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New & Unbroken
New & Unbroken is a swoon-worthy small-town debut from an exciting new voice in romance.
Everly Tancredi is a survivor. But just when she thought she’d freed herself from the demons of her abusive childhood, a new one finds her: Adam Shields, a famous NHL player who sweeps Everly off her feet and into a gilded cage of horrors.
After months of planning, Everly escapes New York City and heads for Louisiana, the first stop on her journey to reclaim her life. The last thing she expects to find is a man with the rare heart to love her exactly as she is—used and broken.
Christian Pellegrini has suffered his own kind of pain. Finally, four years after the tragedy that ended life as he knew it, he has found peace. When he runs into Everly, he feels drawn to her in ways he’s never felt before. He believes he’s ready to love again, but he realizes her dark past is full of secrets she must face before they can move forward. But until she learns to love herself, he vows to love her enough for both of them.
Warning: The story contains topics that may be sensitive to some readers. Please see inside the book for a detailed list. Recommended for 18+.
Everly Tancredi is a survivor. But just when she thought she’d freed herself from the demons of her abusive childhood, a new one finds her: Adam Shields, a famous NHL player who sweeps Everly off her feet and into a gilded cage of horrors.
After months of planning, Everly escapes New York City and heads for Louisiana, the first stop on her journey to reclaim her life. The last thing she expects to find is a man with the rare heart to love her exactly as she is—used and broken.
Christian Pellegrini has suffered his own kind of pain. Finally, four years after the tragedy that ended life as he knew it, he has found peace. When he runs into Everly, he feels drawn to her in ways he’s never felt before. He believes he’s ready to love again, but he realizes her dark past is full of secrets she must face before they can move forward. But until she learns to love herself, he vows to love her enough for both of them.
Warning: The story contains topics that may be sensitive to some readers. Please see inside the book for a detailed list. Recommended for 18+.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2022
About the author
Reina Bell
5 books71 followersReina Bell writes romance novels that promise to inspire all the feels. As a reader, she alternates between thrill-seeking romantic suspense, deeply emotional love stories, and palate-cleansing, sassy rom-coms. Her goal as an author is to offer the best of those worlds to readers—keeping it captivating, sexy, and with a soul-satisfying happily-ever-after each and every time.
When she’s not writing or living in her head curating her next novel, you can find her helping animals (that’s her other life), cooking like it’s a paid gig (maybe in her next life), and obsessively making lists. She resides on the East Coast with her husband, son, and some furry pets in a home where football Sunday is a holy day.
When she’s not writing or living in her head curating her next novel, you can find her helping animals (that’s her other life), cooking like it’s a paid gig (maybe in her next life), and obsessively making lists. She resides on the East Coast with her husband, son, and some furry pets in a home where football Sunday is a holy day.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
July 27, 2023
I loved this even more than Kismet, if that’s even possible ❤️ This book is perfect for CoHo fans! It has a small town setting, mental health rep, traumatic relationship, new beginnings and an adorable romance that gives all the feels 🥰
I personally resonated so strongly with this book.. It’s a character driven story about a young woman escaping her abusive and controlling fiancée. She finds herself isolated in a small town where she meets the snake-lawyer, Christian. These two are both broken in a way, and in each other they start to find a path towards healing. Christian is sweet, caring, perceptive and absolutely handsome.
The author focuses on Everly’s healing from her traumatic past with her ex. The story is very emotional and we dive deep into the characters feelings. This book had me emotional, had me crying, had me at utter despair at times and at others feeling a tremendous relief. The ending was uplifting and definitely pulled at my heart strings ❤️
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy for review!
I personally resonated so strongly with this book.. It’s a character driven story about a young woman escaping her abusive and controlling fiancée. She finds herself isolated in a small town where she meets the snake-lawyer, Christian. These two are both broken in a way, and in each other they start to find a path towards healing. Christian is sweet, caring, perceptive and absolutely handsome.
The author focuses on Everly’s healing from her traumatic past with her ex. The story is very emotional and we dive deep into the characters feelings. This book had me emotional, had me crying, had me at utter despair at times and at others feeling a tremendous relief. The ending was uplifting and definitely pulled at my heart strings ❤️
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy for review!
July 18, 2023
TW: mentally and physically abusive relationship (not with the MMC), anxiety and panic attacks
Spice rating: 1/5
NEW & UNBROKEN is so much more than a contemporary romance. It's a story of healing and acceptance, which tackles the difficult journey of a woman breaking free of her abuser and learning not only how to open up to others, but to love herself. A beautiful love story, with an even more beautiful message that touches the heart and soul. I recommend this so much!
This book took me on an adventure through all the feels. My heart broke time and again for Everly and everything she's been through and survived. But I also admired her strength to break free, and the grace with which she gave herself the freedom to break, if it meant putting herself back together. As much as I loved the pure, beautiful romance with Christian, the mental health aspect of her journey was so important. Everly doesn't heal for Christian or because of him. Everything she does is for herself. She's just lucky to have an amazing man who wants to be there for her, takes the time to learn her story, her tells, her body language, and does everything in his power to help and support her without being overbearing. Their story was simply perfect. I wouldn't have changed a single thing. Funny, romantic, emotional. It had all the magic of a small town romance! A new favorite book.
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy. Opinions are my own.
Spice rating: 1/5
NEW & UNBROKEN is so much more than a contemporary romance. It's a story of healing and acceptance, which tackles the difficult journey of a woman breaking free of her abuser and learning not only how to open up to others, but to love herself. A beautiful love story, with an even more beautiful message that touches the heart and soul. I recommend this so much!
This book took me on an adventure through all the feels. My heart broke time and again for Everly and everything she's been through and survived. But I also admired her strength to break free, and the grace with which she gave herself the freedom to break, if it meant putting herself back together. As much as I loved the pure, beautiful romance with Christian, the mental health aspect of her journey was so important. Everly doesn't heal for Christian or because of him. Everything she does is for herself. She's just lucky to have an amazing man who wants to be there for her, takes the time to learn her story, her tells, her body language, and does everything in his power to help and support her without being overbearing. Their story was simply perfect. I wouldn't have changed a single thing. Funny, romantic, emotional. It had all the magic of a small town romance! A new favorite book.
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy. Opinions are my own.
July 21, 2023
It’s official, I will read anything Reina Bell writes! I’ve added a new favorite romance author to my list! This was perfect. Omg I absolutely loved Everly and Christian so much.
Ok let’s talk about this story. Everly has had enough of her abusive fiancé and she’s come up with a plan to escape him. She makes up a story about a retreat with her bff, all with the intention of leaving him. Everly arrives at a small town in Louisiana where she meets amazing people that help her see her worth and the beauty of life. Everly meets the handsome and sweet Christian, who also struggles with his own trauma. They interact and slowly help each get through these mental issues.
I loved this story so much. The author gives us character growth, emotions, and heartfelt interactions between all the characters. The depiction of abuse feels so vivid, but with lots of consciousness because of the sensitivity of the topic.
I am looking forward to reading ALL of the future books by this author!
Huge thanks to Reina Bell for gifting me a copy. All opinions are my own.
TW: please note there is mention of mental abuse, sexual abuse, and physical abuse, not by MMC. Anxiety and panic attacks, some scenes of depression as well.
Ok let’s talk about this story. Everly has had enough of her abusive fiancé and she’s come up with a plan to escape him. She makes up a story about a retreat with her bff, all with the intention of leaving him. Everly arrives at a small town in Louisiana where she meets amazing people that help her see her worth and the beauty of life. Everly meets the handsome and sweet Christian, who also struggles with his own trauma. They interact and slowly help each get through these mental issues.
I loved this story so much. The author gives us character growth, emotions, and heartfelt interactions between all the characters. The depiction of abuse feels so vivid, but with lots of consciousness because of the sensitivity of the topic.
I am looking forward to reading ALL of the future books by this author!
Huge thanks to Reina Bell for gifting me a copy. All opinions are my own.
TW: please note there is mention of mental abuse, sexual abuse, and physical abuse, not by MMC. Anxiety and panic attacks, some scenes of depression as well.
November 20, 2022
ARC Review
Trigger warnings with this book.
This book was such an easy read, sweet story of two people with devastating pasts coming together, healing and finding happiness. Written in such an easy writing style I flew through the pages without noticing.
Everly is trying to escape to escape an abusive controlling relationship and a work assignment which sends her to Louisiana gives her an ideal opportunity to plot her escape. While the story makes clear through panic attacks and triggering events that Everly has escaped a torturous relationship you never get any details of this (maybe the dark romance reader in me needed those details).
Christian is the epitome of a perfect man, caring, gentle, patient, romantic I could go on. It’s pretty much a live a first sight meeting. He has his own trauma as he lost his wife and child in a car crash however this seems to be brushed over and his love for Everly takes precedence.
It’s a beautiful easy read story which leaves you with all the feels at the end.
Trigger warnings with this book.
This book was such an easy read, sweet story of two people with devastating pasts coming together, healing and finding happiness. Written in such an easy writing style I flew through the pages without noticing.
Everly is trying to escape to escape an abusive controlling relationship and a work assignment which sends her to Louisiana gives her an ideal opportunity to plot her escape. While the story makes clear through panic attacks and triggering events that Everly has escaped a torturous relationship you never get any details of this (maybe the dark romance reader in me needed those details).
Christian is the epitome of a perfect man, caring, gentle, patient, romantic I could go on. It’s pretty much a live a first sight meeting. He has his own trauma as he lost his wife and child in a car crash however this seems to be brushed over and his love for Everly takes precedence.
It’s a beautiful easy read story which leaves you with all the feels at the end.
February 11, 2023
Before you read this book, there is a lot of trigger warnings.
Without giving too much spoilers away, It's about two people with devastating pasts coming together and falling in love.
Christian and Everly have such a cute romance in a small southern town, but Everly is on edge about her relationship with Christian because of her abusive fiancé (who she’s leaving). She has multiple panic attacks and triggers, but Christian is incredibly patient with her. He makes sure she's comfortable and feeling loved.
I did enjoy the book but it definitely hit a lot of triggers for me. Overall, It's a beautiful story which ends in a happy ending.
Thank you @fallencrestcrew and @authorreinabell for this ARC!
Without giving too much spoilers away, It's about two people with devastating pasts coming together and falling in love.
Christian and Everly have such a cute romance in a small southern town, but Everly is on edge about her relationship with Christian because of her abusive fiancé (who she’s leaving). She has multiple panic attacks and triggers, but Christian is incredibly patient with her. He makes sure she's comfortable and feeling loved.
I did enjoy the book but it definitely hit a lot of triggers for me. Overall, It's a beautiful story which ends in a happy ending.
Thank you @fallencrestcrew and @authorreinabell for this ARC!
February 6, 2024
I received this book as an ARC and here is my honest review:
I went into this book blind and this book broke me and put me back together. PLEASE check the TW’s!
Everly is engaged to a hot shot NHL player and to the public they look perfect. Behind closed doors, their relationship is anything but perfect. She goes on an “assignment” to Louisiana to write a piece on a national park. Everly’s controlling fiancé barely lets her go but demands frequent check-ins. Well, this trip was suppose to be for her to figure out how to leave her douchebag fiancé. Arriving at the check in for her cabin she meets the towns lawyer, Christian. He’s swoon worthy right away. During her stay she becomes great friends with Christian and he is so patient with her. She has a lot of issues to work on while figuring out her next chapter to her life.
Please read this book. It’s heart breaking, there’s some comedy, so many heartfelt moments that make you believe in true love, and there is so much compassion.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
Tropes:
Small town romance
He falls first
Cinnamon roll MMC
Friends to lovers
I went into this book blind and this book broke me and put me back together. PLEASE check the TW’s!
Everly is engaged to a hot shot NHL player and to the public they look perfect. Behind closed doors, their relationship is anything but perfect. She goes on an “assignment” to Louisiana to write a piece on a national park. Everly’s controlling fiancé barely lets her go but demands frequent check-ins. Well, this trip was suppose to be for her to figure out how to leave her douchebag fiancé. Arriving at the check in for her cabin she meets the towns lawyer, Christian. He’s swoon worthy right away. During her stay she becomes great friends with Christian and he is so patient with her. She has a lot of issues to work on while figuring out her next chapter to her life.
Please read this book. It’s heart breaking, there’s some comedy, so many heartfelt moments that make you believe in true love, and there is so much compassion.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
Tropes:
Small town romance
He falls first
Cinnamon roll MMC
Friends to lovers
February 19, 2023
Using her writing assignment in Louisiana as a way to escape her abusive fiancé was all in Everly’s plan. She had everything planned out, along with a letter she would leave for him once she left. The good man who was interested in her wasn’t part of her escape plan. Feeling guilty, she wanted to stay away from him, but her heart wanted to see if things could be different.
Christian had lost his wife and daughter. He knew pain and heartbreak. Therefore, when Everly looked at him and the same pain reflected in her eyes, it overwhelmed him with the desire to make things right for her. To protect her. She tried to push him away, yet fate kept putting them on each others paths.
Everly kept thinking that happiness isn’t something she deserved. But Christian was determined to stay by her side through the highs and the lows. Can they overcome past hurts and abusive exes, or are they destined to part ways?
It’s a small-town, sweet romance with a gentle, caring man and a woman who’s determined to save herself from an abusive relationship. It has a little spice and not many details about the abuse, but still check the TW. Christian is an environmental lawyer. And Everly’s writing assignment took her to Louisiana with a plan to leave after a few weeks so she could save herself.
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I always love it when the narrative shows the inner struggles of the characters. The trauma Everly faced kept reminding her why she didn’t deserve happiness. She kept fighting herself. It made it all worthwhile when she overcame those fears and having Christian love for her showed her what a healthy romantic relationship is.
With a manipulative fiancé and an abuser, it’s not easy to just get over the hurt, but sometimes letting yourself experience what could’ve been makes everything worth it. Everly tried to fight her attraction to Christian and I can understand why she was fighting it. To be honest, I expected more of a fight from Adam, her famous NHL player fiancé. I think reading dark romance made me want more violence and details, but this book isn’t dark.
It’s an easy read, written in an easily engaging tone. You’ll find yourself halfway through the book pretty fast. It is entertaining to read the banter between the main characters. Their love is sweet, gentle, and warm.
December 26, 2022
Thank you Reina Bell for the ARC copy of your book!
This is my honest review.
This is my second Reina Bell book, it’s her debut novel and I honestly don’t believe that! New & Unbroken had be drawn in from the get-go and I couldn’t put it down! I read the whole thing is one sitting (around 3.5-4 hours)! The writing is very easy to get through and I found myself getting lost in Winn Parish, Louisiana with Everly & Christian and all of the cute side characters.
Everly is trying to leave an emotionally abusive / controlling relationship with her fiancé, a famous NHL Player. She has been formulating a plan for months to get out of NYC and to escape her fiancé. She finally has the opportunity to set the plan into action when she gets an assignment to research/write in Louisiana. While in Louisiana, Everly meets Christian Pellegrini, the ‘Snake Lawyer’ as she dubs him (he’s an environmental lawyer.)
Christian, too, has been through his fair share of rough times in life. He is the most selfless, understanding, loving, kind and gentle man as he allows Everly to take the lead in their relationship. He never forces her to do anything she doesn’t want to and he allows everything to happen at it’s own pace. Their love is basically “love at first sight” but it’s in the most beautiful way as two perfectly imperfect and broken people find each other and are able to become ‘New & Unbroken’.
I would say to check the trigger warnings as some of these mental/emotional/physical abuse situations could be triggering to some. However, Reina did such a great job depicting the effects these situations had on Everly without vividly describing any of the past events.
This book was just perfect and the only thing that would make it better would be to get more from Christian and Everly! The epilogue was the cherry on the cake for the story, but I just feel like I always want more (selfishly, not because it’s really necessary).
After reading this book and Reina’s other novel ‘Kismet’ I can’t wait for her to release more! She’s definitely going to be a new favorite of mine!
This is my honest review.
This is my second Reina Bell book, it’s her debut novel and I honestly don’t believe that! New & Unbroken had be drawn in from the get-go and I couldn’t put it down! I read the whole thing is one sitting (around 3.5-4 hours)! The writing is very easy to get through and I found myself getting lost in Winn Parish, Louisiana with Everly & Christian and all of the cute side characters.
Everly is trying to leave an emotionally abusive / controlling relationship with her fiancé, a famous NHL Player. She has been formulating a plan for months to get out of NYC and to escape her fiancé. She finally has the opportunity to set the plan into action when she gets an assignment to research/write in Louisiana. While in Louisiana, Everly meets Christian Pellegrini, the ‘Snake Lawyer’ as she dubs him (he’s an environmental lawyer.)
Christian, too, has been through his fair share of rough times in life. He is the most selfless, understanding, loving, kind and gentle man as he allows Everly to take the lead in their relationship. He never forces her to do anything she doesn’t want to and he allows everything to happen at it’s own pace. Their love is basically “love at first sight” but it’s in the most beautiful way as two perfectly imperfect and broken people find each other and are able to become ‘New & Unbroken’.
I would say to check the trigger warnings as some of these mental/emotional/physical abuse situations could be triggering to some. However, Reina did such a great job depicting the effects these situations had on Everly without vividly describing any of the past events.
This book was just perfect and the only thing that would make it better would be to get more from Christian and Everly! The epilogue was the cherry on the cake for the story, but I just feel like I always want more (selfishly, not because it’s really necessary).
After reading this book and Reina’s other novel ‘Kismet’ I can’t wait for her to release more! She’s definitely going to be a new favorite of mine!
January 21, 2023
Wow this debut novel! I was hooked from the start every page I turned more information about this heartbreaking but touching story came to light. It’s a tough emotional read with a fantastic story of survival.
It follows Everly who was swept off her feet by a famous NHL player but after a while things changed and he wasn’t the man she thought Adam was. Everly needed to plan an escape. Which takes her on a trip to Louisiana where she comes across a man named Christian who would give her the world. There are many secrets to be revealed along the way but can Everly find the strength and courage to find freedom?
I really loved this book. I felt the emotions the characters were going through.
The man Christian was so compassionate and understanding after his own loss and heartbreak. This man makes me weak and I love that Christian would do anything for her. Everly is strong inspiration in such difficult situations.
I only want to mention a couple things as to why it got 4.5 stars.
- First there is a letter and I wanted to know what it said so badly but bits of that letter were briefly mentioned only.
- I thought the ex would play more of a role after the major incident in the book but didn’t. Only say this due to his behaviour and toxic traits he had.
- I wanted to know more about Christians heartbreak.
- Christian and Everly kiss alot in this book. I know crazy thing to mention.
- Finally the spice was intimate and emotional which I appreciated but also fade to black for when the time came.
Favorite quote: “You can’t save me Christian.” “I don’t want to save you Everly. I want to love you.”
If you love:
🔹 Dark Romance
🔹 Toxic Relationship
🔹 Courage & Strength
🔹 Difficult Situations
🔹 Navigating Love, Loss & Freedom
🔹 Intimate & Compassionate
🔹 Broken & Heartfelt Debut Novel
Genre/Type: Dark Emotional Romance
APK: Kindle Read
Pages: 256
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
Spice: 🌶️
POV: Multiple
Tropes: Friends To Lovers, Cheating
Check Triggers ⚠️
It follows Everly who was swept off her feet by a famous NHL player but after a while things changed and he wasn’t the man she thought Adam was. Everly needed to plan an escape. Which takes her on a trip to Louisiana where she comes across a man named Christian who would give her the world. There are many secrets to be revealed along the way but can Everly find the strength and courage to find freedom?
I really loved this book. I felt the emotions the characters were going through.
The man Christian was so compassionate and understanding after his own loss and heartbreak. This man makes me weak and I love that Christian would do anything for her. Everly is strong inspiration in such difficult situations.
I only want to mention a couple things as to why it got 4.5 stars.
- First there is a letter and I wanted to know what it said so badly but bits of that letter were briefly mentioned only.
- I thought the ex would play more of a role after the major incident in the book but didn’t. Only say this due to his behaviour and toxic traits he had.
- I wanted to know more about Christians heartbreak.
- Christian and Everly kiss alot in this book. I know crazy thing to mention.
- Finally the spice was intimate and emotional which I appreciated but also fade to black for when the time came.
Favorite quote: “You can’t save me Christian.” “I don’t want to save you Everly. I want to love you.”
If you love:
🔹 Dark Romance
🔹 Toxic Relationship
🔹 Courage & Strength
🔹 Difficult Situations
🔹 Navigating Love, Loss & Freedom
🔹 Intimate & Compassionate
🔹 Broken & Heartfelt Debut Novel
Genre/Type: Dark Emotional Romance
APK: Kindle Read
Pages: 256
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
Spice: 🌶️
POV: Multiple
Tropes: Friends To Lovers, Cheating
Check Triggers ⚠️
July 18, 2023
Spice rating: 1 pepper
Reina Bell has done it again. This book was a rollercoaster of emotions, with the power to simultaneously break me and put me back together. It is a small-town romance worthy of a movie, but it also tackles the difficult struggle of a woman trying to break free of a previous abusive relationship and having to put herself back together in the aftermath of it.
Everly was such a wonderful protagonist, brave and strong in an awe-inspiring way. Every time a new piece of the abuse she suffered was revealed, I felt a piece of my heart breaking for her. Her former boyfriend's controlling ways and demeaning words were so hard to stomach, even more so when seeing the absolute devastation he left behind for Everly and the repercussions on her mental health. But the healing journey is there, in the magic of small-town escape, the birth of new friendships and the chance encounter with a genuinely good man.
Christian was such a perfect love interest, and exactly the sort of man I'd love to marry. His courting of Everly was adorable, but what I loved most about her is how quickly he learned to read Everly's tells and adapt to them, even when he didn't know the whole story. The way he never made her feel guilty for needing space, how he helped her through her panic attacks, how he supported her healing journey, even when it meant taking a step back...PERFECTION. Theirs was such a sweet, beautiful, wholesome relationship (although smexy Christian is a thing to behold *smirk*)
If you want a book that will put you through all the emotions but that will also leave you smiling when you're finished, this is the book you need.
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy. Opinions are my own.
Reina Bell has done it again. This book was a rollercoaster of emotions, with the power to simultaneously break me and put me back together. It is a small-town romance worthy of a movie, but it also tackles the difficult struggle of a woman trying to break free of a previous abusive relationship and having to put herself back together in the aftermath of it.
Everly was such a wonderful protagonist, brave and strong in an awe-inspiring way. Every time a new piece of the abuse she suffered was revealed, I felt a piece of my heart breaking for her. Her former boyfriend's controlling ways and demeaning words were so hard to stomach, even more so when seeing the absolute devastation he left behind for Everly and the repercussions on her mental health. But the healing journey is there, in the magic of small-town escape, the birth of new friendships and the chance encounter with a genuinely good man.
Christian was such a perfect love interest, and exactly the sort of man I'd love to marry. His courting of Everly was adorable, but what I loved most about her is how quickly he learned to read Everly's tells and adapt to them, even when he didn't know the whole story. The way he never made her feel guilty for needing space, how he helped her through her panic attacks, how he supported her healing journey, even when it meant taking a step back...PERFECTION. Theirs was such a sweet, beautiful, wholesome relationship (although smexy Christian is a thing to behold *smirk*)
If you want a book that will put you through all the emotions but that will also leave you smiling when you're finished, this is the book you need.
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy. Opinions are my own.
November 30, 2022
4/5⭐️
—ARC Review—
Search up trigger warnings before you read this book!
This book was such an easy read. I didn’t realize I had gotten through the book so fast until I reached the epilogue 😅. It’s about two people with devastating pasts coming together and falling in love.
Everly Tancredi goes to Louisiana for a “business trip” as she tells her abusive fiancé. But she’s really planning to escape. She meets Christian Pellegrini, who has his own trauma from the death of his wife and daughter, and they have an instant connection. Reina Bell seems to use a lot of instant attraction in her books, like Kismet.
Christian, or Snake Lawyer as Everly calls him, is a local environmental law attorney. Everly is a writer. To be honest, I did not expect Christian to have that job occupation but I love it, it’s so unique.
Christian and Everly have such a cute romance in their small town (yes, it is a small town romance, so small town romance lovers get excited!). Everly is wary about her relationship with Christian because of her fiancé and she has multiple panic attacks and triggers, but Christian is incredibly patient with her. He makes sure she’s comfortable and feeling loved. He’s basically the sweetest soul ever.
—ARC Review—
Search up trigger warnings before you read this book!
This book was such an easy read. I didn’t realize I had gotten through the book so fast until I reached the epilogue 😅. It’s about two people with devastating pasts coming together and falling in love.
Everly Tancredi goes to Louisiana for a “business trip” as she tells her abusive fiancé. But she’s really planning to escape. She meets Christian Pellegrini, who has his own trauma from the death of his wife and daughter, and they have an instant connection. Reina Bell seems to use a lot of instant attraction in her books, like Kismet.
Christian, or Snake Lawyer as Everly calls him, is a local environmental law attorney. Everly is a writer. To be honest, I did not expect Christian to have that job occupation but I love it, it’s so unique.
Christian and Everly have such a cute romance in their small town (yes, it is a small town romance, so small town romance lovers get excited!). Everly is wary about her relationship with Christian because of her fiancé and she has multiple panic attacks and triggers, but Christian is incredibly patient with her. He makes sure she’s comfortable and feeling loved. He’s basically the sweetest soul ever.
November 28, 2022
4🤩🤩🤩🤩(ARC REVIEW)
“Striving to Survive”
New & Unbroken is a fine debut romance novel for author, Reina Bell. It has heart, it has wit, and a splash of suspense.
We meet Evelyn Tancredi, a woman who escapes an abusive relationship from her fiancé, a professional hockey player. She runs to a small town in Louisiana and discovers what a real man is made of in the form of environmental lawyer Christian Pellegrini
Their budding relationship is put to the test by a fast approaching deadline and secrets of the past. I really enjoyed how Everly and Christian’s relationship developed. Even though their was an instant connection, it wasn’t instalove. They both were so wounded but were open to explore their attraction to one another. It was sweet and caring, and at times intense.
The suspense is compromised of a delay in the revelation of what exactly sent Everly running and why it took Christian years to date again. It is one of the reasons why the storyline is so engaging. Ms. Bell effortlessly created an eagerness to know more. But when we find out the MCs secrets, they are bit glossed over. The reader is left wondering about situations surrounding triggering events for Everly. This could be due to the sensitive nature of the circumstances. (Read the content warnings.) However, a dash more detail would really ramp up the intensity of the narrative.
I was also captivated by Everly’s healing process because it wasn’t linear. We get to experience her pain but also revel in her moments of joy. Ms. Bell’s ability to allow the character to wade through mixed emotions while dealing with her trauma was refreshing.
Bottom line: New & Unbroken is worth the read.
I voluntarily requested, read, and reviewed an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read if you’re down with:
*Swoony Connection
*Small Town Romance
*Self-Saving Heroine
*Sweet Hero
*Witty Banner
“Striving to Survive”
New & Unbroken is a fine debut romance novel for author, Reina Bell. It has heart, it has wit, and a splash of suspense.
We meet Evelyn Tancredi, a woman who escapes an abusive relationship from her fiancé, a professional hockey player. She runs to a small town in Louisiana and discovers what a real man is made of in the form of environmental lawyer Christian Pellegrini
Their budding relationship is put to the test by a fast approaching deadline and secrets of the past. I really enjoyed how Everly and Christian’s relationship developed. Even though their was an instant connection, it wasn’t instalove. They both were so wounded but were open to explore their attraction to one another. It was sweet and caring, and at times intense.
The suspense is compromised of a delay in the revelation of what exactly sent Everly running and why it took Christian years to date again. It is one of the reasons why the storyline is so engaging. Ms. Bell effortlessly created an eagerness to know more. But when we find out the MCs secrets, they are bit glossed over. The reader is left wondering about situations surrounding triggering events for Everly. This could be due to the sensitive nature of the circumstances. (Read the content warnings.) However, a dash more detail would really ramp up the intensity of the narrative.
I was also captivated by Everly’s healing process because it wasn’t linear. We get to experience her pain but also revel in her moments of joy. Ms. Bell’s ability to allow the character to wade through mixed emotions while dealing with her trauma was refreshing.
Bottom line: New & Unbroken is worth the read.
I voluntarily requested, read, and reviewed an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read if you’re down with:
*Swoony Connection
*Small Town Romance
*Self-Saving Heroine
*Sweet Hero
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November 29, 2022
.
*ARC
Title: New and Unbroken
Author: Reina Bell
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Contemporary romance
Spice: 🥵yes - light spice
Series: No, Stand-alone
Thoughts - I’ve been trying to decide where this falls for me because mostly this feels like a straightforward, soulmate kind of love story. The connection that Christian and Everly have is beautiful. The character depth of Everly answers a lot of questions as she navigates her past and works through each trigger as it comes up. Christian #swoon is just everything 🥰. There are some heavy themes in this book including domestic violence but it really is just a beautiful love story. It shows that life, love and possibilities are there when your able to make the leap.
Plot: Everly Tancredi plans and escapes her abusive relationship. After an unlikely encounter with Christian Pellegrini has her experiencing freedom like never before. They both fight to overcome there pasts to enable them to have a future together.
* Character vulnerability
* ⚠️ trigger warnings
* Excellent banter
* So many swoon worthy moments
* “The male voice to my right was deep, polished and soothing all wrapped up into one flawless tone”
*ARC
Title: New and Unbroken
Author: Reina Bell
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Contemporary romance
Spice: 🥵yes - light spice
Series: No, Stand-alone
Thoughts - I’ve been trying to decide where this falls for me because mostly this feels like a straightforward, soulmate kind of love story. The connection that Christian and Everly have is beautiful. The character depth of Everly answers a lot of questions as she navigates her past and works through each trigger as it comes up. Christian #swoon is just everything 🥰. There are some heavy themes in this book including domestic violence but it really is just a beautiful love story. It shows that life, love and possibilities are there when your able to make the leap.
Plot: Everly Tancredi plans and escapes her abusive relationship. After an unlikely encounter with Christian Pellegrini has her experiencing freedom like never before. They both fight to overcome there pasts to enable them to have a future together.
* Character vulnerability
* ⚠️ trigger warnings
* Excellent banter
* So many swoon worthy moments
* “The male voice to my right was deep, polished and soothing all wrapped up into one flawless tone”
February 5, 2023
fallen street crew arc review - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
this is such a heavy hitting, small town romance. the trigger warnings for this were real, but it was worth a little discomfort reading to see the growth and strength that everly has, and following her to her happy ending in christian!
this is extremely emotional, but still has such heart warming parts throughout it. there is instant attraction when everly and christian meet, both of them distracted by their own traumas and just trying to get through every day. and even though they are both damaged, they help each other pick up the pieces 🥹 i absolutely adored how patient and caring christian was. he was so supportive of everly through her anxiety about her abusive-fiancée, and everly was so gentle when handling trauma that christian carry’s about the loss of his family.
i read this through twice since receiving the arc, the first time i was shocked that i sped through it so fast. the second time i soaked it in and truly just enjoyed the ride and development of the characters.
reina absolutely floored me with kismet last year (one of my top 5 reads!), and this novel also worked its way into my heart 🖤 i am a sucker for a small town romance, and people that come out stronger against all odds like both everly and christian did!!
this is such a heavy hitting, small town romance. the trigger warnings for this were real, but it was worth a little discomfort reading to see the growth and strength that everly has, and following her to her happy ending in christian!
this is extremely emotional, but still has such heart warming parts throughout it. there is instant attraction when everly and christian meet, both of them distracted by their own traumas and just trying to get through every day. and even though they are both damaged, they help each other pick up the pieces 🥹 i absolutely adored how patient and caring christian was. he was so supportive of everly through her anxiety about her abusive-fiancée, and everly was so gentle when handling trauma that christian carry’s about the loss of his family.
i read this through twice since receiving the arc, the first time i was shocked that i sped through it so fast. the second time i soaked it in and truly just enjoyed the ride and development of the characters.
reina absolutely floored me with kismet last year (one of my top 5 reads!), and this novel also worked its way into my heart 🖤 i am a sucker for a small town romance, and people that come out stronger against all odds like both everly and christian did!!
November 27, 2022
New and Unbroken
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶
This is my second book from Reina Bell, and I really enjoyed it! This was an ARC, so I’d like to say thank you to Reina and her team for providing this opportunity!
Christian and Everly meet in Louisiana, where Everly is going to work on an article and plan an escape from her life. Christian is the towns lawyer, who you will fall in love with! He and Everly run into each other and start hanging out casually until they realize they like one another. Both main characters have prior trauma, and Christian is so patient and amazing with Everly. He is a swoon worthy book boyfriend for sure.
The story and how it is laid out let’s you know both characters and how each of their traumas have effected them and forces them to grow. This is a love story for certain, but also a story of recovery and growth!
⚠️Triggers⚠️
R@p€ (mentions from past)
Child SA (mentions from past)
Loss of a child (past)
Mental health
Mental abuse
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶
This is my second book from Reina Bell, and I really enjoyed it! This was an ARC, so I’d like to say thank you to Reina and her team for providing this opportunity!
Christian and Everly meet in Louisiana, where Everly is going to work on an article and plan an escape from her life. Christian is the towns lawyer, who you will fall in love with! He and Everly run into each other and start hanging out casually until they realize they like one another. Both main characters have prior trauma, and Christian is so patient and amazing with Everly. He is a swoon worthy book boyfriend for sure.
The story and how it is laid out let’s you know both characters and how each of their traumas have effected them and forces them to grow. This is a love story for certain, but also a story of recovery and growth!
⚠️Triggers⚠️
R@p€ (mentions from past)
Child SA (mentions from past)
Loss of a child (past)
Mental health
Mental abuse
November 28, 2022
ARC Review
This was my first book of Reina Bell and it definitely won't be last. I loved the easy going writing style, I finished this book in a day, couldn't put it down.
Both the main characters had gone through their own share of trauma but it didn't stop them from falling in love and their chemistry was over the world. I loved how realistic the journey was for Everly as she was a R*pe victim and had been through an abusive relationship, Christian was so gentle and passionate with her.
I love love loved the ending, it was what I expected. All in all it was a quick read with trigger warnings but nothing I couldn't handle, It was beautiful, definitely worth your time.
Please check TW before diving in.
Happy reading :)
This was my first book of Reina Bell and it definitely won't be last. I loved the easy going writing style, I finished this book in a day, couldn't put it down.
Both the main characters had gone through their own share of trauma but it didn't stop them from falling in love and their chemistry was over the world. I loved how realistic the journey was for Everly as she was a R*pe victim and had been through an abusive relationship, Christian was so gentle and passionate with her.
I love love loved the ending, it was what I expected. All in all it was a quick read with trigger warnings but nothing I couldn't handle, It was beautiful, definitely worth your time.
Please check TW before diving in.
Happy reading :)
November 30, 2022
ARC review!!
AHHHH!! 😍😍 This book hits you with all the feels. From giddy butterflies to heartbreak and everything in between, this book has it all.
I loved the story of Everly and her journey. Starting from this broken person escaping a horrendous relationship and past to finding and healing herself along the way.
Then add Christian, who has his own tragic past he’s ready to move on from with this new gal who’s visiting the area and he can’t seem to stay away from.
Together, they take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride from a curious and budding romance to trying to tackle each others inner demons.
This is the first book I’ve read by Reina Bell, but after this book, it won’t be my last 🥰🥰🥰
AHHHH!! 😍😍 This book hits you with all the feels. From giddy butterflies to heartbreak and everything in between, this book has it all.
I loved the story of Everly and her journey. Starting from this broken person escaping a horrendous relationship and past to finding and healing herself along the way.
Then add Christian, who has his own tragic past he’s ready to move on from with this new gal who’s visiting the area and he can’t seem to stay away from.
Together, they take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride from a curious and budding romance to trying to tackle each others inner demons.
This is the first book I’ve read by Reina Bell, but after this book, it won’t be my last 🥰🥰🥰
January 9, 2023
A beautiful, heart-felt & amazing read.
When books involve SA, Domestic violence & MCs coping with that trauma, I try to go in with an open mind. I am lucky to have never experienced these things, so my review is based on this, and I can never truly gage what a “realistic” view is of these occurrences, similarly how someone might cope with said occurrences. However, this book was beautifully written & i refused to put it down all day, resulting in me finishing this in a matter of hours.
This book felt real, i felt a lot of similarities in the MCs personality to my own and it made this read incredibly powerful.
I can understand how some might want a longer book for a story like this, to delve deeper into the history of the MC. But I’m happy with the length and the depth in which Reina Bell went into when writing this book.
This was a 4.75 ⭐️ read for me, I loved it.
When books involve SA, Domestic violence & MCs coping with that trauma, I try to go in with an open mind. I am lucky to have never experienced these things, so my review is based on this, and I can never truly gage what a “realistic” view is of these occurrences, similarly how someone might cope with said occurrences. However, this book was beautifully written & i refused to put it down all day, resulting in me finishing this in a matter of hours.
This book felt real, i felt a lot of similarities in the MCs personality to my own and it made this read incredibly powerful.
I can understand how some might want a longer book for a story like this, to delve deeper into the history of the MC. But I’m happy with the length and the depth in which Reina Bell went into when writing this book.
This was a 4.75 ⭐️ read for me, I loved it.
December 1, 2022
ARC Review
We all know I love all things dark and spicy, but this book has my entire heart. Everly is a badass. She is so brave and self aware and honestly is my hero. Christian is the most patient and thoughtful man. He reminds me a lot of my husband which might be why I am so in love with him.
This book shows the journey of Everly overcoming trauma and the emphasis on her actually doing the work is amazing. A lot of books brush over the messy parts of the process, but this book dives and and shows it all, while also giving you an epic love story.
This book is not very spicy, but that really isn’t the point of the book.
We all know I love all things dark and spicy, but this book has my entire heart. Everly is a badass. She is so brave and self aware and honestly is my hero. Christian is the most patient and thoughtful man. He reminds me a lot of my husband which might be why I am so in love with him.
This book shows the journey of Everly overcoming trauma and the emphasis on her actually doing the work is amazing. A lot of books brush over the messy parts of the process, but this book dives and and shows it all, while also giving you an epic love story.
This book is not very spicy, but that really isn’t the point of the book.
December 11, 2022
Very nice story of trauma and strength. Growth and healing. If you're looking for hot, smutty, steamy scenes… you won't get it in this book. This book focuses more on the connection and love between the main characters and how they helped heal each other. There were a few times where I was a bit frustrated with the mfc lack of honesty and communication at times, but i also had to understand and grant some grace because some people that have been through the things she has struggle with many things, open communication and expressing themselves included. Overall, it was a very sweet and uplifting book, and I enjoyed the read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
January 18, 2023
First off thank you to the author Reina Bell and @fallencrestcrew for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
This book had me experiencing all the emotions. Me and unbroken is an adult contemporary romance that had me believing in love at first sight. Miss Bell takes the reader on a roller coaster of feelings and personal growth with our mains Everly and Christian, without giving anything away it was really gratifying to watch our FMC heal and feel. I felt all the pain she was experiencing and wanted nothing more than to hug her and take some of her pain away. Domestic violence whether physical, emotional or psychological is traumatizing and anyone who has experienced this or is experiencing it is a fighter and you are stronger than you realize. I loved Everlys strength and her willingness to get help and finally live her life.
I definitely recommend this book but recommend checking the TWs before diving in.
This book had me experiencing all the emotions. Me and unbroken is an adult contemporary romance that had me believing in love at first sight. Miss Bell takes the reader on a roller coaster of feelings and personal growth with our mains Everly and Christian, without giving anything away it was really gratifying to watch our FMC heal and feel. I felt all the pain she was experiencing and wanted nothing more than to hug her and take some of her pain away. Domestic violence whether physical, emotional or psychological is traumatizing and anyone who has experienced this or is experiencing it is a fighter and you are stronger than you realize. I loved Everlys strength and her willingness to get help and finally live her life.
I definitely recommend this book but recommend checking the TWs before diving in.
November 28, 2022
Trigger Warning of DV on this book.
Everly goes to Louisiana for a job, while her fiancé Adam stays home. While she is there she meets Christian.
Christian is definitely husband material and has so much respect for someone he just met. He is patient and understanding as well.
Everly suffers from panic attacks, while trying to figure out who she is.
I love the dual point of view on this book. The secrets that happen in this book. Promoting her to find herself all while being happy. I will say the shift in how independent she became was my favorite part!
Everly goes to Louisiana for a job, while her fiancé Adam stays home. While she is there she meets Christian.
Christian is definitely husband material and has so much respect for someone he just met. He is patient and understanding as well.
Everly suffers from panic attacks, while trying to figure out who she is.
I love the dual point of view on this book. The secrets that happen in this book. Promoting her to find herself all while being happy. I will say the shift in how independent she became was my favorite part!
December 2, 2022
I received this copy for free as an ARC in return for an honest review. This is a beautiful, sad, poignant story dealing with traumatic circumstances, check your triggers! This is my first by this author and I was very impressed with the array of emotions she was able to effectively communicate. I will most definitely be reading more of her work. This book takes you on a journey of healing from various traumas and what the power of love can do
December 3, 2022
ARC REVIEW -
Please check triggers before reading
Two people drawn together through the shared experience of handling their past trauma. A book packed full of heart and suspense which ultimately lead to showing the reader that love really does come when you least expect it.
Christian is an amazing book boyfriend, he’s patient and exactly what Everly needs. Definitely a recommended read!
Please check triggers before reading
Two people drawn together through the shared experience of handling their past trauma. A book packed full of heart and suspense which ultimately lead to showing the reader that love really does come when you least expect it.
Christian is an amazing book boyfriend, he’s patient and exactly what Everly needs. Definitely a recommended read!
May 2, 2023
I am happy to say that I really enjoyed this story.
Everly’s journey was thought provoking and very touching - there were times where my heart was breaking for her, but there was a sense of hope. She had a plan and stuck to it. Breaking the cycle of abuse isn’t easy and this book did not try to make it seem so. Everly had very real panic attacks after triggering events - fortunately for the reader there were not many details regarding the past events that triggered her attacks. There are triggers, most of which I found were alluded to, so you knew it was a problem and why, but no “gory” details.
The story was very touching and that was made possible because of Christian’s unconditional love.
The heart of the story is healing through love. Yes, this book has the sweetest happy ending!
I received a copy for free. The opinions expressed above are honest and my own.
Everly’s journey was thought provoking and very touching - there were times where my heart was breaking for her, but there was a sense of hope. She had a plan and stuck to it. Breaking the cycle of abuse isn’t easy and this book did not try to make it seem so. Everly had very real panic attacks after triggering events - fortunately for the reader there were not many details regarding the past events that triggered her attacks. There are triggers, most of which I found were alluded to, so you knew it was a problem and why, but no “gory” details.
The story was very touching and that was made possible because of Christian’s unconditional love.
The heart of the story is healing through love. Yes, this book has the sweetest happy ending!
I received a copy for free. The opinions expressed above are honest and my own.
April 30, 2024
I was hooked from the first page. This book brought out a lot of emotions. I laughed, I teared up and I enjoyed it. Both Everly and Christian were great characters. They both experienced a tragic past full of trauma. I was happy that Everly was written as a bit nutty. Her feelings were completely all over the place and she’d have a meltdown out of nowhere. Quite realistic. Reina didn’t sugar coat that Everly needed help to get her mind and heart right and that she needed to work through her past trauma on her own before she could commit 100% to Christian. I really loved that. Christian made the best book boyfriend list. I adored him, he was attentive, understanding and patient. Exactly what Everly needed.
I’ll definitely check out her other books because I enjoyed her writing.
I’ll definitely check out her other books because I enjoyed her writing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2022
Such a great read! You will fall for this couple. The things that both of them have been through. The patients he has with her. He's a swoon worthy book boyfriend for sure!
July 19, 2023
oh my goodness, this was such a wonderful read! Emotional, beautiful, healing…while it dealt with some heavy topics, I feel like the were written about in such a wonderful way. There was trauma, but not just for the sake of trauma. Seeing the FMC find her inner strength was beautiful and inspiring. Def recommend checking trigger warnings, but I for sure recommend this if you’re looking for a summer romance read and def if you enjoy Colleen Hoover books!
Thanks to the author for gifting me a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thanks to the author for gifting me a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 29, 2022
ARC REVIEW
Q. Have you ever been in an abusive relationship.?
Q. Have you found yourself guilty trying to come over a toxic relationship
No matter its mental or physical abuse you never deserve to be degraded by any one.
This book is about Everly and her strength to overcome from a relationship that left her broken and shredded her to pieces.
The whole story is a great one although the h & H's meet seems a bit rushed, besides that the shand h took towards her New & Unbroken self is something which everyone needs to celebrate.
Take a time or day to be you back no one and nothing can change your true nature.
Q. Have you ever been in an abusive relationship.?
Q. Have you found yourself guilty trying to come over a toxic relationship
No matter its mental or physical abuse you never deserve to be degraded by any one.
This book is about Everly and her strength to overcome from a relationship that left her broken and shredded her to pieces.
The whole story is a great one although the h & H's meet seems a bit rushed, besides that the shand h took towards her New & Unbroken self is something which everyone needs to celebrate.
Take a time or day to be you back no one and nothing can change your true nature.
November 24, 2022
This was a really captivating and intense story. The twists and turns of the story made it intriguing. The story of Everly and Christian just sucked you in like a ship wreck waiting to happen. You just knew when things we bad, it would be epic. In any case be sure to read the triggers in order to decide if this book isn't for you. Overall, a highly recommended read.
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