Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Beautifully Broken

Rate this book
One thing I know—the past doesn’t stay buried forever.

I didn’t plan to fall in love with River, but I couldn’t resist her strength and determination to survive no matter what.

She’s feisty and sharp—everything I never knew I needed.

When I found her, scared and abused, I realized I would do anything to protect her. We’re from completely different worlds, but that didn’t stop me from giving her my heart.

Loving her gave me peace from the pain and secrets that hide inside me.

But someone took her from me, and I’ll tear the world apart until I find her. Everything I thought was true is a lie. Deceit and betrayal lurk around every corner, and I no longer trust the people who raised me.

Now I’m searching for the love of my life while gut-wrenching memories unfold, and I realize in order to save her, I have to crawl into the pit of hell and face the darkness.

Follow Holden as he uncovers his buried past that nearly breaks him as he searches for River. Beautifully Broken is book two in the Beautifully Damaged series and a billionaire, opposite side of the tracks, dark new adult novel that will leave you breathless and on the edge of your seat with revelations and twists you’ll never see coming.

**Please be advised this series contains dark and mature content some will find triggering.

Kindle Edition

First published February 23, 2022

255 people are currently reading
188 people want to read

About the author

J.A. Owenby

45 books837 followers
International bestselling author J.A. Owenby grew up in a small backwoods town in Arkansas, where she learned how to swear like a sailor and spot water moccasins skimming across the lake.
She finally ditched the south and headed to Oregon. The first winter there, she was literally blown away a few times by ninety-mile-an-hour winds and storms that rolled in off the ocean.

Eventually, she longed for quiet and headed up to snowier pastures. She now resides in Washington state with her hot nerdy husband and cat, Chloe (who frequently encourages her to drink). She spends her days coming up with ways to torture characters in a way that either makes you want to throw your book down a flight of stairs or sob hysterically into a pillow.

J.A. Owenby writes new adult and romantic thriller novels. Her books ooze with emotion, angst, and twists that will leave you breathless. Having battled her own demons, she’s not afraid to tackle the secrets women are forced to hide. After all, the road to love is paved in the dark.

Her friends describe her as delightfully twisted. She loves fan mail and wine. Please send her all the wine.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
191 (53%)
4 stars
99 (27%)
3 stars
50 (14%)
2 stars
9 (2%)
1 star
6 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
Profile Image for Shabby  -BookBistroBlog.
1,778 reviews943 followers
February 14, 2022
Whiplash inducing thriller that keeps getting better with every page. Owenby keeps readers on tenterhooks throughout this book, which is basically the aftermath of events that had the readers dropping their jaws at the end of book 1 Beautifully Damaged
There's things happening at warp speed,skeletons...UGLY SKELETONS tumbling out of shut tight closets and boy, do some heinous crimes get unearthed!!
Very taut narration, very tight plot, very skilled storytelling
But Wait!! There's more
What's damaged may be broken but it still can be shattered
4.5 stars for bitten nails and tense guts
Follow me on:
Email🌻 Bookbub 🌻 Twitter🌻 Instagram🌻 Blog🌻 Facebook🌻 Amazon 🌻
Profile Image for Vicki.
411 reviews23 followers
January 19, 2022
Holy hell just when you think the emotional onslaught couldn't get any worse, you read book 2.

It's taken me a while to write this review purely because of the brilliance within this installment....

I'll first point out that this book is from Holden's POV while he tries to find River and uncover the truth about a lot of things within his world.

This installment teaches you about the world Holden and his friends grew up in, with a number of twists you just could not see happening until they happen....

My emotions are suffering from whiplash, my jaw is aching from dropping to the floor so many times and my heart is breaking for Holden and his friends.

Cameos abound in this gut wrenching, emotional, intriguing, mysterious story which will leave you beautifully broken (pun intended) and gasping for more...especially with the cliff hanger...

Yeah I cannot even begin to bring into words the thoughts on that one...

Set your time aside or an alarm to stop reading and I can promise in this epic book you will not want to put it down...
Profile Image for Deborah Peach.
623 reviews23 followers
March 2, 2022
Oh my freaking God!!! I cannot believe what I just read! JA Owenby grabbed me by my throat on page one and ripped out my heart by the last word. I was ready to scream at a few points while reading and I definitely cried my eyes out. The depth of the emotions I felt when reading Beautifully Broken just about destroyed me. The anguish, anger and frustration that poor Holden is going through just pulled me right into the story, reliving his short time with River while he searches relentlessly for her. I swear I felt every single emotion that he did and I wanted to join him in his righteous fight to get to River. This poor young couple has been put through the ringer and you will be too when you pick up this book. I don't want to give away even a single word. The plot has so many twists and turns that it will knock you for a loop. You have got to read this. Beautifully Damaged was a knock out start to this series, Beautifully Broken continues it and leaves you hanging onto the edge of your seat waiting for Beautifully Shattered. JA Owenby absolutely did not disappoint me. Loved this story so hard and I'm so glad it's not a long wait for the conclusion.
301 reviews6 followers
February 23, 2022
Definitely couldn't put it down!!

The steamyness continues in book two, but takes a small step back while the intensity and unexpected twists ratchet up several notches. So many times I didn't want to stop reading, I just had to find out what happens next. I found myself forced to slow down so I didn't miss anything.

Book two is from Holden's POV which gives you a whole new side to the story. His love for River is palatable. All the new twists are intense and unexpected. I know they all link somehow, but I just can't put my finger on it. I am (not so) patiently waiting on the edge of my seat for book three.

Holden and River are unforgetable and have definitely snuck into my heart.
Profile Image for Jenna  Price.
1,088 reviews
February 22, 2022
The sheer brilliance within this installment is just out of this world amazing! This installment teaches you about the world Holden and his friends grew up in, with a number of twists you just could not see happening until they happen.

Absolutely loved reading this story in Holden’s POV. It gave me a better look into his life and his feelings. I also loved how much of a view we got into the friendships Holden has with Brynn, Jace & Chance. Just when I thought I had things figured out or they were getting to the bottom of something or close to finding a solution the story would do a complete flip and I was trying to read as fast as possible to find out what would happen next.

In so much need for book #3!
Profile Image for Misty Romero.
158 reviews
February 24, 2022
Omg

This book is so good that I didn't put it down until the end . It's a dark romance but it keeps u pulled in ,u go threw all the emotions in this book I laughed,cried, was pissed off and happy .
Profile Image for S.B. Alexander.
Author 42 books1,006 followers
January 28, 2022
Five heart-wrenching stars. Beautifully written, J.A. Owenby takes you on another nail biting, heart racing wild ride as Holden searches for the love of his life.
Profile Image for Hollie.
765 reviews33 followers
June 19, 2023
I have no words. Once I started reading I could not stop, I finished at 4am and I was absolutely speechless. J.A. Owenby has once again pulled me in and taken me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions- not even kidding - Every single emotion, I felt it while reading this book. I loved this book just as much as the first one. I loved that we got to read this story in Holden’s POV, I feel like it gave us a better look into his life and his feelings. I also loved how much of a view we got into the friendships Holden has with Brynn, Jace & Chance. Just when I thought I had things figured out or they were getting to the bottom of something or close to a solution the story would do a complete flip and I was trying to read as fast as possible to find out what would happen next. If I could rate this book more than five stars I would. Already counting down the days for book three!!
Profile Image for Lori.
238 reviews45 followers
October 9, 2022
5 Heart racing stars!!

Told from Holden’s POV. Once the action starts it doesn’t let up. You feel everything the characters do. The author does a great job of bringing you into the story.

It’s powerful, gritty, heart wrenching. Really shows what family is.

Can’t wait to see who this is wrapped up in book 3.
Profile Image for One Loves Reading .
1,156 reviews28 followers
February 23, 2022
We continue from Beautifully Damage. I really recommend you read that one first before you start this one. Holden & River's love story is beautiful and Beautifully Damage is the start of it.

Now Holden has a surpise for River in his pocket and he is excited to start a new chapter with her. However at the other end of town River is taken...and she has a surpise for him too...no spoilers

This book will keep you on your toes and you will NOT be bored. I love that we go down the psychological way. Because the clue to find River is hidden in his past memories as a boy....no spoilers

"one thing I know – the past doesn't stay buried forever."

I can not wait for Beautifully Shattered !! The cliffhanger killed me!

☆MUST READ & FAV☆
The world is getting my gritty, dark and my secrets that even River doesn't know about his life...no spoilers

🖤 FREE on Kindle Unlimited
◇Beautifully Damaged
◆Beautifully Broken
◇Beautifully Shattered
Profile Image for Sarah~Book Obsession Confessions .
1,206 reviews85 followers
February 24, 2022
The first book in this series left us on a big cliffhanger. This book picks up right where we were left hanging.

Holden is frantically searching and in his search he is digging up some shocking secrets and uncovering some very twisted and unexpected things.

Holden and River have an intense connection. And life has been difficult. It makes for an emotional story and a couple that’s easy to root for.

It’s hard not to spoil major plot points.

It’s an intense story, there is intriguing suspense and wonderful, white knuckle tension.
The secondary characters are important and add a lot to the story.

There’s thriller aspects and lots of mystery.
Plenty of surprising twists to keep your jaw dropping.

Hold on to your seats! It’s a bumpy and twisted ride…. And it ends with another big cliffhanger!
I think there’s plenty more to be revealed in the next book.
Profile Image for  •Cici• Theory of A Dreamer Book Blog♥.
3,186 reviews148 followers
February 23, 2022
As soon as i reached the end of Beautifully Damaged i instantly started looking forward to more! I couldn't wait to get back into the Beautifully Damaged world. I picked up this second installment as soon as i could and got right back into this story. I so enjoyed this second book!

This second book in River and Holden's journey pulled me back in! I wasn't sure what all was going to happen next in this story which got me into it even more. Once again, i felt so much throughout!

It kept me on my toes from beginning to end! I loved getting to dig deeper as well!

With Beautifully Broken, Ms.Owenby has created such a good and dark continuation that will grab your attention from the get go! I am so looking forward to the third installment, Beautifully Shattered!


*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Grey's Promotions / the author*
7 reviews
February 15, 2022
As I attempt to write this review, just know there are no words that could ever describe this book. Okay, so lets start with this is in Holden's point of view. Now there are not many female author's who can successfully write a full length novel in the male character's point of view and hold my interest, but not only does Owenby do just that, she also made me fall more in love with Holden's character. We get to see not only the softer side to Holden, but a bit of his darkness as well. His character has just the right mix in my opinion! Owenby always decides to throw in more than a few twist which will leave you on the edge of your seat and gutted not knowing how it will all turn out. This is one book you won't be able to put down once you start!
Profile Image for Nickie Sale.
813 reviews5 followers
February 15, 2022
Holy H**l as if the first book in this series didn't grab a hold of you and shake you up, I can assure you this one will. We pick up River and Holdens story where the first book ended, with River being kidnapped. This is Holdens story, our billionaire who has fallen head over heels in love with River. now, he will stop at nothing to find her. Told from Holden's POV, we travel his journey in his quest to find River, but its not as simple or clear cut as you think. Holden finds himself having to re-visit his past as he fights with nightmares of his past he cannot remember and questions how this could be linked to River's kidnapping. This book builds up to an expolsive climax and cliffhanger which leaves you needing book 3 in this series yesterday.
Profile Image for Mindy Lopez.
1,995 reviews11 followers
February 23, 2022
This is Book 2 in the Beautifully Damaged Series by this author. It is the next installment to the dark, heartfelt romance between Holden and River. These flawed characters and the unique plot continue to make for an intriguing read. This emotional rollercoaster, told from Holden's perspective, is filled with drama, mystery, suspense, steam, frustrating moments, unexpected twists, and passion, plus appealing secondary characters to keep the reader interested. Holden and River have a sizzling chemistry, a connection so intense that you can almost hear the sparking in the air. An engaging page turner that ends in a cliffhanger.

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Grey's Promotions and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
1,193 reviews3 followers
February 23, 2022
This is book two of the Beautifully Damaged Series and yes, you must read book one, but you definitely will not be disappointed. Book one was mostly about the sad, dangerous, insecure life of River before she met Holden. It then continues with the relationship between these two. Book two we see Holden on his own desperately trying to find River. His friends, Jace, Chance, and Brynn, seemingly stand behind him. So many secrets are out with many more to come, I’m sure. Just when you think you have one problem solved, more are presented. This is absolutely one of the best series I have read in some time. Great read!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
10.5k reviews43 followers
February 23, 2022
Get ready for the roller-coaster ride to continue

Beautifully Broken is the second book in the Beautifully Damaged series. This book continues the story of Holden and River and picks up from the cliffhanger ending in Beautifully Damaged. As with that book this one is well written and kept me entranced while reading. I found my emotions going on a roller-coaster ride with the intensity, obstacles, laughs, twists, turns, angst, family, friends, secrets and more that are all woven into a wonderful story.

I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
Profile Image for Shawna Jimenez more.books.forever.
1,852 reviews84 followers
February 21, 2022
I mean JFC I though the first book was an emotional roller coaster ride of epic portions but no our amazing author decided to tell everything hold my MFKN beer because I am about to rip your whole heart out and stomp on it. Holden is completely beside himself while he searches for River and is trying to find out exact what the F is going on. This author did a brilliant job of keeping you guessing the entire time and still by the end of the book you are left with your jaw on the floor and cursing her name. This is one of those book that you cannot put down because you are afraid that you will miss something and then you get to that jaw dropper cliffy LIKE WTF!!! I have no words. I need the next book like yesterday!
Profile Image for Krista.
1,193 reviews6 followers
February 22, 2022
Book 2 picks up right where book 1 left off, so you need to read the first book before diving into this one. Beautifully Broken is told through Holden's POV. While looking for River, nightmares have returned that just might hold the key to where River is. His nightmares tell a chilling story of what he might have witnessed as a young boy. And Brynn? No one catches a break in this book! The story ends on a total cliffhanger, so I need the next book STAT!!! I have my thoughts on who is behind taking River so I can't wait to read the next book to see if I'm right.
Profile Image for Jenifer Stonesifer.
10 reviews
February 23, 2022
So many cliffhangers! I couldn’t put this book down….just when you think something twisted can’t possible happen again here comes that turn! I fell more in love with Holden, Chance, Jace and Brynn! The fact that their lives are crumbling at their feet and they continue to be there for each other like they are just melts my heart. I can not wait for book 3 to come out so i can get the answers to all these questions!
7 reviews
February 24, 2022
Wow! Can I have more then 5 stars please??? Ok so to be honest I’m at a loss for words! She did it again!! This book in Holdens POV is absolutely amazing, we not only see more on is love for River but we learn more about Holden and his past! I’m loving how she able to bring in past characters from previous books and tie them together! Can’t wait for book three!!
Profile Image for Tamera.
16 reviews
February 9, 2022
OMG!!! Where do I even start?!

I absolutely LOVED that this book was told from Holden's POV. We get to see where he's at mentally and how much he's struggling to hold it together after the events in the previous book. Life throws Holden and the people he has chosen as his family a major curveball when one of it's members falls ill and ends up in the hospital. We see the love that he has for not only River, but also his chosen family and the lengths he'll go to in order to protect and care for them. Holden also learns more about his family's dark past and their secrets which he hopes will help him and his chosen family bring River home to him where she belongs. This book definitely pulls your heartstrings and threatens to rip it right out of your chest.
I'm ready for the next installment and what I hope will be a happy ending for this family-they sure do deserve it after all they've already gone through.
Profile Image for Michelle The Outgoing Bookworm .
1,196 reviews18 followers
February 21, 2022
How to describe a book that gutted me?

I can’t say too much because the plot is that secretive that even some hints would destroy the experience one would find when reading it.

Told from Holden’s POV as he looks for River. Secrets and lies are uncovered as the word he grew up in comes to light. And that light reveals one twisted and emotional rollercoaster world.

Be prepared for one hell of a cliffhanger.

* I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.


10 reviews
February 6, 2022
The angst continues in the second book. I could not put it down. Holden is discovering many secrets, his friends are his salvation and his heartbreak, while River is still missing. Holden will do anything to find his true love, including losing himself. I cannot wait for the conclusion!!
49 reviews
February 13, 2022
I am speechless. I just finished Beautifully Broken the second book in Author, J.A. Owenbys series. The book leaves you on the edge of your senses at every turn. Holden and River and their friends adventures through life continues as Holden seeks the truth about his life and the lives of all those around him. This series hits all the emotions one can have. I am looking forward to the third and final book in this Beautifully written series.
Profile Image for Cynthia.
2,291 reviews9 followers
February 21, 2022
I spent the whole time read in complete suspense. I kept hoping that River would be found, and they could celebrate and plan their revenge. But alas we must wait until book 3. I am also completely heartbroken about Brynn. So much happened in book 2 that has kept me on my toes, desperate for answers, and eagerly awaiting book 3.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
25 reviews
February 6, 2022
Omg this book!!! Book 2 is told from Holdens POV and omg the feels! Every page you feel everything he is going through! I could not put the book down! It was truly amazing!
Profile Image for T.
1,927 reviews
February 6, 2022
Holy Hades!! That was intense, gut wrenching, and completely insane!!
And what a freaking ending!!
Profile Image for Karen_Lee_Reads.
1,229 reviews44 followers
February 23, 2022
Beautifully Broken
(Beautifully Damaged Series #2)
Written by: J.A. Owenby

I had high expectations for book 2, Beautifully Broken and I was not let down once!

J.A. Owenby gave readers a book packed with secrets; lies, twists, turns and the suspense building by the page! Add in that a character in book one returns and readers will be shocked who it is and why they are involved again.

River is missing and no one is sure who took her, but it seems as time passes it might not be the prime suspects at all. If not them who? Hayden is under such stress that he starts having nightmares, the question is are they nightmares or are they memories?

Add to this Hayden’s business has been attacked and Brynn has a health crisis, which brings the four friends closer than they already are.

Beautifully Broken is told from Holden’s POV and that man, he has ghosts he has been fighting without even realizing it! His constant love and concern for River keeps him fighting to find her and bring her home.

Author J.A. Owenby has done it yet again and I am waiting on tenterhooks for book 3 to arrive. All my fingers are crossed that Hayden, Chance, Jace and the gang from Westbrook Security will find River and rescue her.

Author's notes: Due to dark and mature content, graphic sex scenes and sensitive topics, please consider this your trigger warning. The Beautifully Damaged series is recommended for readers 17+
13 reviews
February 11, 2022

Sooooo!!! Where to begin? Holden and the gang are just incredible. This book was intense in a whole different way. The twists and turns you just don't see coming I was on edge constantly. I think I've felt every emotion possible. J.A Owenby had me feeling like I was a character in every page. The cliffhanger queen  strikes again and I'm not ashamed to say I'd beg for more. Cannot wait for the next part of this story.. BRING RIVER HOME!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.