Once Upon a Broken Heart

Oh my goodness!!! Why did I wait so long to read this!! I loved powerless and booktok said I would love this one but I doubted them!!

⤿ Reading period: July 13 - July 16, 2025⤿ Rating: ★★★★☆.25look at them. OMGOnce Upon a Broken Heart weaves a mesmerizing narrative steeped in enchantment, sorrow, and destiny. At the heart of this tale is Evangeline Fox, a fervent romantic who, in a moment of desperation, strikes a perilous bargain with the alluring yet treacherous Prince of Hearts, Jacks. Her aim is to prevent the man she adores from entering into a union with another, a choice that catapults her into a dazzling realm filled with cursed sorcery, shifting allegiances, and enigmatic folklore, where appearances can be deceiving. The storyline artfully intertwines the whimsical elements of fairy tales with the darker undertones of fantasy, gradually revealing layers of secrets and betrayal. The narrative unfolds at a pace that is both playful and suspenseful, with unexpected turns that compel readers to constantly reassess the intentions of each character. Ultimately, this is a tale that explores love in its many forms—not solely the romantic kind, but also the deep-seated affection we nurture for the notion of a fairy tale conclusion, and the turmoil that ensues when the harsh truths of reality threaten to dismantle that dream.➵“I don’t know if I can fix your broken heart, but you can take mine because it’s already yours.”➵❝For anyone who has ever made a bad decision because of a broken heart.❞Evangeline emerges as an endearing heroine, embodying a blend of curiosity, courage, and beautifully imperfect qualities that make her relatable. Initially, she is a young woman who clings to the notion of happy endings with unwavering faith. However, as the narrative unfolds, her character undergoes a profound transformation that is both gradual and deeply satisfying. While she learns to navigate the complexities of life with increased caution, she never relinquishes the glimmer of hope that is so integral to her essence. Her emotional journey resonates with readers, particularly as she grapples with the intricate themes of trust and betrayal, making her struggles feel all the more poignant and authentic.➵❝You might not like me, but I bet you’d like it if I kissed you.❞AHHHHHHH THIS MANNNN➵ “I'm curious about a lot of things. I'm curious about you, but I don't want you to bite me!"The corner of Jacks's mouth twitched. "I've already done that, Little Fox.”In stark contrast, Jacks captivates the audience with his magnetic presence. As the enigmatic Fate, he embodies a morally ambiguous character marked by a tragic history and a devilish smile that hints at danger. His relationship with Evangeline crackles with an electric tension, characterized by a slow-burn chemistry that is rich with unspoken secrets and moments of vulnerability. Jacks defies the archetype of a conventional love interest; he is unpredictable and at times harsh, yet his humanity shines through in his quieter, more introspective moments. This complexity not only makes him a compelling figure but also enhances the depth of their connection, leaving readers enthralled by the intricate dance of attraction and conflict that defines their interactions.➵'I like you right now. I like you a lot.''In fact, I can't think of anything I like more.”Stephanie Garber's prose captivates the reader with its enchanting quality, weaving a tapestry of words that is both lyrical and vivid. Each sentence sparkles with a touch of magic, reminiscent of sugar dusted over a delicate confection, while the imagery is rich and imaginative, evoking a whimsical realm that harkens back to classic fairytales, yet is imbued with a tantalizing darkness. Garber masterfully intertwines emotional resonance with elements of humor and suspense, crafting narratives that are not merely stories but immersive experiences. She conjures a fantastical world that pulses with life, filled with both wonder and peril, inviting readers to lose themselves in a realm where every corner holds the promise of adventure and intrigue.────୨ৎ────⤷ Thank you for reaching to this point here and I’m really glad and thankful for you, love you ⟡.

Amo, amo, amo❤

Literally couldn't put this book down. I gotta start the next book asap!

OH.MY.GODDare i say it’s better than Caraval?The characters, the world building, the magic, the vibes… everything was amazing!! ( especially tella wasn’t there … much )But oh god how I enjoyed it so much!! Evangeline is so cute and delicate but naive and hopelessly romantic but i still love herJacks on the other hand was… a lot?I don’t know how to describe him but he was a bit of everything i don’t know what i should feel about him, but I assure you i love himI have some theories about what Jacks is looking for and about Evangeline prophecy ig, a lot is happening and a little has been revealed so i’m super excited to start the next book

I love evangeline and jacks!!!

"I believe there are far more possibilities than happily ever after or tragedy. Every story has the potential for infinite endings."  This review contains some major spoilers about some character development. I've marked where to stop reading if you wanna avoid those... Before I'd picked up Once Upon A Broken Heart, I'd heard a lot of really good things about the book through bookstagram and booktok. Now that I've read the book I can also agree that this is a really good book! I enjoyed reading about the different nations and getting to know Evangeline as a character. It was also nice to see some recurring characters from the author's previous series, Caraval. Evangeline likes to believe that life is like a fairytale. She believes in love at first sight, all the stories and myths her mother had told her about the North and other Oddities. I think it's safe to say that Evangeline has a very naive view of the world and how it should work. However, all this changes once she meets Jacks.Jacks. What can I say about Jacks. I honestly LOVED his character. He's everything a good YA villain should be. He's witty, self-deprecating at times but has an inflated ego that's big enough to fill any room and acts like he doesn't have a care in the world. I personally think he might be a cinnamon roll who's just deflecting all his emotions cause to me it's very obvious that Jacks cares. Maybe too much? Anyway, Jacks was my favourite character and I can't wait to read more about him in the next book! [THIS IS WHERE THE SPOILERS HAPPEN. STOP READING NOW IF YOU DON'T WANT THE SPOILERS. THIS IS YOUR LAST WARNING.] --- With the other characters in this book, all I can say is UGH. Firstly, Marisol and Luc. They. Are. AWFUL! Honestly, they deserve each other. I get that Luc was in his right mind but I still didn't like his character. And Marisol. I KNEW there was something off about her. Yes, I guess you could say she's just a product of her mother's abuse but her character just rubs me up the wrong way. And then there's Apollo. I just feel bad for him. He didn't ask for anything that happened to him during this book but he drew the short straw. --- [SPOILERS OVER] Conclusion: Overall, I loved this book. I liked it a lot more than Caraval actually. The stories are similar but you can tell that the author's writing has matured since her first series which is why I'm rating this book 4 stars! I definitely recommend reading this book and I can't wait to get my hands on the next one!

Best trilogy ever 💕

Enjoyed it much more than the first time!

It was slow at first but very good