Once Upon a Broken Heart (Once Upon a Broken Heart, 1)

I’m not a fan of fantasy at all, I just have a hard time comprehending what I’m reading more often than not. However, I loved this book! It had so many good twist and turns and I felt the author did an amazing job introducing our characters in such a careful but explanatory way!

I wouldn’t say I’m completely swooning over this book, but surprisingly, I didn’t hate it either. It served as an entertaining backdrop during my daily commutes, providing just the right amount of background noise I needed while juggling various tasks. So, if my review feels a bit hazy and vague—bear with me; I read this quite a while ago. From what I can recall, the story revolves around Jack, the Prince of Hearts, who ironically finds himself heartbroken. He carries the tragic burden of a "kiss of death," which means that every girl he kisses meets an untimely demise because none of them are his true match. It’s a heavy curse that sets an intriguing tone for the narrative. Then there’s Evangeline, a fiercely determined young woman desperate to salvage her crumbling relationship with Luc—who, for reasons that seem all too cruel, has decided to marry her stepsister, Marisol. In a bold move, she ventures into Jack's mysterious domain, seeking his help. But, naturally, Jack is no pushover; he makes her an offer she can't refuse. To earn his assistance, she must kiss three people of his choosing. Talk about a high-stakes deal! As the story unfolds, things start to drag a bit as Evangeline embarks on her harrowing quests. The plot twists and turns in unexpected ways, veering from an outrageous plan to crash a wedding to the chaos of planning a wedding herself. The mix of vampires prowling in the shadows, werewolf attacks, and lethal magic spells weaves a complex tapestry that kept me guessing. Throughout the read, I was constantly questioning who could be trusted, adding a layer of intrigue that was both thrilling and exhausting. While the world-building was imaginative, I didn’t find myself compelled enough to dive into the series further. The adventurous themes were entertaining, but ultimately, I wasn't captivated enough to want to follow these characters beyond this book.

If a main character makes me internally cringe within the first twenty pages, it's just not gonna work out.

3.5 stars. Not as whimsical and mind-bending as Caraval was but it was still intriguing enough to want to know the whole of things going on.

That. Ending. Though. Holy fucking shit. Such a good book. This was the dystopia I've been waiting for. It was an excellent read, interesting to get into and honestly incredibly possible "new world order."