Reviewed by Roberta
TITLE: Broken Silence
SERIES: Rock Bottom, Book 1
AUTHOR: Felice Stevens
PUBLISHER: Self Publish
LENGTH: 275 Pages
RELEASE DATE: May 13, 2019
BLURB:
Justin Molina has secrets. He’s served his time but remains a prisoner of his past, unable to forgive himself for failing his family when they needed him most. Justin’s grief is overwhelming, but he keeps silent and focuses on his goals. About to graduate college, he tries to keep his head above water—no matter how many times life keeps knocking him down. When he’s forced to register for a poetry-writing class, Justin discovers putting words to his feelings might be exactly what his fractured heart needs to heal. Or is it the older professor with the bow ties and gentle smile who gives him a chance when no one else will?
Professor Foster Faraday Harding is a broken man. His divorce is final, and he’s reverted back to the safety of his books. Even his poetry no longer brings him joy; he’s sleepwalking through life. The raw emotion of Justin’s poetry awakens Foster to desires he thought long buried in the ashes of his marriage. When he discovers Justin is struggling financially, Foster offers him a solution that benefits both of them. Soon it’s Foster who’s struggling with emotions he can’t understand: Justin is his student. And a man. One crazy night years earlier doesn’t mean anything. Foster is straight.
After months of denying the growing attraction between them, an unexpected kiss changes everything. Justin and Foster are no longer only professor and student—they’ve become lovers, but the strain of hiding their relationship increases with each passing day. Words have the power not only to hurt but to heal the greatest pain. If Foster and Justin listen to what their hearts are saying, they might break through their silence and live their own love poems—together.
REVIEW:
Just is a great character…I like where he comes from and I can see how he wants more for his life and his family. That he has to take this poetry class as a requirement…he’s not especially thrilled about it, however, as it goes on…being able to write out his feelings..well..it helps him face them head on. I liked that part. The pushing past boundries for himself. It feels as if Justin is putting so much pressure and responsibility on himself…the multiple jobs and school and his feelings of guilt…I really just wanted to hug him and let him know that it’s gonna get better.
Foster…I felt so bad for him. He married a younger woman who left him after 2 yrs of marriage and really hurt him. The doubts that she planted inside of him…that he’s not good enough…I felt for him. This man who only wants to be loved and cherished…as most people do…was hurt by this person. Yeah, I was right there with him…I wanted to see how his life was going to change and get better.
I don’t have an issue with slow-burn romances…I like that sometimes it takes awhile to get together. That the characters really have a chance to get to know each other before hitting the sheets. That these two men actually really needed the chance to take their time and work towards romance…well…that just made it sweeter.
This is a hard review to write for me as I liked the premise of the story…younger man who is out of prision and dealing with guilt…wanting to better himself and take care of his family…yeah…this is my jam!! I love these types of stories…however, this one…just wrung me out. I’m not a huge fan of lots of angst and Felice does Angst. Angst in small doses can handle…but Felice put these guys thru the wringer and it just started to wear on me.
I will say that the poetry interwoven in the story…was beautiful and it kept me in the mood/flow of the story. I will say that I did like the secondary characters and I’m hopeful that they’ll get their stories.
RATING: 
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