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Finding My Forever #2

A Little Bit Broken

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I have felt alone in this world for a long time, so when new friends come into my life, I’m always afraid to let them get too close. I don’t know if I can risk my heart breaking when those people inevitably leave me. But I’m overwhelmed too. Overwhelmed and so incredibly lonely.

Unfortunately, my past has a way of finding me and I’m going to need some help at the coffee shop I own. But it’s hard to find someone you can trust with only three applicants, one of which happens to be an ex-con. My prospects aren’t looking very good.

When help comes from an unlikely source, will Harley’s past come back to haunt him? Will he let the surprising new friendship he's found grow into something more, or will he let his rocky past hold him back on the things he needs most; friendship and love?

***A Little Bit Broken is the second book in the Finding My Forever series, but is a standalone novel. Each book in the series will feature a different couple, but the couples will show up throughout the series. It is over 106,000 words and a contemporary romance between two men with explicit language and graphic sex intended for Adults Only.***
***Please beware that there are situations of domestic abuse in this book that could be a trigger for some people.***

394 pages, Paperback

First published January 19, 2017

96 people are currently reading
209 people want to read

About the author

Michele Notaro

74 books927 followers
Michele is married to an awesome guy that puts up with her and all the burnt dinners she makes—hey, sometimes characters are a bit distracting, and who doesn’t plot when they’re supposed to be cooking? They live together in Baltimore, Maryland with two little monsters, a three-legged princess, a four-legged goofball, and a cutie with giant ears (aka their two kids, their two cats, and their dog). She hopes to rescue another cat soon, and if her hubby wouldn’t kill her, she’d get more than one… and maybe a few more dogs as well.

She loves creating worlds filled with lots of love, chosen family, and of course, magic, but she also likes making the characters fight for that happy ending. She hopes to one day write all the stories in her head—even if there are too many to count!

If you would like updates on my new books or to be notified when a new book is released, please join my mailing list:
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Feel free to contact me. I’d love to hear from you.

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5 stars
330 (42%)
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293 (38%)
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120 (15%)
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19 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
Profile Image for Janie.
873 reviews80 followers
February 7, 2017
3.5-4stars. I'm a little torn with this one. Some of it I loved and some of it I was so frustrated that I wanted to throw my phone. I absolutely adored Theo to bits. I wanted to reach into my phone and just hug him. Harley is where my frustration came in. I get that what he went through was awful and hard to get past. But Theo showed him NOTHING but love and support and did everything at his pace. He never pushed him. I guess I just wanted Harley to pull his head out of his ass a little sooner. Don't get me wrong, they're together for most of the book but with Harley holding Theo at arms length. I loved catching up with all of the other awesome characters in this series. I am so excited for Levi's book and I can't decide if I want Declan to be his H or not. I love this author's writing. Can't wait for more.
Profile Image for Mindy.
180 reviews
June 14, 2018
This was a fun read. I loved seeing Harley and Theo become friends first then lovers. I wish I could go to Harley's Coffee/Bakery. It makes me think of Friends for some reason.

description

This series is pretty great I'm looking forward to the next one.
Profile Image for Marthea.
991 reviews14 followers
October 4, 2021
Nie wiem kiedy, i czy w ogóle, sięgnęłabym po tę serię. Ale ten konkretny tom miał wątek, do którego mam słabość - czyli byłego więźnia i dodatkowo można go czytać samodzielnie. Zatem podczas maratonu z byłymi osadzonymi przeczytałam i to 😉

No i zaliczyłam wtopę - bo wątek był tylko na pokaz. Nie wnosił tak naprawdę niczego. Służył tylko do zawiązania historii (poznanie się MC), wytłumaczenia, czemu Theo zawsze musi być topem (na jednej stronie), klasycznego podejrzenia przez policję, że to on dokonał włamania, skoro miał wyrok i jeszcze jednej luźno opowiedzianej może na pół strony historii. Tak naprawdę, to równie dobrze mógł być sprzedawcą w hipermarkecie, hydraulikiem, dżokejem czy gwiazdą porno - nie robiłoby to żadnej różnicy 😜 Wątek byłego więźnia był po prostu wygodny i tyle. Do tego dobrze wyglądał w blurbie 😜 Byłam mocno zawiedziona, ale cóż - przecież wcale nie oznacza to, że książka musi być zła.

A jednak... była 😕 Nie sposób sprawić, żeby historia się podobała, skoro jeden z głównych bohaterów - Harley, irytował mnie do granic możliwości. W dodatku przez cały czas był tylko jeden POV - właśnie jego. I to zdecydowanie nie pomogło. Mogę się nie zgadzać z decyzjami czy zachowaniami bohaterów, ale mogę je rozumieć. Natomiast tutaj... ni w ząb nie szło tego zrobić 😕 Jego postępowanie, wypowiedzi, zachowanie były w większości po prostu głupie, irracjonalne, wkurzające, kretyńskie, dziecinne. Królowa dramatu w pełnej krasie, ale w tym wypadku niestety nie jest to określenie pozytywne. Nastrój mu się zmieniał jakby miał notorycznie okres albo klimakterium. Przez większość czasu płakał albo chciało mu się płakać. Momentami był zwyczajnie tępy i bezmyślny. Nie znosił okłamywać przyjaciół, a jednak non stop na wszystko odpowiadał "fine", I'm fine", "It's fine" 🥴 Przy każdym kolejnym "fine" - im było dalej, tym częściej musiałam szukać oczu, bo mi wypadały od przewracania 😜

Mieliśmy kiedyś kotkę, która jak się przygotowywała do ataku na zabawkę, naszą nogę czy cokolwiek innego, to przyczajała się za kablem od telefonu (stacjonarnego, czyli to było dawno) i myślała, że jej nie widać 😜 I dokładnie tak samo kłamał i ukrywał wszystko Harley - wszyscy naokoło widzieli, że nie jest "w porządku", ale jemu się wydawało, że robił dobrą robotę (choćby jak pod czapką bejsbolową ukrywał, że połowę twarzy ma opuchniętą i posiniaczoną, w dodatku ze szwami - i miał nadzieję, że większość osób nie zauważy, jak będzie trzymał głowę nisko). I najsmutniejsze jest chyba w tym wszystkim to, że był ofiarą przemocy domowej - zły związek, parszywy, kontrolujący, zaborczy, przemocowy ex - a ja po raz pierwszy w historii czytania książki z takim wątkiem jego reakcje widziałam w większości jako histeryczne, a nie autentyczne 🙁 Nie dogadaliśmy się zdecydowanie z Harleyem, nie dogadaliśmy się...

I jeszcze nicki, które autorka nadała bohaterom. Te czułe: Dimples (do faceta, naprawdę?), Butterscotch (też do faceta) i te, które były zdrobnieniami od imion: Har, Leb, Ry. Pewnie były też inne, ale już nie pamiętam. Przecież nie każde imię trzeba skracać do jednej sylaby... Dobrze, że nie dało się za bardzo nic już zrobić z Theo czy Levi 🤦‍♀️

Nie była to dobra przygoda - przynajmniej dla mnie. Bo jak widać po ocenach, jak zwykle trzeba samemu przeczytać i wyrobić sobie zdanie 😉
Profile Image for Paula´s  Brief Review.
1,160 reviews16 followers
August 29, 2021
La historia es agradable pero no da para tantas páginas teniendo en cuenta que la mayor parte de los secundarios ya los presentó en el libro anterior, por ello nos aburre con descripciones y más descripciones (hasta nos narra los turnos de los camareros XD!) y da vueltas y vueltas al mismo tema...lo leí rápido porque me salté al menos la mitad.... Por ello las dos estrellas.
Profile Image for SoCalBookReviews.
602 reviews20 followers
October 28, 2019
I ♡ This Series!!!

Omg. This book was soo good. Seriously one of my Absolute Favorite Series now. Pretty sure I could re-read these books over and over again.. I Loved reading Harley's Story!!! And I Cannot wait for the next book with Levi.
Profile Image for Emma.
906 reviews59 followers
July 23, 2017
I really had mixed feelings = 2.5

I liked Harley and Theo. The story itself was fine. I hated the nicknames. This author really has a thing for bad nicknames. I also don't like for secondary characters to take over in an attempt to set up for future books and I felt like this is what Levi and Declan did.

On the plus side the technical part of the writing improved with less repetition and editing errors. Or maybe I was too tired to notice. :)
Profile Image for Leaundra.
1,204 reviews47 followers
February 5, 2017
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars... I enjoyed this one. I really liked Theo. I hated what Harley had to go through but glad he finally realized how much he cared for Theo. I'm enjoying this series and can't wait until the next book.
Profile Image for Jenny Wood.
Author 26 books309 followers
February 7, 2017
Sigh, Harley….

Let me first just say that I adored the first book in this series and I knew, I just knew that Harley was going to have a heartbreaking story.

We got to know Harley last book, when Leb, Bryson and Levi’s mom tried to hook him up with Caleb. Unfortunately for him at the time, Caleb was already in love with someone else – Reese, remember him? Amazing, gorgeous, compassionate, patient, Reese… sigh…. Read their book, for him alone! You really should! ..But, even, still, Caleb made it a point to befriend him; as did Levi who’d actually hooked up with him before introductions were made that the family knew Harley… I love, love, love mom and dad Maher, the whole clan is just amazing and I love how big their hearts are; Harley needed them so badly, friends, honorary brothers to look out for him.
My heart hurts for Levi; I want to throat punch Declan for hurting him and I can't wait for the next book so he can get his happy.

In this one, it starts out with a very badly beaten Harley. It was obvious that he was hiding some kind of abuse, last book but he was pretty good at hiding it. Aside from his skittishness and shyness and his “almost” but not telling us what happened or anything at all from his background… he was really sweet. It did drive me crazy that he was so secretive, I mean; we didn’t get to know anything about him or where he came from or what he’d went through for ages. We finally get the story around 37%...Which really made me mad… sigh….

Theo is a friend of the family; recently out of prison for a “wrong place at the wrong time” kinda thing, Harley gives him a job at his coffee shop when most of his staff gets sick. Despite being gorgeous and all tatted up, he and Harley become really good friends. Theo is there for him when he really needed him to be, more than once. He’s the patient and understanding one in this story and I loved that because Harley was frustratingly stubborn and…..well, stupid, sometimes.. I hate saying that about him but jeeeez, so many times I wanted to shake him and be like “WHATS WRONG WITH YOU?” Still… Theo had his back, you could tell he cared about him so much slowly, little by little, he broke down Harley's walls.

The first break in, I knew immediately who done it, but the second one I was seriously wondering why nobody considered him from the beginning. I was surprised by WHO ELSE, was involved in it, but I shouldn't have been, I didn't imagine he'd go away as easily as he seemed to. Abusers don't leave until they're good and ready....My heart broke for Theo with the way he was treated after the first break in... I knew he didn't do it. I might even be a little bit in love with him. Fictional or not, he's pretty great!
I am glad that they got some karmatic justice and I'm glad that someone worked him over before he got sent to prison.... Bonus!

Overall, this is such an amazing series, I love it so much and I cannot wait for Levi <3
5 stars from me!

Profile Image for Ben Willis.
32 reviews6 followers
May 20, 2017
3.5 stars
I had a very hard time getting into the story line of this book. I'm not sure if it's me or not. The writing was good, but the plot seemed to miss opportunities. I felt disconnected. In my opinion, and experience, no man that just watched his abusive ex get hauled off by the police would I "feel blood rush to my cock." Again this is only my opinion, but he'd probably be scared to death. Just little things like that that got to me, but this could be because of my past. Other than that, the book was good, to me a little slow, but over a solid read. I will say, the trigger warnings were well executed, but I wish and again this isn't specific to this book but in general, that authors would list specifics. Not saying give the book away, but domestic abuse is a vague term. I wish more would state whether it was physical, emotional, mental, or sexual.... or all. But again, this is me and I'm learning that I might be in the minority here.
Profile Image for Bookreader87(Amanda).
1,167 reviews45 followers
March 17, 2017
I liked this one more than the first. Not saying the first was bad, just saying it seems like the author has developed more in her story telling. The books starts off with Harley being badly injured. Which we later find out was from his abusive on and off boyfriend of 6 years Rick the D**k. So you can only imagine how broken Harley is mentally. He's afraid to love and be loved. He always thinks everyone will leave him and he will be alone. Well due to his injuries he sustained from Rick he needs to hire a new barista to help around the chipped mug, the coffee shop he owns. With the recommendation from Reece he hires Theo, an ex con. He was hesitant at first but gives Theo a chance. We find out Theo was only arrested because he naively followed his friend into a house of his ex girlfriend. Needless to say he served time for the crime. Anyways, Harley is instantly attracted to Theo but does nothing about it because of the fact he's his employee. Theo is helpful of Harley around the workplace. He's a great worker with a positive attitude. Although, Harley tries to keep it professional with Theo he finds it difficult since they have the same circle of friends. Their relationship is taken to the next level when Harley calls Theo after being attacked by his ex Rick who somehow managed to have copies of Harley's keys. Rick wants Harley to come back home with him but Harley refuses. He escapes by locking himself in the bathroom and threatening to call the police. When Rick leaves he tries calling his friends, Theo being the only one to answer. Theo stays with Harley that night and finds out the truth about the abuse Harley has been put through. Theo stays by Harley's side and promises to keep him safe. Their relationship turns s3×ual and at first Harley has seconds thoughts about what he did with his employee but Theo is too hard to resist and they end up spending lots of time together. Harley continuously tries holding Theo at arms length too afraid of opening his heart to him in fear of being hurt. Theo is patient, understanding and caring, a all around good guy that Harley realizes he can't hold back from. When Harley finally gives himself over to Theo its slow but he is willing to take whatever it is they have and go with it. It takes Harley time to allow himself to open up and feel the love he has for Theo. Theo himself is broken from his past relationship and his time spent in prison and he shows and tells Harley that even though he's a little bit broken everyone else is too. Theo shows Harley he deserves love and he is going to stay by his side. It was a good story. I liked seeing Harley realizing he deserved to be happy and loved the right way.
On a side note you also, get more of the Mahers in this book and a little action with the 2 robberies of the chipped mug. It was entertaining and I look forward to the next. Bring on Levis story it is the one I've been waiting for!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for SophiaH.
592 reviews12 followers
March 20, 2021
*** 3.5 ***

A sweet romance about healing hearts and minds. Theo and Harley were rather suited for each other, though I had the feeling that the healing and compassion mostly was directed at Harley and that Theo often came short. What he went through in prison rarely came up and I felt as if there was hardly any development in his character other than the one time he cried and the one time he told Harley why some things just have to be this way.
I really liked the tender moments, the laughter and the friendship. I couldn't understand once more why they so often use ass, ass****, etc. as a form of soft reproach or endearment. If my friends after like that I would ask them if they had suddenly developed Torette Syndrom. Also, a employee acting as rude as RJ would/should have been fired long ago. Or Harley should have taken him to the side and reminded him who is boss and that he should keep his nasty comments to himself. The conclusion to Harley's whole problem was sadly a little anticlimactic. I thought that there would be a confrontation of some sorts but the arrest, etc. all happened off page.
Still I liked the chemisty, the love and the general feeling of the book. I'm also looking forward to Levi finally finding piece!
Profile Image for Mandy.
4,639 reviews46 followers
June 19, 2023
Harley has been alone in the world for a long time and so whenever new friends enter his life he prepares himself for when they leave again. However, it does mean he is very lonely. Needing more help at the coffee shop he needs to find someone he can trust. With just three applicants (one is an ex-con) it doesn't look good. As the most suitable he takes a chance on ex-con Theo who soon becomes a friend. When trouble from Harley's past returns and he gets some unexpected help will he let it hold him back from the friendship and love on offer?

I enjoyed this book with the tortured Harley, the unfortunate Theo who made a bad choice when he was younger and paid a price for it, and the vindictive ex-Rick who really needed to be taught a lesson. Theo just needed a massive hug as he did what he could for Harley and Harley needed care and comfort while also having a gentle shake to think a bit clearer. I loved the family that had adopted them both and wonder if there are any vacancies that I could fill. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

** Please note that this book includes descriptions of some domestic violence and it that is a trigger for you please skip reading this one.
Profile Image for Michele.
593 reviews2 followers
October 14, 2017
Harley is a successful business owner. He only wishes his personal life was as easy to manage as his coffee shop, the Chipped Mug. Unfortunately, the shop’s name perfectly describes Harley’s self esteem after ending his most recent relationship. He has a hard time believing that anyone will care enough to stick around long term once they see his baggage.

Theo has just been released after a year long prison stint for B&E. Not surprisingly, employers aren’t laying out the red carpet for this ex-con. Fortunately, his friend, Reese knows someone who might need a barista.

The second in the Finding my Forever romance series can be read as a stand-alone. Although it covers some sensitive topics, the characters are easy to like, even if they are all unbelievably attractive and nice.
1,062 reviews6 followers
April 27, 2018
A wonderful match

Broken and lonely, that's what Harley thinks he will always be.
But since he was included in the Maher family things have been better . And when his new hot barista Theo seems to be just as attracted to Harley as he is to him Harley wants to enjoy it as long as he can before it ends.
Both Harley and Theo are hurting from their past experiences, but if they can learn how to trust and lean on each other maybe they can make it together.

It was so good to revisit Reese and Caleb, the Maher family, Levi, Declan and all the friends and I'm going straight to Levis book after this.
Profile Image for Grace.
3,237 reviews209 followers
August 22, 2018
Okay, gave this series another chance, and DNF'd this one at ~10%

I just can't get beyond the random tense changing in the middle of sentences. You write in past or present, you don't get to do both in the same scene. It also felt like the author was being unnecessarily cagey about Harley's bruises etc. which I think was supposed to draw me in with curiosity, but mostly just made me frustrated. And honestly, I find the background family (Levi etc.) to be really weird in a 'who the fuck is actually like his?' kind of way. I actually think I could have like the general plot and MCs in this one, but the poor writing threw me right out of the story.
Profile Image for Lorraine.
955 reviews11 followers
February 5, 2017
Harley and Theo are both damaged individuals. Lonely, hurt by life they are struggling to keep things together.
Harley is trying to run his dream coffee shop and Theo is trying to get his life back after time in jail.
What they have in common is the love and care if the Maher family (who featured in the first book) and the fact that they are both lovely men.
The gradual building of friendship and trust in this story is great, yes there were some angst ridden bits, but it was part of the story and didn't feel over the top. A definite re-read that made me smile and brought tears to my eyes.
Profile Image for Ellen.
780 reviews
March 6, 2019
3.5 rounded up to 4

I'm reading these books out of order (I didn't read the first one), but thankfully it seems to be okay.

Harley has been abused, but wants to start fresh. Theo has made huge mistakes in his life, and also wants to start fresh. Theo has only ever been kind a supportive of Harley, but Harley is very skittish and untrusting. Basically the whole book is Harley trying to come to terms with his feelings (nothing new, really).

I enjoyed the story and will more than likely read the next one, but it didn't knock my socks off.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
53 reviews2 followers
October 14, 2022
3.5, rounded up for a good story.

Review: Adorable storyline - I love this whole series and many of this author's books, but the typos are out of control! If I see 'the Maher's' one more time I'm going to throw my laptop. I'm not the grammar police, but it happens dozens of times.

I do like Harley's background and character, and seeing him open up is worth powering through the errors.

Later works have superior editing, if this bothers other readers as it does me. Check out her newest series with Cosmo and Madeo.
Profile Image for Carol Dawn.
Author 40 books344 followers
March 22, 2018
I love this series. I'm jumping right into book 3 as soon as I'm done here. And I'm very excited about it so this review will be very short.

I love this whole story. Just the right amount of angst, I love how sweet these men are. And the whole family is just perfect.

I really only have one complaint, I wish these books were in pov of both MCs. I would have loved to have read every other chapter from Theos pov.
Profile Image for Dee Winston.
550 reviews
February 15, 2017
Good book

Harley was a man hiding something. He had friends around and didn't know how to handle it. Theo a guy just getting out of prison needs someone to give him a chance. They both take a chance on each other and find happiness. It's not easy but when you love someone you don't give up on them.
Profile Image for Leci Forde.
376 reviews
May 10, 2019
Enjoying this series!

Harley broke my heart over and over again but he and Theo ultimately put it back together again. Harley was physically abused by his Ex and was an emotional wreck. Theo was an ex con but was the sweetest guy. He was everything Harley needed. This book can definitely be read as a stand-alone but is much better if read in the series order!
Profile Image for Kendra T.
2,969 reviews38 followers
January 19, 2025
I just wanted to bundle Harley up in hugs throughout the book. Fortunately he had Theo to do that for him. I loved Theo, also. He was able to get back on his feet after prison due to the generosity of Harley and his coffee shop. Best of all, though, he and Harley had a great relationship. I loved reading about them and their other found family.
Profile Image for K.M. Neuhold.
Author 98 books3,201 followers
January 22, 2017
Amazing

Another amazing book by Notaro. I fell absolutely in love with Harley and Theo's beautiful vulnerability and their journey to trust and love each other. Absolutely perfect. Can't wait for Levi's story!
2 reviews
November 30, 2017
It's good!

I like this series. The characters are fun, they all have their own little personalities. I like that each one of these books can be a stand alone story.
It is definitely a cheesy, super sweet, romance.
562 reviews12 followers
July 28, 2017
Great sequel

I truly liked this story. The protagonists are wonderfully written and developed. Harley's insecurity was a bit troubling but understandable. I enjoy the family dynamics and their openness. Great job.
258 reviews
November 19, 2017
Wow Theo and Harley just loved them. Loved this book more than first, although the first was great also. I loved how this story explored second chances and what you do with it, even when the world wants to keep you down. This was a great continuation of the series.
Profile Image for Ayla.
618 reviews
January 29, 2018
Great read! I loved Harley and Theo. It was nice to get to know Harley in this book after meeting him in book 1. He is so sweet and kind! Of course I love all of the secondary characters! Cannot wait to read the next book :)
673 reviews
May 9, 2018
Very very good

I love that there are trigger warnings attached to this book, just in case, because whether we care to admit it or not, domestic violence happens to everyone! Harley, although very afraid was SO brave! And loving Theo healed him. Can't wait to read what comes next!
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