This is M Jay Granberry's debut novel and it's really well written and kept me hooked from the start. It's surprisingly emotional and filled with angst. Jacob and Sinclair's story is about second chances and healing from past hurt. The characters are realistically flawed and relatable. I love the Vegas setting.

I love the hope that Sin had even though she'd been hurt, she didn't let the hurt keep her down. At the beginning, I didn't care for Jake or his actions but his ability to grow and acknowledge what happened (rather than sweep it under the rug) really won me over.

I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. I am always for a good second chance romance. I was not sure how they would get back together after such a terrible and painful breakup. I don't care for cheaters but those that own up to the wrongs they have done give me a little hope. Jake care from a different world then her and she was working on becoming a singer. His lack of faith in her and his own wants drove her away from him. Now it is four years later and they cross paths again. He believes that she is still him and he wants to win her back. Very deep and emotional that is what drew me to this debut book. I have a think for debuts. What to see what happens in the rest of the series.

Had hard time connecting with the characters, and kind of felt like it went quick here and there, for both characters "sake" and MC-boy was a bitt obsessed with getting MC-girl back, even though he broke her heart and stuff happened. i'm not going to say anymore, because it'll just spoil it all.. i gave it 2,5 stars.

One of the best things about reading is getting the opportunity to read an author's debut, especially when it's as good as this one!

M. Jay Granberry took me by complete surprise with Exquisitely Broken, a story about second chances. Set in my all-time favorite place, Vegas, I wasn't prepared for this emotional roller coaster ride between Sinclair and Jake. The way the story alternated from past to present day totally put everything into perspective and gave it such depth. For Sin and Jake, it was all about the willingness to forgive and the determination to succeed.

Granberry wasn't afraid to put her characters emotions and feelings on the line and I loved that! Exquisitely Broken was intense at times, especially when Sinclair's values pertaining to betrayal were put to the test.

If you enjoy stories about second chances, I think you'll be pleased with this one. Fast-paced and full of emotions from beginning to end, this author is one you'll want to keep your eye on.

Would you give a second chance for the guy who broke your heart years ago? Or maybe you broke his heart too? In a second chance romance told in a now/then way, J has a good debut filled with angst, suspense and hot scenes. Sometimes I didn’t know with I loved or hated the characters, but I can say that I couldn’t put it down! I’m curious too see what you come next for this new writer.

Jake and his best friend Connor had went into business together and started a casino in Vegas called The Hotel. Jake was the chief financial officer of the hotel. Jake’s job is to oversee every account, find money for every project, and sign his name on the dotted line to make sure hundreds of employees get paid on time every time. Jake was at a quarterly meeting of all members of the executive board and was ready to leave. Than Aaron head of entertainment says it was a big deal to get the band Sin city for the year’s residency. Jake had dated Sinclaire/Sin a long time ago. Long before Connor came back to the states and they had started The Hotel. He had met Sin ten years ago. For most of their relationship Sin’s band had been a lounge act. It had been four years since Jake had seen Sin. The last time he had any real connection with her happened a couple of months after they broke up . A video of Sin singing her heartbreak went viral on YouTube. He took comfort in the fact that Sin was just as miserable as he was. That he still made her feel something. When he got past the visuals long enough to listen to the song , he was sick. Disgusted with himself and what he had done and how he broke them. All his missteps, all the regret, all the heartbreak for public consumption. Than the official video came out of Exquisitely Broken and a man who looked exactly like jake caught in a twisted web of his own making. Even though the public didn’t know TV man was suppose to be Jake, he felt exposed. Flayed open in the worst possible way. He watched her star rise as he imagined it would. Than articles eventually started coming out about Sin being linked with the tortured artsy type, from actors to athletes. Then he saw a picture of her with the ultimate tortured artsy type, Adam- her so called best friend and lead guitarist of her band. Sin was the one who had slipped through jake’s fingers. The only woman he ever loved. Sin had no idea he worked at the hotel. Aaron was requesting all management be at the press release and reception. Aaron went on to say there would be a less formal meet and greet where everyone will get an introduction to the artists. Also Ms. Kames will be on property, but everyone else will be staying in personal homes. Jake asked Aaron” I heard the lead singer and guitarist were a couple?” Aaron said they didn’t think so they seemed more like siblings. They all seemed like a close knit family. Sin thought when she was on stage, the music feels like blissful tremors rippling through her. It touches everyone in the audience. For a couple of hours nothing hurts. Las Vegas was the only place sin considered home , no matter where she traveled. Even when she ran away. When she arrived for the press release and heading for the lounge where it was to be held a grungy man jumped the velvet rope and said”Sin, I’ll fix what he broke.” She knew this man from her first tour and his anguished declarations of love. She had been dealing with Ian Foster for as long as she had been performing. She hadn’t seen him for awhile as she had been overseas performing. He only followed her tours in the U. S.. She had to remind her security-Seth and Aidan to give the hotel security a heads up . being in one place for awhile is going to give Ian more space and opportunities to get close. In the past he had been relentless. He’d always been creepy and weird. Sin is greeted by Aaron and then introduced to Connor than… Sin reaches for the next person in front of her and realized she’d know this man anywhere. Jacob Johnson. She could’ve went another lifetime without seeing him again. Than jake os introduced as the CFO of The Hotel. He asked if he could just talk to her for a minute and she slapped him across the face hard.
I loved this book. I loved Sin and jake together and how they interacted. Their chemistry was super hot. I read this in one setting I just couldn’t put it down. I wanted to see what was going to happen next. I rooted for jake and Sin all through the book. I loved how the band was Sin’s family. I loved Sin’s and Adam’s relationship. I loved the pace and plot. I didn’t like how jake cheated and broke Sin’s heart. I would have loved more back story on Sin and Jake but it didn’t affect my rating. I did choke up when Sin got shot and how everyone reacted. I loved that Jake was determined Sin was the one for him always had been and always would be and wouldn’t give up on getting Sin back. I loved the ending. I loved the characters and the ins and out of the book and I highly recommend it.

After experiencing heartbreak four years ago, a girl ventures back to Las Vegas hoping to be able to stay clear from her ex. Of course, as soon as she walks into the city, her worst fears are realized.

She’s thrown back into the past when he wants to fix what he broke. Slowly, their connection grows stronger in this emotional rollercoaster and ends decently.

I gave this one 3 out of 5 stars. The writing was fairly easy to be consumed with and featured some steady heat throughout the story.

The couple didn’t blow me away in terms of romance, but it was an enjoyable read none-the-less.

EXQUISITELY BROKEN
By M. Jay Granberry
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟
Release Date June 11

This second chance romance had my heart in palpitations. The issues that tore Jake and Sin apart was hard for me to read but I found that M. Jay Granberry did it in a way where it had to be part of the story for all of it to come together. The actions of what happened in the past touched me. I felt the heartbreak and pain Sin went through because M. Jay Granberry captured my emotions through her words and made you feel as if it were happening to you.

Jake and Sin’s past broke me. The one thing I wish was that they had the talk about why. Aside from that I love how persistent Jake was and fought for what he truly wanted and that was Sin.

This story had me on a myriad of feelings. I was so angry at Jake but the anger lessened over time. Although, me as a person has a hard time forgetting past indiscretions. Lol. That’s when you know an author did her job right. She sucked me in and had me fully invested. This was an epic debut novel.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. What a great book , I really enjoyed it. Highly recommend to everyone.

Wow! What a ride that this novel has taken me on! I’m so impressed with the way this story kept me glued to the pages and this is a debut novel nonetheless! M. Jay Granberry you have found your calling!

Sin and Jake’s story is about a second chance romance that takes you back and forth from past to present but although not confusing. A story of love lost, betrayal, and forgiveness. Does what happen in Vegas always stay in Vegas? Will Sin be able to forgive Jake for ripping her heart to shreds? This is definitely a one click read!

I’m keeping my fingers crossed that this will be a series! I want to read Adam’s story!!

4 1/2 STARS FOR EXQUISITELY BROKEN!! Wow....what a great debut book. This book touched all my emotion buttons and kept pushing. I really enjoyed these characters and they embedded themselves in my heart. I can't wait to read more books by this author.

3.5 stars. A second-chance romance with emotion, angst and feelings on top of feelings. Whew! This one wore me out. Besides the second chance it's also a rich guy/poor girl and a rockstar story. A lot going on without much real communication and tons of misunderstandings between the lovers, Sinclair and Jacob. They met in college when Sin was trying to get her music career off the ground and Jake was marching to his family's tune of business in the casino industry. Sin's so far on the other side of the tracks you need a long distance scope to find her and a past to tragic for words. While Jake is a Richie rich whose family's fortune was made from nefarious Vegas means of the past. Needless to say his family's not feeling this relationship and Jake sides with them. Strike one. Strike two? He cheats on her! That may count as two and three so he should be out but alas they're soulmates. If only Jake can grovel enough for Sin to forgive him four years after she split when finding him in bed with her friend. This is told with flashbacks which tended to disrupt the story for me. I'm a fan of emotion but this was a little too angsty and what was up with a CEO calling his friend "brah"? I love a strong heroine and Sin fit the bill until it came to Jake but that's what love can do to you. When Jake finally manned up he was great. A few years older looked good on him. Loved the Vegas casino backdrop and great secondary characters. Dan was a hoot! For a debut this was good and I think Ms. Granberry's storytelling will improve with each book. I look forward to more from her. I voluntarily reviewed an NetGalley ARC.

IMPRESSIVE DEBUT!

Sin and Jacob...mmmmm.
Second chance romance in Sin City. I was so in awe of Sinclair (Sin). I love her character and her ability to overcome her tough beginnings.
Jacob on the other hand..hmmm. I did not want to like him. I still don’t think I do..I tolerate him because I don’t think he deserves a second chance BUT destiny/love/fate overrides all.
I really hope there’s more to this story... another sin City Tale..Hint hint.. ADAM.
Kudos to the author for excellent writing.
~BREAKDOWN OF RATINGS~
Plot~ 4/5
Main Characters (hero/heroine)~ 4/5
Secondary Characters~ 4/5
The Feels~ 4/5
Pacing~ 4/5
Addictiveness~4/5
Angst~ 4/5
Steam/Hotness/Chemisty ~ 4/5
Theme or Tone~ 4/5
Flow (Writing Style)~ 4/5
Backdrop (World Building)~ 4/5
Originality~ 4/5
Ending~ 4/5
Book Cover~ perfect for Vegas
Series~ A Sin City Tale
Source~ Kindle eBook - ARC for honest review by NetGalley

Would I read more from the author? Yes
Would I recommend this book? Yes

Feels 5
Steam 5
Storyline 4
Overall Rating 4.25
Kindle eArc provided by Author
Reviewed by Robin

This is a second chance love story about broken people with a soul defining love. Sinclair had her heart ripped out from her chest and stomped all over by Jake. When these two have to share space again…it brings to light their undeniable soulmate status. M. Jay’s writing was so heartbreakingly honest and true to any type of real relationship. It hurt me to just read some parts. I wanted to shake the characters and make them open up and just have some deep communication and honesty. It’s a reminder of when you are young and immature and how easily it is not to trust or have jealousy break a relationship. People make mistakes. I do wish that the situation with Jake’s family had more closure but we don’t always know what happens off the page. I’m going to imagine some big take down moment in my mind. But still keeping it classy.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 STARS

M. Jay Granberry is an ingenious author who has created flawed characters with redeeming qualities! This book is a MUST read!

Exquisitely Broken was exquisitely written! Jacob Johnson and Sinclair James, theirs is the story about second chances and whether or not you can move on from past hurts. When I began the book, I was upset with Jake’s actions that essentially caused the breakup, but in the end those feelings lessened as the story progressed since he was able to acknowledge his mistake.


”I own what I did. I won’t insult either one of us by pretending my actions were anything other than foul.”


Sin has as past that essentially would classify her as the girl from the wrong side of the ‘mountains’ that made it big. Although she had her heartbroken, there is still some hope in her heart.


“But maybe we have it all. Maybe we get everything.”


This debut novel was well written and the characters will entice you. Exquisitely Broken by M. Jay Granberry will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ELITE!!!

~ Thank you to the author and The Next Step PR for generously providing me an ARC through Net Galley to read in exchange for an honest review.

If you don't take any of my other recommendations for must read books, PLEASE take this one. This was an emotionally charged second chance romance that just sucks you in and keeps you turning the pages faster and faster. The betrayal and just all around angst in this book really did me in. Loved it!

Exquisitely Broken is a great read. I loved this one. Sinclair (Sin) is a great character. She the lead lead singer of Sin City. She left Vegas but now her band is coming back to do a residence at The Hotel. Her band is important to her and I loved the guys. Her and her band-mates are like family. She doesn't know it until it's too late that the man her broke her heart four years ago is the CFO of The Hotel. Their first meeting at The Hotel doesn't go the way Jake expected but I loved they way Sin reacted. She may have acted a little childish but made me like her even more. Jake and Sin didn't have a good break up, she pretty much iced him out after finding him cheating. He wants a second chance but they need to do a lot of healing before that can happen. Jake steps up to the plate to win Sin back. I really liked this story. The story line flowed great and I got sucked into it and didn't realized how long I had been reading. I'm kind of hoping the author's next book will be about Adam but either way I'm definitely going to pick up whatever she writes next.

Wow! What an emotional ride! This is one angsty story and I can’t believe this is Ms. Granberry’s debut novel!

Sinclair unwillingly returns to Las Vegas, a place where she experienced the truest form of love and then the most devastating lash of heartache. It’s been four years since she saw the man responsible for both, but Vegas is a well populated city and the odds are she won’t run into Jacob Johnson. Unfortunately, the odds aren’t in her favor. When her initial reaction doesn’t play well to the public, she finds herself once more in Jake’s presence and this time he’s playing to win.

Jake once had everything his heart desired, but insecurities and long separations had him making a decision that had unforgivable repercussions. Now, with Sin’s return, he’s determined to amend the wrongs of the past but in order to do so he has to tear down the walls that she’s constructed around her heart. Convincing her to speak to him, much less spend time with him, is an obstacle he sets out to overcome.

This couple were incredible! With flashbacks of their time together we see the all-consuming need Jake had to make Sin his own, the love these two shared, the struggles they experienced and then the deepest cut to their relationship. Written with such depth and intensity, the emotions these characters felt enveloped me from the first chapter until the very last page, showering me in all their brokenness, giving me glimpses of hope before snatching them away again. I wasn’t sure if I could survive until the end.

Dealing with a touchy subject to many readers, and something I usually steer clear of, I nonetheless shored myself up and continued on. I would have liked a bit more foundation for the reasons Jake made the decision he did. It was hinted at but never fully developed and I personally needed to see the deconstruction of their relationship that would lead him to the step he took.

”The opposite of love is not hate. Love and hate take the same kind of time. The same devotion. It’s not over until the indifference kicks in.”

Everything else about this book was exceptional! The pace was steady and never repetitive, the writing sharp and clear, and the heat level - Kindle melting good. Secondary characters were essential to the story and I wouldn’t mind seeing some of them get their own book. This ends with an epilogue that gave us a look at this couple in the future, but I must admit, I wanted it to be much longer. But then again, I’m that reader that believes you can never have too long of an epilogue or too many of them.

Overall, I highly recommend this book if heavy angst and second chances are your thing!

Exquisitely well done debut book from Author M. Jay Granberry!

I loved it all!

A well developed Angst, twisted, emotionally driven story that had me hooked from beginning to end.
Such wonderful characters of Jake & Sinclair. We see all their goods and flaws taking place in Sin City which was the ultimate back drop for this story.

Loved the way the author gave us such depth in getting into the power of love and what it takes to overcome the past , and go forward in having a second chance at the future with the one you truly love.

Go grab this book! I'm looking forward to reading more of Author M. Jay Granberry.

*ARC kindly provided by The Next Step PR & Author for exchange for an honest review*

5 🍒🍒🍒🍒🍒popped!

One of my new favorite books! This author has such a way with words the pages flew by in no time! I can’t wait to see the next work by this author! This was such a joy to read!