Reviews with content warning for Death of parent - Broken Knight

Reviews tagging 'Death of parent'

Broken Knight by L.J. Shen

25 reviews

bribreez's review against another edition

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dark emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

*Please check trigger warnings before reading

4.5⭐️/ 3-4🌶️

Luna Rexroth and Knight Cole had practically grown up together since their parents were best friends, it made sense they would see a lot of each other. From a young age, it was always Luna and Knight together, the best of friends, and Knight being the type of person that even from the age of nine, was wholeheartedly or shall we say obsessively in love with Luna. Now, this book wasn’t boring by any means, and with the added touch of angst, darkness, and possessive morally gray characters, L.J. Shen crafted a romance between two young friends, and how over the years their friendship was so much more, as well as the obstacles that came their way. If you want a story that will keep you entertained, a possessive yet lowkey unhinged MMC, and a romance that will keep you on your toes, then this is a book I would definitely recommend.

Now, the only other time I’ve read a book by, L.J. Shen was the one she wrote with Parker S. Huntington. Getting to read a book solely written by L.J. Shen, I was proven right by instantly enjoying this book! Something about the way L.J. Shen writes her books highlights morally gray characters, unhinged MMC’s, and basically the complete opposite to the usual romances I’ve read. This story was a nice change up to the books I’ve read previously, and I really appreciated the way that this book showed me another type of characters that I haven’t read about in a while. Knight and Luna were an interesting couple especially with their friendship having been a strong part of their story from the very beginning. To see how much Knight and Luna cared deeply for each other was clear from the very beginning, but the road to their happily ever after was difficult and by no means easy. L.J. Shen showed that Knight was obsessed with Luna, and over the years, his love and loyalty to her was still strong even with the ups and downs they dealt with. L.J. Shen wrote the kind of story that upped the unhinged and possessive factor to an all time high, and I absolutely adored that part of this book.

I will say, if you’re the type of person who doesn’t like the whole “back and forth” miscommunication trope then maybe you won’t like this book. From the beginning, it was clear that Knight and Luna cared and loved each other deeply, but through Knight’s possessive nature and feeling betrayed by something that Luna did, it turned into a bit of a mess with them not straightening things out. In a way, it felt like the miscommunication trope because, for all the arguments and Knight being rude to Luna, the dynamic between them wasn’t necessarily the same as before. In other instances, Knight and Luna were never officially together so, when it came to them seeing each other with other people, there were a couple jealous moments sprinkled throughout the story. Nonetheless, I wasn’t entirely bothered by Knight and Luna’s miscommunication more so because, I think it revealed the raw and emotional connection between them. Regardless of what happened between Luna and Knight, it was always going to be, “Ride or Die.”

Overall, this was a nice change up to the usual books I’ve been reading as of late. Knight and Luna’s story really caught my attention from the beginning. From the way Knight was always protective over Luna, and softened his harsh exterior around her throughout the years showed how much he cared for her. Plus, Knight was the kind of guy that gave off, “I hate everyone but her” vibes, as well as, “it’s always been you”. Knight and Luna’s friendship was a focal point of the story as it showed the close bond they formed from when they were kids, and how despite their ups and downs, they were always still there for each other. There was plenty of angst, and emotional parts in Knight and Luna’s story so, keep in mind that this wasn’t a cute romance, it was raw and at times hard for both Luna and Knight. I think the way this story was written really highlighted the highs and lows in Luna and Knight’s relationship over the years as well as showing how the romance wasn’t your typical easy peasy path to a happily ever after. Knight and Luna’s story was full of angst, raw emotion, love, and a unique bond together. I liked the way the story ended up being which was unique and interesting. This was my first time reading a book solely written by, L.J. Shen and I was pleasantly surprised to see how much I enjoyed reading this book. Knight and Luna were flawed individuals, but over the course of the story they opened themselves up from their vulnerabilities and fears to each other. If you’re looking for a romance that isn’t your typical sweet romance and are craving something new with morally grey guys, angst, spice, fiends to lovers, and more then I would recommend reading this book.

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mandersjojo's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

After reading, and loving, the Sinners of Saints series, I had a feeling I'd enjoy the books in the All Saints High series. After reading book 1, Pretty Reckless, I fell in love yet again. HARD. I usually have to read a book before willingly purchasing the audio version. After reading the first book in this series, all 4 books were an automatic purchase for me. And boy am I happy I did it.

Shen has a way with writing a story that captivates you from start to finish. I have yet to read one of her books, or listen, and not be hooked from the start. She isn't the type of author that you need to keep reading before it gets good. Nope. Her stories start at the top of the rollercoaster and they keep going. Good thing I haven't finished all of her books. Otherwise I'd have such huge book hangover.

Before I read this book, and downloaded the audio version, I read a few reviews. It was a double edged sword for me. One of the reviews had me crying. From a review! I still was NOT prepared for what the book had in store for me though.

Knight is the son of Dean and Rosie from Ruckus. Rosie has cystic fibrosis and has had multiple hospitalizations. Knight finds that if his body is hurting, his heart isn’t. Luna’s mom left her when she was 2 years old. Since she left, Luna has been a selective mute but doesn’t talk at all. She uses sign language to communicate with others. Luna and Knight are childhood best friends. Once Luna graduates high school (she's a year older than Knight), their friendship is put to the test time and time again.

There were so many ups and downs during this book. I highly recommend you check the CW before reading. If you're ok with the CW, don't put this on your TBR. Read it. Now. But I do warn you. Chapter 22 will wreck you. I was listening to this chapter while mopping the kitchen floor. Then I was mopping and sobbing.

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megsssss_'s review against another edition

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emotional sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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lanaw's review against another edition

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dark emotional lighthearted reflective relaxing sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

"Broken Knight" is an absolute masterpiece, deserving of every bit of praise it receives. From the first page to the last, it grips you tightly, refusing to let go even after you've finished reading. This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster, leaving me breathless and in awe of its brilliance.

The characters, especially Knight and Luna, are beautifully crafted and utterly captivating. Their journey is raw, emotional, and incredibly relatable. Knight's brokenness and Luna's strength create a dynamic that is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. Their evolution throughout the story is nothing short of phenomenal.

Shen's writing is exquisite, weaving together a narrative that is as poignant as it is powerful. She doesn't shy away from the tough topics, tackling them with grace and sensitivity. The themes of love, loss, and resilience resonate deeply, leaving a lasting impact on the reader.

But what truly sets "Broken Knight" apart is its ability to inspire hope even in the darkest of moments. Despite the tears and heartache, there is a sense of optimism that shines through, reminding us that there is always light at the end of the tunnel.

In short, "Broken Knight" is a masterpiece that deserves to be read and cherished by all. It's a book that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page, and one that I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone looking for a powerful and unforgettable read. 5/5 stars, without a doubt.

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honyombooks's review against another edition

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Whelp that was completely misogynistic garbage. Wow just wow. This was like a man’s wet dream under the guise of a romance novel. What shit. Oh no Luna is changing to be more certain in herself but Knight is not having it. From constantly being shitty but excusing it with my mom is dying and

Luna slept with someone else

pity me bullshit. Luna didn’t grow she still bends to whatever Knight wants and puts up with such toxic behavior. Basically everything outside of Knight we see some growth but nope Luna must go back to being whatever in Knight’s presence 🙄

If you want to read about a hellah toxic relationship under the guise of ‘soulmates’ go for it. I still can’t BELIEVE how everyone in the book continues to encourage this bullshit.

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