Review: a heartbreaking and emotional start to the series..
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 10 2, 2013
Broken Beauty is a short novella and the first in a series of six. I loved this emotional story and couldn't put it down.This is the story of a young girl named Mia who is brutally raped at a party by two men, one of which she knows.I was drawn in from the very beginning when she awakened after the rape. It was just heartbreaking. The events that followed had me going thru a range of emotions. I felt sadness one moment and anger the next. The love and support from Mia's family was nonexistent.  Her politician father seemed to care more about his campaign and reputation than he did for his own daughter.  He didn't even come to the hospital after having learned of his daughter's rape.Luckily Mia did have her best friend Ari by her side and the support of Dom, one of the police officers that found her. Dom is handsome, kind and makes her feel safe.I liked how even thru all the pain and anguish, Mia was still thinking sarcastic and funny thoughts. The added humor was just enough to not have me bawling my eyes out.This is an eye opening account of the hardships a victim goes thru. You're with her for the aftermath, thru the nightmares she remembers from that night to the new nightmares she lives during the day. She's afraid they'll find her again. She's afraid of crowds, noises, and even open spaces.  The guilt she feels. Was it her fault? Did she bring it on herself?  It truly is an emotional story.This first installment in the series is not a romance. This solely is about Mia, the rape and aftermath. Although the author does an excellent job at giving details about that night, there is not a graphic/vulgar description of the actual rape. Don't be afraid to read it.Also, the hope of a future with Dom lingers in the air. I can feel it! I'm a sucker for romance and happy endings. I look forward to the next novella in the series and pray that happier moments are in store for Mia. She's a fighter and an inspiration... even if she doesn't believe it.On a side note- has anyone else felt that there's something up with Chris, her uncle?? I think he's hiding something.*arc provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review