A review by booksbystarlightandshadows
If You Break by J. Rose, Jessalyn Thorn

dark emotional mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Lexi's story grabbed me from the prologue.  This is a paranormal romance which has a little bit of everything but the heart of it is definitely Lexi and her journey from victim to survivor to warrior.  Lexi has protected her sister for her whole life and sacrificed so much to keep her safe; I'm glad she started to see her own worth beyond her protector role as the book progresses.    

I like Daniel and Valentine as being two sides of the same coin with their own history as well as how different their relationships with Lexi were.  Valentine was so charismatic and his attempts to charm Lexi were just the perfect level of slow burn to balance the back and forth with Daniel.   I wouldn't be mad if Ravius showed an interest either but I don't think its on the cards.  I don't know what it is about that character but I just wanted more of him especially after meeting the rest of the siblings and seeing their dynamic. 

This was such a unique take on the secret society and fated mates tropes. The world building was really interesting and the mix of magic and the mystery surrounding the Redeemed really left me wanting to find more about the mythology as well as the history of the siblings.  The twists and turns in this kept me engaged completely especially towards the latter half when the action picked up.  It was so good and I genuinely didn't see that ending coming. I'm looking forward to the next part of the series. 

My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely until I finished it and it is one I will re-read