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Even If We're Broken
Love, like archaeology, is a lot of trowel and error.
Still reeling from being dumped by her girlfriend, bioarchaeologist Kate Roth agrees to join an estranged colleague to teach at his field school at a Viking-age archaeology site in the wilds of Newfoundland. While welcoming the escape from Colorado where she’s been medicating resurfaced anxieties with wine and angry rock music, she’s wary of three important facts: 1) she’s had a crush on Viking Cowboy Ben for half her life, 2) Ben is a family man who lives in Norway, and 3) all her romantic relationships, and most friendships, seem to have an expiration date.
For archaeologist Esben “Ben” Veholt, inviting the woman he’s been in love with since digging alongside her 23 years ago was, of course, the worst possible thing he could have done for himself. This summer was supposed to be his escape from reality: a love life in ruins, worsening body image issues, and a teenage daughter who suddenly wants nothing to do with him. When Kate accepts his offer, he intends to retain a professional relationship with her. A woman like Kate could never love him anyway—not with how much he’s changed inside and out.
All seems fine on the surface as Kate and Esben’s friendship rebuilds, but as they dig deeper, they realize just how broken they both are. To heal from their painful pasts and reclaim their crumbling presents, they each need a friend who accepts them, mess and all. But summer won’t last forever, and a third chance at romance threatens to drift across the ocean yet again.
Even If We’re Broken is an own-voice debut novel—an emotional, slow-burn friends-to-lovers open-door romance about self-acceptance, mental health, and the scars we carry.
See why Book Riot named it one of the best romances of 2024!
Still reeling from being dumped by her girlfriend, bioarchaeologist Kate Roth agrees to join an estranged colleague to teach at his field school at a Viking-age archaeology site in the wilds of Newfoundland. While welcoming the escape from Colorado where she’s been medicating resurfaced anxieties with wine and angry rock music, she’s wary of three important facts: 1) she’s had a crush on Viking Cowboy Ben for half her life, 2) Ben is a family man who lives in Norway, and 3) all her romantic relationships, and most friendships, seem to have an expiration date.
For archaeologist Esben “Ben” Veholt, inviting the woman he’s been in love with since digging alongside her 23 years ago was, of course, the worst possible thing he could have done for himself. This summer was supposed to be his escape from reality: a love life in ruins, worsening body image issues, and a teenage daughter who suddenly wants nothing to do with him. When Kate accepts his offer, he intends to retain a professional relationship with her. A woman like Kate could never love him anyway—not with how much he’s changed inside and out.
All seems fine on the surface as Kate and Esben’s friendship rebuilds, but as they dig deeper, they realize just how broken they both are. To heal from their painful pasts and reclaim their crumbling presents, they each need a friend who accepts them, mess and all. But summer won’t last forever, and a third chance at romance threatens to drift across the ocean yet again.
Even If We’re Broken is an own-voice debut novel—an emotional, slow-burn friends-to-lovers open-door romance about self-acceptance, mental health, and the scars we carry.
See why Book Riot named it one of the best romances of 2024!
330 pages, ebook
First published April 4, 2024
14 people are currently reading
495 people want to read
About the author
A.M. Weald
8 books21 followersA.M. Weald writes emotional, character-driven fiction in a mix of genres from the romantic to the speculative. She is a freelance editor, a semi-retired archaeologist, and a neurodivergent xennial who thinks about cats way too often.
Newsletter: subscribepage.io/amweald
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March 28, 2024
𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡˚♡ — 𝖠𝖱𝖢 𝗋𝖾𝗏𝗂𝖾𝗐
𖤐 𓈒࣪ ᭡ ˖ 𝖭𝗂𝗄𝗄𝗂 𝗅𝖾𝖿𝗍 𝖻𝖾𝖼𝖺𝗎𝗌𝖾 𝗌𝗁𝖾 𝗐𝖺𝗇𝗍𝖾𝖽 𝗍𝗈 𝗅𝖾𝖺𝗏𝖾.
𝖠𝗇𝖽 𝗆𝖺𝗒𝖻𝖾—𝗃𝗎𝗌𝗍 𝗆𝖺𝗒𝖻𝖾-𝗂𝗍 𝗐𝖺𝗌𝗇'𝗍 𝖾𝗇𝗍𝗂𝗋𝖾𝗅𝗒 𝗆𝗒 𝖿𝖺𝗎𝗅𝗍.
TW — alcohol and marijuana use prescription medication misuse anxiety, depression, PTSD ghosting separation, mediation, weight and body image issues, medical weight gain, internalized fatphobia, sexual content discussion of sexuality, homophobic and fatphobic language from an abuser emotional abuse (past) death of parents (past) attempted suicide (past)
abortion, miscarriage (past)
Overnight, Kate gets ghosted by her girlfriend. She finds herself alone with her insecurities, her anxiety and her panic attacks. As she tries to regain some semblance of control over her life, Ben, the person she loved 23 years ago, offers to take part in an archaeological dig during the summer, during which she can teach.
But 23 years later they have both changed. Both Kate and Ben must face their demons. Ben can't stand his appearance, he suffers from chronic back pain and has to live with scars - both physical and psychological.
As they meet again, they realize that these feelings they had 23 years ago have not disappeared. As the book progresses, we learn about their past and then we follow their new love story.
A love story that is closely linked to mental ilness, and a journey healing.
I really enjoyed reading this book. But no more than that? This book didn't really make an impression on me, I expected to cry, to have my heart torn, but no.
Afterwards, of course it touched me to see Ben and Kate talk about their past and their trauma, it was touching. But the way everything was written, it didn't upset me either.
I still really enjoyed the journey healing part. Seeing Kate reassure Ben and vice versa.
𖤐 𓈒࣪ ᭡ ˖ "𝖨 𝗐𝗂𝗌𝗁 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝖼𝗈𝗎𝗅𝖽 𝗌𝖾𝖾 𝗒𝗈𝗎𝗋𝗌𝖾𝗅𝖿 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗐𝖺𝗒 𝖨 𝗌𝖾𝖾 𝗒𝗈𝗎."
𝖧𝖾 𝖼𝗈𝗎𝗅𝖽𝗇'𝗍 𝗅𝗈𝗈𝗄 𝖺𝗍 𝗁𝖾𝗋. "𝖧-𝗁𝗈𝗐 𝖽𝗈 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝗌𝖾𝖾 𝗆𝖾?"
"𝖳𝗁𝖾 𝗐𝖺𝗒 𝖨'𝗏𝖾 𝖺𝗅𝗐𝖺𝗒𝗌 𝗌𝖾𝖾𝗇 𝗒𝗈𝗎," 𝗌𝗁𝖾 𝗌𝖺𝗂𝖽, 𝖻𝗋𝗎𝗌𝗁𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗁𝖾𝗋 𝗍𝗁𝗎𝗆𝖻 𝖺𝖼𝗋𝗈𝗌𝗌 𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝖼𝗁𝖾𝖾𝗄. "𝖠 𝗁𝖺𝗇𝖽𝗌𝗈𝗆𝖾, 𝗇𝖾𝗋𝖽𝗒 𝖵𝗂𝗄𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝖢𝗈𝗐𝖻𝗈𝗒."
At one point I thought about dfning this book. I read without really investing myself much more than that. But I really wanted to know how it was going to end so I continued.
I think it's a good book, but it's not what I expected.
The archaeological aspect was quite nice. But the biggest strength of this book I would say is the fact that it addresses mental illness, how a person's words can hurt and scar, how hard it can be to get better, to accept yourself. That's what I liked the most I think, seeing how Ben and Kate were affected and how little by little, together, they were able to move forward at their own pace.
𖤐 𓈒࣪ ᭡ ˖ 𝖡𝖾𝖼𝖺𝗎𝗌𝖾 𝖪𝖺𝗍𝖾 𝗅𝗈𝗏𝖾𝖽 𝗁𝗂𝗆, 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝖥𝗋𝗂𝖽𝖺 𝗅𝗈𝗏𝖾𝖽 𝗁𝗂𝗆, 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝖪𝖺𝗍𝖾 𝗅𝗂𝗄𝖾𝖽 𝖥𝗋𝗂𝖽𝖺, 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝖥𝗋𝗂𝖽𝖺 𝗅𝗂𝗄𝖾𝖽 𝖪𝖺𝗍𝖾.
𝖤𝗏𝖾𝗋𝗒𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗐𝗈𝗎𝗅𝖽 𝖻𝖾 𝗈𝗄𝖺𝗒.
Regarding the romance, it was beautiful to see Kate and Ben together. But I think it happened a bit suddenly? at least, I didn't feel any chemistry between them, or anything that would allow me to say that it was an incredible romance. It was cute, and sweet, but nothing more.
𖤐 𓈒࣪ ᭡ ˖ "𝖪𝗃𝖺𝖾𝗋𝖾. 𝖨𝗍 𝗆𝖾𝖺𝗇𝗌 𝖽𝖾𝖺𝗋 𝗈𝗇𝖾, 𝖽𝖺𝗋𝗅𝗂𝗇𝗀."
"𝖮𝗁. 𝖨 𝗅𝗂𝗄𝖾 𝗍𝗁𝖺𝗍. 𝖲𝖺𝗒 𝗂𝗍 𝖺𝗀𝖺𝗂𝗇?"
"𝖪𝗃𝖺𝖾𝗋𝖾."
"𝖮𝗈𝗁. 𝖠𝗀𝖺𝗂𝗇."
𝖧𝖾 𝗅𝖺𝗎𝗀𝗁𝖾𝖽. "𝖪𝗃𝖺𝖾𝗋𝖾!"
"𝖠𝗀𝖺𝗂𝗇," 𝗌𝗁𝖾 𝗌𝖺𝗂𝖽, 𝗌𝗍𝖾𝗉𝗉𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝖼𝗅𝗈𝗌𝖾 𝗍𝗈 𝗁𝗂𝗆, 𝗀𝗋𝖺𝗓𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝗅𝗂𝗉𝗌 𝗐𝗂𝗍𝗁 𝗁𝖾𝗋𝗌.
𝖧𝖾 𝗀𝗋𝗂𝗇𝗇𝖾𝖽 𝖽𝗈𝗐𝗇 𝖺𝗍 𝗁𝖾𝗋, 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗌𝗁𝖾 𝗌𝗁𝗂𝗏𝖾𝗋𝖾𝖽 𝗐𝗁𝖾𝗇 𝗁𝖾 𝗐𝗁𝗂𝗌𝗉𝖾𝗋𝖾𝖽 𝗂𝗍 𝗂𝗇𝗍𝗈 𝗁𝖾𝗋 𝖾𝖺𝗋.
Thank you, the author, Netgally.
𖤐 𓈒࣪ ᭡ ˖ 𝖭𝗂𝗄𝗄𝗂 𝗅𝖾𝖿𝗍 𝖻𝖾𝖼𝖺𝗎𝗌𝖾 𝗌𝗁𝖾 𝗐𝖺𝗇𝗍𝖾𝖽 𝗍𝗈 𝗅𝖾𝖺𝗏𝖾.
𝖠𝗇𝖽 𝗆𝖺𝗒𝖻𝖾—𝗃𝗎𝗌𝗍 𝗆𝖺𝗒𝖻𝖾-𝗂𝗍 𝗐𝖺𝗌𝗇'𝗍 𝖾𝗇𝗍𝗂𝗋𝖾𝗅𝗒 𝗆𝗒 𝖿𝖺𝗎𝗅𝗍.
TW — alcohol and marijuana use prescription medication misuse anxiety, depression, PTSD ghosting separation, mediation, weight and body image issues, medical weight gain, internalized fatphobia, sexual content discussion of sexuality, homophobic and fatphobic language from an abuser emotional abuse (past) death of parents (past) attempted suicide (past)
abortion, miscarriage (past)
Overnight, Kate gets ghosted by her girlfriend. She finds herself alone with her insecurities, her anxiety and her panic attacks. As she tries to regain some semblance of control over her life, Ben, the person she loved 23 years ago, offers to take part in an archaeological dig during the summer, during which she can teach.
But 23 years later they have both changed. Both Kate and Ben must face their demons. Ben can't stand his appearance, he suffers from chronic back pain and has to live with scars - both physical and psychological.
As they meet again, they realize that these feelings they had 23 years ago have not disappeared. As the book progresses, we learn about their past and then we follow their new love story.
A love story that is closely linked to mental ilness, and a journey healing.
I really enjoyed reading this book. But no more than that? This book didn't really make an impression on me, I expected to cry, to have my heart torn, but no.
Afterwards, of course it touched me to see Ben and Kate talk about their past and their trauma, it was touching. But the way everything was written, it didn't upset me either.
I still really enjoyed the journey healing part. Seeing Kate reassure Ben and vice versa.
𖤐 𓈒࣪ ᭡ ˖ "𝖨 𝗐𝗂𝗌𝗁 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝖼𝗈𝗎𝗅𝖽 𝗌𝖾𝖾 𝗒𝗈𝗎𝗋𝗌𝖾𝗅𝖿 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗐𝖺𝗒 𝖨 𝗌𝖾𝖾 𝗒𝗈𝗎."
𝖧𝖾 𝖼𝗈𝗎𝗅𝖽𝗇'𝗍 𝗅𝗈𝗈𝗄 𝖺𝗍 𝗁𝖾𝗋. "𝖧-𝗁𝗈𝗐 𝖽𝗈 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝗌𝖾𝖾 𝗆𝖾?"
"𝖳𝗁𝖾 𝗐𝖺𝗒 𝖨'𝗏𝖾 𝖺𝗅𝗐𝖺𝗒𝗌 𝗌𝖾𝖾𝗇 𝗒𝗈𝗎," 𝗌𝗁𝖾 𝗌𝖺𝗂𝖽, 𝖻𝗋𝗎𝗌𝗁𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗁𝖾𝗋 𝗍𝗁𝗎𝗆𝖻 𝖺𝖼𝗋𝗈𝗌𝗌 𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝖼𝗁𝖾𝖾𝗄. "𝖠 𝗁𝖺𝗇𝖽𝗌𝗈𝗆𝖾, 𝗇𝖾𝗋𝖽𝗒 𝖵𝗂𝗄𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝖢𝗈𝗐𝖻𝗈𝗒."
At one point I thought about dfning this book. I read without really investing myself much more than that. But I really wanted to know how it was going to end so I continued.
I think it's a good book, but it's not what I expected.
The archaeological aspect was quite nice. But the biggest strength of this book I would say is the fact that it addresses mental illness, how a person's words can hurt and scar, how hard it can be to get better, to accept yourself. That's what I liked the most I think, seeing how Ben and Kate were affected and how little by little, together, they were able to move forward at their own pace.
𖤐 𓈒࣪ ᭡ ˖ 𝖡𝖾𝖼𝖺𝗎𝗌𝖾 𝖪𝖺𝗍𝖾 𝗅𝗈𝗏𝖾𝖽 𝗁𝗂𝗆, 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝖥𝗋𝗂𝖽𝖺 𝗅𝗈𝗏𝖾𝖽 𝗁𝗂𝗆, 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝖪𝖺𝗍𝖾 𝗅𝗂𝗄𝖾𝖽 𝖥𝗋𝗂𝖽𝖺, 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝖥𝗋𝗂𝖽𝖺 𝗅𝗂𝗄𝖾𝖽 𝖪𝖺𝗍𝖾.
𝖤𝗏𝖾𝗋𝗒𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗐𝗈𝗎𝗅𝖽 𝖻𝖾 𝗈𝗄𝖺𝗒.
Regarding the romance, it was beautiful to see Kate and Ben together. But I think it happened a bit suddenly? at least, I didn't feel any chemistry between them, or anything that would allow me to say that it was an incredible romance. It was cute, and sweet, but nothing more.
𖤐 𓈒࣪ ᭡ ˖ "𝖪𝗃𝖺𝖾𝗋𝖾. 𝖨𝗍 𝗆𝖾𝖺𝗇𝗌 𝖽𝖾𝖺𝗋 𝗈𝗇𝖾, 𝖽𝖺𝗋𝗅𝗂𝗇𝗀."
"𝖮𝗁. 𝖨 𝗅𝗂𝗄𝖾 𝗍𝗁𝖺𝗍. 𝖲𝖺𝗒 𝗂𝗍 𝖺𝗀𝖺𝗂𝗇?"
"𝖪𝗃𝖺𝖾𝗋𝖾."
"𝖮𝗈𝗁. 𝖠𝗀𝖺𝗂𝗇."
𝖧𝖾 𝗅𝖺𝗎𝗀𝗁𝖾𝖽. "𝖪𝗃𝖺𝖾𝗋𝖾!"
"𝖠𝗀𝖺𝗂𝗇," 𝗌𝗁𝖾 𝗌𝖺𝗂𝖽, 𝗌𝗍𝖾𝗉𝗉𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝖼𝗅𝗈𝗌𝖾 𝗍𝗈 𝗁𝗂𝗆, 𝗀𝗋𝖺𝗓𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝗅𝗂𝗉𝗌 𝗐𝗂𝗍𝗁 𝗁𝖾𝗋𝗌.
𝖧𝖾 𝗀𝗋𝗂𝗇𝗇𝖾𝖽 𝖽𝗈𝗐𝗇 𝖺𝗍 𝗁𝖾𝗋, 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗌𝗁𝖾 𝗌𝗁𝗂𝗏𝖾𝗋𝖾𝖽 𝗐𝗁𝖾𝗇 𝗁𝖾 𝗐𝗁𝗂𝗌𝗉𝖾𝗋𝖾𝖽 𝗂𝗍 𝗂𝗇𝗍𝗈 𝗁𝖾𝗋 𝖾𝖺𝗋.
Thank you, the author, Netgally.
August 3, 2024
Originally posted on Just Geeking by as a part of repDISND 2024!
Content warnings:
Please note: This book has a lot of content that may be difficult for people to read, especially those with chronic and mental health conditions or who have been in an abusive relationship. Please be kind to yourself and check the content warnings before reading 🙂
Reeling from an awful breakup, the last thing Kate expected was an email from an old colleague offering her a great opportunity. She’s initially reluctant to accept; she had a huge crush on Ben when they studied together, and those feelings never quite disappeared. After all, Ben has a wife and daughter. He’s happily married and has his life together, while she on the other hand has been self-medicating as she tries to process being ghosted by her ex.
With the urging of her best friend, Kate accepts.
Despite what Kate thinks, Esben, Ben to his friends, does not have his life together in any way shape or form. His ex-wife is trying to break their custody agreement, and his daughter Frida seems to want nothing to do with him. As for being happy; Ben can’t remember the last time he’s felt that. He’s been struggling with depression for a long time, and combined with chronic back pain and body image issues it’s a whole complicated mess. He’s a complex mess that no woman could ever find attractive.
So what on earth was he thinking when he invited Kate to fill the open teaching spot at his field school this summer?!
He’s had feelings for her since they studied together twenty-three years ago, but when their study camp ended, Kate had started a relationship with someone else. Ben’s determined to keep their relationship professional.
Completely unaware of how the other feels and has felt all this time, both Kate and Ben start to rebuild their friendship while trying to hide the messy and painful parts of their lives.
Even If We’re Broken by A. M. Weald is exactly how I like my romance; raw, genuine and filled with representation. I came for the chronic illness and mental health representation, but I adored all the BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ and cultural representation in the book. None of it felt forced, I want to emphasise that. Weald listed the full LGBTQIA+ representation on her Instagram;
Kate (MC): bisexual
Clara (Kate’s BFF): lesbian
Felicity (Clara’s wife): trans, lesbian
Sam (Kate’s student): nonbinary, pansexual
Jorunn (Ben’s BFF): lesbian
Alex (Ben & Jorunn’s colleague): gay man
Zoe (Alex’s student): pansexual
Nikki (Kate’s ex): lesbian
Rio (Alex’s husband): gay man
Sylvi (Jorunn’s wife): bisexual
Spoiler: questioning
Even if I didn’t already know that this was written by an author with lived experiences, I would have recognised it as one. It isn’t just Weald’s attention to detail as someone living with chronic and mental health conditions, it’s the content she has included. With a title like Even If We’re Broken, you’d expect a book to go into the painful parts of the characters’ pasts. The synopsis says as much, right? But I’ve seen other books promise the same and then not deliver.
The huge difference is Weald’s lived experience, and it is clear that she’s poured her entire heart into this book. From the scenes about fat shaming from medical professionals and past partners, to finding the right medication and the difficulty in doing physio exercises alone when you’re in pain. Every single thing is perfectly nuanced. My heart was in my throat, and tears in my eyes so many times. This isn’t an easy read at times, but it is a cathartic one.
There is also joy and humour with Weald’s characters, even the dodgy professor, coming to life in full-blown colour. The dialogue is great, as is the pacing, and seeing people find their people is always wonderful. Even If We’re Broken is one of those books that had me feeling so many things, and it’s hard to put into words. So rather than start keyboard smashing, I’m just going to keep it simple; read this book.
----
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Content warnings:
Please note: This book has a lot of content that may be difficult for people to read, especially those with chronic and mental health conditions or who have been in an abusive relationship. Please be kind to yourself and check the content warnings before reading 🙂
Reeling from an awful breakup, the last thing Kate expected was an email from an old colleague offering her a great opportunity. She’s initially reluctant to accept; she had a huge crush on Ben when they studied together, and those feelings never quite disappeared. After all, Ben has a wife and daughter. He’s happily married and has his life together, while she on the other hand has been self-medicating as she tries to process being ghosted by her ex.
With the urging of her best friend, Kate accepts.
Despite what Kate thinks, Esben, Ben to his friends, does not have his life together in any way shape or form. His ex-wife is trying to break their custody agreement, and his daughter Frida seems to want nothing to do with him. As for being happy; Ben can’t remember the last time he’s felt that. He’s been struggling with depression for a long time, and combined with chronic back pain and body image issues it’s a whole complicated mess. He’s a complex mess that no woman could ever find attractive.
So what on earth was he thinking when he invited Kate to fill the open teaching spot at his field school this summer?!
He’s had feelings for her since they studied together twenty-three years ago, but when their study camp ended, Kate had started a relationship with someone else. Ben’s determined to keep their relationship professional.
Completely unaware of how the other feels and has felt all this time, both Kate and Ben start to rebuild their friendship while trying to hide the messy and painful parts of their lives.
Even If We’re Broken by A. M. Weald is exactly how I like my romance; raw, genuine and filled with representation. I came for the chronic illness and mental health representation, but I adored all the BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ and cultural representation in the book. None of it felt forced, I want to emphasise that. Weald listed the full LGBTQIA+ representation on her Instagram;
Kate (MC): bisexual
Clara (Kate’s BFF): lesbian
Felicity (Clara’s wife): trans, lesbian
Sam (Kate’s student): nonbinary, pansexual
Jorunn (Ben’s BFF): lesbian
Alex (Ben & Jorunn’s colleague): gay man
Zoe (Alex’s student): pansexual
Nikki (Kate’s ex): lesbian
Rio (Alex’s husband): gay man
Sylvi (Jorunn’s wife): bisexual
Spoiler: questioning
Even if I didn’t already know that this was written by an author with lived experiences, I would have recognised it as one. It isn’t just Weald’s attention to detail as someone living with chronic and mental health conditions, it’s the content she has included. With a title like Even If We’re Broken, you’d expect a book to go into the painful parts of the characters’ pasts. The synopsis says as much, right? But I’ve seen other books promise the same and then not deliver.
The huge difference is Weald’s lived experience, and it is clear that she’s poured her entire heart into this book. From the scenes about fat shaming from medical professionals and past partners, to finding the right medication and the difficulty in doing physio exercises alone when you’re in pain. Every single thing is perfectly nuanced. My heart was in my throat, and tears in my eyes so many times. This isn’t an easy read at times, but it is a cathartic one.
There is also joy and humour with Weald’s characters, even the dodgy professor, coming to life in full-blown colour. The dialogue is great, as is the pacing, and seeing people find their people is always wonderful. Even If We’re Broken is one of those books that had me feeling so many things, and it’s hard to put into words. So rather than start keyboard smashing, I’m just going to keep it simple; read this book.
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April 4, 2024
Even if We're Broken by A. M. Weald is the book I have been waiting for for a long long time. It's a love story told by a skilled wordsmith featuring characters that are so real that they feel like friends.
Bioarchaeologist Kate is reeling from her latest failed relationship with a woman who ghosted her when an email from an old friend offers her the perfect opportunity to escape and clear her mind. She first met Esben (Ben) on a dig 23 years ago when they were both students, and even back then she was drawn to the Viking cowboy as she described him, but circumstances conspired to keep them apart and the next time they met , over a decade later, she was in a relationship with a woman and he was married with a young child. They have remained in sporadic contact and when Esben finds himself in need of a bioarchaeologist for a dig in Newfoundland he reaches out to Kate, who is unaware of the breakdown of his marriage in the intervening years. He is not without issues of his own, not least of which are long term damage to his back which causes ongoing pain and discomfort, poor body image and a teenage daughter who wants nothing to do with him. As the two rebuild their friendship they find that they are just as drawn to each other as they ever have been, could this finally be the time that they will make it work or will they let their issues get in the way once again?
I absolutely adored this book and these characters. It was refreshing to see a relationship between two mature middle aged adults who were able to come together and figure things out despite their individual issues and problems. The depiction of chronic pain and how it can impact on every aspect of a person's life was incredibly accurate, and I say that as someone who has been dealing with the problem for more than a decade. I also found the representation of mental health and mental well being in this book to be excellent, with a realistic representation of the ups and downs that so many people face. The overall tone is optimistic without ever saying that it will be easy, and that is something that I wish we saw represented more frequently. Esben also has significant body image issues , and I loved that the author chose to show that in a male character, as I think this is an issue that is often ignored or at best only depicted from a female perspective.
This is a beautiful, beautiful love story , definitely a slow burn as it spans a period of more than two decades, but the yearning and missed opportunities just made the ending all the more sweet and satisfying. I feel like the book could teach a lot of people what it means to be and to have a loving, caring and supportive partner who shares the joy and silliness as well as the stress and the pain, and I think it is my new gold standard for romance.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Bioarchaeologist Kate is reeling from her latest failed relationship with a woman who ghosted her when an email from an old friend offers her the perfect opportunity to escape and clear her mind. She first met Esben (Ben) on a dig 23 years ago when they were both students, and even back then she was drawn to the Viking cowboy as she described him, but circumstances conspired to keep them apart and the next time they met , over a decade later, she was in a relationship with a woman and he was married with a young child. They have remained in sporadic contact and when Esben finds himself in need of a bioarchaeologist for a dig in Newfoundland he reaches out to Kate, who is unaware of the breakdown of his marriage in the intervening years. He is not without issues of his own, not least of which are long term damage to his back which causes ongoing pain and discomfort, poor body image and a teenage daughter who wants nothing to do with him. As the two rebuild their friendship they find that they are just as drawn to each other as they ever have been, could this finally be the time that they will make it work or will they let their issues get in the way once again?
I absolutely adored this book and these characters. It was refreshing to see a relationship between two mature middle aged adults who were able to come together and figure things out despite their individual issues and problems. The depiction of chronic pain and how it can impact on every aspect of a person's life was incredibly accurate, and I say that as someone who has been dealing with the problem for more than a decade. I also found the representation of mental health and mental well being in this book to be excellent, with a realistic representation of the ups and downs that so many people face. The overall tone is optimistic without ever saying that it will be easy, and that is something that I wish we saw represented more frequently. Esben also has significant body image issues , and I loved that the author chose to show that in a male character, as I think this is an issue that is often ignored or at best only depicted from a female perspective.
This is a beautiful, beautiful love story , definitely a slow burn as it spans a period of more than two decades, but the yearning and missed opportunities just made the ending all the more sweet and satisfying. I feel like the book could teach a lot of people what it means to be and to have a loving, caring and supportive partner who shares the joy and silliness as well as the stress and the pain, and I think it is my new gold standard for romance.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 8, 2024
Rating: 4/5 stars
Bioarchaeologist Kate Roth can't seem to catch a break in relationships and the latest one really throws her for a loop - she's ghosted. Apparently even over 40s still take the low road. In an effort to turn over a new leaf and heal, she accepts a position to teach university students at a dig site from - surprise! - an old friend and former colleague, Esben "Ben" Veholt, who she hasn't seen since they were students together over twenty years ago. As it turns out, Ben's going through some romantic and familial troubles of his own. When one of his current colleagues drops out of the dig and Kate's name shows up in the list of recommended replacements, it has to be a sign...right?
'Even If We're Broken' tells us that it's okay to not be okay, but when you aren't, you don't have to be alone. Kate and Ben both struggle through their sadness and trauma separately but with the support of loved ones and a welcoming a fresh set of eyes that can give a new perspective, we can learn along with them that we shouldn't put so much stock into what others think about us. Facing heartbreak and grief in life is inevitable but as long as you're willing to hold your head above water and ask for a lifeline then you'll always find your way back to happiness, contentment, and love, from yourself and others, in the end.
Thank you to A. M. Weald and the Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Bioarchaeologist Kate Roth can't seem to catch a break in relationships and the latest one really throws her for a loop - she's ghosted. Apparently even over 40s still take the low road. In an effort to turn over a new leaf and heal, she accepts a position to teach university students at a dig site from - surprise! - an old friend and former colleague, Esben "Ben" Veholt, who she hasn't seen since they were students together over twenty years ago. As it turns out, Ben's going through some romantic and familial troubles of his own. When one of his current colleagues drops out of the dig and Kate's name shows up in the list of recommended replacements, it has to be a sign...right?
'Even If We're Broken' tells us that it's okay to not be okay, but when you aren't, you don't have to be alone. Kate and Ben both struggle through their sadness and trauma separately but with the support of loved ones and a welcoming a fresh set of eyes that can give a new perspective, we can learn along with them that we shouldn't put so much stock into what others think about us. Facing heartbreak and grief in life is inevitable but as long as you're willing to hold your head above water and ask for a lifeline then you'll always find your way back to happiness, contentment, and love, from yourself and others, in the end.
Thank you to A. M. Weald and the Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
April 10, 2024
RC REVIEW (Thanks NETGALLEY!)
Do I speak Norwegian? No
Do I know anything about archeology? Also, no
But I still requested and enjoyed this book.
23 years ago, Kate and Ben meet at an anthropology dig and spend the summer together. Ben is smitten, Kate was as well but homie never made a move and Kate got distracted by a shiny girl. They’d kept in slight contact through social media and their work. 20 something years later they’re back together again at another dig site but a lot has changed for both of them.
Although sad, and let’s be honest prob hit a little close to home. Ben and Kate’s brewing relationship was honest, organic, and sweet.
Do I speak Norwegian? No
Do I know anything about archeology? Also, no
But I still requested and enjoyed this book.
23 years ago, Kate and Ben meet at an anthropology dig and spend the summer together. Ben is smitten, Kate was as well but homie never made a move and Kate got distracted by a shiny girl. They’d kept in slight contact through social media and their work. 20 something years later they’re back together again at another dig site but a lot has changed for both of them.
Although sad, and let’s be honest prob hit a little close to home. Ben and Kate’s brewing relationship was honest, organic, and sweet.
August 29, 2025
This was So Good and I’m so glad I read it. The main characters in this second-chance romance are in their 40s and dealing with lots of relatable challenges including chronic pain, mental health stuff, family and past-relationship dynamics, etc. I am way more interested in romance books where life isn’t easy and straightforward - where the HEA is hard-won, not just people finally admitting their feelings or whatever. The characters in this book are archaeologists working at a dig site in Newfoundland which also made for an interesting setting!
Thank you to Book Riot who gave this a shout out in their Best of 2024 list without which I might never have found this hidden gem of a novel!
Thank you to Book Riot who gave this a shout out in their Best of 2024 list without which I might never have found this hidden gem of a novel!
December 20, 2023
If you’re looking for a book that is the literary version of an indie film/cassette tape, mixed with a comforting romance, and archaeological themes, this is your book.
Seriously. I absolutely adored this book. For several reasons. The first being, I’m an archaeologist. And I’ve been craving seeing an accurate yet engaging representation of my STEM field in a variety of novels and genres. And I think I found it here.
The second being, how A M Weald writes. The author has such a way of exploring deep emotions that sometimes it physically hurt me—in the best way possible! Even If We’re Broken has a comfortable angst about it; cosy tipped with that painful understanding of what it is to be human. It invokes that lovely but chest-aching familiarity in each word and sentence. And as someone who has struggled with similar mental and physical disabilities outlined in the book, I can’t help but say that I felt seen.
That brings me to the third reason: the characters. Kate and Esben. They have been carved into my heart for the rest of my life. Like I can’t stop thinking about them. Their character arcs were so fully realised and utterly real, I felt like I knew them. I had a serious book hangover when I finally hit the last page.
I especially empathised with Ben and his journey around body dysmorphia, mental illness, and chronic pain. As an archaeologist myself, I saw those reflected in my own body and in my own self. And with Kate, her emotionally journey was tender and so fulfilling—especially around the cycle of grief and her own mental health. I loved that the conflict between them wasn’t the typical romance ‘miscommunication’ trope but that it was just about finding who they were as individuals whilst being together. People might say that’s niche for a romance plot, but I think it’s desperately needed within romance genre and fiction as a whole.
The romance between them was soft, comforting and wholesome yet filled with longing that was written brilliantly. Like I felt every emotion they felt. I was deeply invested. I also loved the LGBTQIA+ representation in the book, especially in regards to Kate (our FMC) but also in the secondary characters such as Sam, Clara, and Jorunn, among others.
Now, to the archaeology. I really think the archaeological representation of the book was extremely well done and well researched. I especially enjoyed the Andre Hjem chapter—the Newfoundland landscape and the Norse archaeology there felt so real and alive, which I haven’t seen in a book with an archaeological subplot before. It was super refreshing to see and for me, really showed what archaeology is meant to be. A M Weald struck the right balance between plot and archaeology—for me anyway!
If you’re looking for a heartfelt, painfully-wonderful read, I’d give Even If We’re Broken a read and dive into a world that is vibrant, emotional, and archaeological!
I received an ARC copy from the writer in exchange for an honest review.
Seriously. I absolutely adored this book. For several reasons. The first being, I’m an archaeologist. And I’ve been craving seeing an accurate yet engaging representation of my STEM field in a variety of novels and genres. And I think I found it here.
The second being, how A M Weald writes. The author has such a way of exploring deep emotions that sometimes it physically hurt me—in the best way possible! Even If We’re Broken has a comfortable angst about it; cosy tipped with that painful understanding of what it is to be human. It invokes that lovely but chest-aching familiarity in each word and sentence. And as someone who has struggled with similar mental and physical disabilities outlined in the book, I can’t help but say that I felt seen.
That brings me to the third reason: the characters. Kate and Esben. They have been carved into my heart for the rest of my life. Like I can’t stop thinking about them. Their character arcs were so fully realised and utterly real, I felt like I knew them. I had a serious book hangover when I finally hit the last page.
I especially empathised with Ben and his journey around body dysmorphia, mental illness, and chronic pain. As an archaeologist myself, I saw those reflected in my own body and in my own self. And with Kate, her emotionally journey was tender and so fulfilling—especially around the cycle of grief and her own mental health. I loved that the conflict between them wasn’t the typical romance ‘miscommunication’ trope but that it was just about finding who they were as individuals whilst being together. People might say that’s niche for a romance plot, but I think it’s desperately needed within romance genre and fiction as a whole.
The romance between them was soft, comforting and wholesome yet filled with longing that was written brilliantly. Like I felt every emotion they felt. I was deeply invested. I also loved the LGBTQIA+ representation in the book, especially in regards to Kate (our FMC) but also in the secondary characters such as Sam, Clara, and Jorunn, among others.
Now, to the archaeology. I really think the archaeological representation of the book was extremely well done and well researched. I especially enjoyed the Andre Hjem chapter—the Newfoundland landscape and the Norse archaeology there felt so real and alive, which I haven’t seen in a book with an archaeological subplot before. It was super refreshing to see and for me, really showed what archaeology is meant to be. A M Weald struck the right balance between plot and archaeology—for me anyway!
If you’re looking for a heartfelt, painfully-wonderful read, I’d give Even If We’re Broken a read and dive into a world that is vibrant, emotional, and archaeological!
I received an ARC copy from the writer in exchange for an honest review.
September 7, 2025
This book was a huge hit for me and will likely guide my selection of romance books for a long time to come.
My personal taste for books tends to skew dark/serious in tone and unpredictable in terms of plot. When I'm trying to select a romance novel, this taste can complicate things, because many romances are built to be light and you know where the story is going to end up. Even If We're Broken was the perfect answer to my problem. It's still a capital R Romance, following two characters falling in love, but it didn't shy away from the hard parts of life.
Kate and Esben are adults older than 35 and their lives are riddled with complications, many of them stemming from mental and physical health conditions. They come with their own significant baggage, and for me, it made the entire ride feel that much more realistic and relatable. The journey to HEA was adorable while also full of missteps, and it left me wondering in a positive way how the story would resolve happily.
The best part of the book is the amount of patience and support the characters show for each other as they each struggle with their own mental and physical limitations. Esben's disabilities stuck out for me especially. They were managed with tact by the author, and while the character is reminded to care for himself better and maintain his body to keep it in a shape that reduces his pain, the goal is never to fix the permanent disability. At no point did I feel like this book was promising that either character would be fixed by successfully being in love, but that it would provide a safe place to work on their own long term well-being.
It should also be said that I'm not someone who cries much during books, but this one got me like five times.
This is an excellent queer m/f contemporary that feels very authentic to the character's relationships, the subject of archaeology (to the point where I was questioning if the author was an archaeologist themselves), and to people's experiences of living complicated lives. Any readers of mine will probably enjoy this dynamic!
My personal taste for books tends to skew dark/serious in tone and unpredictable in terms of plot. When I'm trying to select a romance novel, this taste can complicate things, because many romances are built to be light and you know where the story is going to end up. Even If We're Broken was the perfect answer to my problem. It's still a capital R Romance, following two characters falling in love, but it didn't shy away from the hard parts of life.
Kate and Esben are adults older than 35 and their lives are riddled with complications, many of them stemming from mental and physical health conditions. They come with their own significant baggage, and for me, it made the entire ride feel that much more realistic and relatable. The journey to HEA was adorable while also full of missteps, and it left me wondering in a positive way how the story would resolve happily.
The best part of the book is the amount of patience and support the characters show for each other as they each struggle with their own mental and physical limitations. Esben's disabilities stuck out for me especially. They were managed with tact by the author, and while the character is reminded to care for himself better and maintain his body to keep it in a shape that reduces his pain, the goal is never to fix the permanent disability. At no point did I feel like this book was promising that either character would be fixed by successfully being in love, but that it would provide a safe place to work on their own long term well-being.
It should also be said that I'm not someone who cries much during books, but this one got me like five times.
This is an excellent queer m/f contemporary that feels very authentic to the character's relationships, the subject of archaeology (to the point where I was questioning if the author was an archaeologist themselves), and to people's experiences of living complicated lives. Any readers of mine will probably enjoy this dynamic!
March 28, 2024
I won this ARC through a giveaway, all opinions are my own.
Starting on 3/14, this will also be available on NetGalley, and it will officially release 4/4/24.
When this book first crossed my radar, I was mildly intrigued by the archeology themes and the mental health representation. 6th grade me wanted to be an archeologist, and I am a person who has dealt with mental health issues over the course of my life; I was interested in a book that didn’t make those issues a quirky side piece of a character’s development. And I can honestly say that this book DID NOT DISAPPOINT.
I was instantly attached to Kate, the female main character, and related to many of her struggles. At times it felt like I was reading a fictional version of myself at a different time in my life. Ben, the male main character, was another character that I was attached to. I didn’t want to let their characters go after finishing the book.
Even If We’re Broken touches on many difficult and important topics including, but not limited to, anxiety & depression, divorce & mediation of a minor child, weight/body image, death, emotional abuse, and physical limitations. In my opinion, the topics were discussed perfectly.
I sometimes struggle with romance, but this book was definitely an exception. It was raw, honest, and real in its depiction of what life looks like for a lot of people. It was also refreshing to read about love between people who are not 18-21 years old (the characters are in their 40s) and while I am only 27 myself, I felt like I related to these characters more than I have to any other romance that I’ve had the chance to read.
The understanding I felt when reading this book was strong. I understood the characters, and in turn, I felt understood. I needed this book. Thank you A. M. Weald for writing it
Starting on 3/14, this will also be available on NetGalley, and it will officially release 4/4/24.
When this book first crossed my radar, I was mildly intrigued by the archeology themes and the mental health representation. 6th grade me wanted to be an archeologist, and I am a person who has dealt with mental health issues over the course of my life; I was interested in a book that didn’t make those issues a quirky side piece of a character’s development. And I can honestly say that this book DID NOT DISAPPOINT.
I was instantly attached to Kate, the female main character, and related to many of her struggles. At times it felt like I was reading a fictional version of myself at a different time in my life. Ben, the male main character, was another character that I was attached to. I didn’t want to let their characters go after finishing the book.
Even If We’re Broken touches on many difficult and important topics including, but not limited to, anxiety & depression, divorce & mediation of a minor child, weight/body image, death, emotional abuse, and physical limitations. In my opinion, the topics were discussed perfectly.
I sometimes struggle with romance, but this book was definitely an exception. It was raw, honest, and real in its depiction of what life looks like for a lot of people. It was also refreshing to read about love between people who are not 18-21 years old (the characters are in their 40s) and while I am only 27 myself, I felt like I related to these characters more than I have to any other romance that I’ve had the chance to read.
The understanding I felt when reading this book was strong. I understood the characters, and in turn, I felt understood. I needed this book. Thank you A. M. Weald for writing it
February 3, 2024
An incredibly strong debut from the very talented A. M. Weald!!
The struggle that both Kate and Ben go through as they navigate the aftermath of abusive relationships as well as the start of their budding romance is realistic and relatable to the reader. The slow pacing of the book, although did make me struggle (personal thing, don't worry about it), was entirely appropriate for the setting and themes of the book.
Weald touched on so many heavy subjects in a way that felt very natural. I appreciate her attempt at normalising many of these stigmatised issues.
Both Kate and Ben being archaeologists is really refreshing to read about! Although most of the technicalities went over my head, I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the profession and how their work was able to influence their relationship.
I think this is the perfect read for anyone who is currently feeling listless or just closed a chapter in their lives. Personally, the message I took away from this book pushes readers to have the courage to start anew, even if nothing is figured out yet. It's entirely possible that other readers may take away something entirely different.
Remember, as we learn from Kate and Ben, therapy is for everyone!! 😂😂
The struggle that both Kate and Ben go through as they navigate the aftermath of abusive relationships as well as the start of their budding romance is realistic and relatable to the reader. The slow pacing of the book, although did make me struggle (personal thing, don't worry about it), was entirely appropriate for the setting and themes of the book.
Weald touched on so many heavy subjects in a way that felt very natural. I appreciate her attempt at normalising many of these stigmatised issues.
Both Kate and Ben being archaeologists is really refreshing to read about! Although most of the technicalities went over my head, I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the profession and how their work was able to influence their relationship.
I think this is the perfect read for anyone who is currently feeling listless or just closed a chapter in their lives. Personally, the message I took away from this book pushes readers to have the courage to start anew, even if nothing is figured out yet. It's entirely possible that other readers may take away something entirely different.
Remember, as we learn from Kate and Ben, therapy is for everyone!! 😂😂
April 1, 2024
Whoa. I was not prepared for how engrossed I would become when I first started my read. I basically dropped everything to find out how Ben and Kate's truly adult (characters in their 40s) romance would settle. The addition of an archaeology set world and the true toll of mental health issues encapsulated such a detailed and complex portrayal of the human experience.
Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing an eARC for an honest review.
Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing an eARC for an honest review.
March 19, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
“ I want to be the bone lady”
Even If We’re Broken captivated me like no other book before. Its unique blend of archaeological intrigue, romance, and sensitive exploration of mental health themes captured my heart from the very beginning. The author’s skillful depiction of deeper emotions resulted in numerous heartfelt scenes that lingered in my mind long after I turned the final page.
At the core of the narrative are the remarkable characters, Kate and Ben, whose journey I followed. Their struggles with anxiety and depression were portrayed with such authenticity that it felt as though I was experiencing their challenges alongside them. The raw honesty with which their mental health issues were depicted was both compelling and deeply moving.
The dynamics between Kate and Ben were a touching reflection of the complexities that arise when mental health issues intersect with love and companionship.
Throughout the novel, I found myself rooting for Kate and Ben.
So very grateful to be able to read the ARC for this debut novel. I can’t wait to get my hands on a paperback copy to be able to reread and annotate!
“ I want to be the bone lady”
Even If We’re Broken captivated me like no other book before. Its unique blend of archaeological intrigue, romance, and sensitive exploration of mental health themes captured my heart from the very beginning. The author’s skillful depiction of deeper emotions resulted in numerous heartfelt scenes that lingered in my mind long after I turned the final page.
At the core of the narrative are the remarkable characters, Kate and Ben, whose journey I followed. Their struggles with anxiety and depression were portrayed with such authenticity that it felt as though I was experiencing their challenges alongside them. The raw honesty with which their mental health issues were depicted was both compelling and deeply moving.
The dynamics between Kate and Ben were a touching reflection of the complexities that arise when mental health issues intersect with love and companionship.
Throughout the novel, I found myself rooting for Kate and Ben.
So very grateful to be able to read the ARC for this debut novel. I can’t wait to get my hands on a paperback copy to be able to reread and annotate!
February 16, 2024
My short review:
This is my review of the electronic Advanced Reader Copy (eARC) of Even If We're Broken- which I highly recommend if you love reading characters who are healing from trauma, yearning, friends to lovers, like to playing D&D and fantasy RPGs, are Norwegian, picking flowers, and are engrossed in archeology!
Also very important -
A.M. Weald made a spotify playlist for the book (I believe one of the songs is mentioned in the book when Ben is telling Kate about what he likes to listen to) which I will be listening to when I reread it!
My longish review:
I love this book! Kate and Esben have so much YEARNING for each other I was bouncing up and down my apartment and telling my boyfriend about what was happening every hour or so while I was reading. Weald shifts between Ben and Kate's points of view throughout the book, and gives both characters individual arcs structured around healing from their past and recent trauma on top of them rekindling their feelings for each other. Both Kate and Esben grow to take better care of themselves and each other by the end of the book, despite being "broken." Their patience and understanding and care for each other left me reading for hours.
Archaeology is of course a key component, a character even, in this story. It's the catalyst in Ben and Kate reconnecting, Bioarcheology- bones specifically- is Kate's passion and the scene where she teaches the students about bone identification is one of my favorite in the book, because the narration doesn't give away what Kate knows about the "chicken" bone that was found and the reader is kept in the same suspense as the students- we get to BE one of the students, which was a level immersion I REALLY appreciate. The discovery in that scene also ties in to Kate & Ben's separate but similar traumas, so Weald manages to both focus on archeology and have it be seamlessly plot relevant.
I could not recommend this book more, and I am going to buy a copy of it eventually, but first I'm going to reread it with the Spotify playlist. Hope this review helps! There's honestly so much in this book I want to talk about that this isn't even the end of the review and after the end of this there's still more I want to talk about!!!
v v v Some more things I wanted to mention v v v
This next paragraph is on the structure of the book if that is something that matters to anyone in a review- spoilers in the second paragraph with the (parentheses):
The book is broken into three parts, with Part One showcasing Esben and Kate's lives prior to them going to Newfoundland and Part Two in Newfoundland as they work and reconnect- I would say the majority of the action and suspense is in these first two parts. Part Three focuses on their lives after the summer. I love that we get to see more of their journey after the summer, definitely one of the most feel-good and adorable parts of the book.
There is also a very short, set like a decade in the future chapter at the end where they find a stray cat which is really cute, but I feel could've been a bit longer or could've been its own separate short story?
Part three spoilers that I want to gush about below!
(Part Three spoilers: Kate and Ben pursue their relationship and communicate about their plans for the future, Ben and Frida heal from Lina's abuse, Ben Frida and Kate go on a road trip, their families meet each other/Kate's chosen family meet Ben, Kate goes to therapy, Ben goes to therapy, Kate goes to the house that she used to live with her ex in and gets to see that any trace of her ex is now gone from there ARGH its really fucking great!!)
This is my review of the electronic Advanced Reader Copy (eARC) of Even If We're Broken- which I highly recommend if you love reading characters who are healing from trauma, yearning, friends to lovers, like to playing D&D and fantasy RPGs, are Norwegian, picking flowers, and are engrossed in archeology!
Also very important -
A.M. Weald made a spotify playlist for the book (I believe one of the songs is mentioned in the book when Ben is telling Kate about what he likes to listen to) which I will be listening to when I reread it!
My longish review:
I love this book! Kate and Esben have so much YEARNING for each other I was bouncing up and down my apartment and telling my boyfriend about what was happening every hour or so while I was reading. Weald shifts between Ben and Kate's points of view throughout the book, and gives both characters individual arcs structured around healing from their past and recent trauma on top of them rekindling their feelings for each other. Both Kate and Esben grow to take better care of themselves and each other by the end of the book, despite being "broken." Their patience and understanding and care for each other left me reading for hours.
Archaeology is of course a key component, a character even, in this story. It's the catalyst in Ben and Kate reconnecting, Bioarcheology- bones specifically- is Kate's passion and the scene where she teaches the students about bone identification is one of my favorite in the book, because the narration doesn't give away what Kate knows about the "chicken" bone that was found and the reader is kept in the same suspense as the students- we get to BE one of the students, which was a level immersion I REALLY appreciate. The discovery in that scene also ties in to Kate & Ben's separate but similar traumas, so Weald manages to both focus on archeology and have it be seamlessly plot relevant.
I could not recommend this book more, and I am going to buy a copy of it eventually, but first I'm going to reread it with the Spotify playlist. Hope this review helps! There's honestly so much in this book I want to talk about that this isn't even the end of the review and after the end of this there's still more I want to talk about!!!
v v v Some more things I wanted to mention v v v
This next paragraph is on the structure of the book if that is something that matters to anyone in a review- spoilers in the second paragraph with the (parentheses):
The book is broken into three parts, with Part One showcasing Esben and Kate's lives prior to them going to Newfoundland and Part Two in Newfoundland as they work and reconnect- I would say the majority of the action and suspense is in these first two parts. Part Three focuses on their lives after the summer. I love that we get to see more of their journey after the summer, definitely one of the most feel-good and adorable parts of the book.
There is also a very short, set like a decade in the future chapter at the end where they find a stray cat which is really cute, but I feel could've been a bit longer or could've been its own separate short story?
Part three spoilers that I want to gush about below!
(Part Three spoilers: Kate and Ben pursue their relationship and communicate about their plans for the future, Ben and Frida heal from Lina's abuse, Ben Frida and Kate go on a road trip, their families meet each other/Kate's chosen family meet Ben, Kate goes to therapy, Ben goes to therapy, Kate goes to the house that she used to live with her ex in and gets to see that any trace of her ex is now gone from there ARGH its really fucking great!!)
April 5, 2024
This book was so much more than a romance. I found this book via my romance reading community – somehow, I can’t exactly remember how – but I knew it would be different. Even the process of requesting the ARC had some different questions. Knowledge about STEM, knowledge of academia, comfort with reading queer stories, mental health struggles. I also had to provide some examples of my favourite books.
So, all of this to say, I had an inkling this read would be different. Perhaps a little heavier, a bit more emotional. I was 10% into this book and I already knew I loved both characters – equally. And I acknowledge my bias toward usually preferring the MMC to the FMC. Yes – Esben broke my heart so many times with his struggles, but Kate also just rang so true and real to me in a way different from Esben. I started to highlight passages which resonated with me as being real, messy, or beautiful prose. In most romance books, I find the less sexy aspects are often glossed over if shared at all. Here – we the readers are shown (not told) how they each struggle.
Esben is so kind. He feels so deeply. And he hurts deeply. He believes the negative talk – in his head and from his abusive partner. Kate feels unloved and has abandonment issues, which feeds in to a cycle of anxiety.
I especially enjoyed how the author showed on page the maladaptive strategies both Esben and Kate used. Examples: She gets a little loose and carefree with the pills and booze; He finds comfort in food.
I also want to talk about how these characters are described – physically realistically. Esben is described as pudgy, muscular with fat, a furry belly. A Viking cowboy. A wild ginger beard with a few grey spots, and hair long enough to be tied back. And he doesn’t care about barbering until Kate comes along again…. Kate has greying hair, cellulite, saggy boobs, and an ass. Esben struggles with erectile dysfunction – and no wonder between the chronic pain, anti depressants, and weight. Kate is an insomniac and needs pills to sleep.
Have I said this book is real?? The author doesn’t shy away from describing some of the less sexy things in relationships. Taking a poo in a trailer with a new lover? No thanks, I’ll take my chances with the porta potty. Some leg and bikini stubble? Yup that’s there too. Needing back support during sexy times? Uh huh.
And I have yet to address the sense of pining and slow burn. I mean, they met as undergrads and are now finally in the same place at the same time for a summer 23 years later. They both acknowledge that the other was the one who got away, or timing wasn’t right. It was sooooo good!! They rekindled their relationship slowly and naturally, both worried that the other wasn’t feeling the same way. Slowly, through acts of service and gifts – the love languages became too loud to ignore. And it doesn’t hurt that their coworkers were all 100% in support of them getting together.
I need to talk about NL. I could picture the landscape. The flowers and the mosquitoes. The cold humidity one day and the swamp ass 33 degree inferno the next day. I loved how they described the involvement of Parks Canada. Name dropped the Mi’kmaq as the indigenous people when the Vikings made their settlement. It was so obvious a lot of research was done. To the point that I started to wonder if the river mentioned was real, and when I googled it, didn’t photos of a B&B also pop up? I like to think that’s where they stayed.
The vibe of this book was like it was made for me. This book, to my uneducated literary brain, has the same feels for me as did A Lady For A Duke by Alexis Hall (which was also a queer friends to lovers slow burn – heavy on the trauma and mental health issues, reconnecting as friends after time apart, then lovers).
I could keep going. But I should stop, and just say – this book is infinity stars.
I cannot thank the author enough for providing me with an advanced copy. And I will 100% buy my own shelf copy.
So, all of this to say, I had an inkling this read would be different. Perhaps a little heavier, a bit more emotional. I was 10% into this book and I already knew I loved both characters – equally. And I acknowledge my bias toward usually preferring the MMC to the FMC. Yes – Esben broke my heart so many times with his struggles, but Kate also just rang so true and real to me in a way different from Esben. I started to highlight passages which resonated with me as being real, messy, or beautiful prose. In most romance books, I find the less sexy aspects are often glossed over if shared at all. Here – we the readers are shown (not told) how they each struggle.
Esben is so kind. He feels so deeply. And he hurts deeply. He believes the negative talk – in his head and from his abusive partner. Kate feels unloved and has abandonment issues, which feeds in to a cycle of anxiety.
I especially enjoyed how the author showed on page the maladaptive strategies both Esben and Kate used. Examples: She gets a little loose and carefree with the pills and booze; He finds comfort in food.
I also want to talk about how these characters are described – physically realistically. Esben is described as pudgy, muscular with fat, a furry belly. A Viking cowboy. A wild ginger beard with a few grey spots, and hair long enough to be tied back. And he doesn’t care about barbering until Kate comes along again…. Kate has greying hair, cellulite, saggy boobs, and an ass. Esben struggles with erectile dysfunction – and no wonder between the chronic pain, anti depressants, and weight. Kate is an insomniac and needs pills to sleep.
Have I said this book is real?? The author doesn’t shy away from describing some of the less sexy things in relationships. Taking a poo in a trailer with a new lover? No thanks, I’ll take my chances with the porta potty. Some leg and bikini stubble? Yup that’s there too. Needing back support during sexy times? Uh huh.
And I have yet to address the sense of pining and slow burn. I mean, they met as undergrads and are now finally in the same place at the same time for a summer 23 years later. They both acknowledge that the other was the one who got away, or timing wasn’t right. It was sooooo good!! They rekindled their relationship slowly and naturally, both worried that the other wasn’t feeling the same way. Slowly, through acts of service and gifts – the love languages became too loud to ignore. And it doesn’t hurt that their coworkers were all 100% in support of them getting together.
I need to talk about NL. I could picture the landscape. The flowers and the mosquitoes. The cold humidity one day and the swamp ass 33 degree inferno the next day. I loved how they described the involvement of Parks Canada. Name dropped the Mi’kmaq as the indigenous people when the Vikings made their settlement. It was so obvious a lot of research was done. To the point that I started to wonder if the river mentioned was real, and when I googled it, didn’t photos of a B&B also pop up? I like to think that’s where they stayed.
The vibe of this book was like it was made for me. This book, to my uneducated literary brain, has the same feels for me as did A Lady For A Duke by Alexis Hall (which was also a queer friends to lovers slow burn – heavy on the trauma and mental health issues, reconnecting as friends after time apart, then lovers).
I could keep going. But I should stop, and just say – this book is infinity stars.
I cannot thank the author enough for providing me with an advanced copy. And I will 100% buy my own shelf copy.
April 4, 2024
REVIEW
cw: depression, anxiety, insomnia, body insecurities, low self esteem, chronic pain, mentions of harassment, body-shaming, queerphobia, termination, miscarriage, DV, gaslighting, attempted suicide, emotional abuse
When two archaeologists in their forties reunite for a summer dig, they have to navigate their ongoing mutual attraction while overcoming physical and mental battles, as well as geographical distance.
This was such a beautifully raw story. Told through present day and flashbacks to Ben and Kate's previous encounters, the author built the picture of near-misses and longing beautifully. I empathised with Kate immediately. Her anxieties, especially surrounding always being too much, particularly resonated with me. Kate's ex seemed truly awful, but I loved how supportive Clara, Kate's best friend, was to her after she was ghosted. My heart ached for Esben (Ben). His low self-esteem at the beginning was so heartbreaking, and I hated how his ex-wife had made him feel so worthless. But I loved his sister, Solveig. She was so supportive and caring. I loved it when Ben was finally able to open up to his daughter, and the story behind each of his tattoo designs was beautifully incorporated.
The reunion first impressions made me fizz with excitement. I always love a story where we, the reader, get to read both POVs, and experience their mutual pining first hand while waiting for them to catch up. I immediately loved how Kate comforted and made Ben feel comfortable to be vulnerable with her. And he was equally supportive of Kate. I found the focus on changing bodies, the wear and tear of monotonously labour intensive careers, and insecurities around aging particularly moving. As a fellow chronic pain sufferer, these parts were especially well-written. I also appreciated the commentary on mental health battles and how medication affected bodily functions. I loved both main characters' candour, and their individual mental health struggles were well-written and incredibly poignant.
I loved that they took their time to find a long-term solution to their joint lives, especially given the barriers they each needed to overcome. Their mutual awareness of the ongoing need for therapy was also refreshing. While this was an incredibly moving story, there were also lighter moments. I loved the banter between Kate and Ben, and the D&D campaign glimpses were hilarious. Ben's family were so lovely. I loved Jorunn and Alex. They were both so supportive of Ben, but also amusing.
Heartbreaking, poignant, but ultimately uplifting.
Overall Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Heat Rating: 🔥
*Thanks to BookSirens and the publisher for an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own*
Favourite Quotes:
"I just don’t want to be lost anymore.”
“You’re okay,” she said, pressing her palm to his cheek. Her voice cracked when she said, “I’m so happy you’re still here.”
“You’re not too much, Ben.” Her soft smile faded. “Am I? Too much?”
He shook his head. “No.”
“You’re enough, Ben,” Kate said, drying his cheeks. “And you matter.” Her voice shook when she added, “Very much.”
“I wish you could see yourself the way I see you.”
“You know, I remember now, something my therapist said. She said: words matter, and it matters how you talk about yourself, how you think about yourself. I still struggle with being kind to myself, allowing myself grace. And for that and other reasons, I don’t think you should call yourself crazy. It isn’t a word that should be thrown around.”
“I think sometimes I change something about myself so that another person could love me, and eventually they figure me out."
Maybe similarities weren’t the key to a good relationship, but rather appreciating and celebrating the differences.
“He died. And he is a reminder that I must live. For myself, and for you."
Until Kate, he hadn’t known being in a relationship could feel so natural.
cw: depression, anxiety, insomnia, body insecurities, low self esteem, chronic pain, mentions of harassment, body-shaming, queerphobia, termination, miscarriage, DV, gaslighting, attempted suicide, emotional abuse
When two archaeologists in their forties reunite for a summer dig, they have to navigate their ongoing mutual attraction while overcoming physical and mental battles, as well as geographical distance.
This was such a beautifully raw story. Told through present day and flashbacks to Ben and Kate's previous encounters, the author built the picture of near-misses and longing beautifully. I empathised with Kate immediately. Her anxieties, especially surrounding always being too much, particularly resonated with me. Kate's ex seemed truly awful, but I loved how supportive Clara, Kate's best friend, was to her after she was ghosted. My heart ached for Esben (Ben). His low self-esteem at the beginning was so heartbreaking, and I hated how his ex-wife had made him feel so worthless. But I loved his sister, Solveig. She was so supportive and caring. I loved it when Ben was finally able to open up to his daughter, and the story behind each of his tattoo designs was beautifully incorporated.
The reunion first impressions made me fizz with excitement. I always love a story where we, the reader, get to read both POVs, and experience their mutual pining first hand while waiting for them to catch up. I immediately loved how Kate comforted and made Ben feel comfortable to be vulnerable with her. And he was equally supportive of Kate. I found the focus on changing bodies, the wear and tear of monotonously labour intensive careers, and insecurities around aging particularly moving. As a fellow chronic pain sufferer, these parts were especially well-written. I also appreciated the commentary on mental health battles and how medication affected bodily functions. I loved both main characters' candour, and their individual mental health struggles were well-written and incredibly poignant.
I loved that they took their time to find a long-term solution to their joint lives, especially given the barriers they each needed to overcome. Their mutual awareness of the ongoing need for therapy was also refreshing. While this was an incredibly moving story, there were also lighter moments. I loved the banter between Kate and Ben, and the D&D campaign glimpses were hilarious. Ben's family were so lovely. I loved Jorunn and Alex. They were both so supportive of Ben, but also amusing.
Heartbreaking, poignant, but ultimately uplifting.
Overall Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Heat Rating: 🔥
*Thanks to BookSirens and the publisher for an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own*
Favourite Quotes:
"I just don’t want to be lost anymore.”
“You’re okay,” she said, pressing her palm to his cheek. Her voice cracked when she said, “I’m so happy you’re still here.”
“You’re not too much, Ben.” Her soft smile faded. “Am I? Too much?”
He shook his head. “No.”
“You’re enough, Ben,” Kate said, drying his cheeks. “And you matter.” Her voice shook when she added, “Very much.”
“I wish you could see yourself the way I see you.”
“You know, I remember now, something my therapist said. She said: words matter, and it matters how you talk about yourself, how you think about yourself. I still struggle with being kind to myself, allowing myself grace. And for that and other reasons, I don’t think you should call yourself crazy. It isn’t a word that should be thrown around.”
“I think sometimes I change something about myself so that another person could love me, and eventually they figure me out."
Maybe similarities weren’t the key to a good relationship, but rather appreciating and celebrating the differences.
“He died. And he is a reminder that I must live. For myself, and for you."
Until Kate, he hadn’t known being in a relationship could feel so natural.
March 27, 2024
In Colorado, Kate is reeling: her long-term, live-in girlfriend has just left without warning or explanation, she's turning to alcohol and pills more and more often in order to sleep, and she still has lingering thoughts of what could have been.
In Norway, Ben too is struggling: his marriage being over is one thing, but his teenage daughter slowly rejecting him is another. Add to that an injured back and a changing body that he hasn't made peace with, and his day-to-day existence feels tenuous.
What connects them: decades earlier, they met on an archeological dig; they've stayed very loosely in touch, but both of them have always wondered: what if that was the one? And now, back together on a dig in Newfoundland, they have the chance to explore that.
I read another novel set at an archeology dig a year or so ago, so my interest was piqued when I saw the similar (well—not all that similar—but related) setting here. Kate and Ben both have extensive experience and a genuine love for their jobs, which I appreciate; there's a fair amount of drama and tension within the book, but (almost) none of it has to do with people behaving badly at work. Instead, the story is largely an exploration of two people who are not really young any more, and bringing some baggage to the table, and both determined that even when they cannot make seek the best for themselves, they can help the other seek more positive things.
There are some places where I'm not sold: the exes get a bit unnecessarily evil (which is always a pity in books that are otherwise aiming for character complexity), the proofreading gets a bit shaky, and I would have loved more archeology scenes and details. But I found the dynamic Kate and Ben develop to be really satisfying—like, they're both very clear on the fact that if it comes down to Ben's daughter or his new romance, Ben will pick his daughter; it should be a obvious thing but is something that I don't see come up all that often in fiction. Or: sex is a part of the book (not a huge part), and one of the points there is that these are not twentysomethings who spend hours at a time on every position imaginable; they are humans with human limitations, and that's okay. Or: there are moments of insecurity here (plenty of them), but never the cheap shots of small misunderstandings that rapidly become gulfs.
I'm not sure how best to categorize this: there are elements of romance, but it feels more like a coming-of-(middle)-age story in a lot of ways. Two people growing up and figuring it out. Either way, it made for a satisfying read.
Thanks to the author for providing a review copy through NetGalley.
In Norway, Ben too is struggling: his marriage being over is one thing, but his teenage daughter slowly rejecting him is another. Add to that an injured back and a changing body that he hasn't made peace with, and his day-to-day existence feels tenuous.
What connects them: decades earlier, they met on an archeological dig; they've stayed very loosely in touch, but both of them have always wondered: what if that was the one? And now, back together on a dig in Newfoundland, they have the chance to explore that.
I read another novel set at an archeology dig a year or so ago, so my interest was piqued when I saw the similar (well—not all that similar—but related) setting here. Kate and Ben both have extensive experience and a genuine love for their jobs, which I appreciate; there's a fair amount of drama and tension within the book, but (almost) none of it has to do with people behaving badly at work. Instead, the story is largely an exploration of two people who are not really young any more, and bringing some baggage to the table, and both determined that even when they cannot make seek the best for themselves, they can help the other seek more positive things.
There are some places where I'm not sold: the exes get a bit unnecessarily evil (which is always a pity in books that are otherwise aiming for character complexity), the proofreading gets a bit shaky, and I would have loved more archeology scenes and details. But I found the dynamic Kate and Ben develop to be really satisfying—like, they're both very clear on the fact that if it comes down to Ben's daughter or his new romance, Ben will pick his daughter; it should be a obvious thing but is something that I don't see come up all that often in fiction. Or: sex is a part of the book (not a huge part), and one of the points there is that these are not twentysomethings who spend hours at a time on every position imaginable; they are humans with human limitations, and that's okay. Or: there are moments of insecurity here (plenty of them), but never the cheap shots of small misunderstandings that rapidly become gulfs.
I'm not sure how best to categorize this: there are elements of romance, but it feels more like a coming-of-(middle)-age story in a lot of ways. Two people growing up and figuring it out. Either way, it made for a satisfying read.
Thanks to the author for providing a review copy through NetGalley.
March 27, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved this book so much!! Although I am younger than the characters, I related to them very well, and it was a nice change to read about middle-aged characters, since many books that I read have younger main characters.
I really enjoy reading books with archaeology and anthropology, since I studied anthropology in college. This book included a great balance between the archaeology and romance!
It was such a great plot idea for Kate and Ben to reunite while working/teaching at an archaeology field school, after meeting at the one they attended as students many years ago. I love the parallels between their experiences at each field school.
The romance was written so well! It was a very realistic portrayal of two people with personal struggles coming together and seeing the best in each other. I enjoyed seeing how they became each other’s safe place, and helped each other work towards a place where they could heal.
I would love to read more about Kate and Ben! (Possibly continuing to teach together at the field school in the future?)
As a side note, I love how Kate was interested in going to Interstate State Park, and that it was mentioned several times in the book! I am from Minnesota, and that is one of my favorite State Parks to visit, so I can definitely understand her enthusiasm!
Tropes:
- Second chance romance
- Being each other’s safe place
- Mutual long-term crush
- Slow burn
- Romantic tension
- Friends to lovers
Representation:
- LGBTQ+
- Mental health, including anxiety, depression, and body image issues
- Physical disability
- Chronic pain
- Relationship issues and divorce
Favorite quote:
“If he were brave, he would tell her how he was falling in love with her, that it wasn’t only the idea of her but all of her, including the parts she worried were unlovable.”
I loved this book so much!! Although I am younger than the characters, I related to them very well, and it was a nice change to read about middle-aged characters, since many books that I read have younger main characters.
I really enjoy reading books with archaeology and anthropology, since I studied anthropology in college. This book included a great balance between the archaeology and romance!
It was such a great plot idea for Kate and Ben to reunite while working/teaching at an archaeology field school, after meeting at the one they attended as students many years ago. I love the parallels between their experiences at each field school.
The romance was written so well! It was a very realistic portrayal of two people with personal struggles coming together and seeing the best in each other. I enjoyed seeing how they became each other’s safe place, and helped each other work towards a place where they could heal.
I would love to read more about Kate and Ben! (Possibly continuing to teach together at the field school in the future?)
As a side note, I love how Kate was interested in going to Interstate State Park, and that it was mentioned several times in the book! I am from Minnesota, and that is one of my favorite State Parks to visit, so I can definitely understand her enthusiasm!
Tropes:
- Second chance romance
- Being each other’s safe place
- Mutual long-term crush
- Slow burn
- Romantic tension
- Friends to lovers
Representation:
- LGBTQ+
- Mental health, including anxiety, depression, and body image issues
- Physical disability
- Chronic pain
- Relationship issues and divorce
Favorite quote:
“If he were brave, he would tell her how he was falling in love with her, that it wasn’t only the idea of her but all of her, including the parts she worried were unlovable.”
March 3, 2024
A warm beautiful story about the kind of love that heals
Kate and Esben have known each other for decades and, from their first meeting on an archaeological field site as college students, the pull between them has been strong. But an ocean and time and other relationships and duties kept them apart, and they each suffered losses that nearly broke them.
By the time they come back together at another site in middle age, they are both afraid to hope. "Even If We're Broken" is the story of how their never-quite-lost friendship begins to heal them both, helping them conquer their fears and regain hope and joy and enough courage to honestly reach out to each other in ways they'd never been able to do before.
We get to see the two of them find their way to the relationship they'd always wanted, dealing with chronic pain, disability, mental health issues, and grief and betrayal together, healing themselves and each other in ways that help the young people around them too.
Weald's writing is clear and sparse and never gets in the way, letting us feel the weight of Ben's depression and the fluttery panic of Kate's anxiety while revealing them both in all their lovableness and their generous care for each other. Readers should be aware that characters deal with these issues as well as fat-phobia (internalized and external), sexual harassment, domestic abuse, and questions about sexuality.
I received an Advance Reader Copy (thank you so much!); my thoughts and words are entirely my own. I savored this lovely book and highly recommend it.
5 stars
Kate and Esben have known each other for decades and, from their first meeting on an archaeological field site as college students, the pull between them has been strong. But an ocean and time and other relationships and duties kept them apart, and they each suffered losses that nearly broke them.
By the time they come back together at another site in middle age, they are both afraid to hope. "Even If We're Broken" is the story of how their never-quite-lost friendship begins to heal them both, helping them conquer their fears and regain hope and joy and enough courage to honestly reach out to each other in ways they'd never been able to do before.
We get to see the two of them find their way to the relationship they'd always wanted, dealing with chronic pain, disability, mental health issues, and grief and betrayal together, healing themselves and each other in ways that help the young people around them too.
Weald's writing is clear and sparse and never gets in the way, letting us feel the weight of Ben's depression and the fluttery panic of Kate's anxiety while revealing them both in all their lovableness and their generous care for each other. Readers should be aware that characters deal with these issues as well as fat-phobia (internalized and external), sexual harassment, domestic abuse, and questions about sexuality.
I received an Advance Reader Copy (thank you so much!); my thoughts and words are entirely my own. I savored this lovely book and highly recommend it.
5 stars
February 12, 2024
I rarely read dramatic books these days, but this one piqued my interest by being set on an archaeological dig and, as i myself am an archaeologist, I decided to apply for an advanced reader copy.
It turns out that I really enjoyed this book!‚
I would describe it as a romantic drama focused on the relationship between two archaeologists - spanning multiple years - who have been hit hard by the world and are struggling to accept themselves and the feeling of being broken. To be honest, I would usually go for something more cosy or light-hearted, or with some kind of action or mystery, but I nevertheless found this book extremely easy to read despite it being relatively long. The characters are extremely well-crafted and realistic, the story makes you cry and laugh in equal measure, and the depiction of archaeology is absolutely spot on. It’s not over-sensationalised or sexed-up, as is unfortunately so often the case with archaeology-themed books these days, but instead offers a very accurate insight into the life of genuine and relatable archaeologists.
If you enjoy a good character-driven indie drama or a romance that deals with hard-hitting personal issues, then I would highly recommend this book. And even if (like me) that wouldn't usually be your cup of tea, I would still recommend trying it! Just make sure to check the trigger warnings, because the issues mentioned are very deeply probed.
It turns out that I really enjoyed this book!‚
I would describe it as a romantic drama focused on the relationship between two archaeologists - spanning multiple years - who have been hit hard by the world and are struggling to accept themselves and the feeling of being broken. To be honest, I would usually go for something more cosy or light-hearted, or with some kind of action or mystery, but I nevertheless found this book extremely easy to read despite it being relatively long. The characters are extremely well-crafted and realistic, the story makes you cry and laugh in equal measure, and the depiction of archaeology is absolutely spot on. It’s not over-sensationalised or sexed-up, as is unfortunately so often the case with archaeology-themed books these days, but instead offers a very accurate insight into the life of genuine and relatable archaeologists.
If you enjoy a good character-driven indie drama or a romance that deals with hard-hitting personal issues, then I would highly recommend this book. And even if (like me) that wouldn't usually be your cup of tea, I would still recommend trying it! Just make sure to check the trigger warnings, because the issues mentioned are very deeply probed.
April 11, 2024
Kate is an osteoarchaeologist from the US who is thriving in her career, but her anxiety has gotten worse since her partner suddenly ghosted her. Esben is a Norwegian archaeologist who has been feeling depressed for years because his marriage ended badly and his relationship with his daughter has deteriorated, in addition to his health and weight problems. They had a crush on each other 23 years before, when they met as students, so meeting again may be what they need to find hope again.
What I liked: What a wonderful book! I tried to recommend it to a group of friends, but I struggled to explain everything that I loved about this story. First of all, I love that the main characters are archaeologists because the context of the story is so interesting. Second, the way that the characters were built was amazing, they have several layers, they feel like real humans, and they grow so much. I loved that the author allowed the reader to see how flawed they felt, but also how they were perceived by those who loved them. Third, the book approaches complicated and painful topics like abandonment, miscarriage, mental health problems, and even suicide, but the book is still full of healing and hope. I really enjoyed reading this book, it will be one of my favorite reads this year, for sure.
(I'd like to thank BookSirens and the author because I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)
What I liked: What a wonderful book! I tried to recommend it to a group of friends, but I struggled to explain everything that I loved about this story. First of all, I love that the main characters are archaeologists because the context of the story is so interesting. Second, the way that the characters were built was amazing, they have several layers, they feel like real humans, and they grow so much. I loved that the author allowed the reader to see how flawed they felt, but also how they were perceived by those who loved them. Third, the book approaches complicated and painful topics like abandonment, miscarriage, mental health problems, and even suicide, but the book is still full of healing and hope. I really enjoyed reading this book, it will be one of my favorite reads this year, for sure.
(I'd like to thank BookSirens and the author because I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)
May 9, 2025
QUOTES
All she wanted was a partner she could send silly memes and cat videos during work hours without being asked not to. Was that so much to ask?
One day, he hoped, he would wake up and forget he had ever been in pain.
“You’re enough, Ben,” Kate said, drying his cheeks. “And you matter.” Her voice shook when she added, “Very much.”
But for who she was, what she wanted, for enjoying life, and for all the good things coming her way—no apologies.
REVIEW
Even If We're Broken by A.M. Weald is not just a second chance romance, but also a story of embracing and giving ourselves another chance.
Kate and Esben (Ben) met when they were 20, but life took them in different directions. It's been 23 years later. Could they possibly have a second chance at love? These characters are written with raw honesty and a beautiful realness. It's through their imperfections that they are able to truly find each other again. Via their journey the author has given readers wonderful mental health representation as they navigate the pain and anxiety of life. Kate and Ben's story is also filled with diverse queer representation and disability/chronic pain representation. These elements add to the richness of the characters and the story.
If you are ready for a love story filled with diversity, hurt/comfort, second chances, friendship, and found family, get this book!
Open door spice level: 🌶️🌶️ (2/5)
All she wanted was a partner she could send silly memes and cat videos during work hours without being asked not to. Was that so much to ask?
One day, he hoped, he would wake up and forget he had ever been in pain.
“You’re enough, Ben,” Kate said, drying his cheeks. “And you matter.” Her voice shook when she added, “Very much.”
But for who she was, what she wanted, for enjoying life, and for all the good things coming her way—no apologies.
REVIEW
Even If We're Broken by A.M. Weald is not just a second chance romance, but also a story of embracing and giving ourselves another chance.
Kate and Esben (Ben) met when they were 20, but life took them in different directions. It's been 23 years later. Could they possibly have a second chance at love? These characters are written with raw honesty and a beautiful realness. It's through their imperfections that they are able to truly find each other again. Via their journey the author has given readers wonderful mental health representation as they navigate the pain and anxiety of life. Kate and Ben's story is also filled with diverse queer representation and disability/chronic pain representation. These elements add to the richness of the characters and the story.
If you are ready for a love story filled with diversity, hurt/comfort, second chances, friendship, and found family, get this book!
Open door spice level: 🌶️🌶️ (2/5)
March 26, 2024
A.M. Weald’s Even If We’re Broken is a phenomenal slow-burn romance with incredible insight into mental health, how complex relationship issues can impact one’s mental health, and how to support your partner’s mental health.
I found this book to be a refreshing romance novel exploring the relationship of Ben and Kate, a pair of forty-something archeologists from the US and Norway whose paths cross on three occasions over a couple of decades due to archaeology work. They first meet as college students at an archeological site. Their paths crossed again at a conference, and now in their 40s, they meet again at another archeological site.
Weald provides insight into Ben and Kate’s most recent romantic relationships. They have had painful relationships and painful ends to romantic relationships. In the process, the author adeptly handles issues of body dysmorphia, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
I highly recommend this novel to anyone with a history of mental health challenges or relationship issues and anyone who appreciates romance involving the over-40 crowd. Romance is not my go-to genre, and archaeology is not a subject I gravitate toward. Yet, I was utterly compelled by this fabulous story that Weald masterfully tells.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I found this book to be a refreshing romance novel exploring the relationship of Ben and Kate, a pair of forty-something archeologists from the US and Norway whose paths cross on three occasions over a couple of decades due to archaeology work. They first meet as college students at an archeological site. Their paths crossed again at a conference, and now in their 40s, they meet again at another archeological site.
Weald provides insight into Ben and Kate’s most recent romantic relationships. They have had painful relationships and painful ends to romantic relationships. In the process, the author adeptly handles issues of body dysmorphia, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
I highly recommend this novel to anyone with a history of mental health challenges or relationship issues and anyone who appreciates romance involving the over-40 crowd. Romance is not my go-to genre, and archaeology is not a subject I gravitate toward. Yet, I was utterly compelled by this fabulous story that Weald masterfully tells.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 23, 2024
Even If We’re Broken by A. M. Weald is a friends-to-lovers romance featuring two 40-something archaeologists, Kate Roth and Esben Veholt. Both the careers and ages of the protagonists are enough to make this book stand out against others featuring the same trope, but dig deeper and there’s a lot more to discover. Yes, this is a love story, but it is also a story about bygone youth and wounded souls desperate for solace in an often cruel world. The main characters struggle to overcome self-perceived flaws and real mental illnesses while working demanding jobs as seasoned professionals. There is also a strong supporting cast with many relatable characters, some of whom I felt as though I’d already met in real life. Indeed, it is the relatable nature of Weald’s story that makes it so readable. There are no monsters—just regular people wounded by words and deeds. That’s a surprisingly compelling premise on which to build an entire novel, but the result is a story that is ultimately hopeful, teaching us that even when we feel “broken,” we still deserve love. That’s an important message in this imperfect world. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a slow-burn love story that’s different from the norm.
May 10, 2024
I received an advanced reader copy of Even If We're Broken in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for this opportunity.
As a kid I loved archaeology and I still find it really fascinating, so combine that with a second-chance-at-love trope and it's a no-brainer for me to want to read the resulting book, even if the protagonists are fifteen+ years older than me.
I did indeed struggle a bit with relating to the two main characters because I'm in my early/mid twenties, so their experiences still seem very distant to me in terms of academia, relationships, kids and aging. I knew that going into the book, so it's not like I wasn't prepared for this kind of disconnect, but it did inhibit the way I experienced the story.
However, the setting gave me summer camp vibes and the plot was super easy to follow along, so it was an enjoyable read for me nevertheless.
And oh my god the casual representation of queer (bi, lesbian, non-binary) characters as well as both mental (depression, anxiety, PTSD, body image issues) and physical health issues was everything! I loved how well all of these topics were included in the plot and how respectfully and lovingly they were discussed between most of the characters. It did irk me a little that we had almost only lesbian/bi female characters and none that were ace or demi, but that's just me wishing for more representation of myself and not any kind of real criticism.
All in all, this was a good read that I think I will want to return to when I'm older and better able to relate to these characters and understand what they're going through on a deeper level.
3.5/5 stars.
As a kid I loved archaeology and I still find it really fascinating, so combine that with a second-chance-at-love trope and it's a no-brainer for me to want to read the resulting book, even if the protagonists are fifteen+ years older than me.
I did indeed struggle a bit with relating to the two main characters because I'm in my early/mid twenties, so their experiences still seem very distant to me in terms of academia, relationships, kids and aging. I knew that going into the book, so it's not like I wasn't prepared for this kind of disconnect, but it did inhibit the way I experienced the story.
However, the setting gave me summer camp vibes and the plot was super easy to follow along, so it was an enjoyable read for me nevertheless.
And oh my god the casual representation of queer (bi, lesbian, non-binary) characters as well as both mental (depression, anxiety, PTSD, body image issues) and physical health issues was everything! I loved how well all of these topics were included in the plot and how respectfully and lovingly they were discussed between most of the characters. It did irk me a little that we had almost only lesbian/bi female characters and none that were ace or demi, but that's just me wishing for more representation of myself and not any kind of real criticism.
All in all, this was a good read that I think I will want to return to when I'm older and better able to relate to these characters and understand what they're going through on a deeper level.
3.5/5 stars.
January 3, 2024
A refreshing alternative to quick-fix spice romances. For those who are looking for fiction with a romantic theme that offers a great deal more thought and depth than either simple escapisms or love as the only universal panacea. The author dares to portray a world where people have actual jobs that they go to, where everyone is a bit battered around the edges and where people over 40 have personalities and can fall in love.
Broken is told from a dual protagonist pov, exploring the mental fragility of second chance lovers, Kate and (Es)ben. Despite their shortcomings and emotional baggage, this is the healthiest relationship I have read about in a long time and gives the lie to the stereotype that high octane drama is essential to relationship driven narratives.
Would recommend for readers looking for a gentle, real-time feeling, indie feel story. Broken has the tone of a 90s movie with mental health and lgbtqia+ representation that’s current and urgent.
Full disclosure: I received a free ARC copy of Broken in return for an honest review
Broken is told from a dual protagonist pov, exploring the mental fragility of second chance lovers, Kate and (Es)ben. Despite their shortcomings and emotional baggage, this is the healthiest relationship I have read about in a long time and gives the lie to the stereotype that high octane drama is essential to relationship driven narratives.
Would recommend for readers looking for a gentle, real-time feeling, indie feel story. Broken has the tone of a 90s movie with mental health and lgbtqia+ representation that’s current and urgent.
Full disclosure: I received a free ARC copy of Broken in return for an honest review
March 19, 2024
they say don’t judge a book by its cover, but with this one, you kind of can! a BEAUTIFUL cover for a BEAUTIFUL book!
the cover is initially what drew me in, but after reading the description, i was sold. i’ve found myself commonly enjoying novels with older (in this story, they’re in their 40s) main characters. i think it has something to do with maturity and communication!
this is a kind of second chance situation — the characters both crushed on each other back in undergrad, but choices led them down different paths. now, they’re back together, and the circumstances are ripe for reconnection!
i liked how weald divided the book into four different parts; they’re paced very well. i don’t think this is like the best book i’ve ever read, or my favorite, but i think there’s something in kate’s and ben’s stories (both together and apart) that is very special.
i would recommend this book to anyone! i loved it, and struggled to put it down. once i was in the thick of it, i just wanted to finish it!
#netgalley
the cover is initially what drew me in, but after reading the description, i was sold. i’ve found myself commonly enjoying novels with older (in this story, they’re in their 40s) main characters. i think it has something to do with maturity and communication!
this is a kind of second chance situation — the characters both crushed on each other back in undergrad, but choices led them down different paths. now, they’re back together, and the circumstances are ripe for reconnection!
i liked how weald divided the book into four different parts; they’re paced very well. i don’t think this is like the best book i’ve ever read, or my favorite, but i think there’s something in kate’s and ben’s stories (both together and apart) that is very special.
i would recommend this book to anyone! i loved it, and struggled to put it down. once i was in the thick of it, i just wanted to finish it!
#netgalley
April 18, 2025
Even If We're Broken is a beautiful story about love, healing, and second chances.
Kate and Esben (Ben) are brought together by a field dig 23 years after the first time they met. The years haven't been easy for either of them, and they both turn up bearing wounds - both physical and emotional. But the time spent together brings them closer than ever, leading to a beautiful happy ending.
The author has done an amazing job of portraying the reality of chronic pain and mental health issues. Anyone who has experienced either one of these will recognise the inner turmoil, the battle to juggle so many things just to survive, and the way that trauma impacts everything. There are no quick fixes here, just like in life, but the characters make progress through time, therapy, and opening up to those around them.
Other issues are explored as well, such as toxic relationships and fatphobia. A. M. Weald has clearly poured so much into this story and it shows. I raced through this book as I couldn't put it down once I started.
Kate and Esben (Ben) are brought together by a field dig 23 years after the first time they met. The years haven't been easy for either of them, and they both turn up bearing wounds - both physical and emotional. But the time spent together brings them closer than ever, leading to a beautiful happy ending.
The author has done an amazing job of portraying the reality of chronic pain and mental health issues. Anyone who has experienced either one of these will recognise the inner turmoil, the battle to juggle so many things just to survive, and the way that trauma impacts everything. There are no quick fixes here, just like in life, but the characters make progress through time, therapy, and opening up to those around them.
Other issues are explored as well, such as toxic relationships and fatphobia. A. M. Weald has clearly poured so much into this story and it shows. I raced through this book as I couldn't put it down once I started.
January 25, 2024
I was warned that this book was going to be long. I was asked if I “was up for it” and I assured them I was. Oh, how hilariously I look back on my words. How tearfully I think of them. I was ready, and yet I was not.
This book is like a gentle, warm hug. One that you can’t put down—no, one that you shouldn’t put down. Kate was lovely. Ben was incredible. Both broken, both shattered, both human. It was raw, it was vulnerable. It was a little spicy, and I loved every second of it.
It took me a little bit to settle in (I personally struggle with settling into things not first person), but once I did I didn’t look back. Absolutely stunning. I feel smarter for reading it and I believed every second of it.
Absolutely. Yes. YES! Cannot wait to read this over and over again.
I received an ARC copy from the writer in exchange for an honest review.
This book is like a gentle, warm hug. One that you can’t put down—no, one that you shouldn’t put down. Kate was lovely. Ben was incredible. Both broken, both shattered, both human. It was raw, it was vulnerable. It was a little spicy, and I loved every second of it.
It took me a little bit to settle in (I personally struggle with settling into things not first person), but once I did I didn’t look back. Absolutely stunning. I feel smarter for reading it and I believed every second of it.
Absolutely. Yes. YES! Cannot wait to read this over and over again.
I received an ARC copy from the writer in exchange for an honest review.
January 25, 2024
This was such a sweet, surprising, emotional, and transformative read.
I love second chance romances, and the way Kate and Ben found each other again after the years had changed them, made their bodies look different, filled them with insecurities the way injuries and mental health struggles and unhealthy relationships can, made this story so deeply satisfying.
I really appreciated the careful depictions of chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and how these things can affect our relationships.
Kate and Ben were so beautifully matched, especially in their willingness to do the work to be the healthiest versions of themselves for each other. I loved rooting for them and their HEA. This was a hard book to put down, and I’ll be thinking about these two for a very long time.
Thank you so much to the author for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
I love second chance romances, and the way Kate and Ben found each other again after the years had changed them, made their bodies look different, filled them with insecurities the way injuries and mental health struggles and unhealthy relationships can, made this story so deeply satisfying.
I really appreciated the careful depictions of chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and how these things can affect our relationships.
Kate and Ben were so beautifully matched, especially in their willingness to do the work to be the healthiest versions of themselves for each other. I loved rooting for them and their HEA. This was a hard book to put down, and I’ll be thinking about these two for a very long time.
Thank you so much to the author for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
April 12, 2024
This is an amazing debut novel! And it tackles some hard-hitting topics. Within its pages, this book covers depression, anxiety, chronic pain, loss and fatphobia. And low steam btw.
Kate has been brutally dumped by her girlfriend at the start of this book. This only adds to her negative self-image and anxiety.
But then she meets the guy who never quite was but got away anyway. He has his own issues. And a teenaged daughter as well.
There is a whole lot of caring and sharing. No magic fixes, just sensible starts on paths to recovery.
I loved the sensitivity, both from the characters and the way in which the author dealt with all of the issues. And the details of the archaeology dig were fascinating. Oh, and a Norwegian male MC? Awesome.
A charming, healing love story.
Norwegian Cowboy Ben for the win!!
Kate has been brutally dumped by her girlfriend at the start of this book. This only adds to her negative self-image and anxiety.
But then she meets the guy who never quite was but got away anyway. He has his own issues. And a teenaged daughter as well.
There is a whole lot of caring and sharing. No magic fixes, just sensible starts on paths to recovery.
I loved the sensitivity, both from the characters and the way in which the author dealt with all of the issues. And the details of the archaeology dig were fascinating. Oh, and a Norwegian male MC? Awesome.
A charming, healing love story.
Norwegian Cowboy Ben for the win!!
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