Synopsis

Perfect for fans of Katherine Center, The Broken Heart Playlist is a single-parent, slow-burn, emotional romance.

Kate Miller is an extraordinary food stylist. She employs a whole host of tricks to make food look deliciously perfect, from painting grill lines on a steak to using mashed potatoes for an ice cream shoot.

But Kate is also living an extraordinary lie. The survivor of a brutal marriage, she’s stylized her life to present a perfect facade, hiding her brokenness and loneliness from everyone around her. The only love in her life? Her eight-year-old daughter. There’s no room for anyone else.

Until a handsome stranger with his own set of tricks moves onto her street. Suddenly, Gideon Walker and his therapy dog are everywhere, charming her family, winning over her daughter, and taking an unwelcome interest in her life.

The man who seems to know too much about her has invaded her small town. Against all odds, he also seems intent on breaking down her walls and invading her heart.

But Gideon is not without his own secrets. And if Kate gives in to their undeniable attraction, the truth could bring them together or tear them apart forever.

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Review

I really enjoyed this new romance by this author. While it is the second in a series, it doesn’t have to be read in order, but it helps since there are references to the first book (Phishing for Love). It might make a little more sense to understand the backstory for Tess and Aaron since they play a big role in this book as Kate’s sister and brother-in-law.

Kate was hurt badly in her previous marriage, so much so that she doesn’t trust herself or anyone else. In fact, she is living in seclusion, which is never good for anyone. She does have a lovely daughter who doesn’t let her hide away, at least not too much. Gideon moves in across the street with his greyhound, Uno. I’m a sucker for dogs, so I knew he had to be a good guy since he has a reading dog!

What I enjoyed the most about this book is that Kate and Gideon do not rush into anything. This is primarily due to Kate refusing to get involved with men. I think a solid relationship is built on trust and friendship first, then delve into the romantic side. It takes some time for Kate to trust Gideon, even a little bit. It doesn’t hurt that Tess and Aaron are rooting for this couple to eventually connect. Even Grandma has some wise words for Kate throughout the story.

Kate has some tough moments regarding her daughter, and I believe some of those moments, along with Gideon’s strength, help her realize that there is more to life than living in the shadows.

Before you think Gideon is perfect, he is hiding a secret from Kate. When the truth comes out, will she let it define her relationship or will she accept it and move forward? Read the book to find out.

Besides the relationship and romance, this book has many funny scenes that had me laughing out loud. We give this book five paws up.

About the Author

Lara Martin writes books about imperfect people living messy lives, falling in love and getting their perfect happily-ever-after. She’s lived in South Africa and Australia and now calls a cozy village in England her home. She’s tried a variety of amazing and awful jobs: video game reviewer, graphic designer, insurance claims agent (she has no idea how she landed this one), proof reader, feature writer, and magazine editor. She lives with her husband (always the first reader of her novels), two slightly terrifying teenagers, and the requisite psychotic cat. When she’s not writing, she can be found haunting local coffee shops.

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