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A beta in denial

Rhodes DeWitt has always known he was a lost cause. The Blackwater beta embraces the bad boy label with open arms, praying that the girl next door will never know that the one thing he wants is the one girl he can’t have.

A heart that’s breaking

After spending years in love with the boy next door, Larkin Dawes is ready to move on. Her head knows this is for the best. Her heart hasn’t quite gotten the memo.

The storm of the century

Trapped and isolated together as a blizzard rages around them, Rhodes will finally have to decide if he’s going to watch Larkin move on with or without him.

136 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 30, 2020

348 people are currently reading
454 people want to read

About the author

Hannah McBride

18 books977 followers
USA Today Bestselling Author Hannah McBride absolutely hates writing her own bio, so here's the abbreviated version:

She loves her chocolate lab (JoJo), horror movies, playing New World or Legend of Zelda, and she insists glitter is a color (and the best one).

Hannah McBride also write dark omegaverse under the name Megan Cain.

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5 stars
694 (39%)
4 stars
638 (36%)
3 stars
327 (18%)
2 stars
72 (4%)
1 star
8 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews
Profile Image for Helen Power.
Author 11 books632 followers
September 18, 2022
This book number 1.5 in the Blackwater Pack series. I started book 2 - the second in the Remy and Skye trilogy, and I thought that I might be missing something. I did a little digging (aka checked Goodreads–I’m such a sleuth!) and discovered that this book happens in between.
In Broken, we get to see Larkin and Rhodes’ epic love story! Taking course over the Christmas holidays, these two lovebirds (erm wolf shifters) finally admit their feelings for each other and get their happy ever after.
This book, while not super light, is a lot sweeter than the first book in the series. While there’s some triggers (see below), it’s not particularly dark, and it’s a cutesy holiday read. Despite it being the first (and only) book featuring this couple, I don’t think it can be read as a standalone, as it relies heavily on the worldbuilding and character building that happened in the first book in the series.
All in all, a great read, and I recommend it!
HEA?
Content warnings:

Profile Image for Deanna.
584 reviews96 followers
August 8, 2021
4.25 stars! After all of the pining in book one, I'm happy Larkin and Rhodes had their own novella. Plus, this was MUCH steamier than I would've expected.
Larkin played in the light. I watched from the shadows.
I was fucking tired of watching.
You see another side to happy-go-lucky Rhodes and the steadiness and kindness of Larkin. I would highly recommend reading this before going onto book two!
"I'm a mess," he said softly, shaking his head. His voice broke on the last word.
"Then you're my mess," I replied, walking over to him. "I'm right here."

Profile Image for Kelly.
1,216 reviews15 followers
December 13, 2020
Broken is the novella focused on Rhodes and Larkin's relationship. Towards the end of the first book in the Blackwater Pack, Sanctum, Larkin had finally decided to move on from Rhodes as she was tired of loving him and not being loved in return.....or so she thought!

Broken was much steamier than Sanctum, so that was a nice surprise. The novella is all about these 2 finally spending time together without the rest of the pack around. Remy and Skye obviously make appearances but the focus is all Rhodes and Larkin and the history they have growing up next door to each other.

There was one particular part of the storyline that did kill my enjoyment of these 2 finally getting together - when Rhodes explains how he had lost track of all the women he slept with, but he only ever saw Larkin's face when he was sleeping with them, which Larkin just accepts. Major grovel was needed here.



Profile Image for Valerie.
927 reviews437 followers
October 1, 2022
Shifters are my favorite!

This novella is such a great read. I loved Rhodes & Larkin. They are perfect together. I wanted their story from the moment I read book 1 in this series.

Seriously HOT and delicious! Definitely for the 17 and over crowd.

Rhodes cares for Larkin but something is holding him back. We find out why and more in this great story. Loved the snow. Loved the alone time.

Don't miss this one!
Profile Image for Resch Reads.
1,209 reviews39 followers
October 26, 2020
*Book Received in Exchange for Honest Opinion/Review*

Hannah brought the heat to this book, seriously! *fans self, dies of blushing* Where as Remy and Skye were a delicious slow burn, Rhodes and Larkin are an inferno. Their chemistry and passion is limitless...once they each pull their heads out of their *rses.

In Sanctum, we see Rhodes and Larkin dancing around each other. The chemistry is an undercurrent to their friendship. Larkin is pining for Rhodes and waiting on him while Rhodes is avoiding Larkin and trying to snuff out his feelings.

Over the course of this story, we see why Rhodes is so damaged and broken. It had my heart aching for this man who just so desperately wants to be wanted. We not only get a deeper look into what makes him tick but we also see how much he values and cherishes Larkin. I almost want to say that Larkin is Rhode's rock, his steady, constant source of strength.

And let me tell you, when these two get together...it was worth the wait! Their emotions are palpable and they finally communicate! *throws confetti* And after that, their relationship just seems so effortless. It's simply two characters who are meant to be together and ready tackle anything life throws at them as a team. What more could I ask for? *swoon*
Profile Image for Ahima Booklover.
942 reviews4 followers
January 20, 2024
4,25 stars for Rhodes and Larkin

I loved to finally read that missing piece of the story. Rhodes and Larkin had me laugh and cry all through book 1 of the Blackwater series and to find out how they finally managed to open up to each other was 3H. Hard, hot and heartwarming.

In a snowstorm Larkin and Rhodes are on their own. Being neighbors forever they stick together. Since Larkin was kissed under the mistletoe something in Rhodes woke up and let's take him action now. Rhodes is so broken and his past got to me. Lark is just that much of leasing, it was sweet and perfect but almost a touch to much. So I loved how she voiced her wished, when she was with Rhodes. Almost as if he gave her strength and confidence. I love this series and in my next reread this book will be included.
Profile Image for Lammie.
740 reviews38 followers
January 5, 2023
I really enjoyed this novella set in the Blackwater Pack universe. Rhodes and Larkin were secondary characters from the main book series and Hannah spent a good amount of time in the first book developing these characters so we knew them well already.

Issues keeping them apart were dealt with really well and not drawn out due to the novella length.

Loved added steam in this book as well 😏.
Profile Image for Pia Colon.
84 reviews8 followers
October 7, 2020
Hannah McBride has done it again with Broken part 1.5 in the blackwater pack series. And by “it” I mean made me fall in love and swoon all over another shifter. Whoooo Rhodes. Hannah has a major talent for world building and creating strong wonderful characters you easily and instantly love. We all absolutely adored Sanctum and going into this novella my hopes were soooo high..... Hannah did not let me down 👏🏻👏🏻

Rhodes and Larkin’s story started in Sanctum where we learned sweet, kind, INNOCENT Lark had a bit of a crush on the bad boy Beta. After constantly being reminded she’s the best friend and “little sister”, she’s decided it’s time to move on. If only her heart would get on the same page as her head.

Rhodes has always known he wasn’t good enough. Coming from a broken family, he has nothing to offer. He’ll never be the right choice for the perfect girl next door with the perfect life. But why does his heart explode every time he sees her?

Enter blizzard, undeniable attraction and steam... all adds up to lots of swooning!!!!

Will the two make it through the storm of the century without destroying their already tattered hearts in the process or can they finally heal all that’s been broken.
Profile Image for ♡Julalicious Book Paradise♡.
1,069 reviews68 followers
September 28, 2021
I finished it a looooong time ago, but I wanted to review it, but since my mind is not proactive on the reviews, it's time that I actually put it as read and work on my review soon.

Preview of this review? I loved that book so much.
Profile Image for Whispering Chapters.
1,367 reviews455 followers
October 12, 2020
This is honestly the sweetest novella I’ve read. Broken is the story Larkin and Rhodes deserved and I’m so glad we got it in a separate book. Yes, I know I was mildly complaining I didn’t get enough of them in Sanctum, but I’m glad we didn’t. They needed their own story, separate from Skye’s and Remy’s.

It was so sweet! I was glad that the author didn’t immediately threw them in together. She kept the distance that was there from the first book and then developed their friendship into something more. I was also glad how Rhodes reacted to everything that happened: Larkin, his family, his found family. The decisions that every character made were mature and I was thankful there wasn’t any drama.

Novellas tend to be a hit or miss, or just an “eh” reaction for me. But Hannah McBride managed to put so much thought and story-development into 136 pages.

I’m now eagerly anticipating Prey for the next installment in the series!
Profile Image for The Caffeinated Book Addict.
274 reviews
October 30, 2020
4.5 stars

Wow. First of all, Hannah wasn’t kidding when she said that the heat level in this novella was higher than it is in the first book, Sanctum, and I am so here for it!

Rhodes and Larkin are introduced in the first book in this series, Sanctum. Even though our main focus is on a different couple in that book, there is definitely a lot going on between Rhodes and Larkin and your interest is definitely peeked. Hannah McBride has a way of making you love not only the main characters, but also the side characters as well.

This novella was so much more than I was expecting. Though it is a novella, it is not in any way rushed, seeing as Rhodes and Larkin have been best friends for years and this transition for them had been a long time coming. I loved Broken. It was the perfect pace for Rhodes and Larkin, and there was so much more to this story than I realized.

Yet again Hannah McBride has you falling completely in love with these characters. I loved Rhodes and Larkin, and there is so much emotion and chemistry in this story. And like I said in the beginning of my review, the heat level is high in this one. Which I have absolutely no complaints about!

If you have read Sanctum, I’m sure you’ll most likely already be excited for Broken, and it definitely does not disappoint! I don’t know how Hannah managed to write such a meaningful story in such little words, but she did, and she did it well.

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
Profile Image for Becci.
23 reviews
October 27, 2020
Two of my favourite characters from Sanctum get their own novella, and my-oh-my, it was everything I needed and more!

Rhodes and Larkin have been next door neighbours, pack mates, and friends forever.
It’s no secret to everyone that my sweet girl Larkin was in love with the pack beta Rhodes, but he seemed oblivious to her heart.
When in fact, he feels unworthy, of a treasure like Larkin.

Will she be able to show him his worth?
Will he get over himself and claim her already?!
Will we get to see friends to lovers despite the family issues Rhodes is dealing with?

Broken is A 5 Star short but incredibly sweet story that soothes the waiting on Prey, and gives us a winter wonderland love in the heart of the Blackwater Pack.
Profile Image for Colleen.
134 reviews11 followers
June 28, 2021
4*

I like this novella more than i expected too, I was really invested in the "will they, wont they" of Rhodes and Larkin from book one and was really happy to see they had their own story.

The spice is stepped all the way up in this book, and we finally get some action! Aside from that, the story is really heart felt, it takes Rhodes and Larkin from 2 dimensional sidekicks to real, fleshed out believable characters with their own motivations. The expended back story helps slot some pieces into place that may have seen odd in book one.

Still continuing, I'm getting really into these now.
Profile Image for C. Erani Kole.
1,709 reviews51 followers
August 29, 2021
Cute short

I read book 2 and knew immediately I’d missed Larkin’s story with Rhodes and hunted this one down. I’m glad they got together and the why of it was cute. The how was suuuuper intense and I couldn’t help but be reminded that these are underaged kids having adult fun lmao but this author also writes about the taboo in her shifter series so I like the consistency.
Profile Image for Sarah Kate.
219 reviews
February 25, 2022
If you liked Rhodes this story will make you love him. Hannah delivered another fantastic book as usual highly recommend this series such a fab writer!
Profile Image for Lisa.
67 reviews
January 1, 2021
I received this book for free from the Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

First things first, this review contains minor spoilers for the first book in the series. If you haven't read that one, abort mission. You definitely need to read that one first. If you're like me and felt like Pirate of the Caribbeans' Captain Barbossa yelling, "JUST KISS!" throughout Sanctum, this one will be the answer to every single of your prayers.

Even before Remy confirmed Rhodes' feelings for our little Larkin in Sanctum, we all knew he's got it bad for her, and vice versa. I'm a total sucker for the whole we've known each other since we were kids, and then we sort of fell in love thing, so this one was right up my alley. In Broken, we get to know Rhodes and his motivations behind holding back from a relationship a bit better. We learn about the circumstances that made him the man he is today and get to follow his inner turmoil regarding Larkin and his future from inside his head. And I have to tell you, if Rhodes didn't completely steal your heart in Sanctum, you can kiss it goodbye now. You won't ever get it back. That fact that I can't possibly pick one favorite character is testimony to Hannah's extraordinary character-building skills. I never had trouble picking one favorite guy, and then there she goes.

Larkin has been in love with Rhodes for years and had finally decided to try and move on, tired of waiting for a day that may never come. When Rhodes realizes that this is it, that he could lose her for good, it's now or never. Honestly, this book tore me apart and put me back together again in the best way. That scene when the dam finally breaks was complete and utter perfection. I could spend the rest of my life reading this scene over and over again. The steaminess in this one is several levels above what we got in Sanctum, so grab some refreshments or possibly a fan, and let's go. I loved every second of it, and I'm positive you will too.

Filled with blizzards, drama, humor, and a decent amount of passion, Broken is exactly what you need to tide you over until Prey. I had extremely high hopes for this one, and Hannah managed to surpass every hope and dream I had for this book. Get ready, folks, because this the kind of book series that will stay with you forever.
Profile Image for Kayleigh {K-Books}.
1,187 reviews19 followers
November 23, 2020
Broken Review on K-Books

There are no words to describe just how excited I was to get my hands on Broken. I fell head over heels in love with this world and it’s characters back when I read Sanctum earlier this year. It’s still, to this day, my favourite book of the year to date. I was so excited to read this novella and see what happens with Rhodes and Larkin.

Rhodes and Larkin were two of my favourite characters in Sanctum. I loved them and their friendship and support for Skye and Remy. I was so excited that they were getting their own novella as all the way through Sanctum I just wanted them to get together already. I was not disappointed. Broken is everything I could have wanted and more. It was perfection. I fell even more in love with these two throughout this novella.

Hannah is fast becoming one of my all time favourite authors. I can’t thank her enough for writing this phenomenal novella. If I could have one complaint it would be that it was far too short. I wanted so much more. She easily moved my love of Skye and Remy to Rhodes and Larkin so quickly. I absolutely loved every moment of this novella. I think it was just that much more perfect that it was told in dual point of view. I loved not only seeing Larkin’s perspective but also Rhodes. It made it so much more perfect.

Broken was perfection. It filled me with hope and love. I couldn’t put it down and I never wanted it to end. It’s filled to the brim with sexy scenes and swoonworthy romance. It made me hopeless romantic heart melt over and over again. It was just amazing. I am so excited to see more of them in Prey and I can’t wait to get my hands on that book! If you enjoyed Sanctum, you need to read Broken. It’s heartwarmingly romantic and super steamy. You won’t be disappointed!

Profile Image for Rachel (Rachfacereads).
46 reviews7 followers
February 25, 2021
After finishing Sanctum I needed more of the Blackwater Pack in my life, and Broken was the novella that brought me back into the universe holding me over until the next book. Even better, this book gave us more insight into Rhodes and Larkin and their relationship.

I love love love love Larkin and her character growth and development, but I have such a soft spot for Rhodes. Broken gave us a chance to see the two of them over the holidays and to see whether or not Rhodes can confront how he feels about Larkin or not.

I loved everything about this book and by a certain part in the book I just wanted to cheer and celebrate for two of my favorite Blackwater characters (although let’s be real I love them all). Oh and the spice 😍😍🔥🔥🔥

Hannah McBride does an amazing job in this novella of giving us a peek into the world of Larkin and Rhodes. She provides us with more insight to their back stories and what has made them who they are today. Honestly I’m just always rooting for these two!!
Profile Image for Louise Pike (books.magic.escape).
274 reviews15 followers
December 15, 2020
Broken Rhodes and Larkin short story was amazing 😍❤ understanding more about Rhodes and his family and his past. Rhodes and Larkin have been bestfriends since childhood and both had feelings for each other since they we're next door neighbours, they need to find a way to sort out there love life towards each other and there feelings, this short emotional rollercoaster was outstanding and leaves you wanting more, you will not want to miss, I just wish the book was so much longer I loved it that much ❤😁
Profile Image for Tammy Manning.
433 reviews22 followers
January 10, 2021
Hannah McBride has become one of my favorite authors and she only has two books out! She has the ability to pull you into a story and my gods the woman can write!

I’ve wanted a Larkin and Rhodes romance ever since I read Sanctum and let me tell you, Broken did not disappoint! Hannah packed so much into this novella and I absolutely loved it. We get to see the motivation behind Rhodes holding back and thinking that he’s not good enough for Larkin. We also get to see Larkin finally letting it all out and telling Rhodes how she feels. And that moment when it all comes to comes to head and they finally kiss…I definitely needed a fan.

Broken gave me all the feels and was a perfect read to tied me over until I can read Prey. Novellas can be hit or miss for me and most of the time leave me disappointed. Broken is one of those rare novellas that I not only enjoyed, but I loved it and it will definitely be one that I reread. So go get some water and a fan, because you’ll need it, then sit down and read this book! I promise you won’t regret it.
Profile Image for hafsi.
386 reviews23 followers
March 18, 2021
I agree with another reviewer... these two were so much more captivating in remy and skye's story!

I assumed they'd have a book, given their potential, but honestly, thank fuck this was a novella. I was so bored. How can a 130 (or something like that) novella take me so long to finish? I only really finished it out of pride, so I could continue the series without fomo.

I get that this was gonna be tropey, but at the very least, I assumed I would enjoy it? Maybe it's because they got together so soon (ok they were pining for over a decade, so I get that further angst wasn't necessary - but I digress) - I just didn't care for them when they got together and wanted to have a fuckfest. As I've said a million times.... Whenever a couple finally act on the sexual tension and descend into mushy, codependent losers, I get fbc.

That being said, in light of this, I think I think I'll enjoy the second book a lot more!
Profile Image for Vonetta Young.
465 reviews12 followers
October 30, 2020
This book is FIRE!
In Sanctum I knew there was a story with the fun loving beta and the quite shy Larkin. Rhodes and Larkin have to be my fav behind Remy and Skye. Rhodes is the one every one loves And I totally fell hard, but his story was one of heartbreak. What Rhodes goes through is horrible and I felt so bad for him, but then also found myself praying for him to get his head out of his ass and do what was right! Larkin is this sweet innocent girl who has been in love with her best friend/ boy next door since forever and seeing what these two go through was a magical journey.

For a novel this read like a full length book, nothing was rushed or not explained and I think the author did a great job of 'filling in the blanks' enough to where you ewent lost. Although you should read the first novel in this world, Sanctum, to get a better experience out of the story.
Profile Image for Kathy.
52 reviews
September 13, 2021
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of Broken. I devoured it in one day! I didn’t plan too, but once I read the first chapter I knew I wasn’t going to be able to put it down. I loved Rhodes and Larkin’s story! Rhodes is dealing with some pretty heavy family issues in Broken. Because of those issues he feels like he doesn’t deserve Larkin, which couldn’t be farther than the truth. I really enjoyed Both Larkins and Rhodes Character growth is Broken. In Sanctum Larkin is afraid to tell Rhodes how she feels, but in Broken she comes into her own and fights for what she wants. I can’t wait too read the next book in the Blackwater series!
Profile Image for Sabine.
14 reviews1 follower
July 30, 2021
"Broken" is Hannah McBride's second book after her debut novel "Sanctum". Broken focuses on the story of Rhodes and Larkin, two of the shifters first introduced in Sanctum. If you have read Sanctum, do not skip this novella! I loved every second of it, and I am happy Rhodes and Larkin got the story they deserve. Now I am even more looking forward to Prey, the next book in the series.

And if you haven't read Sanctum yet, what's holding you back? Read Sanctum first, then Broken, and thank me later ;-)
Profile Image for Alayna.
158 reviews2 followers
February 26, 2021
Absolutely Perfect!!!❤️

I loved loved loved this one..This is Rhodes and Larkin's book, the secondary characters from the first book Sanctum..Once again the author did her magic and here we are with an awesome book.. If you're into young adult shifter romances this is your book.. If you haven't already you should read Sanctum first and come back here..
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