Break

Bend & Break Duet #2

by Grahame Claire

What seems like a lifetime ago, I let her go.
The second she returned, I couldn’t stay away.
Now she’s asked the unthinkable.
If I say yes, I can protect her.
If I say no, she ends up with someone else forever. Or so much worse . . .
The first time I let her go it nearly buried me.
If I do it again it could break us both . . . The stunning conclusion to the Bend & Break Duet from USA Today Bestselling Author Grahame Claire.

Genres: Second Chance, Audiobook, Romantic Suspense, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary Romance

264 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 26, 2021

About the author

Grahame Claire is a USA Today bestselling author of Contemporary Romance.

A writer. A blogger. United by our love of stories and all things romance. There was definitely some insta-love. Hello? Books involved. A little courting. A lot of writing. The result...Grahame Claire.

Soulmates.

Unashamed of our multiple book boyfriends. Especially the ones that rooted in our heads and wouldn’t leave us alone. Don’t worry. We’ll share.

Website: https://www.grahameclaire.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grahamewrites
Facebook Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Graha...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/grahamewrites
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grahameclaire/


Series:

Shaken
Crash & Burn Duet

Rise & Fall Duet

Bend & Break Duet


Shattered Trilogy

Reviews

[Jessica's Totally Over The Top Book Obsession · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Second Chance Stars



The conclusion to Beau and Cal's story Break was so good. I love second chance romances! I felt Beau and Cal's love in this book. I loved what a strong and supportive protector Cal was. He respected her wishes and was there for her when she needed him most. I loved that Beau wanted Cal and their marriage. She opened up more, let her hurt show. She decided she wasn't going to give him up. She also decided to take her life back. She spoke out about her abuse and let others help her. This book wrapped up a lot of questions I had. Both Alex and Beau's dad got what they had coming to them and it made me so happy! I loved seeing Teague, Pepper, Lexie, Lincoln, Eric, Miss Adeline, Viv and Daniel again, catching up with their lives. Cal's Ma was great. My favorite part of the whole book was when Beau, Lincoln and Teague stood up to their dad. I have been waiting 5 books for that moment. The only thing I didn't like about this book and it was a small thing was Cal calling Beau baby sister. Great read. Great ending for all the Hollingsworth. I loved it!

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars



Break is the conclusion to ‘Bend’ and the final book from the Hollingsworth siblings. I love this family so much and I couldn’t wait to see how Beau and Cal’s story would turn out!

Beau and Cal have a beautiful second chance romance, but it starts out more of a marriage of convince. I love both of those troupes so of course I enjoyed this one tons! It also helps that I adore this family so much. I’m actually really sad that this series is over, because I could read many more about this group!

Beau definitely had a lot of growth in this book, which I appreciated and Cal was as wonderful as ever. There was some suspense and a few things I guessed and a few things I didn’t. I wish some things were resolved a bit differently I still held out hope their awful father would repent and change his ways but I understand that’s not always the way things go.

I truly adored these books and I’m not quite ready to let go… maybe Grahame Claire will bless us with a spin off of one of Cal’s brothers ;) Overall these have been fantastic stories with a lovely family dynamic!

[Syndi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Break is the ending for Beau and Cal. I have to say, I was expecting much more than this lukewarm ending. Miss Claire taking the story in a circle. I do love Cal, but his indecisive makes me want to slap him. He feels sorry for himself how poor he is. How he has so much financial burden.

On the other hand, Beau is also in the circle with her relationship with her father. Good thing the audio book is only 6 hours. Relatively short. I want more twist/ drama into the story. Again, not much happening.

Anyway, moving on..

3 stars

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

NOW LIVE!
Amazon US * Amazon UK

I really wasn't sure where this story was going to lead from where the previous book ended but I was dying to find out. There were definitely some shockers in this one but it had me obsessed and captivated. It was one of those books that I have to stop myself from skipping pages just to find out what was going to happen since I was just that invested. And for me I love those types of books. I won't say much more though since I don't want to spoil anything, but just know this is a duet worth reading. The whole series is amazing and now I can't even decide which sibling I love more.
 
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazon / Amazon Worldwide / Apple Books / Nook / Kobo / Google Play

Beau's pleading with Cal now. If he gives into what she's asking, he'll save her from a fate no one should ever suffer through. But if he agrees, it'll be that much harder for him to be around her without giving into the feelings he still has for her. No matter that they both insist it's fake. But fake between exes can never be fake, especially between two people whose history is as complicated and wrought with FEELINGS as their history is.

Break is an excellent, fitting conclusion, not only for Beau and Cal, but for the whole crew. I love second chances, and I can't think of a couple more deserving of that second chance than these two. I'm going to miss this circle of family and friends!



ARC via Social Butterfly PR for an honest review.

Review / Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.

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[Tiffany (Bluestocking) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved that the whole gang was together in this one. Lincoln, Teague, Beau and their significant others made this final book perfect. It was nice having them all in the same room once again with their banters and antics.

While the ending was a bit rushed, it was satisfying. It was strange that the siblings weren’t more shocked when everything came to light, especially considering “Who” was spilling the beans. But…things were resolved in the only logical way that would result in everyone being happy so I’m not gonna complain. I wish things would have turned out differently with their father though.

I loved Cal and his family and how well they fit in with the Hollingsworths. So happy everyone got their HEA because they all deserved it.

CONTENT
Romance: PG-14, Swoony kissing, Innuendo, Off page intimacy.
Language: Moderate (A**, S**t, B***h)
Violence: Mild

[April ♥"LOS" ♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this whole series and how all of the books and the characters tied together.

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Garrett and Beaus duet was just perfect. Just when I thought there was no way these two would make it past the massive issues they had they would surprise me only to anger me again lol. The way there story unfolded though was great

[Joyffree · Rating 4 out of 5]

"You're like standing next to the sun"

Grab your cuddle buddy
Your tissues
and settle in
This ends with a HEA but getting there is an emotionally rough journey

Sigh...
What an ending not only for Cal and Beau but for the whole family

I was a bit mad at Cal for doubting his worth - he was worth more than his weight in gold. I love his family and think it would be fun to spend some time with them *hint hint*
There is a moment when our darling Beau realizes that she too has more value than as a possession to barter with and for me, the scene was quite powerful.
Many times we fail to see our true value.

Alex is even creepier in this final episode - If that is possible
But never fear you know when the brothers find out the truth it will be a day of comeupance
(so there is more to that but I can not tell you spoilers and all )

This was the conclusion of Cal and Beau's story but it also tied together all the little things that occurred previously
Why dad was the evil selfish man he was
Who was behind the death of their mother
Whether Jeeves knew (not his name but I could not resist) what was really happening
What was the reason Cal and Beau separated so long ago

[Elle Golden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book.

4,5 stars.

What a great way to end this series, although I'm sad to say goodbye. Cal and Beau really deserved their story. After so many years buried under resentment, regret and pain, they finally get the chance to start over (albeit not conventionally).
They felt everything intensely, they loved with all they had, they protected their loved ones disregarding their own safety, they were loyal, caring and so resilient.

Beau was strong and fierce. Cal was honorable and respectful. Their love was strong enough to survive the unthinkable.
Their friends and family (the ones that mattered) added to the story beautifully.
Watching them all together was wholesome and warmed my heart.

I do hope we get to see them all again.

[it.sgottabethebooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this in one sitting needing to know how Beau and Cal’s story ended. I adore Cal and Beau. Their journey was not without hard times but they took it on together. But Cal though, I always knew he was a good one. Even if one doesn’t deserve it he always tries to come through. I had so many questions since the first book in the entire series, Grahame Claire left nothing unanswered. The author penned a great final book for Beau and Cal and a fabulous conclusion to the series.

[Athena D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 STARS

I'm so happy that Cal and Beau finally have their happily ever after in the conclusion to their story. I couldn't get enough that I read this book in one sitting! Break by Grahame Claire is an EPIC read that will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ARISTOCRACY!!!

[Jodi - JodiReadsnListens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Break by Grahame Claire is book 2 in the Bend and Break duet. I loved this epic conclusion to this gripping, emotional duet! I have to say that Beau and Cal's romance may have just topped my list! This story is full of suspense, a hint of danger, passion, and love. I was thrilled that Cal and Beau got to right all their wrongs, and fall in love with each all over again. With the help of Beau's brothers and Cal, Beau is finally able to find her strength and voice to take control of her life and stand up to her father once and for all. I was completely mesmerized by this story and devoured it all in one sitting. Each duet in Claire's Shaken Series keeps getting better and better!

Connor Crais and Avery Caris narrate this audio, and once again bring all the passion to their performances. Avery really highlighted Beau's growing strength. I loved listening to Beau evolve from shy to determined to speak her mind and not stay silent. It was powerful! Connor's performance will once again make you swoon over Cal, as he did whatever he took to protect and show his love for Beau! (Cue the happy sigh...) Cal and Beau have alluring magnetic chemistry that will make your heart melt which Connor and Avery deliver perfectly in audio!

[Magali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent ending
I was anxious to know how Cal would react to Beau's offer to protect herself from her father who wants her to marry an abusive man, despite the threats to Cal's life that his later exert against Beau.
In short, the first part was intense, the second is just as much between Beau's feelings, Cal's, the attacks from all sides, and in particular the still heavy role of Beau's father.
The latter is getting tough now that she's decided to take action.
This part deals with the theme of violence against women, of endured patriarchy, ultimately regardless of social class.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

What seems like a lifetime ago, I let her go. The second she returned, I couldn't stay away. Now she's asked the unthinkable. If I say yes, I can protect her. If I say no, she ends up with someone else forever. Or so much worse... The first time I let her go it nearly buried me. If I do it again it could break us both.

This is the conclusion to the Bend and Break Duet. You have to read Bend first or you are not going to know what is going on. This book will pick up right were Bend left off and I was so ready to find out what was going to happen. Beau and Cal have quiet the story to tell after all and it will run you through a emotional washing machine. But I loved them. Together. You will get the answers to every question you had left from Bend. Secrets will come to light. You will not put this book down. How can you not want to read a bout a boy in love with a girl since forever ago. His choice and it was his choice to let her go almost destroyed him and now here she is again asking for help and if he has to let her go for a second time he will not survive that at all. He loves her after all and nothing or no one could ever be as good for him as Beau is and he would do anything for her. Ten years have past since he decided he could not give her the life she deserved being a firefighter back then. He is still as much in love with her as he was on that fateful day ten years ago. The man can not forget her no matter what. The question is does she feel the same way. You have to read to figure that out for yourself. However Beau is a strong woman until it comes to her father. The man is a master manipulator and he usually always gets what he wants because of this from Beau. But with everything else in life she is strong and fierce. However when your life is on the line you have to do what you have to do but that decision this one time could cost Beau a whole heck of a lot. You guys just need to grab this book and read it before I go on gushing. I loved this duet and hope you do too.

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

5++++  

A fitting 2nd chance partnership of long time lovers experiencing so much danger.  

Garrett/Cal and Beau have known each other for a long time.  Since they were youngsters.  A relationship formed that even marriage plans had been made.  Even then her father was sabotaging relationships that she established.  After having her heart broken, she ran to London with the watchful eyes of her father, Samuel Hollingsworth though she wasn't aware of it.  
Meanwhile Cal became a well established firefighter following in his father's footsteps along with his brothers.  Cal has the weight of the world on his shoulders financially taking care of his mother and brothers.  This leaves him always being short in funds.  Being the good man that he is, he doesn't mind helping them out.  He's always steps up for his brothers when they call him needing money.  His mother/ Ma has no idea that he paid off the mortgage to her house and has been paying the utilities on the house.  
Beau's father has her destined to marry an abuser just to try to get that family's company.  She thinks that after Samuel sees that he almost broke her arm and gave her multiple bruises to her face that she would get protection from her own father.  She learns the hard way that he won't lift a finger to help her.  She knows she has one person that she can call to rescue her.  After contacting him that she needs his help, Cal wastes no time in going to pick her up.  She has to come up with a plan so that her father can't marry her off to the abuser.  So she gets to working on it.  She can't tell Lincoln or Teague what is going on because Samuel already threatened Lincoln's wife and brother along with Teague's fiancee.  She has to protect them from Samuel.  
We meet Cal's mom/Ma.  What a wonderful character.  Here mannerisms, love for her family and anyone they come in contact with she adopts into her family and she always cooks for them.  Her boys cherish her.  
Lincoln, Teague, and Beau's attorneys Zegas and Whitley are quite the characters.  They come from being a part of Daniel's group.  The two attorneys don't always get along but they do work well together.  Once he meets Ma, he is adopted as one of hers.  
There is so much happening is this book.  So much mystery, death, comings together, danger and so much more.  Grahame is wonderful in writing the story so well and incorporating so many wonderful characters along with villains.  The readers are never let down in reading and becoming a part of the book.  It's a page-turner, can't put down and wanting it to always continue.  Love Grahame Claire's writing so much.  I so glad that I first came across "It's Not Over" book first.  The story of Daniel and Vivian.  It got me hooked on Grahame.  Definitely a follower of all the books.  

I received an ARC of this book and also purchased it and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.  

[Pitoufa's Bookish Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I was happy. Had I ever admitted that? With Bow I'd been ridiculously happy. She just...she was special. It was like I'd held on to a star for a brief moment in time."

Well, I'd say this was a decent ending to the series 🤔 I do think the end of Samuel Hollingsworth felt a bit too...simple? I expected something big, and we still weren't able to understand his character. Like, why was he the way he was? What was his end game? Did he ever love his children or did he only see them as pawns? The man left and his secrets were buried with him 😕

Garrett and Bow were so sweet together ❤ neither one could ever fully forget about the other, even after a decade. I think their separation was unnecessary in the first place. Garrett, or Cal for everyone but Bow, could have shared his worry and thoughts with the woman he loved and they could have come to an agreement. I hated how he always belittled himself compared to everyone, when he was one of the bravest and kindest souls.

I couldn't help but notice that there was a lot of repetition. Failed to count the number of times Bow said that Garrett was hers in one single chapter, but I guess love does that to a person 🤣 I couldn't help but empathize with her. She'd hoped and waited for some semblance of affection from her father, which obviously never came 💔 it was certainly hard for her to process or come to terms with things, and it must've been even harder to take a stand and finally retaliate to her only living parent's brutal manipulations.

Also another thing that bugged me was Garrett's term of endearment for her. "Little sister" referring to when Teague, her older brother, introduced her to him all those years ago. He could've chosen any other word, and hearing him call her that felt kinda cringe if I'm being honest 🤣 but overall this one was a good book. The duet was certainly a downgrade from the two previous ones, but it was still enjoyable. I'm gonna terribly miss the Hollingsworth family 😭💔

[Abril Peña · Rating 4 out of 5]

English

I liked this book a lot more; I think it could have been a single book....

At the beginning the H doesn't want to accept h's marriage proposal because he is in love with her and he is not sure that she will reciprocate. However, he knows that if he leaves her to her fate she may end up dead at the hands of the OM because the abuse is getting worse and worse and they get married. H convinces h to tell her siblings what is going on and together they plan how to defeat their father. It is a book with many angst moments but it is paced well enough to be enjoyable without being, in my opinion, overdramatic. The h's dad tries to redeem himself by making the OM "pay" for the abuse, but it's too little too late for his family to accept him back into their lives. In the process the H and the h talk, and evidently they are still very much in love and decide to have a real marriage. HEA
____________________________

Español

Este libro me gusto muchísimo más; considero que muy pudo a ver sido un solo libro...

Al principio el H no quiere aceptar la propuesta de matrimonio de la h porque él está enamorado de ella y no está del todo seguro que ella el corresponda. Sin embargo, sabe que si la deja a su suerte puede acabar muerta en manos del OM porque el abuso cada vez es mayo. El H convence a la h de contarle a sus hermanos lo que está pasando y entre todos planean como vencer al papá. Es un libro con muchos momentos angustiantes pero se va desarrollando con un ritmo correcto que te deja disfrutar sin ser, a mi parecer, sobredramático. El papá de la h trata de redimirse haciendo "pagar" al OM del abuso, pero es demasiado tarde para que su familia lo acepte de vuelta en sus vidas. En el proceso el H y la h hablan, y evidentemente están muy enamorados todavía y deciden tener un matrimonio real. HEA

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Writing this review is a great pleasure.
As I write this my heart is heavy with so many emotions swirling within it. Happiness, hope, pain, loss, anger but hope is the strongest. Within this series the author has given us something to think about. Her heart and soul are written within these pages, or at least that is how I feel.

The Hollingsworth family (although just characters in a book) have taught us important lessons about family and what it is to truly love someone with everything thing that is a part of themselves. Acceptance with no conditions. These 3 characters and their stories will live in my heart with a constant reminder of who I want to be and what is most important in life.

Grahame Claire goes on to thank everyone that was been with her throughout the creation of her books, including us the readers yet.....I'm not sure if she realizes how much she has touched and changed our lives with the subjects she approaches, the articulate stroke of her pen to paper, the final words that bring tears, joy and hope to her readers. If not....then I hope she reads every review that praises her ability to touch the hearts of her readers.

I will be buying copies of this series for more than one important person in my life for the holidays with hopes that they find the same messages I did while immersed in the pages. I don't think there is a gift that speakes more deeply from the heart. I know I haven't given anything away regarding the story and I won't. It is a gift that I give you to read it yourself and find your own meaning within the pages. No blurb or review can emanate the true power of words and I can only HIGHLY recommend this series to anyone who lives to read and feels a need to spread the love when something special comes into their hands.

[Sandi Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Break by Grahame Claire, is the satisfying conclusion to the Bend and Break duet, and the sixth book in The Shaken Series. Beau Hollingsworth and Garrett Calhoun were a couple 10 years ago, but Garrett (Cal) was a firefighter and Beau was the daughter of privilege. Although they were in love, Cal didn’t want to hold her back, so he broke up with her in a brutal way. A broken-hearted Beau left NY for London. She was back in the states but she and Cal could not stay away from each other , but they both held back. Beau refused to allow her heart to be broken again, and Cal felt the same way. Beau’s father had summoned her back because he had set up a marriage to a man whose family business he wanted to merge with. Samuel Hollingsworth was a terrible father, he interfered and tried to control each of his children’s lives. Beau was beside herself. Especially when upon meeting her groom to be, he physically abused her, her father was aware and did nothing. Still demanding That they marry. Beau was frantic and proposed marriage to Cal to get out of marrying the man chosen by her father. Cal agrees, but this is a marriage in name only. When they go to move her things from her father’s house, her father has blindsided her once again! Her “fiancé” is waiting for her when she goes to her room to collect her things. Her father has allowed him to lie in wait for her. He once again attacks her, but Call and her brothers are there to stop him and give him a taste of his own medicine!
You will see all the people from the previous books, plus you will meet Cal’s family, including his wonderful Ma! Family secrets will be revealed. I can’t wait for you to read this Shaken series from beginning to end it is wonderful!

[Trisha c · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the conclusion of the Shaken series and it doesn't disappoint! I was waiting for the conclusion of Beau's and Cal's story.
Finally! Questions are answered, The intensity, the emotions, domestic violence, the self doubts, secrets are revealed, make this a great series.
Beau still can't understand if Garrett Calhoun loved her, why did he let her go 10 years ago? That shattered her heart. He was her first love. Every other relationship she had, was measured by her love for him.
Cal has always loved Beau, it was his choice to let her go. He always felt that he would never be good enough for her. How could he provide for her on a firefighter' s salary? Beau was his first and only love, even 10 years later he was still in love with her. But he has his doubts, does she feel the same?
Beau is a strong confident woman in business, friendship and among her brothers. When it comes to her father, the manipulation , mind games, getting what he wants no matter the cost; made her weak, unsure and feeling unloved.
She knows the decision to defy her father, saves her life and comes with consequences. Those consequences could put her brothers' famIly and her friends in danger.
The main theme in all of Grahame Claire stories is the strong, loyal, trusting bonds with family and close friends. They are there for each other in times of trouble, celebrations, and just to have fun. They all have each other's back and willing to help in any situation.
Well Done! I received an ARC and this is my honest review of this amazing story.

[Daisy Knox · Rating 5 out of 5]

All reviews posted at Tales of Love, Life, and Murder

The conclusion of Beau and Cal’s story was worth the wait. The sometimes-lovers are in deep, Beau because of her twisted family and Cal by association. There was such a love-hate relationship in Bend, mostly on Beau’s end because Cal is resigned that he missed his chance with her, but things are different now. She begs him to help and he agrees, but his motives aren’t completely altruistic. Cal didn’t choose to walk away from her the first time and he has no intention of ever letting her go again. So much time has passed since he broke her heart, but Beau is finally beginning to suspect that things aren’t as black and white as she’s thought all these years. I wasn’t sure how happily the HEA would be here but I loved the way this book ended. I received an ARC from Social Butterfly PR in exchange for an honest review.

[ReadonReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great way to end this series. Garrett and Beau have a lot of things that need to be sorted especially after their quick answer to fix their problems in the previous book. Beau still has feelings for Garrett, but can she trust him not to break her heart again? Garrett is still in love with Beau but the past still haunts him and he did what he had to so she could soar but now they are tied together in more ways than one and can he prevent his feelings from holding her back again? With so many secrets that come to light and them having to fight Mr. Hollingsworth at every corner can they all find their happiness or is Mr. Hollingsworth determined to destroy are their lives? I was so happy to see Beau finally letting her brothers and Garrett stand by her side and help her. She wasn't a push over she had a fire in her but she definitely needed the extra help. I loved these characters, the stories of all they endured under their cruel father's rule, and these two stole my heart. It wasn't as steamy as the others but the suspense and love between them carried this story and bled off the pages. Epic!!

[Copper78 · Rating 1 out of 5]

Holy disappointment, Batman! The first book in the duet was pretty good and this one started out okay and then it dragged. And dragged. And dragged some more. And had so. much. filler. drama. I mean murders, threats, stalking, arson, drunk driving that is totally overlooked, arrests, family squabbles, multiple people getting framed for things, gambling addiction, a mom who just stands in the kitchen 22 hours a day cooking, everyone gets pregnant on the same day, so many weddings. You name it, this book was filled with it. Well, except sex. Not ONE love scene even though the couple were madly in love and obsessed with eachother. They didn't even kiss until halfway through the 2nd book. So nothing in the first book either. This was just BAD. And there's SOOOOOO many characters and they all have their own OTT personalities. It was just too much of all the annoying things and though there were some good, swoony moments and lines, even those need up dragging and just going ON AND ON endlessly. Pacing was awful and the drama was contrived and ridiculous. I skimmed so much and could. not. wait. for it to end. Definitely not reading this author again anytime soon.

[Payton Box · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really could not put this book down, I read it in one sitting. I simultaneously wish I had spent more time with the book and wish there was more I could read as fast as possible.

From Bend I knew Cal and Beau were my favorite couple from this series and I wasn't wrong. Beau is the reason I am obsessed with this duet, her strength is admirable. In every scene where her strength was needed, she pulled her already battered self up and did what she needed to do. But on the other hand I loved how vulnerable she was with Cal and her brothers when she asked for help. Beau balanced being strong and vulnerable so well and is a great example of how someone can be both.

Cal is the perfect match for Beau. He accepts her for who she is and who she wants to be. I loved how he went with every plan she had with little to no questions. Cal had his own insecurities that easily could break their relationship just as it had the first time they were together. Combining that with Beau's father doing everything he can to break them up, do Beau and Cal have what it takes to survive?

[MJ Symmonds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before I even get into my thoughts on Beau and Cal I want to take a moment to tell you that this writing duo of Grahame Claire should be on your TBR if they aren't already. Their books take you on an unforgettable journey that you never want to end.

Break was such an emotional ride. I knew Cal and Beau would break me but I was also pieced back together as I watched them come full circle and realize that somethings were important while others just didn't matter.

We finally get some answers we have been waiting so long for especially those surrounding the Hollingsworth siblings and their Dad. There was one tidbit of info that made me feel that he actually had a heart at one time.

I'm so happy that Cal and Beau came through the heartbreak and sadness with a new outlook on their own relationship as well as those most important to them.

In order to fully understand these books you should read each duet in this world. Rise and Fall; Crash and Burn and the first book in this duet Bend.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The follow-up to Bend, picking up right where Beau and Cal left off, I couldn't put it down, I just wanted to read through everything. It's an epic good second chance, enemies to lovers story that concludes on a perfect note! It turns out Beau and Cal aren't as good as being secretive as they thought. As they delve back into the past and what happened then as they try to navigate the future. Beau's going to need to lean on Cal more than she'll realize.

He's the first to help his ma and his brothers out of trouble. And he's just trying to live his best life as his dad taught him while still living with the guilt that he couldn't save the elder Calhoun. With one brother in a jam with the law, Garrett's doing his best to keep him out of jail, but there are others conspiring to bring Garrett down. With Garrett is fiercely loyal to those he loves and the pressure to do what's right is closing in on him even faster. Can he help Beau in her time of need? Can Beau get past her anger from years ago from Cal pushing her away. I received an ARC for a voluntary and honest review.

[Melanie R · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last book in the Shaken series did not disappoint. Beau and Garrett (“Cal”) were amazing together as they worked through their insecurities and the mistakes from their past. Garrett came clean about how he felt about Beau and why he broke up with her years ago and Beau realized that she still loved him. She finally tells Lincoln and Teague about what Alex did to her and the Hollingsworth siblings stop keeping secrets from each other and unite against their father who is up to his old tricks. The ending is everything I hoped it would be and many of the problems in Cal’s family are solved or on their way to being solved. Grahame Claire gave us many wonderful characters in this series and examples of what a strong family can overcome by hold each other close and always being there for each other.
I received a free copy of this book via BookFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the conclusion to the Bend & Break duet and let me tell you...it does not disappoint!! I absolutely loved the first book of the duet and was a little nervous because sometimes the second book is not as good, but this one was just as amazing as the first one. Break starts where Bend leaves off and without giving any spoilers away takes the reader through the complicated relationship between Beau and Cal. I couldn't think of Beau being any stronger in this book than the last and loved that the author showed me I was wrong. Beau has had to deal with so much hardship in her life and I am glad she was able to find her own path! Cal, even though he doesn't think he's good enough, is one of the best book boyfriends ever! He loves his family and will do anything for those he loves.This book had twists and turns and was not without some hard times, but all the questions from the first book were answered in this one.I can't recommend this duet enough to anyone. This will definitely be on my top list of books read in 2021!

[Val · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bend & Break Duet by Grahame Claire
Narrated by Connor Crais, Avery Caris
Audiobook Rating: 5/5
Story Rating: Bend: 4/ 5, Break: 5/5

This is my first time listening/reading these books by this author. For me, from the writing to the storyline is quite impeccable and extremely worth knowing how things will turn out for Beau, heroine. I know this is a 6 books duet series, but by starting out on Book 5-6, I didn’t feel lost at all. With that said, I believe it is okay to read not in order but it would be nice to do so. Yet in any case, I was very into Beau & Cal’s unique relationship or better yet, the closeness (with her brothers, Lincoln & Teagan) & drama of the Hollingsworth family. Yes, I felt the heartache of Beau and Cal (aka Garrett)’s love story.

Beau: Avery Caris was the voice for Beau. She is a new female narrator for me. I never heard her narrate before and I might have to look her up later in order to listen to her again. She gave so much compassion, demonstrated strong independence, and the power to keep voice acting through harsh moments (Triggers like domestic violence/abusive verbal/physical relationship). Samuel Hollingsworth, is an over-controlling, over- dominant figure, and extremely fearless father of hers that she & her brothers had to deal with after mom’s passing. He forces his daughter hand & marriage to Alex Davenport, even if Alex is brutal towards her. It’s a tough role to fill in and Avery Caris did a fantastic job!

Cal (aka Garrett): Connor Crais was the voice of Cal, a firefighter. Connor’s acting voice has a way to draw you in. Cal did what was right at the time for Beau but it didn’t take long to stop & just let all the feelings of Beau spill out. Furthermore, even if there weren’t a lot of sizzle moments (sex scenes weren’t explicit) between him and her, there was still a lot of chemistry between them. That’s how good Connor is! He truly gave a great heart and soul performance!!!

Overall, I am so happy to find this author! Grahame Claire definitely delivered a great plot that is very captivating, thought -provoking, & intriguing to me. She gave the characters, especially Beau, to struggle with their own demons, brave enough to find a way to shine out through the darkness, and when the unexpected things unravel in life, Cal is by Beau’s side no matter what. If you are looking for a thought-provoking kind of love story, this is it!