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Crazy Broken Love
Without order, without the rules, she'll go mad.
Amy has issues, but she's organized her life in such a way that the Noise will never reach her again. No one understands it, understands her, except for the one who writes her messages with perfectly counted words. Equilibre , whose name is French for balance, made up of nine letters. Three times three.
And he wants her. Forever.
This book discusses OCD and may trigger some readers. Please read with self-care in mind.
Amy has issues, but she's organized her life in such a way that the Noise will never reach her again. No one understands it, understands her, except for the one who writes her messages with perfectly counted words. Equilibre , whose name is French for balance, made up of nine letters. Three times three.
And he wants her. Forever.
This book discusses OCD and may trigger some readers. Please read with self-care in mind.
124 pages, Paperback
Published November 4, 2019
About the author
Jennifer Bene
63 books1,951 followersJennifer Bene is a USA Today bestselling author of dangerously sexy and deviously dark romance. From BDSM, to Suspense, Dark Romance, and Thrillers—she writes it all. Always delivering a twisty, spine-tingling journey with the promise of a happily-ever-after.
Don't miss a release! Sign up for the newsletter to get new book alerts (and a free welcome book) at http://jenniferbene.com/newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
November 19, 2019
✨ DENISE’S DREAMY REVIEW ✨
Crazy Broken Love was something I truly wasn’t expecting. It’s a story more than just about love. It’s about finding that balance between knowing we’re okay and accepting how things are.
It’s intense, it’s deep, and it will touch you in a way that you don’t expect. It’s one of those stories where you think you know what’s going no, but then you don’t have everything in full color.
Our heroine, Amy, suffers from an OCD disorder, we learn that she’s always on edge and that small things can push her past her limit of insanity. But she’s learned how to cope with these things and when someone she “meets” gets her in a way not many people have. She doesn’t need fixing, but someone who understands her world and to be part of it, and Colton did.
Jennifer Bene never ever disappoints and I’m used to reading everything dark and twisted by her, but this book just show how talented she is as a writer. Of course, there is a tiny touch of darkness, but overall, it’s moreso about knowing you’re not perfect, accepting it, and finding someone who loves and accepts you for exactly who YOU are.
Amazing job, Bene! I cannot wait to see what she has in store next!
Five dreamy stars: 💫💫💫💫💫
Crazy Broken Love was something I truly wasn’t expecting. It’s a story more than just about love. It’s about finding that balance between knowing we’re okay and accepting how things are.
It’s intense, it’s deep, and it will touch you in a way that you don’t expect. It’s one of those stories where you think you know what’s going no, but then you don’t have everything in full color.
Our heroine, Amy, suffers from an OCD disorder, we learn that she’s always on edge and that small things can push her past her limit of insanity. But she’s learned how to cope with these things and when someone she “meets” gets her in a way not many people have. She doesn’t need fixing, but someone who understands her world and to be part of it, and Colton did.
Jennifer Bene never ever disappoints and I’m used to reading everything dark and twisted by her, but this book just show how talented she is as a writer. Of course, there is a tiny touch of darkness, but overall, it’s moreso about knowing you’re not perfect, accepting it, and finding someone who loves and accepts you for exactly who YOU are.
Amazing job, Bene! I cannot wait to see what she has in store next!
Five dreamy stars: 💫💫💫💫💫
November 8, 2019
Even more amazing than the original
The core of this story was originally released as Cocoon, in the Just Breathe anthology. It has been reworked, tidied up and given an extended epilogue to boot. I LOVED this story in it's original format and this version is even better.
Deep, profound, thought provoking, intense and empowering, this is a book that doesn't leave you when you've finished reading it. You think about it a little bit, and then some more, and then a LOT more after that. After contemplating and pondering on this WONDERFUL, FANTASTIC AND AMAZING story, it struck me just how unwittingly judgemental and bigoted we can be.
The heroine suffers from an OCD disorder that, at times, leaves her teetering on the edge of sanity. I found myself waiting for a white knight to rescue her from this and 'cure' her. Yep I judged her as needing to be changed in some way and my word has it made me hang my head in shame. Because what Amy needs, what all people in this situation need, is to be accepted for who they are and understood.
Amy doesn't need 'fixing'. Just because she doesn't fit our societal preconceived notions of 'normal' does not mean that she isn't perfect just exactly how she is. Thankfully she did find a knight in shining armour to save her, he saved her from the judgement and narrow-mindedness that stops us accepting others just as they are. Colton saw how imperfectly perfect Amy was, and matched it with his own wonderful imperfections.
This is a Jennifer Bene book, so of course there is a touch of darkness to be had. There is a frisson of fear and threat to be powered through, bad (misguided?) actions that are done with the best of intentions. Contained within the pages is a truly fantastic love story that touched both my heart and my mind, that spoke to me in a way few romance stories do. That left it's gentle touch on my heart and soul. Bravo Ms Bene.
The core of this story was originally released as Cocoon, in the Just Breathe anthology. It has been reworked, tidied up and given an extended epilogue to boot. I LOVED this story in it's original format and this version is even better.
Deep, profound, thought provoking, intense and empowering, this is a book that doesn't leave you when you've finished reading it. You think about it a little bit, and then some more, and then a LOT more after that. After contemplating and pondering on this WONDERFUL, FANTASTIC AND AMAZING story, it struck me just how unwittingly judgemental and bigoted we can be.
The heroine suffers from an OCD disorder that, at times, leaves her teetering on the edge of sanity. I found myself waiting for a white knight to rescue her from this and 'cure' her. Yep I judged her as needing to be changed in some way and my word has it made me hang my head in shame. Because what Amy needs, what all people in this situation need, is to be accepted for who they are and understood.
Amy doesn't need 'fixing'. Just because she doesn't fit our societal preconceived notions of 'normal' does not mean that she isn't perfect just exactly how she is. Thankfully she did find a knight in shining armour to save her, he saved her from the judgement and narrow-mindedness that stops us accepting others just as they are. Colton saw how imperfectly perfect Amy was, and matched it with his own wonderful imperfections.
This is a Jennifer Bene book, so of course there is a touch of darkness to be had. There is a frisson of fear and threat to be powered through, bad (misguided?) actions that are done with the best of intentions. Contained within the pages is a truly fantastic love story that touched both my heart and my mind, that spoke to me in a way few romance stories do. That left it's gentle touch on my heart and soul. Bravo Ms Bene.
November 6, 2019
This book by Jennifer Bene is so good. It deals with OCD and its many complications and idiosyncrasies.
Crazy Broken Love is such an original story and makes the reader needing to keep going and counting in threes and sevens.
I love the ending. Such a perfect finale!
Crazy Broken Love is such an original story and makes the reader needing to keep going and counting in threes and sevens.
I love the ending. Such a perfect finale!
November 5, 2019
I can't really say much without giving the story away but from the first page, I was hooked. Ms. Bene did an outstanding job on how the mind of someone with severe OCD works and copes with things. It can be a trigger for some so please take care when reading this. The way everything is described in this story just basically blew me away. Amy and Equilibre (Colton) are two characters I won't soon forget. This isn't one of Jennifer's really dark stories but it is an intriguing look into the world of mental illness and I just couldn't stop reading. The story was in the anthology "Just Breathe" awhile back but the name has changed and more has been added to it! Even if you've read this before, just get this version of the story and check it out!! Beautifully written, it will make you stop and think! Loved it!
November 4, 2019
This short read hooked me from the first page and didn't let go! I loved it and thought the author did a great job with the representation of the mental health issues. I definitely recommend it!
November 15, 2019
Because this book concentrates on disability, I'm going to review it primarily on that basis. Thus, this was very difficult for me to rate because while Ms. Bene gets so much about representing disability right, she gets one aspect very, very wrong. I settled on 3 stars, but I've never had so much trouble rating a book. It's difficult to talk about this story without spoilers, so, if that's a problem for you, please don't read further.
While I appreciate generic authors' recent attempts to inject diversity (in this case, disability) into what is a very white, middle-class, heteronormative, young, and abled genre, results have been decidedly mixed. While some books treat the subject with sensitivity, I've read others that either turn characters with disabilities into inspiration porn (when you consider someone inspirational solely because they have a disability; this reduces them to an object of pity and often paints them as tragic) or that feature cure-based narratives that promote the idea that people with disabilities are not "normal" and must be "fixed." Ms. Bene, thankfully, avoids both these pitfalls, but manages to fall into another one -- lack of bodily autonomy -- which ultimately affected my appreciation of her project. Below is my review...
Amy has been diagnosed with OCD severe enough to require a lengthy hospital stay. Now living independently, she spends her days alone in her apartment (she also has Agoraphobia, though it's never called that), engaging in rituals that keep her safe from what she calls the Noise: sounds in her head that are mentally, emotionally, and physically debilitating. These well-described and detailed rituals include constant cleaning, wearing the same colored clothes, and dividing everything -- including language -- into multiples of threes. Her only face-to-face contact is an unsatisfactory weekly session with her therapist (who, while not presented sympathetically since she's trying to "fix" a "broken" Amy, is, at least, gendered as female, which I appreciate since too often professionals in these books are men).
Amy also has an online relationship with Equilibre, which she looks forward to because he never makes her feel broken or less than. "That’s the problem with these doctors," he writes her. "They see everything about us as a problem instead of the solution." Happy to find someone who supports her and doesn't judge her for who she is (her parents have abandoned her), Amy views these email exchanges as the highlight of her day until he inadvertently says something that triggers the Noise. Concerned for her welfare, he kidnaps her (the logistics of all this are explained adequately) by taking her to a room in his house that he has custom-built for her. As their relationship develops, he reveals three things: that his name is Colton, he loves her, and he himself has OCD. How they work out the primary obstacle in their relationship -- she sees everything in threes, he in sevens -- is the highlight of this book since neither is trying to change the other; instead, they must find ways to adapt to the other without losing their own sense of self (something, really, we all do in every relationship -- even abled ones).
I really, really admired that this book accomplishes four important things. First, Ms. Bene avoids abelism, which posits that the able-bodied and neurotypical are "normal" and the models we should aspire to, while the disabled and neurodiverse are "less than" because they are "abnormal." Secondly, neither Amy nor Colton aspire to be "normal" and those who try to force "normalcy" on them are not treated sympathetically. Thirdly, Amy and Colton are the main characters in this book and they have their own agency (that is, they're neither defined by their relationship to an abled character nor are they used as vehicles for an abled character's redemption or path to self-actualization). Finally, neither Amy nor Colton is "cured" at the end; rather, they .
Now that I've laid out the positives, let me talk about the negative: Colton rapes Amy (he has sex with her when she's unconscious and, thus, unable to consent) and forcibly restrains her to a bed. This is problematic on several levels, both within the book's fictional world and our real-life one. In terms of the first: although Colton explains why he did it and he apologizes profusely, his actions did not ring true to me in terms of what he himself has experienced (we later find out that he . I found it impossible to believe that anyone who has been through what Colton has would turn around and do the same to another. He came across as hypocritical and, quite frankly, his actions were no different from those in Amy's past who also put her in restraints and "forced themselves on her" (n0t sexually, but by denying her access to her rituals). I felt Amy .
I also didn't understand why Ms. Bene included a rape since A) It was unnecessary since Amy already had enough to resent in the kidnapping (also problematic), and B) Colton -- and, by extension, Ms. Bene -- thus denies Amy bodily autonomy or our right to determine what happens to our own bodies. Bodily autonomy is a very important plank in the disability rights platform since the disabled have long been denied jurisdiction over their own bodies. Forced sterilization, forced incarceration, mandatory drug regimes, and lack of accommodations for atypical bodies are only a few of the many ways that society has policed disabled bodies. By raping Amy and restraining her, Colton simply enacts yet another abled violation onto a disabled body. I really wish Ms. Bene hadn't included this narratively useless and thematically harmful plot point; it would have been a much better book if she hadn't.
3 stars. Despite its problematic depiction of disability in some ways, I actually do recommend this book since it does communicate very well why emphases on being able-bodied and neurotypical are so harmful and not what everyone should -- or can -- aspire to.
For those interested, here is more information on bodily autonomy, https://www.disabilityrightsca.org/le....
While I appreciate generic authors' recent attempts to inject diversity (in this case, disability) into what is a very white, middle-class, heteronormative, young, and abled genre, results have been decidedly mixed. While some books treat the subject with sensitivity, I've read others that either turn characters with disabilities into inspiration porn (when you consider someone inspirational solely because they have a disability; this reduces them to an object of pity and often paints them as tragic) or that feature cure-based narratives that promote the idea that people with disabilities are not "normal" and must be "fixed." Ms. Bene, thankfully, avoids both these pitfalls, but manages to fall into another one -- lack of bodily autonomy -- which ultimately affected my appreciation of her project. Below is my review...
Amy has been diagnosed with OCD severe enough to require a lengthy hospital stay. Now living independently, she spends her days alone in her apartment (she also has Agoraphobia, though it's never called that), engaging in rituals that keep her safe from what she calls the Noise: sounds in her head that are mentally, emotionally, and physically debilitating. These well-described and detailed rituals include constant cleaning, wearing the same colored clothes, and dividing everything -- including language -- into multiples of threes. Her only face-to-face contact is an unsatisfactory weekly session with her therapist (who, while not presented sympathetically since she's trying to "fix" a "broken" Amy, is, at least, gendered as female, which I appreciate since too often professionals in these books are men).
Amy also has an online relationship with Equilibre, which she looks forward to because he never makes her feel broken or less than. "That’s the problem with these doctors," he writes her. "They see everything about us as a problem instead of the solution." Happy to find someone who supports her and doesn't judge her for who she is (her parents have abandoned her), Amy views these email exchanges as the highlight of her day until he inadvertently says something that triggers the Noise. Concerned for her welfare, he kidnaps her (the logistics of all this are explained adequately) by taking her to a room in his house that he has custom-built for her. As their relationship develops, he reveals three things: that his name is Colton, he loves her, and he himself has OCD. How they work out the primary obstacle in their relationship -- she sees everything in threes, he in sevens -- is the highlight of this book since neither is trying to change the other; instead, they must find ways to adapt to the other without losing their own sense of self (something, really, we all do in every relationship -- even abled ones).
I really, really admired that this book accomplishes four important things. First, Ms. Bene avoids abelism, which posits that the able-bodied and neurotypical are "normal" and the models we should aspire to, while the disabled and neurodiverse are "less than" because they are "abnormal." Secondly, neither Amy nor Colton aspire to be "normal" and those who try to force "normalcy" on them are not treated sympathetically. Thirdly, Amy and Colton are the main characters in this book and they have their own agency (that is, they're neither defined by their relationship to an abled character nor are they used as vehicles for an abled character's redemption or path to self-actualization). Finally, neither Amy nor Colton is "cured" at the end; rather, they .
Now that I've laid out the positives, let me talk about the negative: Colton rapes Amy (he has sex with her when she's unconscious and, thus, unable to consent) and forcibly restrains her to a bed. This is problematic on several levels, both within the book's fictional world and our real-life one. In terms of the first: although Colton explains why he did it and he apologizes profusely, his actions did not ring true to me in terms of what he himself has experienced (we later find out that he . I found it impossible to believe that anyone who has been through what Colton has would turn around and do the same to another. He came across as hypocritical and, quite frankly, his actions were no different from those in Amy's past who also put her in restraints and "forced themselves on her" (n0t sexually, but by denying her access to her rituals). I felt Amy .
I also didn't understand why Ms. Bene included a rape since A) It was unnecessary since Amy already had enough to resent in the kidnapping (also problematic), and B) Colton -- and, by extension, Ms. Bene -- thus denies Amy bodily autonomy or our right to determine what happens to our own bodies. Bodily autonomy is a very important plank in the disability rights platform since the disabled have long been denied jurisdiction over their own bodies. Forced sterilization, forced incarceration, mandatory drug regimes, and lack of accommodations for atypical bodies are only a few of the many ways that society has policed disabled bodies. By raping Amy and restraining her, Colton simply enacts yet another abled violation onto a disabled body. I really wish Ms. Bene hadn't included this narratively useless and thematically harmful plot point; it would have been a much better book if she hadn't.
3 stars. Despite its problematic depiction of disability in some ways, I actually do recommend this book since it does communicate very well why emphases on being able-bodied and neurotypical are so harmful and not what everyone should -- or can -- aspire to.
For those interested, here is more information on bodily autonomy, https://www.disabilityrightsca.org/le....
November 11, 2019
4.5 stars
One of the best things about this author is that she is never afraid to step outside the box in regards to the stories that she creates. Regardless of what the topic is, she will craft an unusual story. Often times, it will push the boundaries of what is considered 'normal' and toes the line with taboo. I thought I had her figured out as a writer despite this but after reading this book I am not sure I can ever say that again.
This book was not like others that she has written. At first, I was uncomfortable. Not for the normal reasons of her pushing me out of my comfort zone by giving me something dark and twisty or that made me posit a plethora of things, even though she, in fact, made me do that. It made me uncomfortable because I am very familiar with OCD personally. Not to the extent that Amy has in this book. No, it was for a different reason. This book took some serious skill to write. To not only explain the mental impacts of having this disorder but also to write it in 3's and 7's. While this book is not my favorite that the author has written I still have to give her accolades for what she has done here. I am not sure of many other authors that could have done what she did by not only creating a perfectly imperfect couple a story but by doing it within the dictates of this often times debilitating condition.
Bravo.
One of the best things about this author is that she is never afraid to step outside the box in regards to the stories that she creates. Regardless of what the topic is, she will craft an unusual story. Often times, it will push the boundaries of what is considered 'normal' and toes the line with taboo. I thought I had her figured out as a writer despite this but after reading this book I am not sure I can ever say that again.
This book was not like others that she has written. At first, I was uncomfortable. Not for the normal reasons of her pushing me out of my comfort zone by giving me something dark and twisty or that made me posit a plethora of things, even though she, in fact, made me do that. It made me uncomfortable because I am very familiar with OCD personally. Not to the extent that Amy has in this book. No, it was for a different reason. This book took some serious skill to write. To not only explain the mental impacts of having this disorder but also to write it in 3's and 7's. While this book is not my favorite that the author has written I still have to give her accolades for what she has done here. I am not sure of many other authors that could have done what she did by not only creating a perfectly imperfect couple a story but by doing it within the dictates of this often times debilitating condition.
Bravo.
November 6, 2019
I read this originally as Cocoon in the Just Breathe anthology and was keen to re-read and find the added extras. It is about OCD in the extreme, where everthing in Amy's life is about order, routine and the number three. She must not deviate or the noise will come back and break her.
This story is heartbreaking at times when you think about all the possibilities of life Amy is missing out on whilst cocooned in her home. Her OCD is on the highest part of the spectrum, but actually her strength of character shines through as she is determined to make the best of her life as it is, despite her Doctors seemingly non-sympathetic attitude. She has an online friend, Equilibre, who understands her as he lives a similar way, but with sevens. Life is in balance.....until it's not.
I don't condone the way Colton went about things, because in my normality it's all kind of wrong, but in his normal he thinks Amy is perfect and what can be better than the one who loves you accepting you exactly as you are without wanting to change a thing.
This novella shocked, surprised and intrigued me with it's depth and insight into this mental illness. I admit I found myself counting words as my brain couldn't see the patterns automatically. It did demonstrate however that one persons normal is another's crazy, but if that normal makes you happy and you can share it in love, why would anyone want to change it? With the right person, anyone can find love, happiness and acceptance.
A well written, emotional, thought provoking book from this wonderful author. Keep them coming please Jennifer Bene ****
This story is heartbreaking at times when you think about all the possibilities of life Amy is missing out on whilst cocooned in her home. Her OCD is on the highest part of the spectrum, but actually her strength of character shines through as she is determined to make the best of her life as it is, despite her Doctors seemingly non-sympathetic attitude. She has an online friend, Equilibre, who understands her as he lives a similar way, but with sevens. Life is in balance.....until it's not.
I don't condone the way Colton went about things, because in my normality it's all kind of wrong, but in his normal he thinks Amy is perfect and what can be better than the one who loves you accepting you exactly as you are without wanting to change a thing.
This novella shocked, surprised and intrigued me with it's depth and insight into this mental illness. I admit I found myself counting words as my brain couldn't see the patterns automatically. It did demonstrate however that one persons normal is another's crazy, but if that normal makes you happy and you can share it in love, why would anyone want to change it? With the right person, anyone can find love, happiness and acceptance.
A well written, emotional, thought provoking book from this wonderful author. Keep them coming please Jennifer Bene ****
November 5, 2019
This was originally in the Just Breathe anthology, but has been expanded and re-released under a different name.
They are both so damaged, but I don't think anyone could understand the other better, as they both have the same issues. To an extent. Colton isn't as bad off as Amy is, but he has OCD as well, and that alone, allows him to understand her like no one else does, or has even tried to.
Colton has done so much for Amy, more than even she knows at first, but even so at one point it seems as though it won't make a bit of difference. Colton did something pretty unforgivable so things are touchy.
Amy knows him as Equilibre. He's only introduced as Colton after. You'll see what I mean by, after. After, is a whole different story, and nothing she's accustomed to. But, maybe exactly what she needs. To stop the panic, to stop the noise, to stop the counting.
While this is about OCD and may have triggers for some, it's still very much a love story. Question is, can they overcome what happened and move on to something better? Read to find out.
They are both so damaged, but I don't think anyone could understand the other better, as they both have the same issues. To an extent. Colton isn't as bad off as Amy is, but he has OCD as well, and that alone, allows him to understand her like no one else does, or has even tried to.
Colton has done so much for Amy, more than even she knows at first, but even so at one point it seems as though it won't make a bit of difference. Colton did something pretty unforgivable so things are touchy.
Amy knows him as Equilibre. He's only introduced as Colton after. You'll see what I mean by, after. After, is a whole different story, and nothing she's accustomed to. But, maybe exactly what she needs. To stop the panic, to stop the noise, to stop the counting.
While this is about OCD and may have triggers for some, it's still very much a love story. Question is, can they overcome what happened and move on to something better? Read to find out.
November 9, 2019
Without routine and numbers their is noise and uncontrollable chaos of the mind.
She knows this and thus lives her life dedicated to patterns and repetition.
Three is her magic number, and unbeknown to her, words of that quantity will change her life.
Oohh what a very unique and eye opening read.
To be different is to be misunderstood and that's the core of this book.
Two souls who are classed as broken but are simply outside the box of what is considered normalcy, fight to just be.
She's scared of life outside, she's petrified of losing control, I felt for her and the situation she placed herself in.
He's the guy who can give you everything but his love comes at a cost.
As I read this I found myself joining them, I began to count their words subconsciously and when I realised I was quite shocked! *chuckles*
That's how invested in their story I was.
Will it be seven or should it be three, maybe I'm happy with four!
She knows this and thus lives her life dedicated to patterns and repetition.
Three is her magic number, and unbeknown to her, words of that quantity will change her life.
Oohh what a very unique and eye opening read.
To be different is to be misunderstood and that's the core of this book.
Two souls who are classed as broken but are simply outside the box of what is considered normalcy, fight to just be.
She's scared of life outside, she's petrified of losing control, I felt for her and the situation she placed herself in.
He's the guy who can give you everything but his love comes at a cost.
As I read this I found myself joining them, I began to count their words subconsciously and when I realised I was quite shocked! *chuckles*
That's how invested in their story I was.
Will it be seven or should it be three, maybe I'm happy with four!
November 11, 2019
Amy and Colton, aka Equilibre aren't your typical romantic couple. After a lifetime of feeling less then, feeling thrown away they cross paths in an unexpected way.
This one touched me as the shorter version in the Just Breathe anthology, I wanted more of their story then! And now we got the rest of it and it was just as emotional to read as the shorter first story was......expanded version filled in some holes for me.
This is a subject that's close to my heart, I've seen family members deal with OCD that wasn't nearly this bad and it was tough. It's a challenge you have to live with every day and there is no "magic" cure to make you "normal".
This story wasn't nearly as dark as Jennifer Bene has gone but it in no way lacks the emotional depth. One of my favorites from her.
This one touched me as the shorter version in the Just Breathe anthology, I wanted more of their story then! And now we got the rest of it and it was just as emotional to read as the shorter first story was......expanded version filled in some holes for me.
This is a subject that's close to my heart, I've seen family members deal with OCD that wasn't nearly this bad and it was tough. It's a challenge you have to live with every day and there is no "magic" cure to make you "normal".
This story wasn't nearly as dark as Jennifer Bene has gone but it in no way lacks the emotional depth. One of my favorites from her.
November 11, 2019
Interesting and Amazing!
This is an utterly amazing story about the craziness of OCD. The story really shows us how complicated and life altering the disease can be. It really puts it into perspective for us readers who may have never experienced something like this. Jennifer is an amazing author that knows how to entertain us and enthrall us with her words and storytelling. She had me utterly captivated and wanting more from these amazing characters from beginning to end. It was fantastic.
The story is raw and emotional but also beautiful in its own unique way. Highly recommend.
This is an utterly amazing story about the craziness of OCD. The story really shows us how complicated and life altering the disease can be. It really puts it into perspective for us readers who may have never experienced something like this. Jennifer is an amazing author that knows how to entertain us and enthrall us with her words and storytelling. She had me utterly captivated and wanting more from these amazing characters from beginning to end. It was fantastic.
The story is raw and emotional but also beautiful in its own unique way. Highly recommend.
November 6, 2019
I absolutely loved this story from Jennifer.
Amy who's had a illness that she's struggled with pretty much her whole life. Always counting, thing's have to be in order and sterilized if not then there's chaos. Equilbre (French) has a illness that thing's have to be in three's always counting in three's. He wants to help Amy overcome her illness, so he does something that may help or set her back. This book is about mental illness and about 2 people who struggle with it everyday there may be triggers, so be careful. I definitely would recommend reading it.
Amy who's had a illness that she's struggled with pretty much her whole life. Always counting, thing's have to be in order and sterilized if not then there's chaos. Equilbre (French) has a illness that thing's have to be in three's always counting in three's. He wants to help Amy overcome her illness, so he does something that may help or set her back. This book is about mental illness and about 2 people who struggle with it everyday there may be triggers, so be careful. I definitely would recommend reading it.
November 8, 2019
This is my second time reading this particular story, as it previously released in an anthology. I enjoyed it even more and the addition gave it even more character. Such a great understanding of those with OCD. Amy and Colton, both thought to be broken and crazy. But are they really? They have peculiar ways but don't we all have our quirks? They both sacrificed for the other. I really floved this book. Loved the ending and epilogue.
November 13, 2019
This was incredible the description was beyond words it touched my heart hard I cried happy and sad tears, Colton and Amy were so beautiful and expressed so much feeling you have to love every part of them.
Yes the OCD and the imperfections was quite serious and Amy had a very well down routine but what Colton did was sort of wrong but right for her I was so proud of him he was so so brave but brought so much peace and that ending the biggest smile from me it made me so happy I'm so proud of them. This was just written with so much feeling you cant look away , it was perfect.
Yes the OCD and the imperfections was quite serious and Amy had a very well down routine but what Colton did was sort of wrong but right for her I was so proud of him he was so so brave but brought so much peace and that ending the biggest smile from me it made me so happy I'm so proud of them. This was just written with so much feeling you cant look away , it was perfect.
November 18, 2019
I found this to be an incredible read for which I feel the author took appropriately delicate care of a mental issue that affects so many. Colton and Amy are two broken characters suffering through their issues and trying their best to come out on the other side together. The story itself had a great pace to the read that kept me engaged the entire time I was reading it and pulled on my emotions like no other.
November 5, 2019
Wow! How can this be at the same time dark and the next moment sweet and heartbreaking as well. Love that even with all that need to be perfect and to have order in your life you still find your perfect other half, your soulmate. That gets you that understands you. Crazy Broken Love was/is the most perfect dark, sweet, heartbreaking read I have the privilege of reading. Amy and Equilibre are just the perfect broken couple. I love and enjoy reading their story. And if you had the chance on reading Just Breathe anthology when it was available I hope you enjoy the epilogue that was added to Crazy Broken Love. I sure did!
November 6, 2019
Amy's world consists of 3's, it's the only way things work for her. She never leaves her house but she does have friends online...mainly Equilibre.
Then one day her world gets turned upside down and she meets Colton, but maybe she's met him before...he seems to know how to quiet The Noise.
This book threw me for a loop! Never have I ever read a book so unique and strange, yet loving and understanding. It's a window into the OCD world, a world I know all too well sometimes.
Then one day her world gets turned upside down and she meets Colton, but maybe she's met him before...he seems to know how to quiet The Noise.
This book threw me for a loop! Never have I ever read a book so unique and strange, yet loving and understanding. It's a window into the OCD world, a world I know all too well sometimes.
November 7, 2019
This is a very difficult review to write. This is a very emotional book. Jennifer did an excellent job in writing this book. I cannot tell you much without spoiling the story for you. Just keep an open mind and just think if part of this book does not apply to you. “Do you count squares or try not to step on a crack because it might break your mother’s back”? Enjoy.
November 18, 2019
This is a fabulous story, that will take you through the struggles and trial of somebody suffering from OCD. I don't want to give this story away. Amy never goes out of her house and only have friends online like Equilibre(Colton).
One day things change and she meets him and he seem to be able to help her and calm her. This story is quite intriguing and unique. I honestly reviewed an arc copy.
One day things change and she meets him and he seem to be able to help her and calm her. This story is quite intriguing and unique. I honestly reviewed an arc copy.
November 4, 2019
This book pulled me in all different directions.
Feeling constrained, threatened by outside influences, ruled by strict rituals, wanting to help Amy, make her better.
Then outraged by the lovingly arranged, but oh so wrong, ministrations of Equilibre.
But then realizing that my perceived "wrong" became their "right". Together their world made sense, the fight against chaos turned into a deep, sensual and quiet love.
Again Ms Bene mesmerized me with her uncomfortably accurate description of harrowing circumstances.
And still, I always come back for more!
Feeling constrained, threatened by outside influences, ruled by strict rituals, wanting to help Amy, make her better.
Then outraged by the lovingly arranged, but oh so wrong, ministrations of Equilibre.
But then realizing that my perceived "wrong" became their "right". Together their world made sense, the fight against chaos turned into a deep, sensual and quiet love.
Again Ms Bene mesmerized me with her uncomfortably accurate description of harrowing circumstances.
And still, I always come back for more!
November 7, 2019
All those 3’s and 7’s and 7 and 3’s💞💞. I was hooked right from the beginning. This book gives the reader a beautiful yet heart wrenching insight into the pain and struggles of the mind of a person with OCD. If you have read other Jennifer Bene books then you already know to expect the romantic lead to have his own dark and twisted approach to love which is what always has me coming back for more of her books.
Amy and Colton both have such sad and dark minds but their struggle is what makes you love then so much. I hope one day we get more on Colton. Maybe a prequel from his perspective from his first sight of her to hers of him.
Amy and Colton both have such sad and dark minds but their struggle is what makes you love then so much. I hope one day we get more on Colton. Maybe a prequel from his perspective from his first sight of her to hers of him.
November 9, 2019
This is definitely not your run of the mill love story. It is obsession taken to the nth degree, strange connection of two people who are not broken but just wired so very differently. You can't help but be a little creeped out by Colton's view of Amy and the lengths he will go for her. But, maybe at the same time a little envious of how perfect he thinks she is. I loved this story.
Forever and always.
I read and reviewed a copy of this book.
Forever and always.
I read and reviewed a copy of this book.
November 11, 2019
If you have ever wondered what it would be like to have OCD, look no further. This story will allow you to see it, plainly. Groups of three. These are Amy's perfection. Groups of seven are Colton's desire. Together they make each other whole. Together they can quiet the distracting Noise.
November 5, 2019
I was exhausted by the time I had read twenty percent of this book and I cannot imagine what it must be like to be suffering from this terrible disease. Jennifer Bene does a terrific job of describing how awful it feels. What Colton does is wrong on so many levels but at the same time it is absolutely the right thing to do for Amy and allows her a measure of peace she has never known before and the strength he has to get to where he is demonstrates the power of love.
November 8, 2019
This book is serious food for thought.
Ms. Bene wrote an incredible story of a young woman who suffers extreme OCD.
The writing is precise and so thought provoking.
I was tearing up while reading how Amy has to live her life.
And how if one little thing is even minutely out of order her mind goes into chaos.
It was heartbreaking.
This book showcased and highlighted that what we see as imperfections or what we see as lacking in ourselves.
In someone else’s eyes we are their perfect.
Ms. Bene wrote an incredible story of a young woman who suffers extreme OCD.
The writing is precise and so thought provoking.
I was tearing up while reading how Amy has to live her life.
And how if one little thing is even minutely out of order her mind goes into chaos.
It was heartbreaking.
This book showcased and highlighted that what we see as imperfections or what we see as lacking in ourselves.
In someone else’s eyes we are their perfect.
November 9, 2019
I thought I had OCD but, you don't realize how crazy OCD is until it's put into perspective. This book did an amazing breaking it down. I went in not knowing what I was going to be reading but, knowing that it was written by Jennifer, I didn't care. She's so imaginative with her writing, I knew it was going to be good and it was. Every page was better than the last.
November 11, 2019
OMG! This is an amazing read. It broke my heart then healed it again. It made me unbelievable sad and put a huge grin on my face. Goosebumps all the way.
AWESOME
AWESOME
November 19, 2019
I applaud the idea of novels conveying different ways to happiness, to love. Different ways of daily life, of living, of being, of thinking, that are just right for the parties involved, despite not meeting mainstream society’s acceptable definitions.
Disappointingly, although this novella does try to portray all those messages—bravo!, it is clunky, repetitive, and surface-skimming.
Try Ellie and the Harpmaker instead. It’s not as taboo or controversial, but I think it coveys the message of alternate definitions of love and helpmates better.
Disappointingly, although this novella does try to portray all those messages—bravo!, it is clunky, repetitive, and surface-skimming.
Try Ellie and the Harpmaker instead. It’s not as taboo or controversial, but I think it coveys the message of alternate definitions of love and helpmates better.
November 13, 2019
Crazy Broken Love is an apt title for this story, because in many respects the main theme of this book—finding love while dealing with a condition—is something intimately connected with those words, for good or ill. It is a truism in our world that a large part of society believes if you suffer from and illness or mental condition that you should be excluded from certain things that are a given for a ‘normal’ person. That to be allowed to engage in certain things will put the people involved, or others around them, at risk. And while there are cases where that is true, too often the decisions about what ‘broken’ people should be allowed to do are made by people who have no real grasp of what the illness / condition involves, and can be colored by bias’s that make the decision process completely unfair. That is certainly the case with Amy and Colton, and it is what makes this book so incredibly beautiful. It rips away one shroud to reveal another beneath it, and then it uncloaks that final layer with such tenderness and beauty that in the end you cannot help but be swept up in their love story.
There are so many themes in this book that touch me personally (I suffer from OCD), and so I have an inherent bias in how this story affected me, so forewarning given. Amy and Colton—our two main protagonists in this story—like many other people who suffer from some form of mental illness, are characterized as “broken.” But they are not. They are simply trying to cope and build their own lives while dealing with their conditions. They meet, they come together (yes, though the method may be somewhat unusual, in the context of the story it is so beautifully handled and makes sense given the conditions and situation), and they build a life together. It is an incredibly simple premise, but given how many ‘normal’ people would (will) find the process, manner, and ultimately the entire idea of their love to be “crazy” and/or unhealthy, the way in which the author builds the story to show how beautiful and empowering it can be is amazing.
This story won’t be for everyone. Some people are bound to find the premise implausible, the manner in which it takes place to be disturbing, and some will think it too farfetched to be realistic. All to be expected. Because that’s the way society thinks of people who manifest, suffer, and try to cope. That they should be denied by dint of their conditions some basic rights that normal people take for granted. Crazy Broken Love breaks through that wall. It rips open the fabric of those stigmata’s and shows us that love is possible between broken people, and that maybe, just maybe, they aren’t as broken as they may seem to outsiders.
Read this. Think on it.
Love it.
Because it is a perfect gem of a love story.
There are so many themes in this book that touch me personally (I suffer from OCD), and so I have an inherent bias in how this story affected me, so forewarning given. Amy and Colton—our two main protagonists in this story—like many other people who suffer from some form of mental illness, are characterized as “broken.” But they are not. They are simply trying to cope and build their own lives while dealing with their conditions. They meet, they come together (yes, though the method may be somewhat unusual, in the context of the story it is so beautifully handled and makes sense given the conditions and situation), and they build a life together. It is an incredibly simple premise, but given how many ‘normal’ people would (will) find the process, manner, and ultimately the entire idea of their love to be “crazy” and/or unhealthy, the way in which the author builds the story to show how beautiful and empowering it can be is amazing.
This story won’t be for everyone. Some people are bound to find the premise implausible, the manner in which it takes place to be disturbing, and some will think it too farfetched to be realistic. All to be expected. Because that’s the way society thinks of people who manifest, suffer, and try to cope. That they should be denied by dint of their conditions some basic rights that normal people take for granted. Crazy Broken Love breaks through that wall. It rips open the fabric of those stigmata’s and shows us that love is possible between broken people, and that maybe, just maybe, they aren’t as broken as they may seem to outsiders.
Read this. Think on it.
Love it.
Because it is a perfect gem of a love story.
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