they can not help the intense chemistry and feelings they have. These two are so good together and have definitely helped each other out when needed. The things you learn they've both been through as kids will just about kill your heart but love them even more for coming out on top and not letting it define who they are. They are both so strong. I absolutely adored Jackson. I was so excited when I learned they were getting their story and this author did not disappoint me at all. I could not out this book down. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
October 25, 2017
I just finished my ARC of When Dawn Breaks😍,I love it !!, the story of Bree and Anthony is written in a way that you can not stop reading it until you finish it.
I recommend them extensively, 100%, five stars rating no doubt.
Congratulations Melissa Toppen for this without a doubt is and will be a great success
I recommend them extensively, 100%, five stars rating no doubt.
Congratulations Melissa Toppen for this without a doubt is and will be a great success
November 12, 2017
WOW!! STUNNING BEAUTIFUL!! Melissa Toppen Did it Again!!! When Dawn Breaks is a Must READ BOOK & will leave you Speechless!! Anthony aka Ant & Bree story is So Beautifully Broken but has All The FEELS you did Not See Coming! Especially where Their Backstories come to Play in their Lives and they did not even Realized that they have So Much in Common. Bree Kingsley has her Best Friends Tess & Courtney to Bring her Light since she has so much Darkness in her Past. Then One Afternoon, Anthony comes into play and Did Not Imagine he ever see Bree again to stir up feelings that were dormant all these years past. While helping each other out, they are drawn to Each other that scares Bree and only Ant can balance their friendship. When Dawn Breaks...it put in the middle of their Worlds and you are Riding along with them. Every Emotion, Backstory, Friendship and the Love they for One Another...It Is Overwhelming Beautiful!! AGAIN A MUST READ BOOK!!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bree
I’m so lost in my thoughts that I barely register the tall, broad man crossing toward me until he’s standing right in front of my car. He meets my eyes through the windshield, and a wide smile immediately flashes across his face.
“Anthony Treadway.” I almost squeal, climbing from the car so quickly you would think it had just burst into flames.
Within seconds my arms are wrapped around his middle, squeezing him like he’s the sweetest damn thing I’ve ever seen. Honestly, he just might be.
Anthony, or Ant as we’ve always called him, dated my other best friend, Courtney, in high school. They were very Tess and Sebastian for a while, but things rapidly declined for them and they broke up shortly before I left for California between my junior and senior year of high school. And while I considered Ant a good friend of mine, I haven’t seen or spoken to him since I moved.
“Aren’t you a sight for sore eyes?” I smile up at him as I step out of his embrace.
He’s a good head and shoulders taller than me and just as attractive as he was in high school, or at least that’s what I think until that smile of his once again graces his face. Nope, definitely hotter now.
“Bree Kingsley, as I live and breathe.” He looks at me like he couldn’t be happier to see me, and in some weird way that leaves me with a whooshing feeling in my gut.
“My god it feels like it’s been forever.” I take a full step back so I can really get a good look at him. Tall, lean, broad shoulders— he’s filled out a lot in the last five years. His dark hair is a little longer, pushed to the side haphazardly to keep the strands from falling into his eyes, and he has some day-old scruff lining his jaw, giving him a rugged quality that I have to admit is definitely doing it for me.
I shake off the thought. Ant is someone I’ve always harbored a bit of a crush on. Nothing I ever acted on, of course. He was Courtney’s and therefore completely off limits. That didn’t stop me from checking him out every chance I got, but that little bit of information I always kept to myself.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bree
I’m so lost in my thoughts that I barely register the tall, broad man crossing toward me until he’s standing right in front of my car. He meets my eyes through the windshield, and a wide smile immediately flashes across his face.
“Anthony Treadway.” I almost squeal, climbing from the car so quickly you would think it had just burst into flames.
Within seconds my arms are wrapped around his middle, squeezing him like he’s the sweetest damn thing I’ve ever seen. Honestly, he just might be.
Anthony, or Ant as we’ve always called him, dated my other best friend, Courtney, in high school. They were very Tess and Sebastian for a while, but things rapidly declined for them and they broke up shortly before I left for California between my junior and senior year of high school. And while I considered Ant a good friend of mine, I haven’t seen or spoken to him since I moved.
“Aren’t you a sight for sore eyes?” I smile up at him as I step out of his embrace.
He’s a good head and shoulders taller than me and just as attractive as he was in high school, or at least that’s what I think until that smile of his once again graces his face. Nope, definitely hotter now.
“Bree Kingsley, as I live and breathe.” He looks at me like he couldn’t be happier to see me, and in some weird way that leaves me with a whooshing feeling in my gut.
“My god it feels like it’s been forever.” I take a full step back so I can really get a good look at him. Tall, lean, broad shoulders— he’s filled out a lot in the last five years. His dark hair is a little longer, pushed to the side haphazardly to keep the strands from falling into his eyes, and he has some day-old scruff lining his jaw, giving him a rugged quality that I have to admit is definitely doing it for me.
I shake off the thought. Ant is someone I’ve always harbored a bit of a crush on. Nothing I ever acted on, of course. He was Courtney’s and therefore completely off limits. That didn’t stop me from checking him out every chance I got, but that little bit of information I always kept to myself.
November 10, 2017
Oh Melissa. How you break my heart and slowly piece it together again slowly every time. I’ve been waiting for Bree’s story, since we saw her as Tess’ best friend. It was so worth the wait! My goodness, she’s the girl everyone wants to be best friends with because of her independence and resilience. She’s the definition of a wonderful mom-and we are so hoping for her happy ending. Ant is so dreamy, so it only fits that we’re hoping Bree’s happy ending is with him. The only thing is, Ant is completely forbidden. After all, he dated one of her best friends. After years a part, it’s quite evident that their chemistry still can’t be contained.
The author has crafted such an amazing book-that you continuously feel all of the emotions the characters go though first hand.
The plot was so unique- yet such an amazing friends to lover romance novel. Just when I️ think Melissa Toppen can’t possibly do better than her last release, she keeps writing these amazing stories that put readers on an emotional roller coaster ride that you don’t ever want to get off of. Everything this author has to offer is a must read!- By Victoria
The author has crafted such an amazing book-that you continuously feel all of the emotions the characters go though first hand.
The plot was so unique- yet such an amazing friends to lover romance novel. Just when I️ think Melissa Toppen can’t possibly do better than her last release, she keeps writing these amazing stories that put readers on an emotional roller coaster ride that you don’t ever want to get off of. Everything this author has to offer is a must read!- By Victoria
November 14, 2017
Received an ARC at no cost to the author on behalf of Enticement Journey Book Promotions. Can I just say wow!! I have never read this author before, but this is definitely not my last book from her, I already have plans to read "Where the night ends" just to familiarize myself with the characters more. This was an emotional book, and the level of writing from this author blew me away. She was able to make me feel so much, that is someone that knows what they are doing. Bravo Melissa! This was a forbidden love for Bree and Ant, they have known each other for years, and have been attracted to each other, but Ant was one of Bree's best friends boyfriends five years back, however she did not want to cross that line, amazing loyalty. Bree, was good had hiding her true self, the only ones that knew the real her where her best friends. But Ant could see it also, because he was also living behind a mask. I can't say anymore, you need to read it, my friends you will not regret.
November 11, 2017
copy received for honest review
I can honestly say this was a story filled with past tragedies, hurts and betrayals. Bree and Anthony were high school friends. they each lived a family life filled with horror. They wore masks everyday to keep the lies going. Anthony was dating Bree's best friend,Courtney. Bree is in an abusive relationship that results in a teen pregnancy. forward 5 years later and the friends reconnect. The attraction is mutual but they try to deny it. Past hurts and relationship prove big obstacles for both. Bree does not want cross the line by dating her best friend's ex. Plus there are secrets that she feel will cause Ant to think less of her. The range of emotions this story pulls is wide. It is at times sad, cute, angry, passionate and the list goes on. Bree and Anthony really deserve a happy ending.
I can honestly say this was a story filled with past tragedies, hurts and betrayals. Bree and Anthony were high school friends. they each lived a family life filled with horror. They wore masks everyday to keep the lies going. Anthony was dating Bree's best friend,Courtney. Bree is in an abusive relationship that results in a teen pregnancy. forward 5 years later and the friends reconnect. The attraction is mutual but they try to deny it. Past hurts and relationship prove big obstacles for both. Bree does not want cross the line by dating her best friend's ex. Plus there are secrets that she feel will cause Ant to think less of her. The range of emotions this story pulls is wide. It is at times sad, cute, angry, passionate and the list goes on. Bree and Anthony really deserve a happy ending.
November 12, 2017
I love a good second chance romance, but this was not just good, it was GREAT!!
I loved following along with Bree and Anthony. These two both had a rough childhood for very different reasons, but the pasts that once defined them would bring them together. Mending their broken pasts becomes the glue that will hold them together.
Things are not so easy as you will find out. Your heart will go through the ringer.
Childhood trauma, betrayal, and angst will keep those pages flipping in this emotional and entertaining read.
I loved following along with Bree and Anthony. These two both had a rough childhood for very different reasons, but the pasts that once defined them would bring them together. Mending their broken pasts becomes the glue that will hold them together.
Things are not so easy as you will find out. Your heart will go through the ringer.
Childhood trauma, betrayal, and angst will keep those pages flipping in this emotional and entertaining read.
November 20, 2017
Melissa Toppen has become a pro at torturing the reader with angst. The chemistry is off the charts between the H and h. Both are sweet and so in love but afraid of hurting someone they both care about. Trying to find a way around that pain turns out to be a rough ride.
These characters quickly become a part of the family and your emotions are all over the place for all of them. I actually refused to speak to Melissa Toppen for a chapter or three.
This book is sweet, sexy, angsty and a must read. love, love, love it!!
These characters quickly become a part of the family and your emotions are all over the place for all of them. I actually refused to speak to Melissa Toppen for a chapter or three.
This book is sweet, sexy, angsty and a must read. love, love, love it!!
November 28, 2017
Bree broke the Bro Code! Never date your best friends ex. But seriously these two people needed each other. I feel like they pieced each other back together after everything they’ve been through. Each of them wore masks to cover up who they really are. What will happen when they let their walls down. They both fight the attraction because… yeah. He’s her best friends ex. This book emotional highs and lows. Melissa Toppen definitely knows how to write a good story.
November 10, 2017
I always look forward to reading more of this author's work. She always comes up with an interesting and unique plot. Bree intrigued me in Where the Night Ends. I was excited to find out she would get her own story.
Bree didn't have a good home life. She pretends all is well when really she has been hurt. She made her own family with her best friends, Tess and Courtney. She comes face to face with her past when she runs into Anthony, her best friend's ex. It's been five years since she last seen him. She secretly harbored a crush on him in high School but she ignored it because he was dating her friend, Courtney.
Anthony broke up with Courtney in high school because he knew he had feelings for Bree but he didn't feel it was right to act on those feelings. Now, five years later after his breakup he runs into Bree and they start their friendship up again only to be reminded that their feelings for one another never went away. Will they do what others think is right and stay friends or will they follow their hearts?
Anthony and Courtney are easy to like and respect. They both have been though hell but overcame it. I hope Courtney gets a book next!
Bree didn't have a good home life. She pretends all is well when really she has been hurt. She made her own family with her best friends, Tess and Courtney. She comes face to face with her past when she runs into Anthony, her best friend's ex. It's been five years since she last seen him. She secretly harbored a crush on him in high School but she ignored it because he was dating her friend, Courtney.
Anthony broke up with Courtney in high school because he knew he had feelings for Bree but he didn't feel it was right to act on those feelings. Now, five years later after his breakup he runs into Bree and they start their friendship up again only to be reminded that their feelings for one another never went away. Will they do what others think is right and stay friends or will they follow their hearts?
Anthony and Courtney are easy to like and respect. They both have been though hell but overcame it. I hope Courtney gets a book next!
November 10, 2017
Wow! Such a great story! I absolutely loved it 💜 This is the second book in a standalone series by Melissa. I read the first book, "Where The Night Ends" and loved it too (See my review for more ☺️). So, I had high hopes for this book. It did not disappoint ❤️ "When Dawn Breaks" is such a beautiful story of survival and second chances 💜 It had elements of it that are heart-breaking 😢 It has amazing aspects too ❤️ Bree is a strong, beautiful soul that deserves a second chance at happiness/love. She doesn't believe that she does 😯 Which makes me, want to root for her, all the more 💜 Anthony (Ant) is an amazing, kind man who has his own secrets (that are locked up tight). He is also beautifully unselfish. You can't help but love him too 💜❤️ I loved seeing Bree and Ant evolve together. You can't help but root for their happily ever after 💜 This book is definitely a Must Read for any fans of "Where The Night Ends". Also, for any readers of Melissa's other books. You do not necessarily need to read "Where The Night Ends" first. However, I think it would enhance reading this book even more 😊 I can wait to see what Melissa writes next 😊
*I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of this book for an honest & voluntary review.
*I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of this book for an honest & voluntary review.
June 2, 2019
A beautiful emotional rollercoaster that proves that Broken is Beautiful too.
Warning: Too much of tears guaranteed including happy ones.
Warning: Too much of tears guaranteed including happy ones.
October 24, 2017
When Dawn Breaks is the first book I have read by Melissa. If I could give this book more than 5 stars then I would. When Dawn Breaks can definitely be read as a standalone but I want to know more of Tess & Sebastian, so I plan on reading their story and I hope Courtney gets a book.
So much raw emotions. This book is not for the faint of heart. Do take the warning seriously. I have worked in a children's home and I have heard the stories. Melissa did a wonderful job on Bree's character. Anthony is more than swoon worthy. Bree & Anthony are a powerful/ strong couple. This book has left me speechless and definitely one I will remember.
Can two shattered hearts heal on their own or can they help each other heal together?
So much raw emotions. This book is not for the faint of heart. Do take the warning seriously. I have worked in a children's home and I have heard the stories. Melissa did a wonderful job on Bree's character. Anthony is more than swoon worthy. Bree & Anthony are a powerful/ strong couple. This book has left me speechless and definitely one I will remember.
Can two shattered hearts heal on their own or can they help each other heal together?
November 19, 2017
“He pulled me from the shadows and gave me the strength to face the dawn as me, scars and all.”
This book is not only one of romance and finding love when a person feels like they are unworthy of ever receiving it unconditionally, but it is also one about friendships and weathering whatever obstacles come between the truest of friends. I found this book very relatable on multiple levels. The kind where you laugh with the characters, and cry with them too. It was well written and flowed so well that it kept you wanting to turn to that next chapter no matter how late it got. I devoured it in one sitting and it was a beautiful end that was well worth the tired eyes in the morning.
This book has several supporting characters that are important so I’ll name them first. It is a group of friends that is at the center, that go back all the way to high school. Bree (her son Jackson), Tess, Courtney, Sebastian, and Anthony (Ant). The book mainly focuses on Bree Kingsley and Ant Treadway. They end up crossing paths again because Tess comes to town in hopes to reignite her love for Sebastian after five years of denying it. It just happens that Ant is staying with Sebastian at the time. It turns out that things work in the favor of Tess and Sebastian and Ant needs a place to stay to save him from the romance overload happening at Sebastian’s place, who can blame him. The only problem is Ant has a secret he has be harboring for the last six or so years himself. And it is just a matter of time before he is unable to hide his either.
What follows is a love tug of war so to speak. Bree struggles with her inner demons. Ant previously dated Courtney while they were in high school and there is the girls code in place. You just don’t go there.
“Ant is someone I’ve always harbored a bit of a crush on. Nothing I ever acted on, of course. He was Courtney’s and therefore completely off limits. That didn’t stop me from checking him out every chance I got, but that little bit of information I kept to myself.”
Ant insists that he broke it off in high school with Courtney because of Bree, that he has always had more than just a friend frame of mind when it came to feelings for her.
“So, I did the only thing I knew to do, I ended things with Courtney and washed my hands of the I entire situation. I knew then what I still know now: Bree Kingsley is and always will be the one girl I missed out on.”
Both of them want to salvage their friendships and keep the group together, but at the same time they both are sick of denying the feelings they have for each other. Will they be able to make it work? Will their love, the very thing they need to heal and complete them, fix the holes they have never found how to fill from damaged childhoods be reason enough to stand up to their friends? And can their friends see that that happiness is what matters more than a relationship that ended in high school? Or will it be over before it started?
“I’m saying if you walk away from me now it’s over, forever. I won’t go back and forth. I won’t have my heart put through f@---@-- barbwire every time you change your mind.”
“It’s the things you least expect that hit you the hardest” ~ Unknown
This book is not only one of romance and finding love when a person feels like they are unworthy of ever receiving it unconditionally, but it is also one about friendships and weathering whatever obstacles come between the truest of friends. I found this book very relatable on multiple levels. The kind where you laugh with the characters, and cry with them too. It was well written and flowed so well that it kept you wanting to turn to that next chapter no matter how late it got. I devoured it in one sitting and it was a beautiful end that was well worth the tired eyes in the morning.
This book has several supporting characters that are important so I’ll name them first. It is a group of friends that is at the center, that go back all the way to high school. Bree (her son Jackson), Tess, Courtney, Sebastian, and Anthony (Ant). The book mainly focuses on Bree Kingsley and Ant Treadway. They end up crossing paths again because Tess comes to town in hopes to reignite her love for Sebastian after five years of denying it. It just happens that Ant is staying with Sebastian at the time. It turns out that things work in the favor of Tess and Sebastian and Ant needs a place to stay to save him from the romance overload happening at Sebastian’s place, who can blame him. The only problem is Ant has a secret he has be harboring for the last six or so years himself. And it is just a matter of time before he is unable to hide his either.
What follows is a love tug of war so to speak. Bree struggles with her inner demons. Ant previously dated Courtney while they were in high school and there is the girls code in place. You just don’t go there.
“Ant is someone I’ve always harbored a bit of a crush on. Nothing I ever acted on, of course. He was Courtney’s and therefore completely off limits. That didn’t stop me from checking him out every chance I got, but that little bit of information I kept to myself.”
Ant insists that he broke it off in high school with Courtney because of Bree, that he has always had more than just a friend frame of mind when it came to feelings for her.
“So, I did the only thing I knew to do, I ended things with Courtney and washed my hands of the I entire situation. I knew then what I still know now: Bree Kingsley is and always will be the one girl I missed out on.”
Both of them want to salvage their friendships and keep the group together, but at the same time they both are sick of denying the feelings they have for each other. Will they be able to make it work? Will their love, the very thing they need to heal and complete them, fix the holes they have never found how to fill from damaged childhoods be reason enough to stand up to their friends? And can their friends see that that happiness is what matters more than a relationship that ended in high school? Or will it be over before it started?
“I’m saying if you walk away from me now it’s over, forever. I won’t go back and forth. I won’t have my heart put through f@---@-- barbwire every time you change your mind.”
“It’s the things you least expect that hit you the hardest” ~ Unknown
May 5, 2019
First, I listened to the audio and the narrator does a good job.
I’m not a huge fan of this premise, but I enjoyed the first book, so I thought I’d give this a try. The writing is fine, but there was just too much that I didn’t enjoy about the book. I was going to do 3 stars, but after thinking about it; I was really just annoyed most of the time, so I’m going with 2.
There will probably be spoilers! Warning! Spoilers!
Bree had a bad upbringing with a horrible mom, she was abused sexually since she was a young child by multiple guys her mom dated. Her mom had her at 15, Bree got pregnant at 16 by an abusive boyfriend; she has low self worth and lets guys treat her like crud. She thinks she deserves it, and ends up thinking she likes it and needs it. That’s all in the past, she’s a single mom now and has had therapy, but she still has issues. She probably should’ve kept up with therapy because her self worth is still really low. She had a crush on her friend’s bf in high school, Anthony (Ant), who also liked her, but girl code and all that. Now it’s 5 years later and they meet again. Then it starts the whole when will they finally be truthful and tell the other one how they really feel and what will they do about the best friend.
I didn’t like the scenes in the past; it just shows all the bad things that happened to Bree and how Ant wanted Bree but she was in a complete mess of a situation. We already knew these things and really didn’t need more detail into it. I don’t like the whole friends to lovers thing; it just makes the characters seem stupid and weak for resisting and not knowing their own minds. The book is mostly from Bree’s POV, but there are a couple random chapters from Ant’s POV. I would’ve liked more from him. I did like their chemistry, but the romance was lacking and there was too much time dealing with all their issues. I would’ve liked more time with them as a happy couple.
Bree just kept getting on my nerves, so I had a hard time rooting for her. She’s a really bad friend; not because she wants her friend’s ex, but because she lies multiple times to her and makes her friend look like an idiot. She has the perfect opportunity to let her friend know about her feelings before anything has gone too far between Bree and Ant, but Bree is just too weak and scared to tell her. Then the relationship goes past innocent and still she doesn’t tell her, and of course it comes out in a horrible way. Then Bree’s actions after that just made me cringe. You’ve already slept with him, breaking up with him isn’t going to help much. She’s trying to not be selfish, but that’s exactly what she is being and when people call her out on it, she’s rude. I know she’s scared and feels unworthy, but this book had so much of her making idiot choices. I wanted more growth from her. Her personality and attitude began to grate on me throughout the story until I finally ended up with a 2 star rating.
Like I said, the writing is good and I suppose the story kept me interested, so other readers may not mind Bree so much and enjoy the story more than I did. I’ve enjoyed a few of Melissa Toppen’s other books, so not liking this one has more to do with the subject matter. I’ll keep reading Toppen’s books.
I’m not a huge fan of this premise, but I enjoyed the first book, so I thought I’d give this a try. The writing is fine, but there was just too much that I didn’t enjoy about the book. I was going to do 3 stars, but after thinking about it; I was really just annoyed most of the time, so I’m going with 2.
There will probably be spoilers! Warning! Spoilers!
Bree had a bad upbringing with a horrible mom, she was abused sexually since she was a young child by multiple guys her mom dated. Her mom had her at 15, Bree got pregnant at 16 by an abusive boyfriend; she has low self worth and lets guys treat her like crud. She thinks she deserves it, and ends up thinking she likes it and needs it. That’s all in the past, she’s a single mom now and has had therapy, but she still has issues. She probably should’ve kept up with therapy because her self worth is still really low. She had a crush on her friend’s bf in high school, Anthony (Ant), who also liked her, but girl code and all that. Now it’s 5 years later and they meet again. Then it starts the whole when will they finally be truthful and tell the other one how they really feel and what will they do about the best friend.
I didn’t like the scenes in the past; it just shows all the bad things that happened to Bree and how Ant wanted Bree but she was in a complete mess of a situation. We already knew these things and really didn’t need more detail into it. I don’t like the whole friends to lovers thing; it just makes the characters seem stupid and weak for resisting and not knowing their own minds. The book is mostly from Bree’s POV, but there are a couple random chapters from Ant’s POV. I would’ve liked more from him. I did like their chemistry, but the romance was lacking and there was too much time dealing with all their issues. I would’ve liked more time with them as a happy couple.
Bree just kept getting on my nerves, so I had a hard time rooting for her. She’s a really bad friend; not because she wants her friend’s ex, but because she lies multiple times to her and makes her friend look like an idiot. She has the perfect opportunity to let her friend know about her feelings before anything has gone too far between Bree and Ant, but Bree is just too weak and scared to tell her. Then the relationship goes past innocent and still she doesn’t tell her, and of course it comes out in a horrible way. Then Bree’s actions after that just made me cringe. You’ve already slept with him, breaking up with him isn’t going to help much. She’s trying to not be selfish, but that’s exactly what she is being and when people call her out on it, she’s rude. I know she’s scared and feels unworthy, but this book had so much of her making idiot choices. I wanted more growth from her. Her personality and attitude began to grate on me throughout the story until I finally ended up with a 2 star rating.
Like I said, the writing is good and I suppose the story kept me interested, so other readers may not mind Bree so much and enjoy the story more than I did. I’ve enjoyed a few of Melissa Toppen’s other books, so not liking this one has more to do with the subject matter. I’ll keep reading Toppen’s books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2017
I’m truly at a loss of words…yes, When Dawn Breaks by Melissa Toppen was that good! There were times my heart was broken, and then she deftly put it back together again. I’m AMAZED!
Love…it’s all that really matters at the end of the day. The people you love and the ones who love you. That’s what life is about.”
Unfortunately, Bree has never really known what love really means until the birth of her son Jack when she was just 17. Now, Jack is 5, and she has worked hard to be the mother to Jack that she never had. Bree moved from the east coast to California to be with her grandparents, and she tried to work past the pain of her childhood and make her life bearable. Her best friends, Tess and Courtney, have been her support system for as long as she can remember. They are the only ones, besides her therapist, who know all of her past. Both women have given her the strength to be the woman and mother she is today.
A chance meeting with her high school friend, Anthony, will be the catalyst that could possibly give her the life she has always dreamed about or completely break her. Anthony was Courtney’s boyfriend in high school, but he broke it off with her senior year because he had feelings for someone else and didn’t want to string Courtney along. Anthony and Bree always had a connection in high school. When they reconnect, the feelings they had when they were younger intensify. They are drawn to each other because of their childhoods. They were horrific. Of course, they try to deny their growing attraction, but it’s getting harder as they spend almost all their time together. This is a couple that deserve their HEA, but can they overcome their pasts? How will their relationship affect her friendship with Courtney? Even if it was over years ago with Courtney and Ant, Bree would never jeopardize her friendship, but now she doesn’t think she could choose between them.
This is a tearjerker. Parts were very difficult to read, but I’m glad I did. Bree and Ant are both amazing characters. They are so incredibly strong. They each carried secrets and burdens by themselves that no child should ever have to carry. Sadly, many do in the real world, and Toppen did an amazing job addressing an incredibly difficult subject. My heart broke for both, but Bree about devastated me. It’s incredible and hard to fathom that a woman knew what shame, devastating physical and mental pain, neglect, rejection, and loneliness was, but she had no idea how to process the possibility of love and hope. I’m still fighting tears. She and Ant prove that your past doesn’t have to define you…you can create something new and better.
This book will stay with me forever. I just hope that others that have or are suffering abuse will find someone like Bree and Ant who will “pull them from the shadows and give them the strength to face the dawn, as they did, scars and all.” That those that are broken will “know what it means to be healed.” Thank you, Melissa Toppen for an incredibly emotional, moving, and beautiful book!
***Read and Reviewed for Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews***
Love…it’s all that really matters at the end of the day. The people you love and the ones who love you. That’s what life is about.”
Unfortunately, Bree has never really known what love really means until the birth of her son Jack when she was just 17. Now, Jack is 5, and she has worked hard to be the mother to Jack that she never had. Bree moved from the east coast to California to be with her grandparents, and she tried to work past the pain of her childhood and make her life bearable. Her best friends, Tess and Courtney, have been her support system for as long as she can remember. They are the only ones, besides her therapist, who know all of her past. Both women have given her the strength to be the woman and mother she is today.
A chance meeting with her high school friend, Anthony, will be the catalyst that could possibly give her the life she has always dreamed about or completely break her. Anthony was Courtney’s boyfriend in high school, but he broke it off with her senior year because he had feelings for someone else and didn’t want to string Courtney along. Anthony and Bree always had a connection in high school. When they reconnect, the feelings they had when they were younger intensify. They are drawn to each other because of their childhoods. They were horrific. Of course, they try to deny their growing attraction, but it’s getting harder as they spend almost all their time together. This is a couple that deserve their HEA, but can they overcome their pasts? How will their relationship affect her friendship with Courtney? Even if it was over years ago with Courtney and Ant, Bree would never jeopardize her friendship, but now she doesn’t think she could choose between them.
This is a tearjerker. Parts were very difficult to read, but I’m glad I did. Bree and Ant are both amazing characters. They are so incredibly strong. They each carried secrets and burdens by themselves that no child should ever have to carry. Sadly, many do in the real world, and Toppen did an amazing job addressing an incredibly difficult subject. My heart broke for both, but Bree about devastated me. It’s incredible and hard to fathom that a woman knew what shame, devastating physical and mental pain, neglect, rejection, and loneliness was, but she had no idea how to process the possibility of love and hope. I’m still fighting tears. She and Ant prove that your past doesn’t have to define you…you can create something new and better.
This book will stay with me forever. I just hope that others that have or are suffering abuse will find someone like Bree and Ant who will “pull them from the shadows and give them the strength to face the dawn, as they did, scars and all.” That those that are broken will “know what it means to be healed.” Thank you, Melissa Toppen for an incredibly emotional, moving, and beautiful book!
***Read and Reviewed for Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews***
November 11, 2017
When Dawn Breaks by Melissa Toppen is a contemporary romance story. This story does have some sexual and physical abuse situations that could be triggers for some. This story can be read as a stand alone but I highly suggest you read the first book as well it will help with some of the background for the story. We also get to see some of the characters from the first book which I love when an author does that. I love see what happens to characters after their story ends. This story will take you on an emotional roller coaster ride of various emotions and I even had a few tears. This story really is about friendship growing into something more when you let it. This author's writing style and creative details are such that they made me feel as if I was right there taking this emotional journey with the characters. Her characters are connectable, lovable and true to life. They will pull you in to their world with very little effort. This is the story of Bree and Ant. Both of these two are part of the same group of friends. Ant use to date Courtney when they all were in high school but had feelings for Bree more. Now that it is a few years later, Ant wants to know if she has feelings for him too? Are they ready to cross over the line of friendship? Are they willing to accept their fate if they do? Their emotions are all over the place but what they go through is what makes you stronger. I felt compassion for both of these characters, they were really just unsure what to do. What will happen when their loyalty is put to the test? I also loved these characters. Bree is so strong, loving and caring. She is just so emotionally hurt from her past that she really just needs to learn to trust again. Ant also has been hurt in the past and learning to trust is something he needs to do. He is also a strong character that you will get to see through his sensitive side. Life is a struggle sometimes and you will see that these two are no different. I enjoy this group of characters and hope we get to see more of them in future books. They are all supportive, loving and caring for each other. I highly recommend this story because I know you will want to see what happens with these two. Will fate allow them to heal and finally find their happily ever after?
November 10, 2017
When Dawn Breaks
By: Melissa Toppen
5 out of 5 stars
The story When Dawn Breaks by Melissa Toppen is a new adult/contemporary romance book. This is an amazing and wonderful story that I loved reading. It is a story that touched my heart and had my emotions going up and own all the time. There are parts of this story that made me laughing and others that had me misty-eyed. There are parts that had me upset with how the main characters had been treated in the past. Then there are wonderful moments when their feelings for each other is like a light shining through the darkness. I didn’t want to put it down until I had finished the last page. I just had to know how it ends. The story begins with the two main characters reconnecting after not seeing each other for some time. They two were always good friends. They are comfortable talking to one another even after the time that has past and they banter back and forth with each other. They both also have a past that the other knows nothing about but has shaped the lives that they now live. They have a definite attraction to each other and even though she considers him off-limits and that there could be problems with them being together they soon find themselves in a relationship. Sometimes knowing what you should do and doing it are two separate things and the tendency is to take the easy way out. Doing this can cause hurt feelings and rifts in friendships. The question now becomes what will happen when their relationship is found out? What would it mean for this couple’s future? Will their love be able to survive or would it mean the end of their relationship? This is an amazing couple who I grew to love and I wanted them to find happiness together. There are so many moments where I was saying “Aww.” This is a beautiful friends to lovers story. This is the second book I have read by the author and I have found her to be a wonderful storyteller. I can’t wait to read what she writes next! This story does have content that includes sensitive subject matters such as sexual and physical abuse. That should be taken into consideration when reading. I would recommend it for those 18 years of age or older.
By: Melissa Toppen
5 out of 5 stars
The story When Dawn Breaks by Melissa Toppen is a new adult/contemporary romance book. This is an amazing and wonderful story that I loved reading. It is a story that touched my heart and had my emotions going up and own all the time. There are parts of this story that made me laughing and others that had me misty-eyed. There are parts that had me upset with how the main characters had been treated in the past. Then there are wonderful moments when their feelings for each other is like a light shining through the darkness. I didn’t want to put it down until I had finished the last page. I just had to know how it ends. The story begins with the two main characters reconnecting after not seeing each other for some time. They two were always good friends. They are comfortable talking to one another even after the time that has past and they banter back and forth with each other. They both also have a past that the other knows nothing about but has shaped the lives that they now live. They have a definite attraction to each other and even though she considers him off-limits and that there could be problems with them being together they soon find themselves in a relationship. Sometimes knowing what you should do and doing it are two separate things and the tendency is to take the easy way out. Doing this can cause hurt feelings and rifts in friendships. The question now becomes what will happen when their relationship is found out? What would it mean for this couple’s future? Will their love be able to survive or would it mean the end of their relationship? This is an amazing couple who I grew to love and I wanted them to find happiness together. There are so many moments where I was saying “Aww.” This is a beautiful friends to lovers story. This is the second book I have read by the author and I have found her to be a wonderful storyteller. I can’t wait to read what she writes next! This story does have content that includes sensitive subject matters such as sexual and physical abuse. That should be taken into consideration when reading. I would recommend it for those 18 years of age or older.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews