Beautiful Broken Love by S. Williams is the most heartwrenchingly beautiful love story I read in 24.
Devina and Deke don't have much in common at first sight, the creative and the sports star meet and sparks fly. But both carry heavy baggage. Both are still grieving, grieving in very different ways.
I insta connected with the main characters, I read sitting on the edge of my seat because I just had to know asap what happens to them, to the story, to the wonderful secondary characters too. I recommend this gem of a story.

This book is a great romance read, but also deals with a lot of hard topics such a grief, abuse and suicide, so I am glad it comes with an authors note (trigger warning) at the start.
It's an incredibly spicy book, very adult and absolutely does not hold back! There was a bit too much spice for me, but for you hot romance readers out there you will absolutely love this
I found some of Deke's chapters at the beginning to be slightly cringey in the way they portrayed how he spoke/thought, although I did get a good picture of him in my mind when reading because of this.
It was descriptive in a really good way, in was well written and I had a perfect picture in my head of the different characters.
I felt some parts could have been dragged out and built on further. There could have been a bit more with Giselle, and more depth with Deke falling for Davina - I get it was supposed to be a "love at first sight" vibe but I just felt that he seemed to fall too fast.
This is a great friends to lovers book, but also heartbreaking in parts. Perfect for a romance reader!


Publish date: 3 Dec 2024

I enjoyed this book very much! The characters were well developed and the storyline kept me engaged the whole way through. I’d definitely recommend this book to others.

Anything Shanora writes I’m most definitely going to read! This was a great read from beginning to end! Shanora never disappoints.

Beautiful Broken Love was an absolutely amazing book. I devoured this book and loved every page of it. Deke and Davina's story is one that deals with learning to open your heart again to love after losing a partner, accepting that it's okay to move on and knowing that loving someone else doesn't diminish what you shared with a previous spouse. There were definitely some heartfelt moments, especially when it came to Deke and his family. The characters in this story deal heavy subject matters, but these characters also have supportive friends and family that I loved. I was rooting for Deke and Davina from the very beginning, and up to the end of the book because they both deserved to be happy and loved. They had some rough patches, and Davina's mother-in-law and Deke's ex Giselle only added to the drama. However, Deke was consistent in showing Davina how much he wanted, cared for and eventually loved her. Davina eventually got herself together and showed Deke how much she wanted him, but it just took her a little longer. The ending was everything and I finished this book with a smile on my face. I would definitely recommend this book to romance/sports lovers. This is a story I can read over and over, and I definitely wouldn't mind if the author gives us a book with Octavia, Javier and Aleesa.

📖 Beautiful Broken Love
✍️ Shanora Williams
🗓️ Dec 03 2024
📝 Montlake

What a book! The author crafted such a beautiful and heartbreaking tale about grief and healing. It explores new beginnings and what it takes to move on.

The author gave us such a close look into Davinas grief and feelings. It was very believable and well done, absolutely fantastic. It was not also the sad moments but also the moments of happiness, healing and guilt. Very dimensional.

Overall the characters were very well thought out and written to perfection.

What I liked about lot was how realistic and natural the relationship was.

I flew through this book and finished in no time. The only regret was that there was not more of this . 😱🤭


⭐️Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my advanced copy. All opinions are my own, I was under no obligation to review.

Months after losing her husband, Lew, Davina Klein-Roberts tries to move forward through attending to her skin care line, Golden Oil, Co. Upon striving to work to be successful, she had the opportunity to partner with Declan, Bishop, a NBA star as her endorser where they started to know each other. In the process of solely meeting for work, they somehow built a friendship along the emotional journey of handling grief and healing.

This novel is a page-turner in a sense that stories the characters both held on to are heartwarming and heart wrenching at the same time. The romance between Davina and Declan felt effortless and natural as they start to find solace in each one as they conquer their baggages.

Beautiful Broken Love was a story that tugged my heartstrings and taught things on how to cope with mental struggles. More so, it is a dual perspective novel which allowed me to peek into both of the characters’ hearts. I felt all the sparks in this book; It was simply an enjoyable read, I couldn’t put the book down because I wanted to answer the questions in my head.

You also may want to read the acknowledgments. I found it sincere and love-filled.

It was my first time reading a craft of Shanora William’s and I am very satisfied.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Montlake, and the author Shanora Williams for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.

Beautiful Broken Love follows Davina who is mourning the loss of her husband. She isn’t sure how to move forward in life without him but she puts everything she has into her skincare line. To make her skincare line a viral success she meets an NBA star known as Deke Bishop. Deke is very attracted to Davina and wants to help her business be as successful as possible. Deke carries his own grief but Davina struggles to move on as she feels so much guilt.

I am giving this 3.5 stars rounded up to a 4. After reading the authors note I appreciate the story more. This dealt with grief well and the emotions felt realistic. The story itself was fine and the chemistry between Davina and Deke was done well. Overall I would recommend this especially if you are looking for a black romance that deals with grief and emotion well.

This book was more than just a love story, it explores complex issues of loss, grief, and healing. Two broken hearts mending each others as they open their hearts to each other. From complex characters to the depth of development, it is abundantly clear that Shanora Williams' touch on this story is painted everywhere. Davina and Deke were beautiful characters and their romance was both tender and angsty in the most balanced way.
I will say that the plot was heavy and there may be some triggers for some so please heed those. The story is handled with care but it may not be for everyone due to the real issues depicted. Recommend for fans of Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC.

What a good book!! I really enjoyed this! I couldn’t put it down! My first time reading a book by this author but won’t be my last.

Beautiful Broken Love by Shanora Williams
Rating: 4/5
Release Date: 3 December 2024

Seven months after the devastating loss of her husband Lew, Davina Klein-Roberts is struggling to move forward. To cope with her grief, she immerses herself in her work, driving her skincare line, Golden Oil Co., to viral success and nearing a major endorsement deal. However, the achievement feels incomplete without Lew.

A meeting with NBA star Deke Bishop, a potential brand ambassador, leaves Davina flustered. Deke’s charm and genuine interest extend beyond her products, and she soon learns he harbours his own pain. As Davina's feelings for Deke deepen, so does her guilt over moving on. She must confront whether the sorrow of her past will prevent her from embracing a hopeful future.

"Beautiful Broken Love" was my first experience with this author, and it turned out to be an immensely enjoyable and satisfying read. The plot masterfully combined elements of pain, angst, and loss, which kept me engaged and feeling a wide range of emotions throughout the story.

One of the standout aspects of the novel was the depth of the characters. The author skilfully explored themes of loss, grief, and healing, which made the characters incredibly relatable and multidimensional. Davina’s journey through her grief, and her gradual steps towards healing, were portrayed with such authenticity that it was impossible not to empathise with her. Similarly, Deke’s character was developed with a complexity that revealed his own struggles and vulnerabilities, adding another layer of richness to the narrative.

The romance between Davina and Deke was beautifully crafted. It felt natural and unforced, developing step by step in a way that allowed for a deep exploration of their dynamics. Their relationship was not just about romantic attraction; it delved into deeper themes of trust, support, and emotional healing. The gradual progression of their bond made their connection feel genuine and meaningful.

Additionally, the side characters were a delightful bonus to the story. They were not just background figures but played significant roles that enhanced the main narrative. Their support and interactions with Davina and Deke added warmth and depth to the story, making it more engaging and well-rounded.

Overall, "Beautiful Broken Love" is a poignant and heartfelt novel that I would highly recommend. The author's ability to weave complex emotions and deep character development into a compelling story is truly commendable.

I am eagerly looking forward to reading more from this talented author in the future.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Montlake, and the author, Shanora Williams, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.

This book was amazing, it's my first time reading anything by Shanora but it won't be my last. The representation of anxiety and panic attacks is something I can relate to and was done very well. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this book early so I can gush about it to all my friends ready for release day.

This was such a good book. I can’t wait for December to come around so others can read it! Five star read!

Title: Beautiful Broken Love by Shanora Williams

Release Date: December, 3rd, 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars

In Beautiful Broken Love, Shanora Williams crafts an emotional page-turner about two people seeking solace and strength in each other after devastating losses.

This novel is a well written exploration of grief, healing, and the possibility of new beginnings.

Davina Klein-Roberts has spent seven agonising months grappling with the death of her husband, Lew. Her soulmate’s tragic death left her shattered and unsure how to move forward. To cope with her grief, Davina immerses herself in her work, driving her skincare line, Golden Oil Co., to viral success. A major endorsement deal is on the horizon, but it's bittersweet without Lew by her side.

Enter Deke Bishop, a charismatic NBA star who Davina hopes will endorse her brand. With his dimpled smile and warm demeanour, Deke leaves Davina both flustered and intrigued.

As she gets to know him, she discovers that Deke is not just another player; he carries his own burden of pain. As their connection deepens, Davina is torn between the guilt of moving on from Lew and the budding hope of a new future with Deke.


What I Liked:

* Deep Emotional Exploration: The book delves deeply into Davina’s grief and healing process, making her journey feel authentic and relatable. The traumas written in such a way that you cannot help but feel empathic towards her burdens and past.

* Complex Characters: Both Davina and Deke are well-developed characters with rich backstories and emotional depth. Their personal struggles and growth make their connection compelling and heart wrenching.

* Character Development: Davina’s evolution from a woman paralysed by grief to someone open to new possibilities is beautifully portrayed. I loved her character development, this was beautiful written and detailed.

* Realistic Romance: The romance between Davina and Deke unfolds naturally, capturing the complexities of moving on after a profound loss. It was realistic, and this is what I loved.

* Supportive Relationships: The book highlights the importance of supportive friendships and how they can help in the healing process. You can never heal on your own, and I loved that this message was in this story,

* Engaging Plot: The story is a perfect blend of heartache, hope, and healing, keeping readers invested from start to finish. I was so engaged, that I read this in one sitting.

Beautiful Broken Love is a heart-wrenching yet hopeful story that reminds us that even in the darkest times, there is a possibility of finding love and happiness again.

Shanora Williams has delivered a touching narrative that will resonate with anyone who has ever experienced loss and found the strength to move forward.

Thank you to The Publisher Montlake, Members' Titles ,The Author Shanora Williams & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

Absolutely charming! The chemistry between the protagonists was electric, and the plot kept me hooked. Highly recommending it to the contemporary romance lovers.