Forever Red Publishing | September 15, 2015 | New Adult Romance
Broken, book 3
★★★★★
SOURCE: BARCLAY PUBLICITY
Zane Tishler has never been the All-American picture of happiness. Every time he seems to get his feet under him, someone or something has to rip away his chances at healing. His girlfriend and son are missing after a devastating fire that left the home they shared in ruins, along with his life. How long can someone cling to hope without the two most important people in their life?
Liliosa Cortez has always been a runner. It’s how she’s survived for as long as she has. But, there comes a point when you just can’t run anymore. Lost in a world darker than she ever could’ve imagined, she has to figure out how to live with the choices she’s made — in her past and now. She has to act fast if she’s going to save the people she loves. That’s what matters. Even more than her own life.
Zane and Lili were finally finding their very own happily ever after when tragedy struck. What happened the day of the fire? Where are Lili and Conner? How can Zane and their family deal with this deep of a loss?
What happens when your world is turned upside down and guilt eats at you during every waking moment?
What do you do when all hope fades and leaves you Silently Broken?
{ about maegan abel } .
Maegan despises writing about herself in the third person. She also hates touting her accomplishments like she thinks she’s really done anything special…
Now that we got that out of the way, I’ll tell you what you need to know. I was born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I went back to school in my late twenties and studied Stage Production Technology. I now work full-time in the alterations shop of a major department store and part-time backstage in the various theatres around the area.
I’ve been an avid reader from a very young age and the top goal on my list of things to accomplish in my life was to write and publish a book. During the summer of 2013, while working backstage on The Lion King, I read eleven books in four weeks. I read my first New Adult book and was introduced to a genre I felt I could totally relate to. The idea for Perfectly Broken and the character of Lili was born backstage during that time.
Maegan despises writing about herself in the third person. She also hates touting her accomplishments like she thinks she’s really done anything special…
Now that we got that out of the way, I’ll tell you what you need to know. I was born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I went back to school in my late twenties and studied Stage Production Technology. I now work full-time in the alterations shop of a major department store and part-time backstage in the various theatres around the area.
I’ve been an avid reader from a very young age and the top goal on my list of things to accomplish in my life was to write and publish a book. During the summer of 2013, while working backstage on The Lion King, I read eleven books in four weeks. I read my first New Adult book and was introduced to a genre I felt I could totally relate to. The idea for Perfectly Broken and the character of Lili was born backstage during that time.{ interview with maegan } .
I do love my coffee dates... or rather, sitting and chatting while drinking what my barista friends (& co-workers/partners) call my "needy drink" (you really wanna know? 5 shot ristretto, venti 3-pump mocha 2-pump peppermint, nonfat with whip, mocha...). I am super excited to be sitting and chatting with Ms. Maegan Abel. I fell in love with her writing style in Zane and Lili's first book (and then the prequel).
So while I have my fancy mocha, Maegan is drinking an Iced coffee with caramel, and we're going to learn a little bit more about Maegan, her writing, and her babies.
Maegan... what are 5 words to best describe you?
Introspective, Perfectionist, Mischievous, Introverted, Crazy
I think introvertedness is a great quality in authors (...says a fellow introvert). And you've gotta have a little bit of crazy... especially with some of the scenes you've worked up!
Now... if there were to be a move about your life, who would play you?
I like to think it would either be Michelle Rodriquez or Melissa McCarthy. Maybe
some epic hybrid between the two!
Totally can see that! Melissa McCarthy is a hoot, and Michelle... she has her badassedness.
Alright, now writing... What are 5 words to best describe your writing style?
Direct, Dark, Angsty, Twisty, Romantic
Where’s your favorite place to write?
My best writing comes when I'm at home in my office. I have to have silence in order
to really focus, otherwise, the ADD kicks in and I get distracted. While I listen to music
leading up to my writing sessions and sometimes when I'm stuck, I have to have it quiet
while I write.
I know all about distracted... it's why my books sit in a 'notes' file and have been re-written in twelve different notebooks and have three different organization binders.
If you couldn’t write, what would you be doing (or, what do you do aside from writing)?
I work backstage as wardrobe on Broadway shows as well as concerts in my area.
No matter what I do in life, that will always be something I love.
That is awesome..! I may be a little jealous...
We all have our book boyfriends… Who is your current one? What about him draws you to him?
I have so many. At the moment, I've just finished Rock Chick Revolution by Kristen
Ashley and I am IN LOVE with Ren. Omg! He is proof that an Alpha male can be
almost overwhelmingly sweet to the woman he loves. *swoons*
I just discovered Kristen Ashley and am kicking myself for that fact...
Of your characters (your ‘babies’), who are you ‘closest’ to?
This is like asking a parent to pick a favorite child! It's just not fair! Lol! Well, I think I
relate to each of my characters in some way or another, but an upcoming spinoff of the
Broken Series will feature a character whose story is very close to my heart. I'm hoping
that in writing it, I can find a sense of peace from some demons of my own.
...I may have gotten stuck on the word 'spin-off', just saying... I can honestly say I want to know more, not just because of that spin-off word, but I love taking deeper looks at characters that authors are closest to. Makes a reader (at least this one) think a bit more...
Was there anything in SILENTLY BROKEN that caused you to pause, that was difficult to get past? Any annoying character flaws you had to push through?
Honestly, this book was the most difficult I've ever written. The research that went into
the first half of the book specifically caused me to have nightmares for months. As far
as character flaws, Zane and Lili both have them and sometimes they drive me crazy.
They definitely had a lot to work through in this book. My heart broke for both of them (heck, all three of them..!).
Lastly… you get to take a breather from writing – what do you do?
I read. Lol. No, really, I mean that. I asked my friends for a recommendation of a full
series I could read once I sent in the final draft of Silently Broken. That's how I got into
the Rock Chick series!
Last 5-star book you read?
Rock Chick Revolution by Kristen Ashley (Really, any of the Rock Chick books but
Revolution and Regret top the list for me!)
...to my TBR list, I go! Thank you for the recommendation, and for chatting! I can't wait for the world to read the rest of Lili and Zane's story, and I'm pumped for what you're planning next..!
So while I have my fancy mocha, Maegan is drinking an Iced coffee with caramel, and we're going to learn a little bit more about Maegan, her writing, and her babies.
Maegan... what are 5 words to best describe you?
Introspective, Perfectionist, Mischievous, Introverted, Crazy
I think introvertedness is a great quality in authors (...says a fellow introvert). And you've gotta have a little bit of crazy... especially with some of the scenes you've worked up!
Now... if there were to be a move about your life, who would play you?
I like to think it would either be Michelle Rodriquez or Melissa McCarthy. Maybe
some epic hybrid between the two!
Totally can see that! Melissa McCarthy is a hoot, and Michelle... she has her badassedness.
Alright, now writing... What are 5 words to best describe your writing style?
Direct, Dark, Angsty, Twisty, Romantic
Where’s your favorite place to write?
My best writing comes when I'm at home in my office. I have to have silence in order
to really focus, otherwise, the ADD kicks in and I get distracted. While I listen to music
leading up to my writing sessions and sometimes when I'm stuck, I have to have it quiet
while I write.
I know all about distracted... it's why my books sit in a 'notes' file and have been re-written in twelve different notebooks and have three different organization binders.
If you couldn’t write, what would you be doing (or, what do you do aside from writing)?
I work backstage as wardrobe on Broadway shows as well as concerts in my area.
No matter what I do in life, that will always be something I love.
That is awesome..! I may be a little jealous...
We all have our book boyfriends… Who is your current one? What about him draws you to him?
I have so many. At the moment, I've just finished Rock Chick Revolution by Kristen
Ashley and I am IN LOVE with Ren. Omg! He is proof that an Alpha male can be
almost overwhelmingly sweet to the woman he loves. *swoons*
I just discovered Kristen Ashley and am kicking myself for that fact...
Of your characters (your ‘babies’), who are you ‘closest’ to?
This is like asking a parent to pick a favorite child! It's just not fair! Lol! Well, I think I
relate to each of my characters in some way or another, but an upcoming spinoff of the
Broken Series will feature a character whose story is very close to my heart. I'm hoping
that in writing it, I can find a sense of peace from some demons of my own.
...I may have gotten stuck on the word 'spin-off', just saying... I can honestly say I want to know more, not just because of that spin-off word, but I love taking deeper looks at characters that authors are closest to. Makes a reader (at least this one) think a bit more...
Was there anything in SILENTLY BROKEN that caused you to pause, that was difficult to get past? Any annoying character flaws you had to push through?
Honestly, this book was the most difficult I've ever written. The research that went into
the first half of the book specifically caused me to have nightmares for months. As far
as character flaws, Zane and Lili both have them and sometimes they drive me crazy.
They definitely had a lot to work through in this book. My heart broke for both of them (heck, all three of them..!).
Lastly… you get to take a breather from writing – what do you do?
I read. Lol. No, really, I mean that. I asked my friends for a recommendation of a full
series I could read once I sent in the final draft of Silently Broken. That's how I got into
the Rock Chick series!
Last 5-star book you read?
Rock Chick Revolution by Kristen Ashley (Really, any of the Rock Chick books but
Revolution and Regret top the list for me!)
...to my TBR list, I go! Thank you for the recommendation, and for chatting! I can't wait for the world to read the rest of Lili and Zane's story, and I'm pumped for what you're planning next..!
{ excerpt } .
I hadn’t realized Zane was finished until he set the cup in front of me. He followed my line of sight as I looked away from the chair he’d been sitting in about six months ago when he held me as I cried. I closed my eyes, pushing that thought away. That girl was broken. She was damaged. That wasn’t me. Not anymore.“Lili,” he whispered, and I cringed.
“Don’t call me that,” I said automatically, letting out my breath in a rush as the realization of what I’d said struck me. I opened my eyes, grabbing the mug. “Sorry.”
“What do you mean?” he finally asked as I sipped on the hot liquid slowly. It burned on the way down but I ignored it, needing the excuse not to answer that question.
“Just an automatic response. I’m fine,” I answered, blowing off what was happening.
“Would you stop fucking saying that?” he snapped, causing me to jump a little. Startled, I kept my eyes on the mug but neither of us moved as we waited for the other to take the next step. Finally, I lowered the glass to the table.
“What would you like me to say? Hmm?” I knew I should stop, walk away now and not make this worse, but I no longer cared. “You want to know why I told you not to call me that?” I looked up, meeting his eyes. “Because I’m. Not. Fucking. Her. I’m not that girl.”
“Yes, you are—” he started, but I cut in before he could finish.
“No.” I laughed, but the sound was hollow. “No, I’m not. You see this face and you think I’m her, but I’m not. You’d be closer to the truth if you called Kaitlyn by that name.”
He flinched back from the name and I waivered, the part of me still able to feel guilt worming her way back in as I watched his expression.
{ review } .
This was the highly anticipated (by me) book three to the story of Lili and Zane. When we left off, Zane and Lili had had a fight and he left -- before which, Lili spoke out "My heart", to which he eventually cooled down enough to respond in kind with "Mine too" -- their "thing" that I love so very much. Later, though, Zane received a garbled 'help' text and rushed home to find it burned to the ground.
In SILENTLY BROKEN, Zane is dealing with finding both his son and Lili, his Pixie girl who he's been friends with for a few years, but has been deeply in love with for the last year. Maegan does an awesome job with all of the emotions in this story -- Zane's grief and fears when Conner and Lili are missing. Then dealing with Conner's feelings. When Lili is back in his arms, there's the huge range of emotions that go with that, too -- the excitement at her being back, the realization that things have changed, the always present fears that Conner is having a hard time, still.
Just when you think you can't possibly break anymore, another piece fractures off. It takes time and space for the healing to truly begin. At times, the story feels long, but with the ground it covers? Maegan did great. It probably could have even been split into two books -- Maegan wrote it in four parts. The first is in Zane's voice, second goes back to the beginning and is in Lili's voice, and the last two parts are back and forth between the two as the healing starts, falters, and truly completes.
Throughout this series, I've loved Maegan's ability to write great internal dialogue and external dialogue. I love the way Lili and Zane talk with one another; I love how much Lili loves Zane's son, something that comes across ten-fold in her telling of the story (part two). I love the relationship Zane has with his siblings -- both Paige and Tish. When things get heated with Tish, as a reader you understand Zane's fears and anger -- and understand that truly, it's only with blood that you can truly let go the way Zane does with Tish. Maegan's way of writing Zane with Conner always makes my heart happy. And Conner? For a five year old, that boy knows what's what and his protecting Lili emulates his father so much.
For whatever reason, when I read that line, my adoration for Zane with his son truly melted me. Maybe it's because you understand Zane's heart is breaking, but maybe it's the simplicity of the "Hey, no," a simple phrase that is said so often in 'real life' that coming across on the pages of the book ground the book as believable...
In my previous reviews, I've stated my dislike for Lizzie, and I have to say that that sentiment did not change in SILENTLY BROKEN. But Zane and Lili? I've always enjoyed them. They fought for their love and they have many rocky paths to walk down, but when they finally get it right? There's is a love for the books and will no doubt in my mind last a long time. The family unit Zane and Lili makes is absolutely lovely, and the epilogue makes me happy (I have very high hopes for Conner; the boy breaks my heart again and again) but we're definitely left with questions. I'm curious what Maegan's next plans are...
In SILENTLY BROKEN, Zane is dealing with finding both his son and Lili, his Pixie girl who he's been friends with for a few years, but has been deeply in love with for the last year. Maegan does an awesome job with all of the emotions in this story -- Zane's grief and fears when Conner and Lili are missing. Then dealing with Conner's feelings. When Lili is back in his arms, there's the huge range of emotions that go with that, too -- the excitement at her being back, the realization that things have changed, the always present fears that Conner is having a hard time, still.
Just when you think you can't possibly break anymore, another piece fractures off. It takes time and space for the healing to truly begin. At times, the story feels long, but with the ground it covers? Maegan did great. It probably could have even been split into two books -- Maegan wrote it in four parts. The first is in Zane's voice, second goes back to the beginning and is in Lili's voice, and the last two parts are back and forth between the two as the healing starts, falters, and truly completes.
Throughout this series, I've loved Maegan's ability to write great internal dialogue and external dialogue. I love the way Lili and Zane talk with one another; I love how much Lili loves Zane's son, something that comes across ten-fold in her telling of the story (part two). I love the relationship Zane has with his siblings -- both Paige and Tish. When things get heated with Tish, as a reader you understand Zane's fears and anger -- and understand that truly, it's only with blood that you can truly let go the way Zane does with Tish. Maegan's way of writing Zane with Conner always makes my heart happy. And Conner? For a five year old, that boy knows what's what and his protecting Lili emulates his father so much.
"Hey, no, I'm not mad..."
For whatever reason, when I read that line, my adoration for Zane with his son truly melted me. Maybe it's because you understand Zane's heart is breaking, but maybe it's the simplicity of the "Hey, no," a simple phrase that is said so often in 'real life' that coming across on the pages of the book ground the book as believable...
In my previous reviews, I've stated my dislike for Lizzie, and I have to say that that sentiment did not change in SILENTLY BROKEN. But Zane and Lili? I've always enjoyed them. They fought for their love and they have many rocky paths to walk down, but when they finally get it right? There's is a love for the books and will no doubt in my mind last a long time. The family unit Zane and Lili makes is absolutely lovely, and the epilogue makes me happy (I have very high hopes for Conner; the boy breaks my heart again and again) but we're definitely left with questions. I'm curious what Maegan's next plans are...
{ giveaway } .
Join the SILENTLY BROKEN Blog Blitz September 14th to 18th! One grand prize winner will receive the ENTIRE Broken Series in paperback – SIGNED by Maegan! Enter HERE or through the form below!
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