Broken Halo (Montgomery, #2)

by Brynne Asher

[stacey_is_sassy]

Can’t pick your family…

The Montgomery’s are considered the pillars of society and the Barrett’s are the scum of the earth. This is going to seem weird considering the whole series is about them, but I’m not a big fan of the Montgomery family. The Barrett family are not at all like they’re portrayed…well, 2 out of 3 of the Barrett’s are not the scum of the earth. The other one is an absolute DOUCHEWAFFLE! I think every family has one of those you wish you could disown. Can’t pick your family, though unfortunately.

I don’t hate the Montgomery’s, but I don’t particularly like the way they use their money to get whatever they want. The head of the family, Kipp, is an arrogant, domineering jerk. He loves his family so much that he doesn’t care what he must do or who he must pay to keep them protected and out of harm's way. Unfortunately, his ideas of “in their best interest” and his family’s differ quite considerably. Ellie, the baby of the family and Trig (aka Easton), Ellie’s first love are proof that he got things wrong…very, very wrong.

Now, the Barrett family has a very bad reputation due to Trig’s father, Ray. For the last ten years, Ray has been behind bars for cooking Meth. With such a bad egg for a father, you would think that Trig might have a tendency towards evilness; luckily, his mother, Faye balanced out the bad with her sweet, caring and protective nature. Trig has spent all his life trying to get away from his tainted name while keeping a firm connection with his mother. With the number of barriers in his way, Trig shows amazing strength and resilience to get where he is. Trig Barrett is my favourite kind of hero.

Broken Halo is the story of young love being broken and never recovered from. Love turned to hate and that hate simmered for ten long years. Both Ellie and Trig attempt to live happy and successful lives without each other but something was always missing. Trig made a name for himself and a career he can be proud of but it’s a lonely existence hanging with all his piles of money. Ellie made a bad decision in marriage but walked away with a beautiful son. It takes time for them to move away from the resentment that festered, and they must learn to listen and trust each other again.

While I enjoyed Broken Halo, I have to admit that Ellie drove me a bit crazy. I find it frustrating when the heroines are constantly crying and falling in a heap as the people around are forced to carry her load. I don’t think this was solely Ellie’s fault though. She has spent years being “looked after” by her family and money can fix most things without having to lift a finger. I do see some strength shine through by the end, but I would have liked to see her take charge of her problems instead of counting on Trig.

I LOVED Trig!! His strength, perseverance and determination to be better than what he was born into made him someone I admired. I am very envious of his ability to hide his emotions and use his intelligence when faced with confrontation. I have been known for blowing my top a time or two and regretting it almost immediately. Maybe one day I can grow to be more like Trig. 😉

I enjoyed reading Broken Halo and getting to know a few more of Brynne Asher’s wonderful characters. I honestly think Trig and Griffin (Ellie’s son) stole the show and an honourable mention must go to Eli (Ellie’s soon to be BIL) because he’s funny…and not a Montgomery, just marrying one.

If you haven’t read a Brynne Asher story yet, I highly recommend giving her a try.

Stacey is Sassy, received an advanced copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.