A Lazy Reader's Review of "Once Upon a Broken Heart" by Stephanie Garber

Summary

  For as long as she can remember, Evangeline Fox has believed in true love and happy endings . . . until she learns that the love of her life will marry another.

  Desperate to stop the wedding and to heal her wounded heart, Evangeline strikes a deal with the charismatic but wicked Prince of Hearts. In exchange for his help, he asks for three kisses, to be given at the time and place of his choosing.

  But after Evangeline's first promised kiss, she learns that bargaining with an immortal is a dangerous game – and that the Prince of Hearts wants far more from her than she'd pledged. He has plans for Evangeline, plans that will either end in the greatest happily ever after or the most exquisite tragedy . . .

Review

  Stephanie Garber's Once Upon a Broken Heart offers an enchanting premise with its richly imagined world and compelling slow-burn romance. While it dazzles in some areas, it stumbles in other, resulting in a mixed reading experience.

  One of the book's standout features is its world-building. From the magical setting to the clever addition of gossip sheets, letters, and spell recipes, Garber brings her universe to life with small immersive details that deepend the story's charm. I love how casually she added lore throughout the story, I'm not the biggest fan of a total info dump, allow me to learn about the world little-by-little. These elements add a layer of whimsy and intrigue that kept me super engaged. The romance is another highlight. The slow development of the relationship between Evangeline and Jacks is filled with tension, which left me eagerly turning the pages to see how their dynamic unfolds. Jacks, with his morally gray nature, which is actually morally gray, remains one of the more fascinating characters in the story, adding complexity and unpredictability.

  However, the pacing falters, especially in the middle of the book where the narrative loses momentum and feels uneven. Some events seem rushed or under explored, which detracts from the overall flow. Additionally, while the writing has its moments of beauty, it leans more toward simplicity. It serves the story but rarely stands out as remarkable.

  Overall, Once Upon a Broken Heart is a solid read for fans of whimiscal fantasy and romance, thought it might not fully satisfy those looking for exceptional prose or tightly woven pacing. I will, however, be picking up the second book very soon.

Jan. 16, 2025 – Jan. 20, 2025

★★★★☆

Favorite Quote: "All stories are made of both truths and lies . . . What matters is the way that we believe in them." ~ pg. 7