More Than Anything was my first book by Natasha Anders and it is the first book in her Broken Pieces series.
A high school prank leaves, Tina and Harris, two teenagers heartbroken and embarrassed. Many years later will they get a second chance at romance or was there too much damage done?
I enjoyed this story and look forward to the next book in her Broken Pieces series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake Romance for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

This book pairs with another to tell the story of two best friends and the twins they love. Of the two, this is the better story although there is a little cliffhanger that takes you to the second book of the pair.

There is tragedy that remains hidden for years, which is a little hard to believed the hero of the story is a genuinely nice guy and well-written. The heroine is not quite as likable, but all-in-all, well constructed and genuine. There are times when I found myself hurting for the character and reminding myself “this isn’t real”. What better compliment is there?

Solid four stars.

What if the boy of your dreams turned out to be your nightmare? That’s exactly what happened to Tina Jenson when after sleeping with Harris Chapman she heard the most hurtful comments that would totally change her life.

It was not even a night of passion; “more than anything,” it was just two young adults fumbling their way. But, for Tina it resulted to a decade of disappointments of heartache while in her eyes, Harris continued to thrive.

So, when she had an opportunity to leave Cape Town to put her stakes somewhere, she jumped on that chance. What surprised her was that Harris followed her. Was it a coincidence or did Harris an agenda in mind?

A story of second chances, “More Than Anything” is a romantic story at its core. For Tina and Harris, it was about a childhood crush that ran deeper than even what they themselves thought. As for their respective families, they were oblivious to what Tina and Harris feel for each other.

Somehow, this is also the crux of the matter. Being honest with each other could have save Tina and Harris a lot of heartaches. Being honest could also have brought their family members closer to each other. And because their families are also close, friendships would have been tighter.

This is the second book by Natasha Anders that I have read. And both books are “sleepers” which in the movie industry means an unexpected achiever of success. That’s actually a compliment.

“More Than Anything” started slow, though there were so many things going on. It was not adrenaline pumping nor there were steamy scenes. But it still pulls you in. By the time you reach the third chapter, you find yourself invested with the characters.

“More Than Anything” is not the kind of book that you cannot put down. You actually put it down; yet you look forward going back to it. It’s a slow burn romance, but don’t think for once that it is boring. There are so many things going on and there are enough twists and turns that feels breadcrumbs you want to follow.

When you finally finish it, you sigh because the story was so good, you start reading it again because you want to feel those endorphins again!

“More Than Anything” is Rated T for Teens.

“More Than Anything” is Rated T for Teens.

This is my first book by Natasha Anders and I must say, it wasn't a good introduction.
I did not enjoy reading this book. I didn't DNF the book but now having read it, I feel like it was wasted time.
I did not like Tina. She irked me to no end. Harris was alright. Compared to Tina.... He feels like a gem hahaha

Any time I see a new book by Natasha Anderson I know I have to read it. She has a way of telling a story and giving you characters you can’t help but love. This book was no different.

Tina and Harrison grew up together and started as friends. Their families were part of the same social circle so they were around each other a lot. All it took was one night to change the dynamic of their relationship.

Now years later and they are finally ready to try a relationship. This book was packed full of angst and I couldn’t get enough. I am huge fan of angst and this one delivered in spades. There were times when I was made and heart broken. I loved this book and am looking forward to more work by this author.

I really like this story, it was well written and well paced. What was really great was that we get to know both characters and I loved them both equally. There is chemistry, feelings and emotions, all the factors that I like in my romance. So give this one a go you won't regret it.

More Than Anything was an enjoyable (and emotional!) story of a woman struggling to overcome her insecurities, fears and heartbreak. Tina grew up in a household of emotional abuse; constantly being put down and treated like crap by those who are supposed to care about her the most. This wreaked havoc on her confidence and self-esteem.

Harris was an amazing influence on bringing Tina out of her shell and helping her to grow and overcome her past issues. I enjoyed watching Tina develop more confidence and feel she was worthy enough for the love of a good man.

In addition to the Harris and Tina story, I became fully invested in the Libby and Greyson story playing out in the background and cannot to find out what is to come with their relationship.

I absolutely loved "The Unwanted Wife" by this author. I read it multiple times a year. So naturally, I had to give this one a go in the hope of it turning out to be another favorite.

Now even though I did enjoy reading this one...it didn't top any of the other books I have read by this author. In all the former books I really felt bad for the heroine... I wanted her to get all the grovel she deserved !! (which they all did ;) )

Unfortunately, that wasn't how I felt about the heroine in this book. Sure, I understand that she got her feelings hurt, but I just think she took things a bit too far. I actually started to feel annoyed and that is never a good sign.

I still enjoyed reading this story but in all the other books I was really rooting for the heroine and in this one... I felt the hero might be able to do better.

I am however very excited to read the next book...Which will "hopefully" be about Libby and Greyson.

An ARC was kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.

Oh my! This was not at all what I was expecting. And I absolutely love it more because of it.

Ten years ago Tina had her eyes set on Harris. When he not only acknowledges her, but fulfills her young girl’s dreams, she is euphoric. Until she overhears a conversation. She walked away that night and the rest of her life was forever changed.

Harris has been attracted to Tina since she turned seventeen. After making a monstrous mistake in their youth, he has tried to make amends. He NEEDS to make amends because he yearns to have her in his life. But Tina hasn’t spared him a moment’s notice to do so. When circumstances provide an open door, he eagerly steps through and refuses to walk back out.

Tina was lost, trying to find her way in life and failing miserably time and time again. I loved watching her climb out of the despair she lived in and into a bright new sunrise. She had a lot of past pain to deal with and to witness her build herself up and face it was a heartbreaking, beautiful thing.

”For ten years I was stuck in the past Harris. I felt incapable of moving forward with my life. I was trapped by my own incapacity to let go. I suffered from panic attacks, awful nightmares, and a crippling inability to settle in one job for too long. I know I appeared flighty and irresponsible. When in truth I was incapable of digging myself out from beneath a mountain of suffocating self-doubt and fear.”

Harris was such a fun hero. He had a wild sense of humor and was always careful to give Tina the room she needed even as he wanted to push for more. He was devastated by all that Tina had gone through, the result leaving him shattered and broken. His heartbreak was as painful to read as Tina’s.

”He hoped this meant she’d forgiven him. He hoped it was the beginning of something more. He hoped she cared for him even a fraction as much as he cared for her.
He hoped. And it terrified him.”

This couple had so much to overcome and it seemed completely insurmountable. There is some push and pull from Tina as she must face her past and what she is presently feeling. This book started with that night years ago and from the first page I was glued to this story. With some amusing moments, great banter, and sizzling chemistry between these characters, I fell completely in love and can’t wait to get my hands on Libby and Greyson’s book!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided by NetGalley and Montlake. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

2.6 Broken Hearts
I really wanted to enjoy this. I just couldn't get past Tina's character. During the opening, I liked her spunk and was excited to watch her take on her adversaries. As the story progressed the tough 'I can do this' heroine disappeared. She went from placating the negative nancies to becoming one herself. And the lackadaisical attitude she took with regards to her life choices and commitments just cemented my inability to connect with her character. Honestly, her voice in my head even became whiny.

The plotline itself was a great idea and is what captured my attention. I managed to trudge through this story because I was enjoying everyone else. Harris, Oh did I liked his character. He took responsibility for his actions, even when they were not the acts of a good person. And he was such a closet romantic. Lisa, I want her story! Her character had the backbone I want from my heroine.

Yes, life sucks, scars don't 'heal' the trauma, they just provide closure so the wounds don't fester. We choose how we want the world to see those scars.

I really enjoyed this latest story by Natasha Anders, who delivers with a deliciously angsty story about Tina Jenson and Harrison Chapman, who after a disastrous evening together during their youths, do not come back into one another’s lives until ten years later.

“If I never see you again, it’ll be too soon, Harris,”


Tina and Harrison’s story checked a lot of my boxes for a good romance:
1. Second chance romance (of a sort)
2. Misunderstandings galore
2. Imperfect hero who must redeem himself with the heroine
3. Strong supporting cast

I have read a lot of reviews slamming the fact that the hero was not celibate while the heroine was while they were apart but that didn’t really bother me, given the circumstances. Tina and Harrison, after ONE night together, went down very different paths. Harrison had no knowledge about anything Tina was going through because she kept everything a secret.

“How long are you going to bear this unreasonable grudge against me?”


Tina used the way she was treated in high school, particularly on that fateful night with Harrison, as a means to deflect the true cause of her hang-ups in life. I think that had she not kept things a secret and instead had a support system to help her through, she may have been able to get help, instead of everything manifesting in failed life experiences and her inability to move on with a romantic life. I really wanted to shake her throughout this story, knowing that her distorted filter on her life and everyone around her could have been avoided, if not at least lessened if she had felt like she could turn to anyone for support. I really loved the part that Harrison played in Tina's journey to recovery and happiness.

“I wish you wouldn’t hate me.” The words were soft and wistful.”


Harrison wasn’t one of Natasha Ander’s typical hero. I truly felt like he was just as much a victim in this story as Tina. I really rooted for him and couldn’t imagine him ever making inroads with Tina, based on the way the story was progressing. I think he handled himself just right.

This story really took it out of me emotionally, but I came out of the other side very satisfied. I loved that the setting of this story brought in all of my favourite characters from Natasha’s last series and I truly enjoyed the tease of what’s to come with Libby and Greyson. I have no idea how Greyson can possibly be redeemed but I was able to come around to forgiving all of Natasha’s other heroes, I’m sure Greyson can win me over. Really looking forward to that story.

What a great story of so many emotions and relationships between all the characters! From first loves, siblings, best friends, parent-child to in-laws, this story has them all. I loved the development or rather the growing of already established relationships. The secrets from Tina and Harris after they shared them together were heart gripping. But in both cases, led Tina and Harris to a healing and new awakening of their lives. I loved Harris and his determination to get back into Tina's life. I hurt for Tina when her story finally came all the way out. Ms. Anders seems to write stories that just take hold of my heart and does not let go. I so want more from these characters, especially Libby and Greyson's story, along with a glimpse of Harris and Tina's future life. So good!

I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher through Netgalley.

I'm really sad to say that this is my least favorite book from this author. I struggled a lot with the characters, I couldn't connect with them and I can't say I liked Tina.She was getting in my nerves a lot!Harris was nicer , he was sweet and cute but when you don't like the main heroine things getting worse.I believe I would like it more if it was someone else.However, I'm really excited for the next book!

I'm really sad to say that this is my least favorite book from this author. I struggled a lot with the characters, I couldn't connect with them and I can't say I liked Tina.She was getting in my nerves a lot!Harris was nicer , he was sweet and cute but when you don't like the main heroine things getting worse.I believe I would like it more if it was someone else.However, I'm really excited for the next book!

This was my first read by Natasha Ander’s and while the brother’s best friend trope is usually one I gravitate to read, this one didn’t work for me. I couldn’t connect with either of the main characters, probably due to lack of character development. I’ve heard great things about this author, so it could be a it’s just me not you type of experience...

Publish: June 11th 2019 by Montlake Romance ASIN: B07KXMVBR6
Series: Broken Pieces #1 Rating: 5*

In a nutshell - I really, really loved this story! The protagonists grew up as neighbors. Tina Jenson was the pesky little sister of her brother Smith’s best buddy Harris Chapman. Harris was a few years older, and may or may not have recognized the pure adoration and major crush Tina had on him. After all in her mind Harris was the most handsomest man alive in spite of him having an identical twin brother.

Tina was self conscious of her well developed body after her mother constantly found fault with her looks, leaving Tina in a state of very low self esteem. But regardless of her big boobs and big booty, Tina was determined to have a grand time at Harris and his twin brother Greyson’s 20th birthday celebration. As it happened it turned out to be the best (Tina and Harris jumped into bed together) and the worst (when she overhears crude and hateful comments the next morning) night of Tina’s life.

Ten years later, Tina’s life is a mess. THE night with Harris didn’t just hurt her feelings; it started a cascade of disappointment and soul searing heartbreak. Every time she bumps into Harris, her heart twists inside out. She is constantly trying to hate the very sight of him, yet still wants him. Truthfully, she’s harboring a painful secret from their night together that she’s not ready to reveal.

Crossed signals, high-society whispers, and shame have kept Tina and Harris apart for years, but deep down, they’re hungry for each other and eager to write their own rules. The story combines huge betrayals and a huge emotional roller coaster of misunderstood comments, finger pointing and some very hot sensual laden scenes. With so much history of failing and feeling like a failure, it was taking its toll of both on Tina and Harris who was trying his best to convince her she was truly an amazing woman!

Loved the pace, the prose and the emotion! Great read.

Marilyn Rondeau

Growing up Martina had a crush on Harris but never quite fit into the popular crowd like the rest of her family, so when her night finally seems to be here Tin a is ecstatic. Only for that one night to change it all and change something in her. Now ten years later Harris seems to always be around. Not helping matters that her best friend his married to Harris's twin brother and their lives just got very complicated.

Moving away to not only help her best friend but also finally take control back of her life and future Tina can't seem to get away from her past. And though her past is very painful the more time she spends with Harris the more he seems to be changing her mind about him. Harris has wanted Tina for a long time and a stupid mistake has made it so he can't move forward with the girl he can't get out of his mind. When his brother makes a colossally stupid mistake Harris steps in and now Tina can't get away from him. But no matter how much he tries to make it right Tina can't seem to let it go and forgive him. Making him wonder if he has the whole story.

We get a whole new set of characters here with a nice little glimpse into previous characters from previous books. I wasn't sure how this book would turn out when I started it and like always Natasha Anders does a great job of getting you right into the book and showing you the emotions of her charters even when they aren't pretty. We get so many great stories in this book not only between he two main charters but between Tina and her best friend Libby. We also get and amazing set up into the next book.

I will say I liked this book a lot but I found myself wishing Tina would have been able to move on from some of her issues being that this all started ten years ago and before. Now what happens from this situation I completely understand it having a lasting effect on her but I found myself wishing Tina had found the strength in herself in those ten years to become stronger and not let others beat her down so much. Not saying what others say won't effect you I just was wanting her to find her own self worth which I believe she does in this book I just wanted her to find it sooner because she deserved it.

I'll also say that Harris isn't a bad guy and what happens years ago really isn't his fault I was actually surprised he tried for so many years to make it right not even knowing what really happened. But Tina thinking he did know was a reason I understood for her blaming him for everything else that came after. I was very glad when the truth finally came out and the true healing could start and they could finally find happiness and comply understand one another.

I really liked both Tina and Harris, I loved seeing their back story and watching them move on together. I also loved Libby and Greyson and I think they actually stole the moment a time or two in this book and I can't imagine how much their own book will be filled with both the good and the bad. I think Ms. Anders has really found her niche this is genre/style of book and she does such an amazing job with it. She quickly found her sweet spot and has just grown with each book. I respect that about her she knows what works for her and she doesn't try to go with the latest temporary trend or fad in books and you can tell she writes what she loves.

*Thank you Natasha Anders, NetGallery and Montlake Romance for this ARC.

3-Stars

As someone who has absolutely <b>loved</b> anything written by this author in the past, it's with a heavy heart I admit that this one just wasn't for me. With that, I must stress that it truly is a <i>me</i> problem and I do think others should give Natasha Ander's new book More Than Anything a fair chance and try it.

I am a reader with practically no triggers, but there is one thing that happened in this book (which I won't name and spoil for others) that took the enjoyment out of this book for me. DO NOT let your mind wander to what it could be, it's honestly just something that is too personal for me and I'm sure others will probably not even bring it up since it's so minor in the trigger department.

Anyways, up until that part, I was really enjoying Tina and Harris's story. I liked both characters (sometimes I wanted to shake the heroine but alas she really grew on me) and was totally rooting for them throughout the whole book.

This story was angsty and one you will surely be invested in from start to finish.

Okay. Spoilers ahead, read at your own risk.

I love Natasha Anders as much as the next girl. I was super excited for this one. However, I 100% would not have read it if I had known about a pretty big plot point, and that is totally a me thing, and I doubt would bother most people. So, trigger warning, but be warned this spoils something pretty major - don't worry, it's not cheating or abuse or anything like that, I just wish I had known and know other people like me would like to know in advance: after their one night stand, she gets pregnant, the baby dies at 2 months from SIDs. This was so hard for me to read, especially considering my supposed to be due date is next week. I understand things like that are hard to warn about because it can spoil the book, and it really won't bother a lot of people, but I had to put it down several times to cry because it made me think about my own. Definitely not the feeling I want from a romance.

Another thing I had trouble with in this book, and this is totally a book thing and not a me thing this time - is in regards to the 10 year separation. It's not exactly a true second chance romance, they had a one night stand and then 10 years went by. They did grow up together. But anyway - this is in regards to what they did in those 10 years, so again, click at your own risk: he was her one and only, but he was with tons and tons of women. I forget the exact wording but he definitely said he'd been with several women. which, again, fine. i am not one of those people who needs to hero to be celibate from meeting the heroine because sometimes that is a bit much, especially since they grew up together, but why was she celibate and he wasn't? I really wasn't a fan of that. I wish she'd been with at least one or two other people, or they'd both been celibate. the thing is, i don't mind when people are with OW/OM during a separation, especially a 10 year one when they were so young at the beginning - but i don't want the scales to be as tipped as they were in this case. Honestly, i would have totally been okay if she had been with someone else, then his OW wouldn't have bothered me. i understand putting it off for quite some time after what happened to her, but 10 years is a long time, especially as young as she was.

Okay, so all that being said, I really didn't hate this one. The first issue is totally a me thing but other women who have gone through something similar may find it hard to read as well. The other thing is annoying and made me love the book a bit less, but didn't hate it or anything. There were a few things I liked about this book and I am still a Natasha Anders fan and will read anything she publishes.

I really liked Harris, he was definitely lower on the asshole scale, especially compared to some of Anders other heroes. I thought he was super sweet and I loved how he felt about Tina. I loved the pendant. Although, his feelings would have been cuter/more believable if he hadn't been a manwhore during those 10 years but whatever.

Tina was a little harder to like. I know some people don't love the fact that she didn't tell her best friend about the baby, but I personally find that believable. Yes, I told my best friends but 90% of the people in my life do not know about my daughter and I am okay with that. When people bring their babies into work or show photos or ask me when I am going to have children, I would rather they think I am rude than talk about it. So, I found that realistic, but everyone is different. I don't mind that Tina made lots of mistakes and whatnot with her career, though I did wish it wasn't blamed on what happened, personally.

Anyway, speaking of the best friend, I really hope they get a book. I do hope that it picks up after this one, rather than be told concurrently, because we already know so much about their relationship - like if it is told concurrently, we will know that the divorce papers are coming and that'll take out some of the mystery, but that is just me.

Phew. so this is a long review and I hope it doesn't sound like I hated it, because I didn't. I struggled with something personally and wasn't a huge fan of something in the 10 year separation. But it was a quick, easy read and I do really like Natasha Anders writing. The ending was cute and I loved Harris getting all those sayings wrong. Totes adorbs. I loved the connection between the Alpha Men series. So I do recommend if you are a fan.

Tina and Harris- second chance romance. Sort of. These two had a thing in high school and she, more than he, bore the burden of what happened that night for ten years. Tina's suffered a lot more than just the cruel words of a stupid teen but that's not going to be obvious (no spoilers). Regrettably, though, I couldn't gel with either one of them. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A rare pass from me.