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The Kane Brothers #1
Rescuing Broken
Jax enlisted to protect my future. But I never escaped my past. After seven years of silence, Jaxon Kane barrels back into my life like he never left. He’s a hot, confident, fearless soldier, bearing new scars on top of old hurts. Jax isn’t the same man I fell for in high school. But I’ve changed too. Now that our paths have crossed again, I can’t avoid him or dodge his questions. The harder he pushes to understand me, the more I resist. Too broken for second chances, I know better than to let him in. If he learns why I never left Georgia, will he forgive himself? If he discovers my secret, will he forgive me?
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2018
1112 people are currently reading
1095 people want to read
About the author
Gina Azzi
60 books807 followersHi! I'm Gina and I write realistic, relatable, sweet New Adult and Contemporary Romance books. A NJ native, I have lived and worked abroad before settling in Canada with my husband and Littles. Although I can't iron (at all), I am a passionate reader, frequent globetrotter, and aspiring baker (recipes appreciated!). I love hearing from fellow readers so please connect!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
November 13, 2020
Wow! This book is simple yet powerful. The story took me by roller coaster. Roller coaster of emotion. Gentle yet moving. Not boring nor dragging.
I read this series not in order. Rescuing Broken is the last book I read, it supposed to be the first book I read. Miss Azzi is relatively new for me. I only read 3 books of hers. I have to say, I want more from her. I do love her story telling. Evie and Jax is just.... perfect for each other. Especially Jax. He is the perfect book boyfriend. Gentle, caring, loyal and brave. He became a rock for Evie when she needs her the most.
Both Jax and Evie suffered a tragic past. Different way. Jax suffers guilt PTSD during his time in military and Evie suffered an assault. Trigger warning, everyone. Miss Azzi did not write it in graphic detail but it still in the story.
The chemistry between Jax and Evie is hot. Even when they only kissed, I can feel all the warm tingle on my skin. Overall this is a very good book. Wonderful book.
4 stars
I read this series not in order. Rescuing Broken is the last book I read, it supposed to be the first book I read. Miss Azzi is relatively new for me. I only read 3 books of hers. I have to say, I want more from her. I do love her story telling. Evie and Jax is just.... perfect for each other. Especially Jax. He is the perfect book boyfriend. Gentle, caring, loyal and brave. He became a rock for Evie when she needs her the most.
Both Jax and Evie suffered a tragic past. Different way. Jax suffers guilt PTSD during his time in military and Evie suffered an assault. Trigger warning, everyone. Miss Azzi did not write it in graphic detail but it still in the story.
The chemistry between Jax and Evie is hot. Even when they only kissed, I can feel all the warm tingle on my skin. Overall this is a very good book. Wonderful book.
4 stars
March 13, 2019
Too long apart
I hate long separations and this one was seven years. He went to war and she had something traumatic happen to her and it is a trigger for most people so be warned. I knew though from the beginning and most people will figure it out long before you know for sure. It's sad and she Totally shut her life off for seven years. He loved her and wanted her back but I wasn't sure if I did. He just annoyed me at first but he did grow on me. They both made mistakes and they both paid for them. There wasn't a resolution really at the end. I wanted to see her totally accept him at the end but you dont. I did love the authors writing style and I will try her again. There is only kissing in the book. I don't know if I will read Carter's story which is next because he was a man ho but who knows. Good story, solid writing. Celibacy for him is unclear. I do believe he loved her though at the end. And she always loved him.
I hate long separations and this one was seven years. He went to war and she had something traumatic happen to her and it is a trigger for most people so be warned. I knew though from the beginning and most people will figure it out long before you know for sure. It's sad and she Totally shut her life off for seven years. He loved her and wanted her back but I wasn't sure if I did. He just annoyed me at first but he did grow on me. They both made mistakes and they both paid for them. There wasn't a resolution really at the end. I wanted to see her totally accept him at the end but you dont. I did love the authors writing style and I will try her again. There is only kissing in the book. I don't know if I will read Carter's story which is next because he was a man ho but who knows. Good story, solid writing. Celibacy for him is unclear. I do believe he loved her though at the end. And she always loved him.
March 9, 2021
Up until de 80% of the book I thought for sure I was going to DNF, I found it slow and didn’t connect with the main female character at all.
I give this book two stars because the last 20% was better, good enough to leave me feeling that I didn’t loose my time with this book but not good enough to make up for the rest of the book I guess.
It’s not the story or the writing style, it’s just that I didn’t connect with Evie at all, although I did like Jax
Is it weird that I want to keep going with this series to see what happens with the rest of the brothers because I liked Jax’s family more than the main characters?
I give this book two stars because the last 20% was better, good enough to leave me feeling that I didn’t loose my time with this book but not good enough to make up for the rest of the book I guess.
It’s not the story or the writing style, it’s just that I didn’t connect with Evie at all, although I did like Jax
Is it weird that I want to keep going with this series to see what happens with the rest of the brothers because I liked Jax’s family more than the main characters?
October 29, 2018
2.5 Stars
I can’t say that I fully enjoyed this book. I’ve read some books on this subject matter and they’ve just pulled me right in from the beginning. I felt every emotion that that character was going through in those books.
This book... Was hard for me to feel anything about Evie. She was cold right from the start. I hated how the author dances around the whole sexual assault for a good chunk of the book. I mean we get flashbacks of times when Evie and Jax are together. But none of the assault. I mean.... I would have liked to feel and see why she’s acting the way she is. Why she totally just abandon all her plans for her life because of this assault. Why she was so skinny to the point where all her bones were popping out.
But as I read on we don’t get all that. We just get a lot of tensing up, her freezing in place. Her scared looks. Her brushing things away! And pushing people away.
We don’t find out about her assault until the 78%! That’s just way to late in the book for all that. In my opinion.
After we find out the full story about everything. I just felt things felt rushed after. The book didn’t feel balanced to me. It was also hard for me to feel the connection between Jax’s and Evie. I wasn’t feeling their love for each other. The whole relationship felt one sided.
Overall... this book didn’t hit all the marks for me.
*ARC provided for an honest review*
I can’t say that I fully enjoyed this book. I’ve read some books on this subject matter and they’ve just pulled me right in from the beginning. I felt every emotion that that character was going through in those books.
This book... Was hard for me to feel anything about Evie. She was cold right from the start. I hated how the author dances around the whole sexual assault for a good chunk of the book. I mean we get flashbacks of times when Evie and Jax are together. But none of the assault. I mean.... I would have liked to feel and see why she’s acting the way she is. Why she totally just abandon all her plans for her life because of this assault. Why she was so skinny to the point where all her bones were popping out.
But as I read on we don’t get all that. We just get a lot of tensing up, her freezing in place. Her scared looks. Her brushing things away! And pushing people away.
We don’t find out about her assault until the 78%! That’s just way to late in the book for all that. In my opinion.
After we find out the full story about everything. I just felt things felt rushed after. The book didn’t feel balanced to me. It was also hard for me to feel the connection between Jax’s and Evie. I wasn’t feeling their love for each other. The whole relationship felt one sided.
Overall... this book didn’t hit all the marks for me.
*ARC provided for an honest review*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2018
What an amazing second chance story! Evie and Jax are childhood sweethearts, planning their life together. Evie is on her way to a military education and to serve her country. Jax is planning to follow along with her. Jax suddenly enlists and goes off to find himself and the man he can be. It throws a complete wrench in Evie's plans and she's left behind, hurt and lonely, and not understanding why Jax did this. Then something horrible happens to her, and the day before she is to leave for the military academy, she tells her family she isn't going. She cuts off all communication to Jax. Cue 7 years later, Jax is back in town after getting injured. He and Evie cross paths. But Evie has changed. She is closed off to everything and everyone around her. Jax is determined to get through and right the wrongs. This is a beautiful story of love, acceptance, forgiveness and facing truths.
June 1, 2018
This second-chance military romance book followed high school sweethearts Evie and Jax. Jax decided to join the army, doing several tours overseas after high school instead of following Evie to NY/West Point together. As if that weren’t enough, another traumatic event occurs (for each of them, actually). And seven years later, they up in their small southern town (where they grew up) and run into each other.
The characters felt real, and I liked how they interacted with each other- pushing boundaries and retreating (based upon their shared and separate histories). The dual first person narrative allowed the reader to know what's going on in each character's mind (though one character is more forthcoming than the other), so elements of dramatic irony are woven throughout the storyline.
As a glutton for second chance books, I enjoyed disappearing into Evie and Jax's world. The military aspect was there, but I wouldn't call it a typical military romance per se. Since this is the first book in a series entitled "The Kane Brothers," I would assume that Jax's brothers Carter and Denver will each get their own book. I liked these secondary characters in this book, so I'll end up reading their stories too, once they're written and released.
The characters felt real, and I liked how they interacted with each other- pushing boundaries and retreating (based upon their shared and separate histories). The dual first person narrative allowed the reader to know what's going on in each character's mind (though one character is more forthcoming than the other), so elements of dramatic irony are woven throughout the storyline.
As a glutton for second chance books, I enjoyed disappearing into Evie and Jax's world. The military aspect was there, but I wouldn't call it a typical military romance per se. Since this is the first book in a series entitled "The Kane Brothers," I would assume that Jax's brothers Carter and Denver will each get their own book. I liked these secondary characters in this book, so I'll end up reading their stories too, once they're written and released.
June 5, 2018
*
Read more of my reviews at Whoo Gives A Hoot
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I am a huge fan of both second chance and military romances so I was super excited to get my hands on this book and discover a new author all at the same time! Gina Azzi's writing is a beautifully poetic and heartbreakingly real story that will convince readers that second chances really do exist. Jax and Evie's journey will pull on every single one of your heartstrings and leave you craving more after each chapter.
Jax and Evie were high school sweethearts and loved each other deeply. They had plans, but suddenly things change and their is no going back. Fast-forward seven years and things are no longer the same for either one of them. Can something that was broken so long ago be repaired? Will a second chance bring them closer than ever before, or has time not healed all wounds? To find out what happens make sure to pick up your copy of Rescuing Broken today!
I am a huge fan of both second chance and military romances so I was super excited to get my hands on this book and discover a new author all at the same time! Gina Azzi's writing is a beautifully poetic and heartbreakingly real story that will convince readers that second chances really do exist. Jax and Evie's journey will pull on every single one of your heartstrings and leave you craving more after each chapter.
Jax and Evie were high school sweethearts and loved each other deeply. They had plans, but suddenly things change and their is no going back. Fast-forward seven years and things are no longer the same for either one of them. Can something that was broken so long ago be repaired? Will a second chance bring them closer than ever before, or has time not healed all wounds? To find out what happens make sure to pick up your copy of Rescuing Broken today!
July 10, 2018
A second chance military romance with a storyline that is super important with all that is going on in our world today! PTSD from any type of traumatic experience is a serious issue that needs further exposure! Great work Gina Azzi!
May 30, 2018
Rescuing Broken by Gina Azzi
I'm a sucker for a good romance book, and Rescuing Broken by Gina Azzi didn't disappoint. I love how the author took two characters, once high school sweethearts, and brings them back together, though both are now shadows of who they once were. Jax, the military man, is suffering from battle wounds that ended his career and the life of one of his closest friends. Evie, a once bright and fierce military-minded high schooler, also had her life implode at a party her senior year - it took away her sense of safety and courage, but also her one-time dream of West Point.
While I don't want to give too much away, I will say that I inhaled this book - read it in a single day. The slow burn of Jax and Evie as they find their way back to one another (and themselves) is done delicately and quietly. This isn't a run-for-your-life, rescue-the-damsel type of a book, but rather a gradual, gentle love story. It's about forgiveness, of the past, oneself, and the burdens others have inadvertently placed on us.
A great read.
I'm a sucker for a good romance book, and Rescuing Broken by Gina Azzi didn't disappoint. I love how the author took two characters, once high school sweethearts, and brings them back together, though both are now shadows of who they once were. Jax, the military man, is suffering from battle wounds that ended his career and the life of one of his closest friends. Evie, a once bright and fierce military-minded high schooler, also had her life implode at a party her senior year - it took away her sense of safety and courage, but also her one-time dream of West Point.
While I don't want to give too much away, I will say that I inhaled this book - read it in a single day. The slow burn of Jax and Evie as they find their way back to one another (and themselves) is done delicately and quietly. This isn't a run-for-your-life, rescue-the-damsel type of a book, but rather a gradual, gentle love story. It's about forgiveness, of the past, oneself, and the burdens others have inadvertently placed on us.
A great read.
May 20, 2018
I would like to thank Gina Azzi for the opportunity to provide an honest review in exchange for an ARC. Ms. Azzi is a new to me author, Recuing Broken is the first in the Kane Brothers series and I eagerly await Denver and Carter’s stories. RB is Jax and Evie’s story...high school sweethearts...until Jax enlists in the Army and Evie plans for West Point...until the unthinkable...Evie doesn’t go and pushes Jax away, but it’s 7 years later and Jax is back. A second chance romance, I found the characters very likable, low on the steam level, which worked well with the storyline. Told in dual POV, it takes the better part of the story for Evie to tell her story (I had already figured her issue, just not the details). I enjoyed the story very much, however, I did kind of feel the ending was rushed a bit. As I said, I eagerly await Denver and Carter’s stories.
September 28, 2018
Love this story!!!
What if you were given a second chance? A do over?
Would you take it?
This story of Jax and Evie isn’t your typical run of the mill love stories. 7yrs. Apart is a long time. Getting home from the Army Jax never expected to see Evie but now that he does. All 7yrs vanished for him.
This is a must read to find out what happens next...
Gina Azzi wrote a Beautiful story that will inspire many to take the second chance.
What if you were given a second chance? A do over?
Would you take it?
This story of Jax and Evie isn’t your typical run of the mill love stories. 7yrs. Apart is a long time. Getting home from the Army Jax never expected to see Evie but now that he does. All 7yrs vanished for him.
This is a must read to find out what happens next...
Gina Azzi wrote a Beautiful story that will inspire many to take the second chance.
May 23, 2018
I absolutely love a good second-chance romance. Throw in a military man and I’m sold!
Evie & Jax were high school sweethearts. She was determined to follow her mother’s footsteps and be a career, Army General. Jax, well, he wanted to find his way too, wanted to be good enough for Evie, become something she’d be damn proud of.
So, in order to make that happen he enlisted too. She should’ve been happy, right? Wrong. Him leaving broke her. And then it broke them. And then, one traumatic night, she was broken once more, never to be whole again. All of her hopes and dreams vanished.
Fast forward seven years. Jax is home, definitely not expecting to see Evie still there. And definitely not expecting those same old feelings to be around too.
Seven years is a long time, lots of things happened, some too hard to move on from. But god, do they both want to.
The love between this couple is breathtaking. The strength you’ll find in Evie is awe inspiring. The support given by this family is heartwarming.
I absolutely loved the strength and resilience in Evie & Jax.
Evie & Jax were high school sweethearts. She was determined to follow her mother’s footsteps and be a career, Army General. Jax, well, he wanted to find his way too, wanted to be good enough for Evie, become something she’d be damn proud of.
So, in order to make that happen he enlisted too. She should’ve been happy, right? Wrong. Him leaving broke her. And then it broke them. And then, one traumatic night, she was broken once more, never to be whole again. All of her hopes and dreams vanished.
Fast forward seven years. Jax is home, definitely not expecting to see Evie still there. And definitely not expecting those same old feelings to be around too.
Seven years is a long time, lots of things happened, some too hard to move on from. But god, do they both want to.
The love between this couple is breathtaking. The strength you’ll find in Evie is awe inspiring. The support given by this family is heartwarming.
I absolutely loved the strength and resilience in Evie & Jax.
June 18, 2018
This book totally surprised me and blew me away ! I didn’t know what to expect and went into this blind. It touches on some very graphic topics but doesn’t delve too deep into the details if that makes sense. It does give more of the characters emotional reaction then the actual situation itself . This one is so hard to review without spoilers ! Evie and Jax were high school sweethearts. They both had their futures planned out but when it all goes wrong they end up breaking up . 7 years later when Jax returns Evie is a shell of the person she used to be. It’s a great second chance romance and I was enthralled with their entire families from start to finish . This is the first book I’ve read by this writer and the way she set up other characters in this story you can kind of tell their backgrounds so it really made me not want this book to end but also ensures that I have to read the rest of the series as it is released . I loved the small town feel and the family setting ! This one was a winner!
June 4, 2018
I voluntarily read an advanced copy.
Evie and Jax's story is tragic. This book is full of the feels. It was a very believable story and the characters were relatable.
With that being said, this story was not for me. I require a few elements in a story for me to really enjoy it. Sadly this book only had one. That being the happily ever after.
This book wasn't bad and for most I'm sure they will like it. It took me two weeks to read this book. Just because I couldn't get into it.
Evie and Jax's story is tragic. This book is full of the feels. It was a very believable story and the characters were relatable.
With that being said, this story was not for me. I require a few elements in a story for me to really enjoy it. Sadly this book only had one. That being the happily ever after.
This book wasn't bad and for most I'm sure they will like it. It took me two weeks to read this book. Just because I couldn't get into it.
June 5, 2018
Rating: 4.5*
Jax returns home after being wounded whilst serving, expecting to hear that his ex Evie had achieved great success. It's the reason he left and enlisted in the first place: to give her the future he felt she deserved. He is shocked to find her still in town and a shadow of her former self and only his brothers know what happened to her and they're not telling. Evie was already broken by Jax's decision and she was further broken by what happened eroding her trust and faith in men completely.
Evie had so much strength and courage shining through. You get to see this throughout the book in the way that she deals with impossible situations and reclaims her life and her future. Jax's tenacity and patience are needed in abundance if that future is to include him.
The author was able to make this incredibly relevant through using situations in the background we are all aware of which added to the impact that this book has. This was very well written and sensitive to the subject matter. Well done!
***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
Jax returns home after being wounded whilst serving, expecting to hear that his ex Evie had achieved great success. It's the reason he left and enlisted in the first place: to give her the future he felt she deserved. He is shocked to find her still in town and a shadow of her former self and only his brothers know what happened to her and they're not telling. Evie was already broken by Jax's decision and she was further broken by what happened eroding her trust and faith in men completely.
Evie had so much strength and courage shining through. You get to see this throughout the book in the way that she deals with impossible situations and reclaims her life and her future. Jax's tenacity and patience are needed in abundance if that future is to include him.
The author was able to make this incredibly relevant through using situations in the background we are all aware of which added to the impact that this book has. This was very well written and sensitive to the subject matter. Well done!
***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
June 5, 2018
Marie's Tempting Reads ARC Review:
Oh my..this book made my heart clench, made me tear up, and made me believe in second chances with your one true love! Once I started Rescuing Broken I had a heck of a time putting it down. The storyline pulled me in and HARD. I found it to be sweet, beautiful, heart breaking, and wonderfully, sweetly romantic.
Evie and Jax were sensational characters. I loved getting to know them and watching Jax treat Evie with utter kindness and respect and the way he was all about proving to her that he would be there for her, especially after he comes back from the military made me fall head over heels for him. This has got to be one of the most beautiful and heart wrenching stories I have read this year.
Rescuing Broken gets a TOO BEAUTIFUL FOR WORDS FIVE SHOOTING STARS!
Oh my..this book made my heart clench, made me tear up, and made me believe in second chances with your one true love! Once I started Rescuing Broken I had a heck of a time putting it down. The storyline pulled me in and HARD. I found it to be sweet, beautiful, heart breaking, and wonderfully, sweetly romantic.
Evie and Jax were sensational characters. I loved getting to know them and watching Jax treat Evie with utter kindness and respect and the way he was all about proving to her that he would be there for her, especially after he comes back from the military made me fall head over heels for him. This has got to be one of the most beautiful and heart wrenching stories I have read this year.
Rescuing Broken gets a TOO BEAUTIFUL FOR WORDS FIVE SHOOTING STARS!
April 18, 2020
3.5 Stars
June 10, 2018
Sometimes we make decisions with the best intentions for all parties involved and sometimes we hit and sometimes we miss butbthat is life .....and then some of us are blessed with a second chance , if we're lucky .... Evie and Jax were of the lucky ones ....
Evie and Jax were a unit and fuctioned as one until descions are made , lives change , hearts broken but theirs is a journey of love , healing and forgiveness💕
This story pulled at my heart strings and the characters climbed into my heart and itsbone of those that stay with you for a while 💕
Looking forward to see what happens with Denver and Carter .
REVIEW BY HEIDI
June 6, 2018
4 star
I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, secrets, second chances, and heartbreak.
This is Evie and Jax’s story. Evie and Jax were in love and planning there life together. When Jax suddenly enlists and goes off alone she is left shattered. While still being hurt from that she has a horrible thing happen to her before she was to leave. So, years later when Jax returns he is surprised to find her still in town. She is not the same sweet girl he left behind. He wants a second chance, but will she allow it. After all she believes she is just to broken for anyone to ever want. Can he handle what happened in the past? Can he help her heal? Or is she just to broken to ever want to try again?
I loved these characters and the side characters. I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.
I recommend this book.
I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, secrets, second chances, and heartbreak.
This is Evie and Jax’s story. Evie and Jax were in love and planning there life together. When Jax suddenly enlists and goes off alone she is left shattered. While still being hurt from that she has a horrible thing happen to her before she was to leave. So, years later when Jax returns he is surprised to find her still in town. She is not the same sweet girl he left behind. He wants a second chance, but will she allow it. After all she believes she is just to broken for anyone to ever want. Can he handle what happened in the past? Can he help her heal? Or is she just to broken to ever want to try again?
I loved these characters and the side characters. I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.
I recommend this book.
June 5, 2018
A super sweet second chance Rescuing Broken definitely brings forth all the emotions with Evie and Jax’s story. High school sweethearts, they were separated by life choices but the love between these two never died and it shows from the moment they see each other again. But Evie’s past after Jax left has haunted her for years and made her a shell of herself.
As Jax works his way back into her heart the truth of what happened after he left keeps a wall between them. While I loved the sweetness between these two I felt like the slow build of their reconciliation was stuck in limbo for a while. For every two steps forward there were two steps back and it began to drag a bit for me. I will say the reasons for it were completely understandable, but it just slowed things a bit too much to keep me really invested.
As Jax works his way back into her heart the truth of what happened after he left keeps a wall between them. While I loved the sweetness between these two I felt like the slow build of their reconciliation was stuck in limbo for a while. For every two steps forward there were two steps back and it began to drag a bit for me. I will say the reasons for it were completely understandable, but it just slowed things a bit too much to keep me really invested.
January 2, 2022
Rescuing Broken is a contemporary military romance and book one in The Kane Brothers series. Jax Kane has returned from seven years of military service with a wounded shoulder and the loss of a member of his army team.
Seven years ago Evie was Jax’s girl and a career in the army was her one true goal; as long as Jax went with her. His news that he had enlisted and was going to make his own career path broke her heart. Now, so much has changed in seven years; Evie is still in this small town with no army career, no longer a confident leader and Jax can’t believe that she’s still here and how different she is.
A lot of romance that I read with a military theme is about helping the one who returns from active combat. This story is a reverse of that as Jax must help Evie. It’s a long time before we know what happened to Evie and it kept me guessing between a couple of options. I am glad that Evie had the support that she needed when she asked for it. The story deals with a serious subject which more people have been openly talking about and dealing positively with.
The book gives a glimpse into book two of the series, and from what I read I would be happy to continue with the series.
Seven years ago Evie was Jax’s girl and a career in the army was her one true goal; as long as Jax went with her. His news that he had enlisted and was going to make his own career path broke her heart. Now, so much has changed in seven years; Evie is still in this small town with no army career, no longer a confident leader and Jax can’t believe that she’s still here and how different she is.
A lot of romance that I read with a military theme is about helping the one who returns from active combat. This story is a reverse of that as Jax must help Evie. It’s a long time before we know what happened to Evie and it kept me guessing between a couple of options. I am glad that Evie had the support that she needed when she asked for it. The story deals with a serious subject which more people have been openly talking about and dealing positively with.
The book gives a glimpse into book two of the series, and from what I read I would be happy to continue with the series.
June 1, 2018
If you are a fan of second chance romances (and who isn’t??) this one is definitely worth your while. Jaxon Kane (Jax) and Evie Maywood (my Maywood, love Jax’s nickname for Evie!) haven’t seen each other in 7 years. They thought, as did their friends and family, that they just had a high school romance that ended when they became adults and went their separate ways. But when they see each other again they realize what each other went through in those 7 years apart and the demons they both are fighting. Maybe they can help each other heal? What I really enjoyed about this book is learning about Evie’s story. It was a slow reveal in which you have an idea of what happened and as the story progresses you learn a little more just by inferences to it until she tells the whole story towards the end of the book. Jax is a war hero who is fighting his own memories and issues. This book highlights two sensitive subjects that are very much current events and often debated and discussed by all walks of life. Don’t miss this book about the first of the Kane brothers. I can’t wait to read about Denver and Carter Kane!
Reviewed by: Alexis B.
Reviewed by: Alexis B.
June 7, 2018
Very touching and emotional. Both MC’s had a lot to deal with. Jax was an awesome, supportive, man. Everyone should be so lucky to have that. After a little reflection, I changed my rating from 4 to 5 stars.
July 13, 2018
3,5 stars
Good plot, Nice characters but i felt it was underdevelopt
Good plot, Nice characters but i felt it was underdevelopt
May 20, 2018
“Rescuing Broken” is a heartbreaking love story that tugs at your heartstrings. At the heart of the story is the need to overcome wrongs and learn to move forward with what's left. I'm at once in awe of the strength of character Evie presents, thankful for the service our military personnel, and outraged by some crappy behavior!
The story is told in a back and forth style, chapters switching between Evie and Jax. High school sweethearts who thought they had it all planned out...Jax ended it to make himself better as an enlisted solder. Evie planned to go to West Pointe, but instead stayed in the same small town and found herself facing demons and then her ex-boyfriend as he recovers from an injury. The plot twists and turns with lots of great foreshadowing, but draws you in and keeps you in the dark as the characters discover tidbits about each other along the way. Despite thinking I knew what might be the catalyst for some of Evie's behavior, there were surprises even at the end. The surprises were in line with the supporting characters though, and flowed well.
Our characters Evie and Jax are amazing. Jax for his military service and Evie for her survival in life. The author did a great job of writing their personalities and struggles and joys. I rooted for them, was confused when not all the facts were known by each character. The supporting characters of Evie's friends and family; Jax's brothers and sister; everyone in town made the story ring true and I can't wait to see if Jax's brothers or Evie's brother get their own stories!
While we don't see any steamy sexy action from Evie and Jax in this book, it's ok. It would have ruined the amazing story. But they do share a great chemistry and their kisses show that they have all the right moves when the time is right.
The author did a great job of drawing me into her characters. I wanted to know right away what was wrong with Evie, and how would Jax help her. Their actions and words rang true to me. Ms. Azzis also did a great job of broaching a wretched subject and bringing the #metoo movement. I'm glad Evie was written as a woman who struggles with her past, but prevails; and prevails with the love and support of her friends and family.
I feel blessed to be in a family and community of people who understand consent and duty and responsibility. We all need to work to be accountable for our actions and of those around us, and for those we affect. This book touched on a sensitive subject with dignity and aplomb, and drew me in to the characters. Bonus: the cover is hot! I hope we see more books and get to know more of the Maywood and Kane families.
Star Ratings:
Plot = 5/5 Characters = 5/5 Heat = 4/5 Writing Style = 5/5 Overall Rating = 5/5
**Reviewed for Seraphim Book Reviews**
The story is told in a back and forth style, chapters switching between Evie and Jax. High school sweethearts who thought they had it all planned out...Jax ended it to make himself better as an enlisted solder. Evie planned to go to West Pointe, but instead stayed in the same small town and found herself facing demons and then her ex-boyfriend as he recovers from an injury. The plot twists and turns with lots of great foreshadowing, but draws you in and keeps you in the dark as the characters discover tidbits about each other along the way. Despite thinking I knew what might be the catalyst for some of Evie's behavior, there were surprises even at the end. The surprises were in line with the supporting characters though, and flowed well.
Our characters Evie and Jax are amazing. Jax for his military service and Evie for her survival in life. The author did a great job of writing their personalities and struggles and joys. I rooted for them, was confused when not all the facts were known by each character. The supporting characters of Evie's friends and family; Jax's brothers and sister; everyone in town made the story ring true and I can't wait to see if Jax's brothers or Evie's brother get their own stories!
While we don't see any steamy sexy action from Evie and Jax in this book, it's ok. It would have ruined the amazing story. But they do share a great chemistry and their kisses show that they have all the right moves when the time is right.
The author did a great job of drawing me into her characters. I wanted to know right away what was wrong with Evie, and how would Jax help her. Their actions and words rang true to me. Ms. Azzis also did a great job of broaching a wretched subject and bringing the #metoo movement. I'm glad Evie was written as a woman who struggles with her past, but prevails; and prevails with the love and support of her friends and family.
I feel blessed to be in a family and community of people who understand consent and duty and responsibility. We all need to work to be accountable for our actions and of those around us, and for those we affect. This book touched on a sensitive subject with dignity and aplomb, and drew me in to the characters. Bonus: the cover is hot! I hope we see more books and get to know more of the Maywood and Kane families.
Star Ratings:
Plot = 5/5 Characters = 5/5 Heat = 4/5 Writing Style = 5/5 Overall Rating = 5/5
**Reviewed for Seraphim Book Reviews**
June 20, 2018
I loved this book and loved the characters! For those of you old-school Outsiders fans, Jax’s older brother Denver is very reminiscent of Darry from the Outsiders 🙂 But anyway, Jax is handsome, playful, romantic, loving, and caring. Although battling his own demons when he first returns, Jax quickly becomes a man determined to earn and embrace a second chance with Evie.
Through flashbacks and memories, there are different sides of Evie presented in this novel including her being smart, funny, motivated, and driven. However, the Evie we meet and know over the first 75% of the novel is not that girl, but a girl changed because of a trauma she experienced years before. What’s wonderful about this story though, is watching her almost come back to life. The reader gets to see her being funny, sarcastic, playful, flirty – just like any “normal” young woman living her life.
As challenging and emotional that this novel was at times, it was also bursting with love, hope, and the promise of the future. The closeness between Jax and his siblings – Denver, Carter, and Daisy – was amazing. Moreover, Evie also had a fabulous relationship with her brother Graham – even more so after she really bared her to soul to him. Honestly, I caught myself thinking about the Kane brother several times while reading in the context that, if anyone ever needs to get a secret off of their chest and tell someone, these are the guys to tell. These young men represent a (sadly) unusual breed in this day and age where if it’s not their business to share, then they don’t. This made these already swoon-worthy guys even more irresistible!
Rescuing Broken is very heartfelt and beautiful, and absolutely a story that I will not soon forget. It has a much-deserved happy ending, it made me truly think about a lot of things, and left me very excited over the next in the Kane Brothers series, this time about Carter!
*Very sensitive subjects are addressed in Rescuing Broken from injuries and death during combat, sexual assault, absent parents due to incarceration or death, PTSD, and so on. Again, there are a lot of heavy issues that absolutely will require you have Kleenex handy while reading. However, although there are numerous trigger warnings in the story, author Gina Azzi handled these topics honestly and with amazing sensitivity.
*Thanks to Give Me Books Promotions for providing this novel in exchange for my honest review.
Through flashbacks and memories, there are different sides of Evie presented in this novel including her being smart, funny, motivated, and driven. However, the Evie we meet and know over the first 75% of the novel is not that girl, but a girl changed because of a trauma she experienced years before. What’s wonderful about this story though, is watching her almost come back to life. The reader gets to see her being funny, sarcastic, playful, flirty – just like any “normal” young woman living her life.
As challenging and emotional that this novel was at times, it was also bursting with love, hope, and the promise of the future. The closeness between Jax and his siblings – Denver, Carter, and Daisy – was amazing. Moreover, Evie also had a fabulous relationship with her brother Graham – even more so after she really bared her to soul to him. Honestly, I caught myself thinking about the Kane brother several times while reading in the context that, if anyone ever needs to get a secret off of their chest and tell someone, these are the guys to tell. These young men represent a (sadly) unusual breed in this day and age where if it’s not their business to share, then they don’t. This made these already swoon-worthy guys even more irresistible!
Rescuing Broken is very heartfelt and beautiful, and absolutely a story that I will not soon forget. It has a much-deserved happy ending, it made me truly think about a lot of things, and left me very excited over the next in the Kane Brothers series, this time about Carter!
*Very sensitive subjects are addressed in Rescuing Broken from injuries and death during combat, sexual assault, absent parents due to incarceration or death, PTSD, and so on. Again, there are a lot of heavy issues that absolutely will require you have Kleenex handy while reading. However, although there are numerous trigger warnings in the story, author Gina Azzi handled these topics honestly and with amazing sensitivity.
*Thanks to Give Me Books Promotions for providing this novel in exchange for my honest review.
June 4, 2018
What an amazingly good, heartbreaking, and healing read. Wonderful second chance at love book that will have your emotions running wild. A beautiful woman with a broken spirit. A handsome young man with a broken body and mental scars. Together, can they heal each other and along the way, find what they once hand and revive a love so strong, that it awakens from somewhere deep inside and takes them into their future?
The characters are beautifully written and a bit complex in each their own way. Evie is the beauty that captured Jax from the time they were in High School. They planned a future together, but Evie's plans were to go to West Point, to follow in the footsteps of her family. Jax was her true love, but for him, he knew he would hold her back in her plans for her own future, so he devises his own plan. Enlist and become the man he knew she deserved. He wants to keep their relationship alive, she pushes him away, not understanding his personal reasons for enlisting, so he leaves. While he is gone, something horrid happens to Evie. Something that takes every ounce of self-confidence and fight right out of her and she does not go through with her plans. While gone, Jax is wounded and loses someone in the process, and the dreams come at him once he is home. They meet again, him not believing that she never left their small hometown, she not believing that he is home. Their journey begins again with their second meeting at her place of work, where Jax has to attend physical therapy. Both are broken, both need help. But one will not seek it and the other is determined to get back what they both have lost.
Outstanding read that will pull at your heart. I highly recommend this book and can't wait to see what happens in the next book!
The characters are beautifully written and a bit complex in each their own way. Evie is the beauty that captured Jax from the time they were in High School. They planned a future together, but Evie's plans were to go to West Point, to follow in the footsteps of her family. Jax was her true love, but for him, he knew he would hold her back in her plans for her own future, so he devises his own plan. Enlist and become the man he knew she deserved. He wants to keep their relationship alive, she pushes him away, not understanding his personal reasons for enlisting, so he leaves. While he is gone, something horrid happens to Evie. Something that takes every ounce of self-confidence and fight right out of her and she does not go through with her plans. While gone, Jax is wounded and loses someone in the process, and the dreams come at him once he is home. They meet again, him not believing that she never left their small hometown, she not believing that he is home. Their journey begins again with their second meeting at her place of work, where Jax has to attend physical therapy. Both are broken, both need help. But one will not seek it and the other is determined to get back what they both have lost.
Outstanding read that will pull at your heart. I highly recommend this book and can't wait to see what happens in the next book!
May 26, 2018
One thing I've always adored about Gina Azzi's books, from the very beginning, is that she excels at writing characters that are immensely relatable. They could so easily be people you know, and because she so wonderfully breathes life into her characters, they FEEL real. You feel their pain, their turmoils, the "warts" that they try to hide but ultimately can't.
Jaxon Kane has left the army after three tours due to a shoulder injury sustained in combat. He returns to his small hometown to rehab and get his head together when, to his surprise, he finds his high school sweetheart, Evie, still there. This surprises him because, when he left to enlist seven years earlier, Evie was on the fast-track to West Point. He never expected Evie - whose mother is a one-star general - to still be there. She seems broken, hollow, and he doesn't know why.
It's easy to tell from the beginning that Evie is hiding some deep internal scars. Jax wants desperately for Evie to let her in, and is frustrated that she (nor his brothers Carter and Denver, who know very well what happened) will tell her. This is her story to tell, they say. But she won't.
By the time the reveal happened, I had pretty much figured out what the big secret was, but it didn't spoil the moment at all. Jax is a caring, loving man trying to make amends for his teenage mistakes, and rescuing Evie from her broken state is how both of them will ultimately heal.
We got quite a bit of background on Carter and Denver, no doubt to set up the next two books in the series. Bring them on.
This is Gina Azzi's best work yet. If you love REAL romance, in real circumstances with real characters, do NOT pass this up.
Jaxon Kane has left the army after three tours due to a shoulder injury sustained in combat. He returns to his small hometown to rehab and get his head together when, to his surprise, he finds his high school sweetheart, Evie, still there. This surprises him because, when he left to enlist seven years earlier, Evie was on the fast-track to West Point. He never expected Evie - whose mother is a one-star general - to still be there. She seems broken, hollow, and he doesn't know why.
It's easy to tell from the beginning that Evie is hiding some deep internal scars. Jax wants desperately for Evie to let her in, and is frustrated that she (nor his brothers Carter and Denver, who know very well what happened) will tell her. This is her story to tell, they say. But she won't.
By the time the reveal happened, I had pretty much figured out what the big secret was, but it didn't spoil the moment at all. Jax is a caring, loving man trying to make amends for his teenage mistakes, and rescuing Evie from her broken state is how both of them will ultimately heal.
We got quite a bit of background on Carter and Denver, no doubt to set up the next two books in the series. Bring them on.
This is Gina Azzi's best work yet. If you love REAL romance, in real circumstances with real characters, do NOT pass this up.
June 3, 2018
Wow, I am so glad that I had the opportunity to read this story! This is the first book by Gina Azzi that I have had the pleasure to read. Also this is the first story in the Kane Brothers series, so I am extra excited about that!
This story is about Evie and Jax and how they navigate their way through the figurative land mines in the years that separated them, the things they experienced while they were apart and the love that is still there. Even after everything that has happened to the both of them.
Evie has such a bright future ahead of her, she is confident in her future and her love for Jax. Then things happen, things that change her. Gina reveals it slowly through the story, you think you have it figured out but then there is a twist you won't see coming and it floors you even more. Bravo for that.
Jaxon has loved Evie since high school, he doesn't want to hold her back so he makes choices of his own that affect the both of them in the future. He too has dealt with terrible pain and loss. Coming home he finds Evie, but not the same Evie that he left.
I really empathized with this story, I am an Army vet, my husband is a combat Army vet and has PTSD so I live with it everyday. They way that Gina describes it is spot on and until you have lived with it or know someone who has it, you can never truly understand. So thank you for portraying PTSD honestly.
The secondary characters are phenomenal and I cannot wait to read more about them in future books!
Well done Ms. Azzi!
This story is about Evie and Jax and how they navigate their way through the figurative land mines in the years that separated them, the things they experienced while they were apart and the love that is still there. Even after everything that has happened to the both of them.
Evie has such a bright future ahead of her, she is confident in her future and her love for Jax. Then things happen, things that change her. Gina reveals it slowly through the story, you think you have it figured out but then there is a twist you won't see coming and it floors you even more. Bravo for that.
Jaxon has loved Evie since high school, he doesn't want to hold her back so he makes choices of his own that affect the both of them in the future. He too has dealt with terrible pain and loss. Coming home he finds Evie, but not the same Evie that he left.
I really empathized with this story, I am an Army vet, my husband is a combat Army vet and has PTSD so I live with it everyday. They way that Gina describes it is spot on and until you have lived with it or know someone who has it, you can never truly understand. So thank you for portraying PTSD honestly.
The secondary characters are phenomenal and I cannot wait to read more about them in future books!
Well done Ms. Azzi!
June 7, 2018
5 Stars!!
“Knowing her changed my life. Falling for her changed everything.”
Gina Azzi wrote a beautiful story about love, heartbreak, and second chances. She also wrote about a sensitive topic that may be hard for others to read, though it is written in a gentle manner. Unfortunately, Evie’s story is one that breaks her and changes her plans for her future. It not only changes her life, it changes her as a person. She’s no longer the happy, strong girl everyone once knew. Especially not the loving girl that Jax knew before leaving for the Army. So when he returns 7 years later and notices how she’s a completely different person, he does everything he can to get the spark back into her life.
I loved Jax! He was exactly what both Evie and I needed in our lives! He did and said all the right things. After experiencing what Evie experienced, she felt ugly and damaged. Jax was there to tell her differently...
"You're beautiful, Evie. I mean it. You're a survivor. There's nothing ugly about that
Jax helped Evie overcome her past and was everything she needed to fight for her future. I liked them together, and I loved seeing her regain her strength and trust. Their story is perfect and proves that if you’re meant to be with someone, no matter how many years pass by, love will always concore all!
-Juls
“Knowing her changed my life. Falling for her changed everything.”
Gina Azzi wrote a beautiful story about love, heartbreak, and second chances. She also wrote about a sensitive topic that may be hard for others to read, though it is written in a gentle manner. Unfortunately, Evie’s story is one that breaks her and changes her plans for her future. It not only changes her life, it changes her as a person. She’s no longer the happy, strong girl everyone once knew. Especially not the loving girl that Jax knew before leaving for the Army. So when he returns 7 years later and notices how she’s a completely different person, he does everything he can to get the spark back into her life.
I loved Jax! He was exactly what both Evie and I needed in our lives! He did and said all the right things. After experiencing what Evie experienced, she felt ugly and damaged. Jax was there to tell her differently...
"You're beautiful, Evie. I mean it. You're a survivor. There's nothing ugly about that
Jax helped Evie overcome her past and was everything she needed to fight for her future. I liked them together, and I loved seeing her regain her strength and trust. Their story is perfect and proves that if you’re meant to be with someone, no matter how many years pass by, love will always concore all!
-Juls
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