I can positively say, I have never started a review like this, but it is important for me to address something. I’ve had the privilege of ARC reading a few novels by Nicki Grace, and I can honestly say her writing is not only thrilling and well-crafted but also deeply researched. But more than that, the person behind the work is a truly beautiful soul.
So, what is it that has me feeling the need to say this? Well, I recently came across a review of Break Him, and I was shocked by how inconsiderate and hurtful the reviewer was toward the author. I’m not defending Nicki just because I’ve read for her – I’m defending her because she is a person with feelings, and she absolutely did not deserve the harsh words that were directed at her about this book.
I went into this book expecting to not be a huge fan of it. I was fully prepared to keep quiet if it didn’t resonate with me rather than post a negative review after reading what the one reviewer posted. I was not surprised though; this was among some of her best work. Is there room for improvement? When is there not room for improvement in anything we do? Is the reader allowed to not be a fan of the book? Of course, a review isn’t an opportunity to be a keyboard warrior and drag someone over the coals. A review is the opportunity to reflect on your feelings of what you’ve read. To provide constructive criticism for the author to grow from. To allow the author to understand the how and why of your feelings.
When I read the reviewers post, I felt nothing but aggression and hatred radiating off it. Maybe I should mind my business and keep quiet but that’s not my style. I will not include this in my review as the review itself is not the place for making a stand. But, since this is my little bookshelf on the web (and FB, IG, Pinterest, etc), I will make my stance known. I am passionate about reading and reviewing honestly and fairly. I fully support independent and even signed authors. I will not, however, support anyone who is hateful and aggressive towards anyone, on any subject matter.
Now, that is all I have to say about that. Onto my unbiased and HONEST review of Break Him by Nicki Grace.
Break Him – by Nicki Grace
“Because if the devil came knocking, you wouldn’t let him in, unless he looked like a friend.”
What a powerful quote to reflect on. I’m truly struck by how deeply it resonates with me, prompting me to think about friends who appeared in my life at unusual times, only to bring chaos and heartache. If I had encountered this quote in my younger years, perhaps some of my past pain could have been avoided.
Nicki Grace’s Break Him offers a well-crafted psychological thriller sprinkled with romance, infidelity, deceit, hidden agendas, chaos, and murder. She masterfully intertwines these themes, bringing to life fully developed main characters that evolve, revealing how love can sometimes be overshadowed by toxicity.
The story follows Bree (FMC), whose marriage with Elijah (MMC), is on a path to failure due to both of their choices. The consequences of their decisions ripple through their lives, impacting their children, family, and friends. As they confront potential collapse, they must decide whether total implosion is necessary to free themselves from their unwanted bonds.
Through the relationship between Bree and Elijah, Grace explores the emotional turmoil Bree experiences by staying in a marriage rife with infidelity and deceit. The strongest messages for me are about self-discovery and growth – recognizing your worth and striving to rise above, regardless of who in the marriage is right or wrong. It’s all too common to see women point fingers and blame each other for marital issues, believing such problems could never touch their own lives. When anyone can find themselves in a similar situation.
While I wish the supporting characters had been more fleshed out, I suspect this was a deliberate choice to maintain an air of mystery. More detailed supporting characters often create deeper emotional attachments, but Grace seems to prioritize Bree’s development and growth, keeping the narrative focused.
Despite the less detailed supporting character roles, Bree and Elijah are vividly portrayed, enhancing readers’ investment in their emotional struggles. The scene transitions are smooth, maintaining engagement through the fast-paced plot keeping the focus on what happens next.
A standout aspect of Grace’s writing is her skillful misdirection. I found myself second-guessing my instincts about characters throughout the second half of the book, unable to identify who was who. This playful vagueness is one of my favorite elements of a good mystery, and Grace certainly delivers! The twists kept me on my toes, culminating in a surprise ending I never saw coming. Bravo, Nicki!
Break Him is not recommended for those who have faced trauma from psychologically abusive relationships and infidelity, but if you enjoy a gripping psychological thriller with a touch of romance and can handle intrigue without being triggered, this book is a must-read.
Lastly, the plot twists and turns in this astounding. I honestly gasped and shouted in disbelief at the ending! If you seek a psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of the mind, Break Him is the book for you. I’m curious if Grace will explore this story further, as the open ending leaves room for more revelations.
If you are looking for a psychological thriller that really dives into the mind f*ckery then Break Him is definitely the read for you.
As always, all opinions and reviews are of my own volition. I have not been promised any compensation by the author, present or future, for my review.
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