Bruised but Not Broken: A Spark of Hope Standalone

Colby runs out after the guy he's with hits him again. He goes into Ben's gym looking for a job because he needs out for good and needs money to do that. Ben even gives him the apartment there as well so he have safe place to stay.Ben's just getting out of a straight marriage he's been in since eighteen with high school sweetheart known since 15. They had grown apart and needed a divorce for sure. It did confuse me at first, but with Summer out the way he meets Colby. However they both have past issues with abuse that have deal with too.They become each other's friends , best friends and that takes them to more when Ben starts wanting Colby. I loved this so much and there isn't drama with the exes really. Ben even stays friends with his ex wife. I was glad that Colby also faced his ex seeing the man as he really was. It helped him move forward even more.The sex was beautiful and their connection was as well. I requested book in my book group where guy comes in needing fresh start because needs escape from bad situation and has nothing. Colby fit that because when he left the ex he did so with only clothes on his back.. Took time for him see he didn't deserve that and Ben kept telling him.I enjoyed the side characters as well like Roman and Andrew. Ben's brother and their friend. Evan as well even Summer was nice which didn't expect. So glad found this.

This was a truly enjoyable read. I loved Ben and Colby as a couple. Colby's experience with domestic violence read authentically to me, from the doubts and insecurities to the desire to regain independence. I appreciated that there was a pretty balanced mix of "love conquers all" and "therapy helps too!" This is in part because the series is set around a trauma therapy group called Spark of Hope. Obviously, trauma is a key point of discussion, but the angst level wasn't too high and was largely external to the relationship. I felt the character development was strong, especially with Ben. He felt like a truly three-dimensional character, flawed but growing. I also really liked the hints of other characters, especially Roman and Ethan. I'm very excited for their stories.

Ben, a newly divorced gym owner with a hero complex, hires Colby who has left his abusive boyfriend. Ben is all too eager to help Colby get back on his feet and the two become friends. Meanwhile Ben has agreed to host a trauma support group at his gym, but is wary of the concept. Ben and Colby feel safer opening up to each other instead, and soon start to develop feelings for each other.Even though the main characters both have trauma in their pasts (not so distant past in Colby’s case), the romance is actually very low angst. I thought the book was a remarkably light read for being about a trauma support group. While there is a lot of negativity towards support groups from several of the characters, I do feel like they learn the importance and benefit of talking to someone about your trauma by the end. The book had a lot of hurt/comfort without being super heavy. There’s also a bi-awakening element which I always like! I really enjoyed this and am looking forward to the next book!CW: Domestic abuse, child abuse (past, off page)

This one was really good! It's a quick read and, though it has heavy subject matter, it's an almost lighthearted read where the characters are pleasant to read and there's humor through out. The spice is also there in all the best ways, so I highly suggest giving this one a try!

This is my first book by this author and I enjoyed it very much. Colby has been beaten by his ex and is looking for a job when he wanders into Ben's gym. Ben is drawn to Colby and wants to help him because he feels he didn't help his ex wife when he should have. Both have baggage they need to deal with and become each other's support system while slowly healing. Even though Ben is straight and Colby is gay they start to fall for each other. There is very little angst in this book but it does focus on the different trauma people experience and how having someone who will listen and support you can help you to heal and move forward. The author approaches this with respect and I feel that's what kept me invested in seeing where Ben and Colby's story would go. A wonderful cast of side characters like Roman, Ben's brother, a cop, Andrew, a therapist, and Roman's best friend, round out the story. This series will center around a support group set up at Ben's gym to help people deal with their trauma. Next up is Roman's book.

The romance was on point. Colby had to grow as a person and while he was doing that he fell in love with Ben. Ben had to learn it’s not his job to save everyone but it is ok to help where he can. A sweet read.

Oh my, what a beautiful story!Ben and Colby meet when Colby goes looking for help at Ben’s gym. There’s a trauma support group and Colby is just getting out of an abusive relationship. Ben just got divorced after 10 years of being married to his high school sweetheart.Both Ben and Colby need a new beginning and it’s just so perfect how they end up being all the support each other needs.Ben’s self discovery journey is beautiful and Colby gaining self confidence is pretty awesome as well. This story is not only hot and spicy but heartwarming and full of love as well!I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

I'm not going to lie, there are some really heavy topics touched on in Bruised But Not Broken, such as domestic abuse and violence. What the author has managed to do, though, is find really good balance between high emotion and low angst which can be tricky to do with this kind of plotline. It's well-written with engaging characters - both Ben and Colby are super sweet. The other team members at Ben's gym contribute to how much I like this book, too, but it's Roman and Andrew (Ben's brother and his friend) who have caught my eye as potential MCs in future installments in this series...in fact, it looks like Roman could be up next. 4*

Really liked the sound of this book but unfortunately just felt like there was something missing. Colby and Ben are nice enough main characters but I didn’t really connect with them. I liked the idea of the trauma group but didn’t feel it was executed very well and overall I just didn’t buy into Colby and Ben’s relationship.I’m unsure as of right now wether I’ll continue with the series. I guess I’ll have to see how I feel when more books are released.

3.75 - This was a cute read. I enjoyed the concept of the group. It just didn’t grab me like I was expecting, I wasn’t too bothered about Colby and Ben, like they were cute but I just didn’t connect with them like I would have liked 😩 I liked how Colby became stronger for himself and Bens support was lovely. I loved the little friendship group they had going on. I’m interested in reading the rest.

Damn, Nicole has done it again.In loved the way Ben and Colby were together from the moment they met😍 I love how Nicole writes she makes you feel the love between her characters. The cover is stunning.

A lovely story about a young man who is abused and finds the strength to escape and stumbles into a gym during a rain storm, this ends up the best decision he ever made. Would definitely recommend this book.