OVERALL

6.5/10

VERDICT

Once Upon a Broken Heart is a fast-paced and straightforward book with a classic fairy tale feel that knows exactly what it wants to be. The writing lacks subtlety at times but, overall, delivers the intended themes fairly well.

WHAT’S IT ABOUT, ANYWAY?

Evangeline Fox is heartbroken because the man she thought was her one true love is set to marry someone else. Desperate, she makes a deal with an immortal – Jacks – to stop the wedding. In return, she agrees to give three kisses to whomever and whenever this immortal wants. But Evangeline soon learns that this deal she makes is not as simple as it seems.

I did say this book is straightforward, didn’t I?

WHAT’S GOOD

Honestly, Evangeline is likable, or at least she’s tolerable. I’m aware that Evangeline’s type of character doesn’t really conform to today’s ideal image of the “strong female lead”, but I don’t believe this book ever intends for its female protagonist to take the route to become a fearless girl-boss. Evangeline Fox’ only wish is to be loved, be it family love or romantic love; and that’s what her story is about.

There is quite a number of reviews that call Evangeline out on trusting her stepsister too much, so in Evangeline’s defence: it’s been established throughout the book that ever since she lost her parents, she craves family affection. So I believe it’s understandable that Evangeline WANTS to trust Marisol despite and ignores all the warning signs.

Evangeline is also fairly active. Just because what she wants doesn’t involve running her own business or breaking down patriarchy doesn’t necessarily mean she’s weak.

The descriptions of places and clothing in this book are rich and keep you submerged in this magical world. Well, both submerged and hungry:

“She wore a candied apricot dress with a sugary cream underskirt and a thick pearl belt.” – About Marisol

The little details added such as potion recipes and scandal newspapers are also a nice touch.

Jacks and Evangeline’s interactions — interesting. No, not the excessive discussions about kissing, but the fact that we get to go along on the ride with Evangeline and figure out what kind of person Jacks really is.

WHAT’S… HUH?

So… erm… not sure why we need the vampire chapters except so Jacks and Evangeline can talk more about the difference between kissing and biting (or whatever it is).

Also, Evangeline trusting vampire-Luc is definitely an eye-rolling moment.

However, something in these chapters does stand out:

“No matter what I tell you about vampires, you’re going to be intrigued instead of horrified. Your kind always wants to be bitten or changed.” – Jacks

I’m not sure if this is an intentional jab at Bella Swan or not, but good job for calling that out, Stephanie Garber.

The truth serum in the end is way too easy to make. A potion that can make people reveal their secrets and practically confess to murder requires ingredients that can be found in one night and be made by a girl who’s never made any potions before. Though, on the other hand, Evangeline’s solutions to those weird, inaccessible ingredients are pretty hilarious.

Sometimes, the “I want happily ever after” theme does get a little repetitive. Evangeline says and thinks that at least once every chapter, and… yes, we’ve got the point already, girl.

OTHER NOTES

From the way the story is going, it seems that Evangeline and Jacks are set up to be endgame or at least to have some kind of grand adventure together, but regarding the relationship of this book, I personally prefer Evangeline and Prince Apollo’s plotline (minus the chest oiling part, of course), because cursed-Apollo is the exact opposite of normal-Apollo, so there’s a lot to look forward to in terms of how their relationship will unfold.

BOTTOM LINE

Unless you absolutely can’t stand characters who are hardcore about fairy-tale things like happily ever after, give this book a go.