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Broken and Screwed
Alexandra's older brother died the night he graduated. That day changed everything for her. No longer was she the party girl. No longer did she care about being popular and no longer was her family the happy unit she always thought existed. The only person who could help her heal is the same person who loved her brother as much as she did, his best friend. She only hopes to keep her entire heart from breaking when Jesse will move on, and she knows he will.
After Ethan died, Jesse excelled at basketball, partying, and girls. He used it all to turn his emotions off, but the irony was that Alex was the only person who could do that for him. She helped him forget, but she was the one person he shouldn't be with because the secrets he knows could shatter everything. They could shatter her.
After Ethan died, Jesse excelled at basketball, partying, and girls. He used it all to turn his emotions off, but the irony was that Alex was the only person who could do that for him. She helped him forget, but she was the one person he shouldn't be with because the secrets he knows could shatter everything. They could shatter her.
257 pages, ebook
First published February 7, 2013
595 people are currently reading
14251 people want to read
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April 20, 2015
5 Broken Stars!!!
Broken and Screwed. Once I started this book, I inhaled it. Could not put it down. Love books like this. Books about beautifully broken people. Love, grief, depression, and heartbreak. That is B&S in a nutshell.
Alex’s brother has been gone a year. A year since Ethan has died and Alex’s entire life changed. She feels destroyed, shattered. But she’s not the only one. Her parents are absent, and Ethan’s best friend Jesse, well, things are complicated with him.
Jesse and Alex have had a different kind of relationship since Ethan’s been gone. Jesse mostly ignores Alex, but special days, he needs her.
They need each other. Being together is the only way they can get through the tough times.
A part of Alex has and always will love Jesse. She doesn’t understand why he treats her the way he does, but theres not much she can do about it. She’s not willing to give him up.
So I see all these reviews of people not loving Jesse. Seriously? Jesse was amazing! He was hurting just like Alex and he handled his hurt the only way he knew how. Being a complete DMJ, Jesse is for sure on my book boyfriend list. Eric on the other hand... I didn’t care for him. Not at all. Alex’s friends were kind of a joke too. Angie was okay at times, but Marissa. Ugh. Hated that girl. I could see where Alex wouldn’t be an easy character to love. She has her issues, but I liked her. I felt for her. The characters are flawed and dysfunctional. That’s okay with me.
Jesse and Alex use each other to fulfill this need, this empty space within each of them. Alex knows it’s not right, it needs to stop, but how can she stop it? Jesse is the one person who loved Ethan like she did. The one person who can possibly understand how she feels. They depend on each other.
I love Tijan’s writing! All the feels, angst and conflicted emotions! It’s a story I won’t soon forget. B&S is written from Alex’s perspective. Being in her head, seeing where she was coming from, you really felt what she felt. I wish it would have been dual pov, but I think if we were inside Jesse’s head it would have given too much away. He knows all the answers to our questions. Just a bit of a warning... The ending has a cliffhanger. You will have lots of unanswered questions, theories etc, but don’t fret. Book 2 is out and it will answer everything! This is one series I would highly recommend! x
Broken and Screwed. Once I started this book, I inhaled it. Could not put it down. Love books like this. Books about beautifully broken people. Love, grief, depression, and heartbreak. That is B&S in a nutshell.
Alex’s brother has been gone a year. A year since Ethan has died and Alex’s entire life changed. She feels destroyed, shattered. But she’s not the only one. Her parents are absent, and Ethan’s best friend Jesse, well, things are complicated with him.
I had lost my mom when I had lost Ethan. I had lost my father as well. I’d lost the family even. I still had, Jesse, in some ways, but nothing was the same. I wasn’t the same.
Jesse and Alex have had a different kind of relationship since Ethan’s been gone. Jesse mostly ignores Alex, but special days, he needs her.
Jesse hated me. He needed me on the nights when neither of us could escape Ethan’s ghost, but the next morning would be another story.
They need each other. Being together is the only way they can get through the tough times.
We both forgot together.
A part of Alex has and always will love Jesse. She doesn’t understand why he treats her the way he does, but theres not much she can do about it. She’s not willing to give him up.
“I’m sick of feeling, Alex. Only you. No other girl makes me feel this shit I don’t want to.”
So I see all these reviews of people not loving Jesse. Seriously? Jesse was amazing! He was hurting just like Alex and he handled his hurt the only way he knew how. Being a complete DMJ, Jesse is for sure on my book boyfriend list. Eric on the other hand... I didn’t care for him. Not at all. Alex’s friends were kind of a joke too. Angie was okay at times, but Marissa. Ugh. Hated that girl. I could see where Alex wouldn’t be an easy character to love. She has her issues, but I liked her. I felt for her. The characters are flawed and dysfunctional. That’s okay with me.
Jesse and Alex use each other to fulfill this need, this empty space within each of them. Alex knows it’s not right, it needs to stop, but how can she stop it? Jesse is the one person who loved Ethan like she did. The one person who can possibly understand how she feels. They depend on each other.
I wasn’t able to walk away. One day I knew I would. I knew I’d be strong enough to leave the shelter he gave me, but not that day, not at that minute.
I love Tijan’s writing! All the feels, angst and conflicted emotions! It’s a story I won’t soon forget. B&S is written from Alex’s perspective. Being in her head, seeing where she was coming from, you really felt what she felt. I wish it would have been dual pov, but I think if we were inside Jesse’s head it would have given too much away. He knows all the answers to our questions. Just a bit of a warning... The ending has a cliffhanger. You will have lots of unanswered questions, theories etc, but don’t fret. Book 2 is out and it will answer everything! This is one series I would highly recommend! x
Jesse was going to hurt me. He already had, but she didn’t know he healed me as well. I needed him, even if it was only the little increments that I got from him. Because every time, a part of me felt whole, a little more together.
December 15, 2014
Holy shit I loved this book. I was gripped from page one. Alex and her story - oh my word gripped my soul. Jesse - I loved him then cursed him then loved him again. I get it. They need each other. Grieve together. Evolve together. Jesse get your shit together. I am on YOUR TEAM. Figure this out! Give Alex her happily ever after dammit!!!!
And holy effing cliff hangers and now I have to wait til August !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FFFFFFFFF
New cover love ❤️❤️❤️❤️
And holy effing cliff hangers and now I have to wait til August !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FFFFFFFFF
New cover love ❤️❤️❤️❤️
May 27, 2013
Me, after reading this book:
It seriously took me two days to figure out how to rate this book. Why? Oh boy, well, because there were some elements that were really good. I found the scenes between Alex and Jesse pretty compelling, I wanted to know more of their story, but the author had other plans and that's where things took a nosedive.
Instead of focusing on what made this couple so tragically perfect or wrong for each other, depending on how you see things, we're treated to a smorgasbord of trivialities, most of which are rather irrelevant. I found myself skimming through scene after scene, pausing only to read if something looked noteworthy. There was no real depth to these elements, instead we're bombarded with morose whimpering from Alex who needs Jesse for some vague reason pertaining to her dead brother. Jesse's not particularly nice to her, though there's clearly something going on in his cerebral cortex that we're not made privy to, EVER. Honestly, the book's a bit bi-polar. In one moment, I was like "YES, we're finally getting somewhere!" and in the next I'm skimming through seemingly endless drivel. I guess these drawn out scenes were supposed to make me feel something for Alex and her friends. They didn't. Sure, Angie seemed okay enough, though she was very vanilla. Marissa was a straight up slutbag man-stealer. Aside from that, I got nothing from them, hence the skimming. Peripheral characters should either add to the plot or the character development. These characters did neither. In fact, they detracted from the story altogether. Every time Angie, Marissa or Eric stepped onto the page I sighed, read a few paragraphs and started the skim. Ironically, they made Alex less interesting and made what could have been a fascinating story meh-worthy.
Jesse at least seemed interesting, though his scenes were few and far between. And then he up and leaves for college, ostensibly leaving the story for long periods of time. But clearly there's a mystery there and, yes, I actually do want to know what it is, which I guess says something. But here's what it says: Clearly this entire book is a setup for book two. Sadly, now that I got suckered in, I may in fact read the next book just to find out, but am wary that it will be more of the same. But seriously, this entire book is Alex silently professing her love for Jesse. She drops her panties at the mere hint of him and immediately mopes that he's being an asshat again. So she's depressed, yes, I get it. But an entire novel's worth of moping? Stick a fork in me, I'm done.
Clearly I'm in the minority when it comes to this book. Going back and reading some of the five star reviews made me question if I'd read the same thing. But what would have made it more impactful to me is if the author spent a fraction of her time getting me acquainted with the peripheral characters, most of whom are gone by the end of the novel, and more time on peeling back the layers of grief and exploring how Jesse fits into the mosaic of that grief. That seemed to be the crux of the novel when I went in, only we never got even close to touching on it. Again, it's clear that was done as a setup for the next story, but, honestly, that means I wasted a whole night reading a bunch of crap that has no bearing on the next installment. Not to beat a dead horse here, but by the end of the novel, Alex's parents are gone, Angie has moved on to college, Alex and Marissa are no longer friends and Eric has left the building. What the eff? Why did I spend seventy percent of this novel with a bunch of characters you planned to throw away? They didn't add anything, they're not coming back in book two, so what the hell dude?
When I was done, I felt like this fucking dog:
What the hell did I spend my night reading? If you were never planning to answer a single question or delve into these character's lives why bother dragging it out? Seriously, you could have cut half the crap in this novel, added it to the next and simply been done with the whole thing. I bet it would have made for a much better read. I don't have time to waste, I have shit on my DVR I need to watch. Oh, yeah, and by the way, there's a cliffhanger ending. And to be perfectly frank, it made little sense to me. Um, so what, now she's crazy? For reals? That's what you're going with?
May 1, 2013
What was that? I stayed up all night and loved it..
I have no words and i must wait until August to find out the rest.. Seriously August!!
First Chapter of the review.. Spoiler FREE
The story is so good, it pulls you right in until the last moment..
Jesse Hunt is one of the hottest book boyfriends ever and i wasn't irritating at all by Alex..
Her friend Angie was amazing but it was really weird how that changed towards the end..
Her friend Marissa on the other hand:
I seriously hated her from the first page..
Eric, Ben and Justin were nice additions to the story i also liked Jesse's Coach and Barbie..
Now the story: After Ethan died, Jesse, Alex and her parents lost their minds completely..
Ethan was the glue that hold them all together and when he died everything changed..
The love story of Jesse and Alex is complex because of that and starts like a love/hate relationship.. the need is so intense and binds them together.. And then there is a revelation.. A revelation we don't know what it means but will definitely make an amazing arc for the next book.. There are so many secrets yet to be revealed..
Second Chapter of the review.. Spoiler FULL
What the hell was that? Why Ethan was unhappy? I thought it was his dream to go off to college with his friend..And he had a girlfriend why he slept with Barbie? Jesse apparently hated Jeremy, then why he went to his house to hang out that night? Ethan and Jesse had problems and were fighting why? We know it has something to do with Alex but what? If Jesse wanted her why he was with that Sarah for 3 years? And back to Ethan: did he killed himself? And why Jesse called him that night and told him to meet him if he was with his girlfriend and her family? What will they do? And why Jesse acted like Alex was the reason Ethan died and hated her in the beggining? Maybe he was going to see Alex that night because it was her birthday? Will something happen with Reed and Alex now that she will be on the same college and so they can freak out Jesse? And by the way: Where is he all those months? And why doesn't he pick up the phone? O.K i'm gonna stop now.. But only because i want to discuss all those things with Anna..
Anna thank you for the best recommendation ever!!Love u!
August 5, 2016
GUILTY PLEASURE READ AND NOTHING MORE!!!
This authors is my ADDICTION. My CRACK! My ESCAPE! My EXCEPTION. I can't get enough of her books.
Her stories–all of them–will ALWAYS be 5 star reads for me because I don't read them like I do other books. They have become my escape, my guilty pleasure, my one exception. They encompass EVERYTHING that would normally drives me bat-shit-crazy, yet they don't. For whatever reason, they are in a class of their own and they work for me BIG TIME. I just hang on and enjoy the crazy ride.
This authors is my ADDICTION. My CRACK! My ESCAPE! My EXCEPTION. I can't get enough of her books.
Her stories–all of them–will ALWAYS be 5 star reads for me because I don't read them like I do other books. They have become my escape, my guilty pleasure, my one exception. They encompass EVERYTHING that would normally drives me bat-shit-crazy, yet they don't. For whatever reason, they are in a class of their own and they work for me BIG TIME. I just hang on and enjoy the crazy ride.
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December 29, 2014DISCLAIMER: REVIEW POSSIBLY CONTAINS LARGE AMOUNTS OF CURSE WORDS
This book was totally Broken and Screwed! The title definitely got it right.
It's the most disappointing book ever.
If I could describe this book in one word it would have to be deceptive. It will make you think that something was going to happen but then nothing really special happens and you'll wait again and then wait some more and then still... nothing happens! You'll have to buy the second book tor really find out what the hell will happen to these two damaged characters. Because honestly, I think, 3/4 of the book it was just about Alex being all gloomy, depressed, feeling sorry for herself and last but not the least, addicted to Jesse's f*cking.
I thought it would be unfair to rate this book since I haven't really finished it but I would like to still share my sentiments and why I didn't really find it appealing.
There is something seriously wrong about this book.
THE GIST
Alex lost her brother Ethan in a terrible car accident. Everything about her changed that day. She lost all the things that made her who she was before. She lost a part of herself the day she lost her brother.
What the f*ck is wrong with that picture? She lost a sibling and not her entire family!! I get it that she'd be sad. That's normal. That she'd mourn for a while. You're close with your brother okay that's understandable but giving up on life because one member of your family died? That is just fucking insane! Mental! Sigh. Or maybe that's just me.. I maybe mental for thinking that's weird. Whatever. It just felt so wrong.
Jesse, lost his best friend on that car accident and like Alex, he also hasn't been the same since. He's trying to do the best in everything he does so he could forget. To block out the pain he feels about losing Ethan.
What the hell man?!
Alex and Jesse need one another to forget. They need to be connected physically to get by.
I doubt Alex understand this concept though.
Alex feels that Jesse is the only person who could understand her pain. About her heartache. But Jesse, was harbouring a secret..
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
I had high hopes for this book really. It has tons of rave reviews and it has a high rating on GR and don't forget that absolutely gorgeous cover!
When I started reading it, it was okay at first. I liked how the author writes. It was fluid. I guess the real problem that I had was not with the writing but the story itself.
Oh and the annoying characters.
MEET THE CHARACTERS
Alex
Sorry but I won't make an effort to look for a character that looks like her like on my other reviews. I just really want to explain why Alex, would have to be one of the most terrible characters I have ever read about.
I get that she was broken because of her brother's death. Like I said earlier, it was understandable. What wasn't understandable was how depressed she became when he died. What was it that made her so depressed she would give up on her life entirely?
What was it with Ethan anyways? It was never that much explained.
That wasn't really the reason why I absolutely destest her existence so dearly. The main reason I didn't like her was because she allowed herself to be someone's b*tch. She allowed herself to be a DOORMAT! A cure for an itch!
She made herself Jesse's bitch when obviously there are other guys out there who would be able to treat her better.
She deserve so much more than just being used as a sex toy by Jesse who was a total bi-polar if you ask me. He may be gorgeous but he was bonkers. Flipped out. Schizo. Unhinged. Screwy. I could go on but I'd rather not go into more details. No girl deserve a guy like Jesse. I feel extremely bad that Alex would let some guy use her that way.
I heard from friends that Alex would go dark on the next book because she went psycho at some point when her parents left her. I have no idea what's up withn that. She has lousy parents and she doesn't have to be a lousy person because of that. Oh and did I mention Alex has lousy friends too?
Alex is one unlucky girl.
Jesse
Seriously. You don't deserve any sympathy from any body. How could anyone like your character? You have nothing redeemable in you! You are a man-whore who took advantage of a mourning girl!!! What the hell is wrong with you?
I get damaged characters. I love damaged characters really. I love reading about how they are in pain and how hard life has been for them, how unfair everything is for them but in the end they overcome all that and make triumph over all the crazy shit life has offered them. Jesse, was damaged yes, but I have no love at all for him at all. I hated him.
I think the problem with Jesse's character is that you rarely see this good side of him and with that I hated him more. I couldn't really see the good thing that he has to offer Alex. He was a bad influence to her. He was a drug that she needs to get out of her system. He needs to be flushed and forever get lost in the sewage.
Usually, its just the lead female character that annoys the living hell out of me but this time... It was the other way around. I actually kind of think Alex was just a victim of choosing the wrong friends, being the daugther of two useless parents and falling for an asshole.
Oh and seriously dude.. I don't get you and your love for Ethan.
"My God. I fucking loved that guy."
I know there has to be more to the story and why Jesse is so attached to Ethan. There has to be something orrrr... It's possible that Jesse like Ethan more than a friend and the reason why he fucks Alex was because he feels that he's somewhat fucking Ethan. LOL. Oh god! That was a bit twisted. Sometimes my brain works weirdly but what the hell.. Could be. Who knows whats on the next book right? I have no plan of reading it.
Minor Characters
For some bizarre reason, all the characters in this book are nuts except for Eric. For me he was the only likeable character in the whole novel. He likes Alex. Genuinely and she, blinded by the invisible love and affection given to her by Jesse, said she wasn't interested. That knocked me off senseless. I don't get Alex really. Seriously, Alex makes the most irrational decisions. I dunno where she gets her logic sometimes.
Marissa (one of Alex' friends who is not really) is the biggest bitch ever created in the whole book world!!! I want to murder her, chop her up and feed her arms and legs to the sharks!! She was the worse character ever made! She was also another disgrace to the female race. Gawwd! What a very bad friend!! She was willing to betray a friend to get to a guy's pants? That is just demented!!
Angie. Oh dear. I have no clue what to think about her.
Jeremy. I dunno what's up with you. And honestly, I don't care.
Aside from Marissa, Alex' parents are following in close second to my least favorite character in the entire history. They were a sorry excuse for a parent. They just leave her to fend for herself after their son died. What I see wrong in this picture is how they treat Jesse more like their kid that Alex. What the hell was that? You lost one kid and you were willing to let another kid die too (possibly of depression)? You are not suited to be parents. I don't care what your reasons are but you guys are not fit to be parents.
FINAL VERDICT
This could have been a really awesome book if you ask me. It would have been really better if the characterization was made right. If the development of the characters weren't too slow. I think it was intentionally made this was so we'd get the second book. It just didn't work for me. It did work for a bunch of others but it didn't for me.
I've read at least almost 50-70% of this book and I just grew tired eventually of all the whining and feeling sorry or feeling terrible about everything.
This book is all sorts of crazy. I couldn't connect at all.
I tried really. I really really tried to like it but it just didn't work well for me. Especially Jesse. Usually the male character is enough to get me through the real rough edges of a book and this one failed me. Jesse was not swoon-worthy, he was spit worthy. I want to spit at him and say "You have no respect for woman you asshole!" He may have feelings for Alex but still he was an opportunist and got what he wanted all the time because Alex was such a pushover.
Dark Alex is what I would have wanted to see in this book. Not the gloomy and extremely passive Alex but the Alex who wouldn't-care-a-shit-in-the-world Alex. It would have been so much better if she was like that rather than a fucking doormat or a human version of a blowup doll.
I don't like writing bad reviews. These books are worked hard on by the author but I think its also a good idea that they know what other readers think of the book. It would help them improve their work in the future. Constructive criticism. And like I said, the writing style was not the problem. I didn't see any grammatical errors or any abuse with punctuations. The writing was perfect its just the storyline and characterization that's the problem.
Although I really want to know what happens to Alex, I still won't be reading the next one. I just feel like I'd rather read something that I'll enjoy than read a book that you're curious on what happens next.
I didn't put a rating on this book. I don't want to be unfair and put a 1 it didn't deserve. I would only rate a book if I finish it. I just wanted to share my thoughts about why I couldn't finish it. For those who loved this book, I'm sorry, I really couldn't get to it.
This book was totally Broken and Screwed! The title definitely got it right.
It's the most disappointing book ever.
If I could describe this book in one word it would have to be deceptive. It will make you think that something was going to happen but then nothing really special happens and you'll wait again and then wait some more and then still... nothing happens! You'll have to buy the second book tor really find out what the hell will happen to these two damaged characters. Because honestly, I think, 3/4 of the book it was just about Alex being all gloomy, depressed, feeling sorry for herself and last but not the least, addicted to Jesse's f*cking.
I thought it would be unfair to rate this book since I haven't really finished it but I would like to still share my sentiments and why I didn't really find it appealing.
There is something seriously wrong about this book.
THE GIST
Alex lost her brother Ethan in a terrible car accident. Everything about her changed that day. She lost all the things that made her who she was before. She lost a part of herself the day she lost her brother.
Jesse, lost his best friend on that car accident and like Alex, he also hasn't been the same since. He's trying to do the best in everything he does so he could forget. To block out the pain he feels about losing Ethan.
Alex and Jesse need one another to forget. They need to be connected physically to get by.
Alex feels that Jesse is the only person who could understand her pain. About her heartache. But Jesse, was harbouring a secret..
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
I had high hopes for this book really. It has tons of rave reviews and it has a high rating on GR and don't forget that absolutely gorgeous cover!
When I started reading it, it was okay at first. I liked how the author writes. It was fluid. I guess the real problem that I had was not with the writing but the story itself.
Oh and the annoying characters.
MEET THE CHARACTERS
Alex
Sorry but I won't make an effort to look for a character that looks like her like on my other reviews. I just really want to explain why Alex, would have to be one of the most terrible characters I have ever read about.
I get that she was broken because of her brother's death. Like I said earlier, it was understandable. What wasn't understandable was how depressed she became when he died. What was it that made her so depressed she would give up on her life entirely?
What was it with Ethan anyways? It was never that much explained.
That wasn't really the reason why I absolutely destest her existence so dearly. The main reason I didn't like her was because she allowed herself to be someone's b*tch. She allowed herself to be a DOORMAT! A cure for an itch!
She made herself Jesse's bitch when obviously there are other guys out there who would be able to treat her better.
She deserve so much more than just being used as a sex toy by Jesse who was a total bi-polar if you ask me. He may be gorgeous but he was bonkers. Flipped out. Schizo. Unhinged. Screwy. I could go on but I'd rather not go into more details. No girl deserve a guy like Jesse. I feel extremely bad that Alex would let some guy use her that way.
I heard from friends that Alex would go dark on the next book because she went psycho at some point when her parents left her. I have no idea what's up withn that. She has lousy parents and she doesn't have to be a lousy person because of that. Oh and did I mention Alex has lousy friends too?
Alex is one unlucky girl.
Jesse
Seriously. You don't deserve any sympathy from any body. How could anyone like your character? You have nothing redeemable in you! You are a man-whore who took advantage of a mourning girl!!! What the hell is wrong with you?
I get damaged characters. I love damaged characters really. I love reading about how they are in pain and how hard life has been for them, how unfair everything is for them but in the end they overcome all that and make triumph over all the crazy shit life has offered them. Jesse, was damaged yes, but I have no love at all for him at all. I hated him.
I think the problem with Jesse's character is that you rarely see this good side of him and with that I hated him more. I couldn't really see the good thing that he has to offer Alex. He was a bad influence to her. He was a drug that she needs to get out of her system. He needs to be flushed and forever get lost in the sewage.
Usually, its just the lead female character that annoys the living hell out of me but this time... It was the other way around. I actually kind of think Alex was just a victim of choosing the wrong friends, being the daugther of two useless parents and falling for an asshole.
Oh and seriously dude.. I don't get you and your love for Ethan.
"My God. I fucking loved that guy."
I know there has to be more to the story and why Jesse is so attached to Ethan. There has to be something orrrr... It's possible that Jesse like Ethan more than a friend and the reason why he fucks Alex was because he feels that he's somewhat fucking Ethan. LOL. Oh god! That was a bit twisted. Sometimes my brain works weirdly but what the hell.. Could be. Who knows whats on the next book right? I have no plan of reading it.
Minor Characters
For some bizarre reason, all the characters in this book are nuts except for Eric. For me he was the only likeable character in the whole novel. He likes Alex. Genuinely and she, blinded by the invisible love and affection given to her by Jesse, said she wasn't interested. That knocked me off senseless. I don't get Alex really. Seriously, Alex makes the most irrational decisions. I dunno where she gets her logic sometimes.
Marissa (one of Alex' friends who is not really) is the biggest bitch ever created in the whole book world!!! I want to murder her, chop her up and feed her arms and legs to the sharks!! She was the worse character ever made! She was also another disgrace to the female race. Gawwd! What a very bad friend!! She was willing to betray a friend to get to a guy's pants? That is just demented!!
Angie. Oh dear. I have no clue what to think about her.
Jeremy. I dunno what's up with you. And honestly, I don't care.
Aside from Marissa, Alex' parents are following in close second to my least favorite character in the entire history. They were a sorry excuse for a parent. They just leave her to fend for herself after their son died. What I see wrong in this picture is how they treat Jesse more like their kid that Alex. What the hell was that? You lost one kid and you were willing to let another kid die too (possibly of depression)? You are not suited to be parents. I don't care what your reasons are but you guys are not fit to be parents.
FINAL VERDICT
This could have been a really awesome book if you ask me. It would have been really better if the characterization was made right. If the development of the characters weren't too slow. I think it was intentionally made this was so we'd get the second book. It just didn't work for me. It did work for a bunch of others but it didn't for me.
I've read at least almost 50-70% of this book and I just grew tired eventually of all the whining and feeling sorry or feeling terrible about everything.
This book is all sorts of crazy. I couldn't connect at all.
I tried really. I really really tried to like it but it just didn't work well for me. Especially Jesse. Usually the male character is enough to get me through the real rough edges of a book and this one failed me. Jesse was not swoon-worthy, he was spit worthy. I want to spit at him and say "You have no respect for woman you asshole!" He may have feelings for Alex but still he was an opportunist and got what he wanted all the time because Alex was such a pushover.
Dark Alex is what I would have wanted to see in this book. Not the gloomy and extremely passive Alex but the Alex who wouldn't-care-a-shit-in-the-world Alex. It would have been so much better if she was like that rather than a fucking doormat or a human version of a blowup doll.
I don't like writing bad reviews. These books are worked hard on by the author but I think its also a good idea that they know what other readers think of the book. It would help them improve their work in the future. Constructive criticism. And like I said, the writing style was not the problem. I didn't see any grammatical errors or any abuse with punctuations. The writing was perfect its just the storyline and characterization that's the problem.
Although I really want to know what happens to Alex, I still won't be reading the next one. I just feel like I'd rather read something that I'll enjoy than read a book that you're curious on what happens next.
I didn't put a rating on this book. I don't want to be unfair and put a 1 it didn't deserve. I would only rate a book if I finish it. I just wanted to share my thoughts about why I couldn't finish it. For those who loved this book, I'm sorry, I really couldn't get to it.
September 10, 2015
Ever since the death of her older brother, Alex's perfect world has fallen apart. Her once attentive parents are wholly absent. Nothing holds her interest. She's a shell of the girl she was before.The only person who truly understands her pain is Jesse, her brother's best friend.
The school's star athlete and heartthrob, Jesse hides his pain by losing himself in sports. He pushes himself to the point of pain to block it all out. He's numb. The only time he feels anything is when he's with Alex.
Over and over again, Alex and Jesse come together in their moments of grief, only to go their separate ways as the reality of their actions sets in. Alex has loved Jesse since she was a little girl, but isn't sure how much longer she can have Jesse push her away. He seeks her out on dates that are meaningful and related to her brother, his birthday, the anniversary of his death, etc. Every time she ends up in his bed, and every time he shuts her out afterward.
As their troubled love story plays out, her relationship with her two best friends and a plethora of high school melodramatics provide a shallow backdrop in comparison to the heavier emotions of Alex and Jesse's bond. There's her slutty friend Marissa, who makes it a point to try and sleep with any guy that shows interest in Alex. Then, there's the bossy, judgmental, Angie. She may mean well, but her overbearing nature overrides any good intentions. With friends like these two, who needs enemies?
Though I'd usually find the high school theatrics irritating, Tijan manages to keep it entertaining. I was completely sucked into this petty, vapid, teenage world. It has become a new favorite guilty pleasure of mine.
Some secrets are exposed at the end of this book, though I honestly expected something more. Her parents also prove to be total jackasses, yet again. This book ends with Alex getting ready to go to college, hopefully to pick up her relationship with Jesse. This story has me hooked, so I'll be starting the second book right away.
The school's star athlete and heartthrob, Jesse hides his pain by losing himself in sports. He pushes himself to the point of pain to block it all out. He's numb. The only time he feels anything is when he's with Alex.
Over and over again, Alex and Jesse come together in their moments of grief, only to go their separate ways as the reality of their actions sets in. Alex has loved Jesse since she was a little girl, but isn't sure how much longer she can have Jesse push her away. He seeks her out on dates that are meaningful and related to her brother, his birthday, the anniversary of his death, etc. Every time she ends up in his bed, and every time he shuts her out afterward.
As their troubled love story plays out, her relationship with her two best friends and a plethora of high school melodramatics provide a shallow backdrop in comparison to the heavier emotions of Alex and Jesse's bond. There's her slutty friend Marissa, who makes it a point to try and sleep with any guy that shows interest in Alex. Then, there's the bossy, judgmental, Angie. She may mean well, but her overbearing nature overrides any good intentions. With friends like these two, who needs enemies?
Though I'd usually find the high school theatrics irritating, Tijan manages to keep it entertaining. I was completely sucked into this petty, vapid, teenage world. It has become a new favorite guilty pleasure of mine.
Some secrets are exposed at the end of this book, though I honestly expected something more. Her parents also prove to be total jackasses, yet again. This book ends with Alex getting ready to go to college, hopefully to pick up her relationship with Jesse. This story has me hooked, so I'll be starting the second book right away.
July 29, 2016
Oh shit!!!! Jesus Christ... Oh shit!!!
This was... This was so... Oh my Gosh! I can't find the words...
My heart is pounding so hard... I feel a burden in my chest... It's so heavy...
That book was... extaordinary!
It was fantastic even though it ripped my heart in million tiny pieces!!!
Oh my goodness! I don't even now from where i 'll start...
I feel desperate and broken and screwed and...
...so much angry.
It starts with two desperate people that hooked up occasionally...
They try to forget the pain of their loss...
Alex has lost her brother and Jesse has lost his brother in heart, his best friend.
Alex is totally in love with Jesse from years before. She's so broken and screwed...
Jesse is clear that is only sex, no strings attached. He's so broken and screwed...
(Something that i don't think it's true)
So they have that kind of twisted relationship...
Which is so broken and screwed!
The thing is that the pain is not only the companion of the two of them. It's everywhere near Alex... and that makes her feeling more bad.
The parents????
Oh, God! I want to kill them! They are unexcused of their behaviour. All the angry inside me it's because of them...
Friends???
Not the best for her. Marissa wants everybody that is near Alex and Angie has her own opinion... One opinion that made Alex take it as her own...
I fell so pity for Alex. She broke my heart...
I want everything get right for her...
And i liked Jesse so much. I'm sure that behind his attitude hiding much more things and i'm absolutely sure that he is in love with Alex...
So these two have to be together!!! Only then the pain will go away...
Oh my God!!! There's so many question that need to be answered in next book!!!
I can't wait to be everything in its right place... It's the only that make me smile again!
I don't like to be like this! I want to be happy again...
and that will going to happen if Alex and Jesse will be happy together. Please??????
This was... This was so... Oh my Gosh! I can't find the words...
My heart is pounding so hard... I feel a burden in my chest... It's so heavy...
That book was... extaordinary!
It was fantastic even though it ripped my heart in million tiny pieces!!!
Oh my goodness! I don't even now from where i 'll start...
I feel desperate and broken and screwed and...
...so much angry.
It starts with two desperate people that hooked up occasionally...
They try to forget the pain of their loss...
Alex has lost her brother and Jesse has lost his brother in heart, his best friend.
Alex is totally in love with Jesse from years before. She's so broken and screwed...
Jesse is clear that is only sex, no strings attached. He's so broken and screwed...
(Something that i don't think it's true)
So they have that kind of twisted relationship...
Which is so broken and screwed!
The thing is that the pain is not only the companion of the two of them. It's everywhere near Alex... and that makes her feeling more bad.
The parents????
Oh, God! I want to kill them! They are unexcused of their behaviour. All the angry inside me it's because of them...
Friends???
Not the best for her. Marissa wants everybody that is near Alex and Angie has her own opinion... One opinion that made Alex take it as her own...
I fell so pity for Alex. She broke my heart...
I want everything get right for her...
And i liked Jesse so much. I'm sure that behind his attitude hiding much more things and i'm absolutely sure that he is in love with Alex...
So these two have to be together!!! Only then the pain will go away...
Oh my God!!! There's so many question that need to be answered in next book!!!
I can't wait to be everything in its right place... It's the only that make me smile again!
I don't like to be like this! I want to be happy again...
and that will going to happen if Alex and Jesse will be happy together. Please??????
March 15, 2013
HEARTBREAKING.
The title of this gorgeous book is a description fit for purpose. 'Broken and screwed' is an angst filled story, about two souls finding their heart, love and way in life amongst all the pain and heartache.
The story had so many sides to it i didn't know whether to be entertained or confused. ~Unrequited love, bereavement, friendships, sex, high school drama, pain, heartache, bad parenting, anger and much, much more.
This is not an easy read by any stretch. The mood of the book starts dark and angsty and continues the whole way through. However that been said I was hooked, my Book heart damaged and in shreds. This is my second book by this author and I found it to be beautifully written, intense with a whole lot of dark and lonely.
I can't wait to see what happens to Jesse and Alex, I'm rooting for this could be couple, my heart was breaking at the end of this story and let me be clear, this is a book that leaves you with more unanswered questions than most.
4.5 -5 stars ... I think
The title of this gorgeous book is a description fit for purpose. 'Broken and screwed' is an angst filled story, about two souls finding their heart, love and way in life amongst all the pain and heartache.
The story had so many sides to it i didn't know whether to be entertained or confused. ~Unrequited love, bereavement, friendships, sex, high school drama, pain, heartache, bad parenting, anger and much, much more.
This is not an easy read by any stretch. The mood of the book starts dark and angsty and continues the whole way through. However that been said I was hooked, my Book heart damaged and in shreds. This is my second book by this author and I found it to be beautifully written, intense with a whole lot of dark and lonely.
I can't wait to see what happens to Jesse and Alex, I'm rooting for this could be couple, my heart was breaking at the end of this story and let me be clear, this is a book that leaves you with more unanswered questions than most.
4.5 -5 stars ... I think
September 22, 2013
1.5/5 stars
I can get through a lot, and I managed to get through this as well, mostly because I hoped the book would redeem itself in the end. I had no such luck.
What happens in the first half of the book is this: People are depressed. Alex our MC is a doormat for Jesse the entire time. Alex's best friends go at each other about how bad friends they are. That's pretty much it, just that the scenes changes slightly, but in all, this about sums it all up. I could have liked this if it had been executed better. As the writing style went, I felt none of the emotions told or shown to be expressed. Therefore, the first half dragged on in what felt like forever.
The second part is filled with more of this. It's Jesse going back and forth to Alex, breaking her each time he leaves. it's her best friends making fuzz over literally nothing. It's Alex's parents not caring for her, a not so clever plot device to make their absent explained. It's Alex and Jesse pining over her dead brother Nathan, or I think his name was Nathan at least. Again, not much actually happens. There are some random things happening that never completely drew me in, and this was mostly due to the writing style.
The writing style did not compel me or made me want to invest in either the story or characters. All of them are immature and downright boring to read about. I understand that Alex was troubled by her brother's death, but she was too weak to get me to bother caring for her. Call me heartless, but she was a heartless as me, or so she came off. Anyway, back to the writing style. The abuse of "I", "she" and "he" put me off. There are better ways to prose instead of starting every other sentence with "I" or "She", because there was from time to time about seven she/he/I in one paragraph. This was not a one time event, but it happened far too often for the writing to flow.
Aside from how I disliked this book, I think the author had some great ideas, but needed better execution. In fact, the story could have been great if it had been put a bit differently. I might give another work a shot to see if it was just this particular book that didn't work for me.
However, I must end obsessing a little bit too, being a feminist and all. Because this little thing pissed me off so much I almost threw the book across the room. At one point Alex's best friends Marissa and Angie get in a fight. Marissa then says Angie don't know what it's like to be them because her life is so perfect, to which Angie replies "Excuse me?"
Here is what Marissa answers:
I don't even know how to respond to a quote like that. Is someone's life perfect because of a guy?! No. Really, I can't even go into this discussion. A girl or a woman does NOT need a man in her life for it to be perfect. No, I can't go into this or I'll just end up throwing my computer across the room.
As I said though, the book had some ideas, and I would love to see them be executed better, with better editing. Not exactly horrible, but enough of the negative parts for me to not being able to honestly justify two stars.
I can get through a lot, and I managed to get through this as well, mostly because I hoped the book would redeem itself in the end. I had no such luck.
What happens in the first half of the book is this: People are depressed. Alex our MC is a doormat for Jesse the entire time. Alex's best friends go at each other about how bad friends they are. That's pretty much it, just that the scenes changes slightly, but in all, this about sums it all up. I could have liked this if it had been executed better. As the writing style went, I felt none of the emotions told or shown to be expressed. Therefore, the first half dragged on in what felt like forever.
The second part is filled with more of this. It's Jesse going back and forth to Alex, breaking her each time he leaves. it's her best friends making fuzz over literally nothing. It's Alex's parents not caring for her, a not so clever plot device to make their absent explained. It's Alex and Jesse pining over her dead brother Nathan, or I think his name was Nathan at least. Again, not much actually happens. There are some random things happening that never completely drew me in, and this was mostly due to the writing style.
The writing style did not compel me or made me want to invest in either the story or characters. All of them are immature and downright boring to read about. I understand that Alex was troubled by her brother's death, but she was too weak to get me to bother caring for her. Call me heartless, but she was a heartless as me, or so she came off. Anyway, back to the writing style. The abuse of "I", "she" and "he" put me off. There are better ways to prose instead of starting every other sentence with "I" or "She", because there was from time to time about seven she/he/I in one paragraph. This was not a one time event, but it happened far too often for the writing to flow.
Aside from how I disliked this book, I think the author had some great ideas, but needed better execution. In fact, the story could have been great if it had been put a bit differently. I might give another work a shot to see if it was just this particular book that didn't work for me.
However, I must end obsessing a little bit too, being a feminist and all. Because this little thing pissed me off so much I almost threw the book across the room. At one point Alex's best friends Marissa and Angie get in a fight. Marissa then says Angie don't know what it's like to be them because her life is so perfect, to which Angie replies "Excuse me?"
Here is what Marissa answers:
" “You forget that some of us don’t have the perfect boyfriend. We don’t have the perfect relationship. We’re not you. We’re not as lucky as you are.” "
I don't even know how to respond to a quote like that. Is someone's life perfect because of a guy?! No. Really, I can't even go into this discussion. A girl or a woman does NOT need a man in her life for it to be perfect. No, I can't go into this or I'll just end up throwing my computer across the room.
As I said though, the book had some ideas, and I would love to see them be executed better, with better editing. Not exactly horrible, but enough of the negative parts for me to not being able to honestly justify two stars.
March 10, 2013
”I had lost my mom when I had lost Ethan. I had lost my father as well. I’d lost the family even. I still had Jesse, in some ways, but nothing was the same. I wasn’t the same.”~ Alex
There were so many things that irked me about this story, like her horrendous parents, the vague details about her brother’s death and her friends’ behavior towards her at the very end. Most importantly, that bizarre ending. Regardless of the crazy turn things took in the end, I inhaled this book and I have to wait till AUGUST...Really?
This story was about loss, connecting, love and friendship and the struggles of Alex to cope and complete her senior year of high school.
I have my several thoughts on this story and on Jesse...I’m a huge fan of his!! I honestly think he is misunderstood and that he loves Alex. So if you have read this book and would like to discuss with me message me.
I’m hopeful that the sequel will clear up all my questions so let the countdown begin.
There were so many things that irked me about this story, like her horrendous parents, the vague details about her brother’s death and her friends’ behavior towards her at the very end. Most importantly, that bizarre ending. Regardless of the crazy turn things took in the end, I inhaled this book and I have to wait till AUGUST...Really?
This story was about loss, connecting, love and friendship and the struggles of Alex to cope and complete her senior year of high school.
I have my several thoughts on this story and on Jesse...I’m a huge fan of his!! I honestly think he is misunderstood and that he loves Alex. So if you have read this book and would like to discuss with me message me.
I’m hopeful that the sequel will clear up all my questions so let the countdown begin.
avoid
January 3, 2022Avoid: hero cheats on the doormat h throughout the series.
They’re fuck buddies, meaning he fucks other girls for years, while she only slept with him when he felt like it.🙄
They’re fuck buddies, meaning he fucks other girls for years, while she only slept with him when he felt like it.🙄
not-finished
September 4, 2017After reading and enjoying 8 of Tijan's books, I wanted to give this one a try.
I made it to 40 % and I just have to give up. If there is one thing I really can't stand, it's doormat heroines....and we've got a winner right here !!
Damn but I had absolutely no respect for Alex. She was nothing like Kennedy or Sam, who were feisty and stood up for themselves.
Alex has been depressed for over a year, because her brother died. Now this I understood. Her parents are assholes, who don't seem to remember they also have a daughter.
The only thing she cares for though is Jesse. I think his name is mentioned on every single freaking page, since that is how much he is on her mind !! Jesse is her dead brother's best friend, who comes over to fuck her whenever he pleases. Now...these two are not friends, at times it seems like he even hates her. He also doesn't talk much in this book. I have gotten to 40% and he has maybe said 4 things.
He comes over.... she drops her panties...he kicks her out....and repeat. She doesn't seem to care though... she knows that he doesn't give a shit about her, but she only feels good when her dead brother's best friend is giving it to her. Damn this was so freaking pathetic !!
The sex scenes were all fade to black so I didn't even have that to enjoy.
There was only Alex's whining and her horrible friends....
And all that for a dead brother, we don't even really get to know in this book.
I have heard that the second book should be better and that she even grows some balls in that one, but for me to read book 2, I would have to finish this one and that is so not happening.
I don't like writing bad reviews...especially because I have read 8 books by this author that I did really enjoy. But hey... you can't love them all and doormat heroines are a major petpeeve for me.
Don't let my review stop you from reading this one though. As you can see there are many great reviews for this book.
I am not gonna rate this book because I didn't even make it to the halfway point, so that wouldn't be fair.
Let's just say that this was just not the book for me !!
I made it to 40 % and I just have to give up. If there is one thing I really can't stand, it's doormat heroines....and we've got a winner right here !!
Damn but I had absolutely no respect for Alex. She was nothing like Kennedy or Sam, who were feisty and stood up for themselves.
Alex has been depressed for over a year, because her brother died. Now this I understood. Her parents are assholes, who don't seem to remember they also have a daughter.
The only thing she cares for though is Jesse. I think his name is mentioned on every single freaking page, since that is how much he is on her mind !! Jesse is her dead brother's best friend, who comes over to fuck her whenever he pleases. Now...these two are not friends, at times it seems like he even hates her. He also doesn't talk much in this book. I have gotten to 40% and he has maybe said 4 things.
He comes over.... she drops her panties...he kicks her out....and repeat. She doesn't seem to care though... she knows that he doesn't give a shit about her, but she only feels good when her dead brother's best friend is giving it to her. Damn this was so freaking pathetic !!
The sex scenes were all fade to black so I didn't even have that to enjoy.
There was only Alex's whining and her horrible friends....
And all that for a dead brother, we don't even really get to know in this book.
I have heard that the second book should be better and that she even grows some balls in that one, but for me to read book 2, I would have to finish this one and that is so not happening.
I don't like writing bad reviews...especially because I have read 8 books by this author that I did really enjoy. But hey... you can't love them all and doormat heroines are a major petpeeve for me.
Don't let my review stop you from reading this one though. As you can see there are many great reviews for this book.
I am not gonna rate this book because I didn't even make it to the halfway point, so that wouldn't be fair.
Let's just say that this was just not the book for me !!
September 6, 2017
Typical Tijan magic touch!
I'm not sure about the rating, there are things in this one that I dislike but on the other hand I can live with it. Not when it would be in my life.
Alex and Jesse are both trying to cope with the loss of Alex's brother and Jesse's best friend Ethan. They try to deal/numb their pain in their own way. Along the way I was confused with Jesse there were times that I could understand him and times I just thought yes plain asshole..
Now I need to rant a bit about Marissa okay so it's obvious to everyone that she wants to sleep with Jesse and everyone that shows interest in Alex. And Alex finds that like normal or something? I would cut her head off! Okay maybe not but in my head I would.. Like everything Marissa did Alex found an explanation for, like seriously? I would rather have no friends than that kind of friend.. Angie was pretty awful at times too, at least in my opinion.. Angie did like she was the best est friend but in my mind she really wasn't.. She wouldn't push Alex to do what she did toward the end.. Or maybe I imagine there are better friends, maybe there aren't in real world..
Also a thing I hate and forgot to mention I'll spoil it . When a girl you like/love hates someone or someone threatens the girl you like/love you don't go and be nice to her.. You put her down.. Not really but you don't like em!
I would've loved this one more if there weren't
I'm not sure about the rating, there are things in this one that I dislike but on the other hand I can live with it. Not when it would be in my life.
Alex and Jesse are both trying to cope with the loss of Alex's brother and Jesse's best friend Ethan. They try to deal/numb their pain in their own way. Along the way I was confused with Jesse there were times that I could understand him and times I just thought yes plain asshole..
Now I need to rant a bit about Marissa okay so it's obvious to everyone that she wants to sleep with Jesse and everyone that shows interest in Alex. And Alex finds that like normal or something? I would cut her head off! Okay maybe not but in my head I would.. Like everything Marissa did Alex found an explanation for, like seriously? I would rather have no friends than that kind of friend.. Angie was pretty awful at times too, at least in my opinion.. Angie did like she was the best est friend but in my mind she really wasn't.. She wouldn't push Alex to do what she did toward the end.. Or maybe I imagine there are better friends, maybe there aren't in real world..
Also a thing I hate and forgot to mention I'll spoil it . When a girl you like/love hates someone or someone threatens the girl you like/love you don't go and be nice to her.. You put her down.. Not really but you don't like em!
I would've loved this one more if there weren't
February 24, 2017
This book was absolutely amzing...
It was a different love story than what I was used to read.
I was emtoional enough through the whole book and I think it broke my heart...
And fyi, I don't think that Alex's parents diserve to be called like that (parents)....
It was a different love story than what I was used to read.
I was emtoional enough through the whole book and I think it broke my heart...
And fyi, I don't think that Alex's parents diserve to be called like that (parents)....
January 10, 2021
2 STARS ✰
⏩ Edited review: 1/21
Broken and Screwed is book one in the BS series. It is told from Alex's POV (main heroine). This book is true to typical Tijan with characters that have family issues, a tragic event acts as the catalyst to how the characters are, tons of angst between MC, and some rather prickly side characters.
Generally, I love Tijan writing style as I find the books enthralling. I been hooked on her books since Ryan's Bed which is one of my all time favorite books. Unfortunately, I have had some misses with her book, particularly, this book being one of them.
SO, I took a break from this "series" I use that term loosely as there are only two books in this series and a technical spin off book. I originally read this book back in April 2019. However, I skimmed it yesterday (1/5/21) to get a general sense of the story before diving into the second book. Overall, this book felt like there was a lot of filler stuff and just a lust/kinda-fuck-buddies-kinda-not going on with the main relationship.
Anyways, ✹Spoilers ahead✹
STORY PLOT
⚪ Alex Connor = main heroine
⚪ Jesse Hunt = main hero
Alex's brother died a year ago and since that tragic night nothing has been right in her life. He was the glue that kept their family together, so when he died a part of her went with him and her family fell apart. She is a shell of her former self and the only way that she copes and feels too much is with Jesse her brother's best friend and all star athlete. Over and over again, Alex and Jesse come together when in moments of grief, but to only to go their separate ways as the reality of their actions sets in. With her complicated relationship with Jesse and the rest of her life falling apart, Alex is barely keeping her head above water and when secrets surrounding her brother's death come to the surface she has to come to the decision to either handle her brother's death head on or drift further and further away from the girl she once was.
Cliffhanger & Trigger Warnings: YES
Something I LIKED about the book
Things I DID NOT LIKED about the book
✨ OM/OW drama ✨
⇒ OM: Alex was sorta stringing along Eric who was overall a nice guy that kept getting screwed over by girls that were emotionally taken and/or wanted that trouble guy. Eric asked her out but nothing ever came of it because she was still lusting over Jesse who would see her when it was convenient for him or when he needed her to cope with missing his best friend.
⇒ OW: Jesse never committed to Alex but he made it clear that she wasn't allowed to sleep with anyone else. He could sleep around but she couldn't which is hypocritical. He admitted to sleeping with other girls and played it off as Alex is not his girlfriend so it shouldn't matter that he had meaningless sex with others. Yet, in the same breath, Jesse made it clear that if she does something with someone he'll kick their ass and mark his territory. Like bruh.... This OW drama had me severely annoyed and just how could Alex be okay with it like WTF!?
Overall~
This book did not interest me greatly me or made me want to invest in either the story or characters. I felt that I skimmed this book more than anything. I also found this book lacking in character and plot development, I mean if you were not going to give anything up on what happened when Ethan died why drag it out into a second book? Lastly, I did find Jesse's friends from the band - Brialle interesting. I have read Sustain and found it to be an enjoyable read, so I guess those characters getting a book was a redeeming factor from this book.
BS series
#1 BS 1 → 2 stars
#2 BS 2 → 2.5 stars
⏩ Edited review: 1/21
Broken and Screwed is book one in the BS series. It is told from Alex's POV (main heroine). This book is true to typical Tijan with characters that have family issues, a tragic event acts as the catalyst to how the characters are, tons of angst between MC, and some rather prickly side characters.
Generally, I love Tijan writing style as I find the books enthralling. I been hooked on her books since Ryan's Bed which is one of my all time favorite books. Unfortunately, I have had some misses with her book, particularly, this book being one of them.
SO, I took a break from this "series" I use that term loosely as there are only two books in this series and a technical spin off book. I originally read this book back in April 2019. However, I skimmed it yesterday (1/5/21) to get a general sense of the story before diving into the second book. Overall, this book felt like there was a lot of filler stuff and just a lust/kinda-fuck-buddies-kinda-not going on with the main relationship.
Anyways, ✹Spoilers ahead✹
STORY PLOT
⚪ Alex Connor = main heroine
⚪ Jesse Hunt = main hero
Alex's brother died a year ago and since that tragic night nothing has been right in her life. He was the glue that kept their family together, so when he died a part of her went with him and her family fell apart. She is a shell of her former self and the only way that she copes and feels too much is with Jesse her brother's best friend and all star athlete. Over and over again, Alex and Jesse come together when in moments of grief, but to only to go their separate ways as the reality of their actions sets in. With her complicated relationship with Jesse and the rest of her life falling apart, Alex is barely keeping her head above water and when secrets surrounding her brother's death come to the surface she has to come to the decision to either handle her brother's death head on or drift further and further away from the girl she once was.
Cliffhanger & Trigger Warnings: YES
Something I LIKED about the book
➳ The ending: I am never one for cliffhangers but I did like that Alex finally had enough of her parents bullshit. They left her a note to basically say you're on your own, here's a lot of money, have a nice life. Her parents were awful to her that once her brother, Ethan was dead, she didn't matter to them. It was good to just see her feeling SOMETHING towards them instead of just accepting the situation for what it was.
Things I DID NOT LIKED about the book
➳ Fade to black scenes: This book is low-moderate for a steam factor. The main couple of this book do have sex somewhat often but it is the fade to black type of sex scene where it leaves it to the imagination what they are doing.
➳ DOORMAT HEROINE: The thing that aggravated me the most about this book was how much of a doormat the h was. She let her friends walk all over her, Jesse treated her like shit ~90% of the time, she just accepted how her parents abandoned her. Her main motto in life I swear was accept what is given & do as your told. She had no backbone to stand up for herself. LIKE GET YOUR BIG GIRL PANTIES ON AND FIGHT FOR YOURSELF. Throw on some Killing in the Name by Rage Against the Machine and get angry, COME ON !!!
➳ Secondary characters: Any time Angie, Marissa or Eric showed up, I just rolled my eyes. I got bored & annoyed with them often and would read a few sentences then started the skim. These secondary characters I felt were intended to connect the reader more to Alex and give us a better understand on how her friendships are suffering since she changed but honestly they made Alex less interesting and appear rather juvenile in her thinking.
➳ Jesse as a main H: I feel it would of been really helpful to the reader to see inside Jesse's head... just what he was thinking and why he acted the way he did towards Alex. He didn't really say much in the book. At most he said 5 sentence, other than that it was more just glares/snarls/grunts from him. Jesse appeared aloof and as a grade-A asshole and lacked character development. Well, he nor the main h are really delved into as who they are and what happened in their past.
✨ OM/OW drama ✨
⇒ OM: Alex was sorta stringing along Eric who was overall a nice guy that kept getting screwed over by girls that were emotionally taken and/or wanted that trouble guy. Eric asked her out but nothing ever came of it because she was still lusting over Jesse who would see her when it was convenient for him or when he needed her to cope with missing his best friend.
➟ "I held my breath and blinked back more tears. He seemed like such a nice guy and I was crying about another guy. What was wrong with me?"
Oh, Alex you are just hopelessly in love with a douchebag and rather the risk than the security. I felt bad for Eric because his heart was literally trampled on multiple times. Honestly, when he stopped talking to Alex I really did not feel bad for her, it was sorta some good karma right there.
⇒ OW: Jesse never committed to Alex but he made it clear that she wasn't allowed to sleep with anyone else. He could sleep around but she couldn't which is hypocritical. He admitted to sleeping with other girls and played it off as Alex is not his girlfriend so it shouldn't matter that he had meaningless sex with others. Yet, in the same breath, Jesse made it clear that if she does something with someone he'll kick their ass and mark his territory. Like bruh.... This OW drama had me severely annoyed and just how could Alex be okay with it like WTF!?
➟ "I won’t lie to you. I don’t know what we are, but we’re not exclusive. I can’t handle that. I’ve slept with two girls since I got to school.” My heart stopped. “But they were just hook-ups and they didn’t mean anything. It was empty sex; that was it. I don’t want a girlfriend. I can’t do that, and if that’s where you want this to go, we need to stop right now. . ."
Overall~
This book did not interest me greatly me or made me want to invest in either the story or characters. I felt that I skimmed this book more than anything. I also found this book lacking in character and plot development, I mean if you were not going to give anything up on what happened when Ethan died why drag it out into a second book? Lastly, I did find Jesse's friends from the band - Brialle interesting. I have read Sustain and found it to be an enjoyable read, so I guess those characters getting a book was a redeeming factor from this book.
BS series
#1 BS 1 → 2 stars
#2 BS 2 → 2.5 stars
September 3, 2021
🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧
2⭐ for the story
4⭐ for the audiobook narration
This book reminded me so much of Ryan's Bed, that it was hard for me to stop the comparison between them, since Ryan's bed is one of my favorite books by this author.
So Alex is the FMC here and I couldn't connect with her, or accept the way that she handled everything around her.
She lost her big brother a year before and she was still "numb" for the world, her friends, her parents... Basically everyone except Jesse.
Jesse is another piece of nothing here.
He was her brother's best friend, but now he basically don't talk to her, other than when he wants to screw her. And that's on the date of her brother death or his birthday. Then they go weeks and months without talking, even if they see each other occasionally.
He "turned off his emotions" and while she's always thinking about him and wanting more, he's living his life in college (including with OW).
He's honest with her saying that he screwed other girls in college and that's the only thing he can give her too, but he says that she can't. Hypocrite much?
There's not one single scene of their past. Not one flashback to show why she loves Jesse, or who he was before, because Jesse now was an asshole with very few sentences on the whole book!
She accept every crumb of attention that he gives her, until her best friend put an end on it calling her on her bullshit.
She had no backbone at all.
Her parents abandoned her and she never said a single thing.
Jesse was screwing other girls in college, but said that she couldn't and know what? She didn't! She was a loner even when there was a good guy trying to approach her.
She was broken indeed, but I'm all for overcoming grieve, not drag it forever.
The end of the book was completely senseless, because one minute sure was getting better, and then she was "numb" again and even her best friend took a step back from her. Like what? Why?
It doesn't make any sense.
But I'm a masochist so I'll listen to the next book to see if she's still a spineless mess, or if Jesse is still as interesting as a cucumber.
March 10, 2013
Another great read from Tijan.
I really enjoyed this story...aside from the ending. But I kind of knew it was coming. This is part 1 of 2.
After the death of her brother Ethan, Alex is left drifting through life, just going through the motions. Not really feeling and experiencing life. The only time she feels anything is when she's with Ethan's best friend Jesse. Alex and Jesse have this connection through Ethan that neither one can explain and neither one can deny.
But Jesse's not looking for a girlfriend. Not to mention he's the town star and town hottie now headed off to college. Alex tries to go on with her life and be normal but everything in her life is far from normal. She has the most awful parents. Parents who checked out after the death of their son, providing nothing--physically or emotionally--for Alex.
This was a story about loss, discovery, faith and love. Its Alex's journey after the death of her brother trying to find her way in a world that doesn't seem to make any sense.
Part 2 finds Alex in college--at none other than Grant West University, the home of Jesse. Things didn't end well for Alex and Jesse in book 1 but they are sure to cross paths soon. Can't wait to read the continuation of their story.
I really enjoyed this story...aside from the ending. But I kind of knew it was coming. This is part 1 of 2.
After the death of her brother Ethan, Alex is left drifting through life, just going through the motions. Not really feeling and experiencing life. The only time she feels anything is when she's with Ethan's best friend Jesse. Alex and Jesse have this connection through Ethan that neither one can explain and neither one can deny.
But Jesse's not looking for a girlfriend. Not to mention he's the town star and town hottie now headed off to college. Alex tries to go on with her life and be normal but everything in her life is far from normal. She has the most awful parents. Parents who checked out after the death of their son, providing nothing--physically or emotionally--for Alex.
This was a story about loss, discovery, faith and love. Its Alex's journey after the death of her brother trying to find her way in a world that doesn't seem to make any sense.
Part 2 finds Alex in college--at none other than Grant West University, the home of Jesse. Things didn't end well for Alex and Jesse in book 1 but they are sure to cross paths soon. Can't wait to read the continuation of their story.
June 30, 2014
Tijan has the magic touch! LOVED IT! Off to Book 2!
May 17, 2015
My friend Nicoleta insisted so much on me reading this book for so long. But even though she never fails in her recommendations I don’t know for some reason I was avoiding this book all this time until last night that I finally decided that I should give it a try. Even though I started it late and I had to wake up early I soon found myself really hooked up but the book. I was so touched that I couldn’t put it down.
Broken and screwed is a book about grief, love, survival, depression. It is the sad story of Alexandra . Her brother died in a car accident and now one year later alex is still dealing with her loss. Her grief is raw. Nothing was the same anymore. She feels destroyed , helpless and broken.
I had lost my mom when I had lost Ethan. I had lost my father as well. I’d lost the family even. I still had Jesse, in some ways, but nothing was the same. I wasn’t the same.”
God this girls fight to survive to overcome her pain really touched me. I felt that my own heart will break into small pieces
There were times I wanted to kill everyone, to punch them till death for the way they were treating to her it was so cruel watching her so lost and fragile. Ethan her brother maybe had died but his presence was still everywhere. Actually he is the only person that he is present in her life even dead. Her parents are absent, her friends really sucked and never supported her . There was no one to give that push over to finally get her life back.
and then there was Jessie.He was her brother’s best friend. After Ethan died they started a different kind of relationship. In special days that everything reminding of Ethan Jessie always needed Alex’s company when the other time mostly spend his time ignoring her
Jesse hated me. He needed me on the nights when neither of us could escape Ethan’s ghost, but the next morning would be another story.
Alex needed so much Jessie. In one way he was hurting her but in another he was the only person that could heal her. They both needed each other actually. When they were together it was the only time they could forget. Being together is the only way that make them escape from all the pain. The difference between them is that Jessie acts completely the opposite from Alex. He is the popular hot guy of the school , socially involved.He is partying he has girlfriends. He has turned off all his emotions. Alex is the only person who makes him feel
For some reason he only knows he can’t be with her. He really confused me with his behavior. I spend most of the book trying to convince myself that he was a complete asshole and Alex deserved someone better but for some reasons I really invested into this relationship. I was trying to find, to explain why Jessie was treating her like this when he seemed so desperately in love with her like she was.
Their undeniable chemistry and connection was amazing, so amazing that made you forget all the bad things. It was really impossible not to get into their skins. I still wanted to punch Jessie though and scream to him how idiot he was. He loved Alex. I know it. I was so sure that his strange behavior was a result of his grief. I wanted him to finally spill it out. What was the fucking truth that alex couldn’t handle?
But let’ talk a little about the other characters of the book.
friends
Angie was ok. I liked her relationship with justin but I don’t think that she really understood alex like a very good friend would do. As for Marissa what can I say about that evil bitch? If you have these friends why want the enemies.
Parents
Seriously alex’s parents made the word asshole seem like a compliment in comparison to them. The people really sucked. They never loved Alex the way she deserved and they used their own son’s death as a pretext to totally abandon her when she most needed them
But let’s get back to the story
Jesse hated me. He needed me on the nights when neither of us could escape Ethan’s ghost, but the next morning would be another story.”
“I wasn’t able to walk away. One day I knew I would. I knew I’d be strong enough to leave the shelter he gave me, but not that day, not at that minute.”
Jesse was going to hurt me. He already had, but she didn’t know he healed me as well. I needed him, even if it was only the little increments that I got from him. Because every time, a part of me felt whole, a little more together.
In this book’s ending Alex life gets into a turning point. She is ready to stand up against the world and live again. Even though the ending nearly killed me. So many unanswered questions so many pain that I can’t even think how this story will go on. Is there any hope for these two desperate broken lovers?
Broken and screwed is a book about grief, love, survival, depression. It is the sad story of Alexandra . Her brother died in a car accident and now one year later alex is still dealing with her loss. Her grief is raw. Nothing was the same anymore. She feels destroyed , helpless and broken.
I had lost my mom when I had lost Ethan. I had lost my father as well. I’d lost the family even. I still had Jesse, in some ways, but nothing was the same. I wasn’t the same.”
God this girls fight to survive to overcome her pain really touched me. I felt that my own heart will break into small pieces
There were times I wanted to kill everyone, to punch them till death for the way they were treating to her it was so cruel watching her so lost and fragile. Ethan her brother maybe had died but his presence was still everywhere. Actually he is the only person that he is present in her life even dead. Her parents are absent, her friends really sucked and never supported her . There was no one to give that push over to finally get her life back.
and then there was Jessie.He was her brother’s best friend. After Ethan died they started a different kind of relationship. In special days that everything reminding of Ethan Jessie always needed Alex’s company when the other time mostly spend his time ignoring her
Jesse hated me. He needed me on the nights when neither of us could escape Ethan’s ghost, but the next morning would be another story.
Alex needed so much Jessie. In one way he was hurting her but in another he was the only person that could heal her. They both needed each other actually. When they were together it was the only time they could forget. Being together is the only way that make them escape from all the pain. The difference between them is that Jessie acts completely the opposite from Alex. He is the popular hot guy of the school , socially involved.He is partying he has girlfriends. He has turned off all his emotions. Alex is the only person who makes him feel
For some reason he only knows he can’t be with her. He really confused me with his behavior. I spend most of the book trying to convince myself that he was a complete asshole and Alex deserved someone better but for some reasons I really invested into this relationship. I was trying to find, to explain why Jessie was treating her like this when he seemed so desperately in love with her like she was.
Their undeniable chemistry and connection was amazing, so amazing that made you forget all the bad things. It was really impossible not to get into their skins. I still wanted to punch Jessie though and scream to him how idiot he was. He loved Alex. I know it. I was so sure that his strange behavior was a result of his grief. I wanted him to finally spill it out. What was the fucking truth that alex couldn’t handle?
But let’ talk a little about the other characters of the book.
friends
Angie was ok. I liked her relationship with justin but I don’t think that she really understood alex like a very good friend would do. As for Marissa what can I say about that evil bitch? If you have these friends why want the enemies.
Parents
Seriously alex’s parents made the word asshole seem like a compliment in comparison to them. The people really sucked. They never loved Alex the way she deserved and they used their own son’s death as a pretext to totally abandon her when she most needed them
But let’s get back to the story
Jesse hated me. He needed me on the nights when neither of us could escape Ethan’s ghost, but the next morning would be another story.”
“I wasn’t able to walk away. One day I knew I would. I knew I’d be strong enough to leave the shelter he gave me, but not that day, not at that minute.”
Jesse was going to hurt me. He already had, but she didn’t know he healed me as well. I needed him, even if it was only the little increments that I got from him. Because every time, a part of me felt whole, a little more together.
In this book’s ending Alex life gets into a turning point. She is ready to stand up against the world and live again. Even though the ending nearly killed me. So many unanswered questions so many pain that I can’t even think how this story will go on. Is there any hope for these two desperate broken lovers?
nfmaa
November 13, 2024Note to self
Hehe almost had me
The thing about popular authors is that you've got to really scroll through the reviews before you can find one that'll lay it out for you.....not gonna lie the 5 stars almost had me until I found out
He was her dead brothers best friend
He fucks her couple times off and on but he's fucking other girls at college too
She's there thinking of him with her vagina neatly tucked into a box on a shelf until he returns to dust it off again
🙄
Not tuhday
Hehe almost had me
The thing about popular authors is that you've got to really scroll through the reviews before you can find one that'll lay it out for you.....not gonna lie the 5 stars almost had me until I found out
He was her dead brothers best friend
He fucks her couple times off and on but he's fucking other girls at college too
She's there thinking of him with her vagina neatly tucked into a box on a shelf until he returns to dust it off again
🙄
Not tuhday
September 6, 2015
This was appalling.
The h is one of the most spineless, weak, idiotic, brainless women I have ever read.
The H is a total screwing around on the h sleazebag who takes turns in ignoring the h, then sleeping with her, then going off and sleeping with countless other girls, then sleeping with the h again, then treating her like shit while flaunting other women in her face. This goes on for a very long time.
Really, what a stupid doormat h, she needs a lobotomy. This idiot allows the H to continue to treat her like shit. The H TELLS her that he will continue to screw other women, and she accepts this and just keeps taking him back.
This guy continued for years to f@ck around on this girl, rubbing it in her face and treating disgustingly, and yet he is being labelled a great book boyfriend, I don't think so. He needs several good bitch slaps.
And what pisses me right off as it does everytime an author dumps this in the story, the H doesn't want the h to be with anyone else, just be "on ice" waiting for him each time he returns, but HE on the other hand CONTINUES TO SCREW OTHER WOMEN OPENLY and tells her he will.
Grief does not equal losing all self respect and turning into the doormat of all doormats!!!!
The h is one of the most spineless, weak, idiotic, brainless women I have ever read.
The H is a total screwing around on the h sleazebag who takes turns in ignoring the h, then sleeping with her, then going off and sleeping with countless other girls, then sleeping with the h again, then treating her like shit while flaunting other women in her face. This goes on for a very long time.
Really, what a stupid doormat h, she needs a lobotomy. This idiot allows the H to continue to treat her like shit. The H TELLS her that he will continue to screw other women, and she accepts this and just keeps taking him back.
This guy continued for years to f@ck around on this girl, rubbing it in her face and treating disgustingly, and yet he is being labelled a great book boyfriend, I don't think so. He needs several good bitch slaps.
And what pisses me right off as it does everytime an author dumps this in the story, the H doesn't want the h to be with anyone else, just be "on ice" waiting for him each time he returns, but HE on the other hand CONTINUES TO SCREW OTHER WOMEN OPENLY and tells her he will.
Grief does not equal losing all self respect and turning into the doormat of all doormats!!!!
February 17, 2013
4 frenzied stars!!!
Damn that cliffhanger ending!!
**
The title basically sums up the whole story. Alex loses her older brother, and she struggles to cope with his death. Her way of escaping, and sorting through her trauma, is by hooking up with her dead older brothers’ best friend, and man-whore, Jesse. However, as Alex copes with the loss and emptiness through her physical connection with Jesse, she starts wanting more; she wants all of him. She doesn’t want to be his dirty secret, and vice versa. But, Jesse’s broken, too. He can’t seem to stop his whorish ways, and it seems he’s also harboring a secret...
Alex was incredibly frustrating at times; I didn’t understand why she kept going back to Jesse, over and over again; it was obvious he was just using her? Maybe in her own ways, she was too. So, I couldn’t necessarily judge her for lashing out, and coping in this way. Also, things at home are far from perfect. Alex is definitely one messed up chick.
Jesse was incredibly messed up too, in his own, whorish ways. And his secretiveness didn’t help boost his character, either. He was a very flawed character and a total JERK most of the time. BUT I’m really curious as to the big secret he’s hiding. I’m wondering if that’s THE cause for his hesitation or even, attraction to Alex. Why did he break up with his long-time GF of 3 years, Sarah? Why’d he get SO mad when Alex showed up at Jeremy’s house? And, what the hell was Jesse doing over there, IF he’s supposedly Jeremy’s enemy? There are a lot of unanswered questions I’m hoping gets resolved /answered in the sequel.
Jeremy only made like one or two appearances, but he left a huge impression.What’s his story? I’m hoping something develops between Alex and Jeremy (they both have a lot of anger & pain). Then, Jesse can come to the rescue and ultimately win Alex back! Or not. But his character really intrigued me. What can I say? I’m a sucker for brooding bad boy types. Ha-ha. I’d like to see his character make a larger appearance in the sequel! *fingers crossed*
Eric was definitely the GOOD guy, the Knight in Shining Armor type. I would’ve liked to see the love triangle drag itself out more, and I would’ve loved it if Eric had a fighting chance. I loved that he put Alex in her place at Vegas, but hate that Alex dismissed his true, but harsh words. Either way, I really liked Eric. I’m hoping to see more of him, and I totally disagree; nice guys don’t always finish last.
Either way, I’m kind of excited to see what DARK SIDE of Alex gets revealed in the sequel. I hope she DESTROYS people in her path, and starts standing up for herself more. I hope she learns to cope w/ her issues, or learns a huge lesson for dealing w/ her issues the way she’s been. I hope she finds herself again; I hope she learns to accept the past, and move on with her life, with a new sense of purpose and belief. I hope she confronts her parents, and her hurtful past. I hope she doesn’t succumb to her emotions, and let them rule her, or take over her life completely. But most of all, I wish her love. She definitely deserves it. I’m hoping Jesse comes ‘round and WORKS his ass for it, too.
Although the cliffhanger ending left me in a frantic mood, I rounded off the book to 4 stars. I think Alex’s story deserved it; however, I realized that this author writes some pretty dark stuff. This story may offend some people, and it’s probably not for everyone. ;)
P.S. Anna, thanks for the recommendation!!
Damn that cliffhanger ending!!
**
The title basically sums up the whole story. Alex loses her older brother, and she struggles to cope with his death. Her way of escaping, and sorting through her trauma, is by hooking up with her dead older brothers’ best friend, and man-whore, Jesse. However, as Alex copes with the loss and emptiness through her physical connection with Jesse, she starts wanting more; she wants all of him. She doesn’t want to be his dirty secret, and vice versa. But, Jesse’s broken, too. He can’t seem to stop his whorish ways, and it seems he’s also harboring a secret...
Alex was incredibly frustrating at times; I didn’t understand why she kept going back to Jesse, over and over again; it was obvious he was just using her? Maybe in her own ways, she was too. So, I couldn’t necessarily judge her for lashing out, and coping in this way. Also, things at home are far from perfect. Alex is definitely one messed up chick.
Jesse was incredibly messed up too, in his own, whorish ways. And his secretiveness didn’t help boost his character, either. He was a very flawed character and a total JERK most of the time. BUT I’m really curious as to the big secret he’s hiding. I’m wondering if that’s THE cause for his hesitation or even, attraction to Alex. Why did he break up with his long-time GF of 3 years, Sarah? Why’d he get SO mad when Alex showed up at Jeremy’s house? And, what the hell was Jesse doing over there, IF he’s supposedly Jeremy’s enemy? There are a lot of unanswered questions I’m hoping gets resolved /answered in the sequel.
Jeremy only made like one or two appearances, but he left a huge impression.What’s his story? I’m hoping something develops between Alex and Jeremy (they both have a lot of anger & pain). Then, Jesse can come to the rescue and ultimately win Alex back! Or not. But his character really intrigued me. What can I say? I’m a sucker for brooding bad boy types. Ha-ha. I’d like to see his character make a larger appearance in the sequel! *fingers crossed*
Eric was definitely the GOOD guy, the Knight in Shining Armor type. I would’ve liked to see the love triangle drag itself out more, and I would’ve loved it if Eric had a fighting chance. I loved that he put Alex in her place at Vegas, but hate that Alex dismissed his true, but harsh words. Either way, I really liked Eric. I’m hoping to see more of him, and I totally disagree; nice guys don’t always finish last.
Either way, I’m kind of excited to see what DARK SIDE of Alex gets revealed in the sequel. I hope she DESTROYS people in her path, and starts standing up for herself more. I hope she learns to cope w/ her issues, or learns a huge lesson for dealing w/ her issues the way she’s been. I hope she finds herself again; I hope she learns to accept the past, and move on with her life, with a new sense of purpose and belief. I hope she confronts her parents, and her hurtful past. I hope she doesn’t succumb to her emotions, and let them rule her, or take over her life completely. But most of all, I wish her love. She definitely deserves it. I’m hoping Jesse comes ‘round and WORKS his ass for it, too.
Although the cliffhanger ending left me in a frantic mood, I rounded off the book to 4 stars. I think Alex’s story deserved it; however, I realized that this author writes some pretty dark stuff. This story may offend some people, and it’s probably not for everyone. ;)
P.S. Anna, thanks for the recommendation!!
December 10, 2014
5 STARS!
So without giving away too much, B&S is the story of Alex, a seventeen year old girl whose life was torn apart the night that her brother died in a car accident. Many months have passed since then, and Alex has lost her parents as well to depression and many of her friends have let her be and moved on with their own lives. The spirit of Alex’s brother haunts her wherever she goes, except for when his best friend Jesse is around. Together, they ignite, but Jesse always leaves her afterwards, too broken himself to offer anything of value.
I’ve read the Fallen Crest series by Tijan and enjoyed that (both of these series are total guilty pleasure reads), so when I saw this author had another series, I figured I should just go for it. This book BLEW ME AWAY. At this point, it’s the best book I’ve read by this author. I loved how complicated and conflicted Alex was, even though she worked so hard not to show that side of herself to anyone. Jesse was a true dick, but he’s that bad boy you can’t help but to root for. The relationship between the two was difficult and a little messed up, and while Alex always hoped for more, she understood that Jesse could not give her what she wanted, so she didn’t ask him to.
I liked how aware Alex was of herself, she’s a very well developed and well written character. From my perspective, Alex always had hope for how things could be for her, even if she could never admit it out loud or let herself believe that good things would come for her.
“People didn’t find the love they had, not really. And if they did, they were lucky, incredibly so.”
Unlike the Fallen Crest series, this book focused a lot less on clique politics, which for me was a giant relief. Instead of figuring out why who hated who, I was able too read about the characters I was invested in, which is why I think I enjoyed this book much more than Tijan’s other series. And for the most part, Alex had the wonderful support of her friends to get through the challenges she faced. Alex in return accepted her friends for who they were, and if she couldn’t she did her best to overlook it.
I would rate this book 5 out of 5 stars, it was riveting and I devoured it within a matter of hours. I had to run to the public library down the street from where I was working when I finished it so I could use the wifi to purchase and download the next book! Tijan is now on my auto-buy list, I will read anything this author has to offer.
http://rachelsreadsravenously.wordpre...
So without giving away too much, B&S is the story of Alex, a seventeen year old girl whose life was torn apart the night that her brother died in a car accident. Many months have passed since then, and Alex has lost her parents as well to depression and many of her friends have let her be and moved on with their own lives. The spirit of Alex’s brother haunts her wherever she goes, except for when his best friend Jesse is around. Together, they ignite, but Jesse always leaves her afterwards, too broken himself to offer anything of value.
I’ve read the Fallen Crest series by Tijan and enjoyed that (both of these series are total guilty pleasure reads), so when I saw this author had another series, I figured I should just go for it. This book BLEW ME AWAY. At this point, it’s the best book I’ve read by this author. I loved how complicated and conflicted Alex was, even though she worked so hard not to show that side of herself to anyone. Jesse was a true dick, but he’s that bad boy you can’t help but to root for. The relationship between the two was difficult and a little messed up, and while Alex always hoped for more, she understood that Jesse could not give her what she wanted, so she didn’t ask him to.
I liked how aware Alex was of herself, she’s a very well developed and well written character. From my perspective, Alex always had hope for how things could be for her, even if she could never admit it out loud or let herself believe that good things would come for her.
“People didn’t find the love they had, not really. And if they did, they were lucky, incredibly so.”
Unlike the Fallen Crest series, this book focused a lot less on clique politics, which for me was a giant relief. Instead of figuring out why who hated who, I was able too read about the characters I was invested in, which is why I think I enjoyed this book much more than Tijan’s other series. And for the most part, Alex had the wonderful support of her friends to get through the challenges she faced. Alex in return accepted her friends for who they were, and if she couldn’t she did her best to overlook it.
I would rate this book 5 out of 5 stars, it was riveting and I devoured it within a matter of hours. I had to run to the public library down the street from where I was working when I finished it so I could use the wifi to purchase and download the next book! Tijan is now on my auto-buy list, I will read anything this author has to offer.
http://rachelsreadsravenously.wordpre...
September 3, 2016
4 Finding Your Peace Stars
Alex and Jesse share a common pain; they both have someone very close to them die. Alex’s brother who is Jesse’s best friend. Both Alex and Jesse are trying to figure out on how to move on, but it’s difficult when you love someone so much and they aren’t there anymore.
I love these kinds of reads. Sometimes I get into these depressing moods and I really need something to just get me all emotionally worked up and Broken and Screwed (BS) really did do that. BS reminds me a lot of Jessica Sorensen books, just something that is really tortured, sad and messed up, but with less angst, which works for me completely.
You feel for Alex. Oh my gosh, the things the girl has to deal with. She loses her brother who is like her best friend and on top of that, her crush, Jesse gives her mixed signals and Alex’s parents are not so great. Talk about a sad sob story huh? Isn’t it wonderful? Call me crazy, but I love a tragic Heroine, but don’t be fooled, Alex is no weak character, just slightly damaged and confused.
Then there’s Jesse. I don’t know how I feel about him. He’s a total jerk and of course he is the way he is because of his own issues, like a butt of a father and he loved his best friend. Do I agree with how Jesse tugs and pulls Alex? No, but does it make great tension? YEP!
My only complaint is the interaction between Alex and Jesse is limited, but when they do interact, it’s really good. Oh and my other complaint, look, I’m all about the cliffy, but this ending, ug, just totally pissed me off. I don’t know how to explain it or why. Maybe I just wanted it to be more dramatic or closed, I felt like it was just there, but it didn’t sit well for me. I know I don’t make sense, but thank God book 2 is out or I would have been throwing my tablet across the room.
I love Tijan, I recently discovered her books this year. So far, I’ve read three and they have all been 5 stars with me. I really did enjoy Broken and Screwed, but it wasn’t a hit for me as her previous works. Will I still read her reads? OF COURSE.
Alex and Jesse share a common pain; they both have someone very close to them die. Alex’s brother who is Jesse’s best friend. Both Alex and Jesse are trying to figure out on how to move on, but it’s difficult when you love someone so much and they aren’t there anymore.
I love these kinds of reads. Sometimes I get into these depressing moods and I really need something to just get me all emotionally worked up and Broken and Screwed (BS) really did do that. BS reminds me a lot of Jessica Sorensen books, just something that is really tortured, sad and messed up, but with less angst, which works for me completely.
You feel for Alex. Oh my gosh, the things the girl has to deal with. She loses her brother who is like her best friend and on top of that, her crush, Jesse gives her mixed signals and Alex’s parents are not so great. Talk about a sad sob story huh? Isn’t it wonderful? Call me crazy, but I love a tragic Heroine, but don’t be fooled, Alex is no weak character, just slightly damaged and confused.
Then there’s Jesse. I don’t know how I feel about him. He’s a total jerk and of course he is the way he is because of his own issues, like a butt of a father and he loved his best friend. Do I agree with how Jesse tugs and pulls Alex? No, but does it make great tension? YEP!
My only complaint is the interaction between Alex and Jesse is limited, but when they do interact, it’s really good. Oh and my other complaint, look, I’m all about the cliffy, but this ending, ug, just totally pissed me off. I don’t know how to explain it or why. Maybe I just wanted it to be more dramatic or closed, I felt like it was just there, but it didn’t sit well for me. I know I don’t make sense, but thank God book 2 is out or I would have been throwing my tablet across the room.
I love Tijan, I recently discovered her books this year. So far, I’ve read three and they have all been 5 stars with me. I really did enjoy Broken and Screwed, but it wasn’t a hit for me as her previous works. Will I still read her reads? OF COURSE.
September 7, 2013
To the readers who read this before book 2 came out… I commend you for being able to get through until book 2 was released…
I already have book 2 and the wait to write this review before I start reading it, is too much!!!
This was me finishing this book…
There’s so much going through my head right now like, confusion, sadness, pain and much more CONFUSTION! If book 2 doesn’t make me feel better what am I going to do!?
Probably this…
I mean Jesse you need to pick your effing act up and if not for Alex than for the sake of my FREAKING HIPS!!!!
Heroines who seem to give up on the world and themselves usually turn me away from books but Alex’s pain screamed at me from the pages, it picked me up and pulled me into her chest where I felt every single heart crunching painful beat of her heart! And Jesse OMG! I think back and what sentences did he actually speak? What kind words did he offer? What good did he ever do for Alex? NOTHING, NOTHING, NOTHING! I mean seriously I think he had about 10 sentences in the whole book! Yet I hate to love him! I want to wrap him up in cotton wool and tell him to just rest and heal. He was such a huge part of the book just from Tijan’s description of his presence from being in a room or the looks he gave Alex.
I’m stunned… Can I tell you what I loved about this book, Oh god YES! EVERTHING! Can I tell you what I hated about this book YES! EVERYTHING! See clearly stunned…
Don't even get me started on Marissa, I'll be here all night!
I already have book 2 and the wait to write this review before I start reading it, is too much!!!
This was me finishing this book…
There’s so much going through my head right now like, confusion, sadness, pain and much more CONFUSTION! If book 2 doesn’t make me feel better what am I going to do!?
Probably this…
I mean Jesse you need to pick your effing act up and if not for Alex than for the sake of my FREAKING HIPS!!!!
Heroines who seem to give up on the world and themselves usually turn me away from books but Alex’s pain screamed at me from the pages, it picked me up and pulled me into her chest where I felt every single heart crunching painful beat of her heart! And Jesse OMG! I think back and what sentences did he actually speak? What kind words did he offer? What good did he ever do for Alex? NOTHING, NOTHING, NOTHING! I mean seriously I think he had about 10 sentences in the whole book! Yet I hate to love him! I want to wrap him up in cotton wool and tell him to just rest and heal. He was such a huge part of the book just from Tijan’s description of his presence from being in a room or the looks he gave Alex.
I’m stunned… Can I tell you what I loved about this book, Oh god YES! EVERTHING! Can I tell you what I hated about this book YES! EVERYTHING! See clearly stunned…
Don't even get me started on Marissa, I'll be here all night!
February 12, 2013
This book was wonderfully written. It was really hard to put down. Even though Alex is going through a lot I really liked her. Even when she scared her friends and withdrew from people she was still a great main character. I have never been through what she has been through and most the people giving her advice haven't either so her behavior seems accurate.
I really liked her friendship with Angie and Justin. Marissa wasn't a great friend but obviously has her own issues.
I liked Jesse and Eric. I think Eric is best for her but the heart wants what the heart wants. It is clear that Jesse is feeling regret for Ethan's death but I want to know more about what happened on that night. I hope in the next part everything comes out and I home in the end Jesse and Alex can make things work.
I truly loved this book. It was heartbreaking but it was a great story. However Alex's parents...I hate them!!!!!
Can't wait til August!!!!
I love Tijan's book the ones I have read are wonderful!!!!
I really liked her friendship with Angie and Justin. Marissa wasn't a great friend but obviously has her own issues.
I liked Jesse and Eric. I think Eric is best for her but the heart wants what the heart wants. It is clear that Jesse is feeling regret for Ethan's death but I want to know more about what happened on that night. I hope in the next part everything comes out and I home in the end Jesse and Alex can make things work.
I truly loved this book. It was heartbreaking but it was a great story. However Alex's parents...I hate them!!!!!
Can't wait til August!!!!
I love Tijan's book the ones I have read are wonderful!!!!
May 2, 2015
The back and forth angst of this kept me turning pages until I had no pages left to turn. However, I was NOT a fan of Jesse in this book. Alex had been through so much, and regardless of his reasons, he was just such an asshole to her, using her for selfish reasons and then throwing her away. And Marissa, what a terrible friend! Ugh.
The mystery surrounding Ethan and some of the other characters has me coming up with all kinds of theories, but the story is not resolved in this book. I started to rush through so I could make it to book 2.
The mystery surrounding Ethan and some of the other characters has me coming up with all kinds of theories, but the story is not resolved in this book. I started to rush through so I could make it to book 2.
May 12, 2016
Find This and Other Reviews At Craves The Angst.
4 Deeply Broken Stars!
I’ll never get tired of reading this author!
The Review:
I’ve been on a Tijan kick lately, absorbing everything she’s written. Her books are filled with drama, crazy situations and insane characters. And They. Are. Absolute. GOLD! Things that would normally have me turning away from a book, this author turns into magic. She’s just got the right touch and her storytelling is like no other.
Broken and Screwed is no different. I loved it and all the “feels” it pulled from me. This author has that kind of talent. She can reach the deepest part of her characters and make you feel them all the way to their core. And it’s always a spectacular journey decoding what makes them the way they are.
In this story, Alex is lost. She’s drifting away little by little and no one seems to really notice. Those that might have a clue, have no idea how to help her and they don’t really try. My heart completely broke for her. She had one thing going for her, one human connection that kept her somewhat together. Jesse, who she loved and needed, was her rock and kept her sane, but only for the short amount of time he would let her in. After that time was over, she’d be adrift again, the loneliness she felt was almost too much for her to bare alone. Her silent pain was intense and all consuming and screamed at you from the pages. There as a constant dark cloud over her. By the end of the book, this poor girl had basically lost everything and you can’t help but FEEL that.
Jesse was... different from this author's other heroes. I couldn’t get a beat on him for the entire book. He starts off intense and brooding and a major jerk, and that’s the way he stays throughout the entire book. There was a sense that he really did care about Alex, but he was distant, harsh and his aloofness brought out way too much desperation in Alex. She just wanted to be SEEN by him, by everyone... or by anyone really. Jesse should have been there because he knew her pain. He was the only other person in her life that loved her brother as much as she did but he was trapped in his own pain and I don't think he could see clear enough to recognize that he was close to losing Alex forever.
I wanted Jesse to man up and help Alex heal. He didn’t seem to understand just what was going on in her life. He didn’t ask. But then again, Alex didn’t tell. There was a huge silent rift between her and her friends and between her and Jesse. And I think it could have all been avoided if Alex had just Spoken.Up! Even just a little. But I also understand, she didn’t want them there because they felt sorry for her. She was confused and scared and really messed up, and her mind, no one cared or loved her enough to help her find her way out of the darkness.
Alex wanted Jesse to love her as much as she loved him and even though he might have loved her, he never told her or really even showed her, so she assumes he doesn’t. Guilt isn’t love and the abandonment she experienced from those in her life, left her shaken and worried she’d look weak and unwanted in Jesse’s eyes, so she kept quiet. And so did he. Like I said, Jesse wasn’t like this authors other heroes. He wasn’t nearly as perceptive, but I’ve already been told we get a good read on him on the second book so I’m looking forward to that.
This story was totally angsty! And I LOVED that. I adore books that can pull me into the drama and angst and keep me till the end and this book did just that. And that cliffy ending? WOW!
On to book two!
4 Deeply Broken Stars!
I’ll never get tired of reading this author!
The Review:
I’ve been on a Tijan kick lately, absorbing everything she’s written. Her books are filled with drama, crazy situations and insane characters. And They. Are. Absolute. GOLD! Things that would normally have me turning away from a book, this author turns into magic. She’s just got the right touch and her storytelling is like no other.
Broken and Screwed is no different. I loved it and all the “feels” it pulled from me. This author has that kind of talent. She can reach the deepest part of her characters and make you feel them all the way to their core. And it’s always a spectacular journey decoding what makes them the way they are.
In this story, Alex is lost. She’s drifting away little by little and no one seems to really notice. Those that might have a clue, have no idea how to help her and they don’t really try. My heart completely broke for her. She had one thing going for her, one human connection that kept her somewhat together. Jesse, who she loved and needed, was her rock and kept her sane, but only for the short amount of time he would let her in. After that time was over, she’d be adrift again, the loneliness she felt was almost too much for her to bare alone. Her silent pain was intense and all consuming and screamed at you from the pages. There as a constant dark cloud over her. By the end of the book, this poor girl had basically lost everything and you can’t help but FEEL that.
Jesse was... different from this author's other heroes. I couldn’t get a beat on him for the entire book. He starts off intense and brooding and a major jerk, and that’s the way he stays throughout the entire book. There was a sense that he really did care about Alex, but he was distant, harsh and his aloofness brought out way too much desperation in Alex. She just wanted to be SEEN by him, by everyone... or by anyone really. Jesse should have been there because he knew her pain. He was the only other person in her life that loved her brother as much as she did but he was trapped in his own pain and I don't think he could see clear enough to recognize that he was close to losing Alex forever.
I wanted Jesse to man up and help Alex heal. He didn’t seem to understand just what was going on in her life. He didn’t ask. But then again, Alex didn’t tell. There was a huge silent rift between her and her friends and between her and Jesse. And I think it could have all been avoided if Alex had just Spoken.Up! Even just a little. But I also understand, she didn’t want them there because they felt sorry for her. She was confused and scared and really messed up, and her mind, no one cared or loved her enough to help her find her way out of the darkness.
Alex wanted Jesse to love her as much as she loved him and even though he might have loved her, he never told her or really even showed her, so she assumes he doesn’t. Guilt isn’t love and the abandonment she experienced from those in her life, left her shaken and worried she’d look weak and unwanted in Jesse’s eyes, so she kept quiet. And so did he. Like I said, Jesse wasn’t like this authors other heroes. He wasn’t nearly as perceptive, but I’ve already been told we get a good read on him on the second book so I’m looking forward to that.
This story was totally angsty! And I LOVED that. I adore books that can pull me into the drama and angst and keep me till the end and this book did just that. And that cliffy ending? WOW!
On to book two!
April 24, 2015
Sinceramente, no me he molestado en terminarlo. La verdad es que me aburría un montón y no tengo nada de ganas de leer un libro que no me transmite nada.
Para empezar, está la protagonista...
Alex es una chica buena, de verdad, y me ha caído bien, que ha perdido a su hermano Ethan. Hasta ahí todo bien. El problema que tengo con ella es esta extraña obsesión que tiene con Jesse. Es decir, él le dice "ven" y ella deja lo que sea para ir hacia él. El caso es que los dos se acuestan en fechas claves: el funeral, cumpleaños o aniversario de la muerte de Ethan. ¿Después de eso? Nada. Pero ella sigue comiéndole el culo a pesar de que Jesse pasa de ella 24/7 a no ser que a él le interese. Esto no me ha parecido bien.
Sobra decir que Jesse me ha parecido un auténtico capullo.
Bueno, los tres meses de verano se pasan volando y Jesse se va a la universidad. El chico ha conseguido como mil becas completas de deportes para estudiar y es todo un ídolo en el instituto. Aquí es donde entra Eric, el chico que está interesado en Alex. Esto me empezó a desagradar por el posible triángulo...
Entonces Alex descubre que una de sus mejores amigas, Marissa, está super colada por Jesse y que cuando él se ha ido a su universidad, Marissa es más pesada que una vaca en brazos llamándolo cada vez que se le presenta la oportunidad. Al final tiene que admitir que lo hacía porque no podía soportar ver a Alex acostándose con tal perfección.
Uno de los bailes se acerca, así que Eric la invita. Ella está un poco recelosa porque piensa que está traicionando a Jesse. Sí. ¡Chica, te ve por la calle y te aparta la mirada! (no puedo con estas cosas). Cuando llegan del baile, Alex se encuentra con que Jesse está esperándola en su habitación. Él le confiesa que ella es la única con la que siente, pero que se ha acostado con dos chicas en la universidad. Ella se queda un poco
Pero, ¿sabéis cuál es la peor parte? Él le dice que no puede acostarse con nadie. PERO ÉL SI PUEDE.
¿¿¿PERDONAAAAAAAAAAAAA???
Después Alex averigua que ni su hermano ni Jesse son tan buenos como parecen y la madre de Alex intenta suicidarse. ¿Y qué es lo primero que hace el padre de Alex? Abrazar a Jesse y no soltarlo. Ni una maldita palabra, ni un abrazo, ni un cosuelo, ¡algo! a Alex. ¿Y a quién le dice lo que le va comunicando los doctores? A Jesse. ¿A quién le consuela? A Jesse. Como si Alex fuera de una familia ajena o algo.
Así que esta ha sido mi experiencia con Broken and Screwed. Tenía muchas ganas de leerlo, pero otro libro que ha estado lleno de decepciones para mí. 1'5.
Para empezar, está la protagonista...
Alex es una chica buena, de verdad, y me ha caído bien, que ha perdido a su hermano Ethan. Hasta ahí todo bien. El problema que tengo con ella es esta extraña obsesión que tiene con Jesse. Es decir, él le dice "ven" y ella deja lo que sea para ir hacia él. El caso es que los dos se acuestan en fechas claves: el funeral, cumpleaños o aniversario de la muerte de Ethan. ¿Después de eso? Nada. Pero ella sigue comiéndole el culo a pesar de que Jesse pasa de ella 24/7 a no ser que a él le interese. Esto no me ha parecido bien.
Sobra decir que Jesse me ha parecido un auténtico capullo.
Bueno, los tres meses de verano se pasan volando y Jesse se va a la universidad. El chico ha conseguido como mil becas completas de deportes para estudiar y es todo un ídolo en el instituto. Aquí es donde entra Eric, el chico que está interesado en Alex. Esto me empezó a desagradar por el posible triángulo...
Entonces Alex descubre que una de sus mejores amigas, Marissa, está super colada por Jesse y que cuando él se ha ido a su universidad, Marissa es más pesada que una vaca en brazos llamándolo cada vez que se le presenta la oportunidad. Al final tiene que admitir que lo hacía porque no podía soportar ver a Alex acostándose con tal perfección.
Uno de los bailes se acerca, así que Eric la invita. Ella está un poco recelosa porque piensa que está traicionando a Jesse. Sí. ¡Chica, te ve por la calle y te aparta la mirada! (no puedo con estas cosas). Cuando llegan del baile, Alex se encuentra con que Jesse está esperándola en su habitación. Él le confiesa que ella es la única con la que siente, pero que se ha acostado con dos chicas en la universidad. Ella se queda un poco
Pero, ¿sabéis cuál es la peor parte? Él le dice que no puede acostarse con nadie. PERO ÉL SI PUEDE.
¿¿¿PERDONAAAAAAAAAAAAA???
Después Alex averigua que ni su hermano ni Jesse son tan buenos como parecen y la madre de Alex intenta suicidarse. ¿Y qué es lo primero que hace el padre de Alex? Abrazar a Jesse y no soltarlo. Ni una maldita palabra, ni un abrazo, ni un cosuelo, ¡algo! a Alex. ¿Y a quién le dice lo que le va comunicando los doctores? A Jesse. ¿A quién le consuela? A Jesse. Como si Alex fuera de una familia ajena o algo.
Así que esta ha sido mi experiencia con Broken and Screwed. Tenía muchas ganas de leerlo, pero otro libro que ha estado lleno de decepciones para mí. 1'5.
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