Broken Wing
Kathleen Mare’e
(Arthur Academy, #1)
Publication date: April 26th 2021
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult
Hendrix:
It’s funny the things you notice as a child.Like the way people uneasily glance away from me whenever I catch their eye.
Or the way a stranger seems to smile happily at other children, but when I say hello, their smile looks more uneasy than warm.
But as I approach the steel gates to the elite Arthur Academy, I can’t help but take a long-awaited breath towards my freedom. Finally, I have the chance to build the life I want. A future. Something that gives me more to live for than the daily beatings my childhood only knew. The girl I used to be doesn’t exist here. But even as the confidence grows about a life I now have control over, I can’t help but feel there could be something else waiting for me here. Something I’ve never faced before.
And it isn’t something I could prepare for.
And preparation is what got me out. It got me here.
I can’t afford to lose this opportunity, because if I lose this hand, it’s more than just a loss.
It’s like not being able to breathe. Not being able to fly.
It’s like, having a broken wing.
And without it, I lose my control. My freedom.
Paxton:
I grip the leather ball in my hand, finally feeling the weight of the year pressing down on me. If it was just football, I could deal, but with my last name – it’s everything else that suffocates me. The Arthur Elite is what they call us, and we each have our roles to play. But my fathers given me the next two years to do what the hell I want without his interference, before he’ll own me to be his pawn.Two years. After that, when college is done, I dread the life I’ll have to lead. The role I’ll have to play.
It should be simple. Just stroll through the steel gates and be the crown they all see; but I can’t help but feel there is something lurking beneath the surface. There is something different about this year that I sense inside my dark soul.
And it isn’t something I am prepared for; even when staying ahead is the one thing that ensures my next breath.
Because when I lose a hand, it’s more than just a loss.
It’s like losing a limb. A bird breaking its wing.
And without that – I can’t fly toward freedom.
And my freedom right now, is all I have to hold onto.
MY REVIEW
Hendrix James has finally reached her escape: Arthur Academy. As her story unfolds, we learn more and more about her childhood, an emotionally haunting tale. Hendrix has received a full scholarship ride to the Academy. Sounds amazing right? Sure, but to the other wealthy students that makes her one of the charity cases. Especially the Arthur Elite. They run the school, and it doesn’t take long for them to set Hendrix in their sites. However, Hendrix meets Luce, befriending her group of misfits.
Paxton Reed just wants to play the sport he loves. It’s the only thing keeping him going at this point. As one of the Arthur Elite, his word is law, and his dating status is highly sought after, especially by Amber Westwood— the Queen Bee. Even his father seems to be incorporating her into Paxton’s strictly planned future. Everyone envy’s Paxton, but secretly he wants out.
Broken Wing unravels into a story with more than meets the eye. It is a revealing look past the curtain of the acclaimed perfect life, as well as how two very different starts can lead to the same cross in a path. The author proves the importance of a life lived for yourself. I really enjoyed the inner motivations of our characters, which was highlighted by the double POV. I really enjoy the dual-perspective in a romance book, especially one like this with so many twists. Being total opposites, Hendrix and Paxton have more in common than they think, and the universe seems to be pushing them together.
One thing I would love some clarification on is the setting. For me I found myself seeing a high school, yet it is a college. I know some the language in my ARC seemed to use some spelling and phrases that are British(? If I am not mistaken!) (I see now from the bio that the author is from Sydney and lived in Europe!) so maybe I am misinterpreting the way the school is set up in that regard. I enjoy a older cast of characters for a darker romance like this, so I’m glad it is a college book, however it felt very high school. This isn’t really a complaint, it just took some getting used to for me.
I’ve been really into New Adult Romances lately and this one did not disappoint. This story is quite dark and has a few trigger warnings (including child abuse, bullying, etc.) to consider, but I think many romance lovers will enjoy it and be demanding a sequel after that ending (I MEAN REALLY WHERE IS BOOK TWO?) thank you to the author and the tour for providing me a eARC of Broken Wing, all opinions are my own. 4/5 stars
Kathleen grew up in the south-western suburbs of Sydney, where family holidays by the beach and tormenting her two younger brothers, was how she spent her early years. But at the young age of 11, when she submitted a short story to a talented writing competition through the NSW schools program, not only did she win it, but she quickly found a love for it as well.Author Bio:
Throughout her schooling, writing was a hobby, along with sketching and various sports. But fast forward to her adult years when she moved to Europe to follow her husbands field hockey dream, and her love for writing surged to the surface.
Her debut story, Cut, was penned over two years where her hobby seemed to lead to the completion of Pennys' world. The rest of the series came the following year.
Kathleen enjoys writing stories full of self-discovery, emotional journeys and of course, love.
Something else she loves is hearing from her readers, so feel free to follow her blog or drop her an email.
For signed copies of her novels, more information about upcoming stories, or to follow her blog, please visit her website www.kathleenmaree.
Dream often. Believe always.
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Great review! This sounds like a well written, compelling read with surprising layers, too!
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