Seventeen-year-old Danny Cummings’ life is far from a fairytale, but that’s okay since he doesn’t believe in happy endings. After spending a year in juvenile hall for maliciously beating his sister’s boyfriend, Danny embraces his badass image. Spending most nights drinking, fighting and collecting gambling debts for his Uncle, Danny’s life is out of control. His addiction to the bad boy lifestyle won’t let him do anything about it, even with his family begging him to go straight. But, when fifteen-year-old Lauren McIntosh stumbles into one of his nightly escapades, the self-proclaimed anti-romantic can’t concentrate on anything except Lauren and the fact that she’s on the same path his sister was on. Danny knows true love happening for the villain is as common as gamblers paying their debt on time, but he’s never backed away from a challenge before and he hates the idea that history will repeat itself.
Growing old with the man she loves—in the small town where she was born—is the only dream Lauren McIntosh has ever had; that is until her family is practically run out of town amidst rumors of arson and adultery. So, when she meets Danny at her new school and hears the rumors about his activities from her new friends, she wants nothing to do with him or the gossip that seems to follow Danny everywhere. After a dangerous and ill-fated attempt at sneaking out, she develops unwelcomed feelings for Danny that he seems to reciprocate. But, Danny’s unrelenting pursuit makes Lauren nervous, especially since he’s the only one that wants to know the secrets surrounding her family’s move. Lauren can’t tell if Danny’s intentions are true or if he has other plans for their newfound and unlikely friendship. The only way to figure out is to let him in and that could destroy everything, including the popularity and social acceptance she desperately seeks.
Danny was so protective of Lauren, which is something he is not used to. I found it so endearing. It is a large part of the reason that I loved Danny so much. I hope to see a little bit more growth in Lauren in the next book, because you can tell that she likes Danny too. They share these adorable moments, moments I can’t wait to see more of in the next book, but then she pushes him away because she doesn’t think she wants him for whatever reason or excuse she has handy.
I have to say, I am not the biggest fan of the cover. I don’t hate it, but it just doesn’t do anything for me. If you share my opinion, don’t let that stop you from reading the book! The writing is fantastic and the characters are amazing. I connected with Danny, and I want things to work out for him so bad!
Breaking Lauren is great for fans of realistic contemporaries. This is not one of those books where everything is light and fluffy and everyone is smiling the whole time. This book deals with issues of fighting and alcoholism, and it handles them so well. I was so drawn into the story that once I started the book I simply could not put it down. I wanted to know what was going to happen so bad. The ending was intense, and I am super curious to see what is going to happen next. I hope it is at least a wake up call for Lauren. I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the Lauren series. I just know I am going to love it!
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| 4/5 gavels
Find Jordan Deen around the web: |
The author is offering 2 print copies of BREAKING LAUREN and swag. Open to US.
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I Talk books!
The book sounds good. I love these bad boys turn good kinda stories. Great Review and I agree the cover isn’t great.
Nina
I love contemps! I used to dislike them, but now I’m into them. I do admit I love light and fluffy reads! Adore, but this book sounds very good. 🙂
Great review.
kimbacaffeinate
I agree about the cover, your review is awesome and I love gritty tales.
Annette
This is a great review of a book I haven’t heard of. I’m interested…
Shelly
I am going to put this on TBR list. Thank you for the review. I love reading reviews and discovering new books.
Sophia Rose
I have to be in the mood for them, but I do enjoy these more serious stories and the conflict of a romance between a good girl and bad boy. Thanks for the post!
Tammy
This book sounds awesome. I really hope I win. If I don’t I will have to pick it up. Thanks for the great giveaway.
Heidi@Rainy Day Ramblings
Hey girl don’t feel,bad I haven’t been as good at commenting this week either. This sounds good, gritty and raw always intriguing, right? I agree about the cover it is boring and it look like the one for Inbetween. Have a great week, girl. I will be better about stopping by.
bas1chs
Nice review! Thank you for sharing this book with us.
Julie Witt
This is the first time I’m seeing this book but after reading your review, I definitely want to read it! Thanks for that, and for the chance to win a copy:)
Christy @ Love of Books
Haha, omg.. I know a Daniel Cummings who went to juvy, but it was for GTA. I may have to read this just for that. lol
Jen Greyson | Author
Glad I’m not the only one that thought the cover was so-so. The book sounds interesting though, I’ll have to check it out.
Amanda Ray
The cover definitely leaves something to be desired. After reading your review, the book sounds like a good one- never would have guessed that from the cover (its a little misleading).
Christine
I’m so into the New Adult style book right now, and this seems like it has some elements of this genre in terms of edginess. Can’t wait to give it a read! 🙂