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Madeline Ash

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Breaking Good Kindle Edition

by Madeline Ash (Author) Format: Kindle Edition

4.3 2,229 ratings

Book 4 of 4: Rags to Riches

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2017 RITA® Nominated in the Contemporary Romance: Short category! He wasn’t good for her. He never would be. At eighteen, Stevie Case finally surrendered to her attraction to bad boy Ethan Rafters, sharing one night with him before she graduated and he skipped town on a one-way road to destruction. Years later, Stevie has hit back life’s curveballs and is no stranger to hard work, but when she finds herself working for Ethan, who’s turned his life around, her world shatters not only because their chemistry is still fierce and undeniable but because fate separated them before she could tell him he has a son. Ethan desperately wants to be a good father and a partner yet he believes he’ll never be normal. The chaos that defines his life has destroyed his relationships, yet Stevie’s acceptance of his flaws tempts him with a life he thought impossible. Dare he risk Stevie's life of hard-fought stability for his own chance at happiness?

Book 4 of 4

Rags to Riches
Print length

250 pages
Language

English
Sticky notes

On Kindle Scribe
Publication date

September 1, 2016
File size

979 KB
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Breaking Good is a very sweet book. Madeline Ash is good at writing characters who are really doing their best to be decent, kind people, in situations where this is challenging." - Smart Bitches, Trashy Books
"From the very start, I found this an absorbing, entertaining and often emotional read. The characters are nicely developed, the relationships are difficult and interesting and complicated and the whole thing was pure enjoyment, with bonus beach loveliness." - Book Gannet, Goodreads
"A heartwarming story. A enjoyable second chance at love with a twist. It pulled me from the first page. I really enjoyed the development of the storyline." - Donnajo, Goodreads

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01K6UYXN8
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Tule Publishing; 2nd edition (September 1, 2016)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 1, 2016
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 979 KB
Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
Print length ‏ : ‎ 250 pages
Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 1945879300

Best Sellers Rank: #1,289,740 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #7,795 in Small Town Romance eBooks
- #12,292 in Multicultural & Interracial Romance (Books)
- #31,784 in Contemporary Romance Fiction

Customer Reviews:
4.3 2,229 ratings

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Madeline Ash

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Madeline Ash is a contemporary romance author and two-time RITA Award finalist. She has also won Australia's Romantic Book of the Year award (RUBY). She delves into the hearts and minds of her characters, creating flawed and compassionate leads - who are always rewarded with a happy ending.

Visit her website at madelineash.net

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5

2,229 global ratings

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cathy yonkers

A magnificent, touching, and realistic story of love beautifully written

Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2018

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Learning about the depth and strength that Ethan has worked so hard to obtain in his life is as painful and enlightening for the reader as it is for Stevie. The complications that these two modern star-crossed lovers must overcome to find a way to have their happy ending are every bit as difficult to resolve as the worst any two humans must face. To witness the pure and true love that has not withered over the years they have been apart is passionate and palpable. A really dear friend, a clever, loving boy, a sister's return, and advice from a wise yoga instructor all help to give Stevie and Ethan a chance to solitify the attraction they have felt for each other since high school. This is a classic story of two souls made for each other who must end up together.

Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2018

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This was a surprisingly good read. I'll admit I went into it not expecting much. I'm always wary of new-to-me writers, particularly lately. But I was quickly drawn in and invested in the story, despite the fact that Ms. Ash has a unique style that took a while for me to get the hang of. That should in no way be taken as a negative. It's hard to pinpoint the exact reason why her style was unusual, but one reason is that this story was told in third-person. When just about everything in the genre these days is written in first-person, adjusting to third takes a minute. As per with third person, internal dialogue was heavy and I felt like I was being 'told' a story rather than shown by the characters. I'm not a fan of that style of storytelling, but it worked for this particular book. This was a deeply emotional tale with a moderate level of angst and some parts just wouldn't have had the same impact had they been conveyed through dialogue. And Ms. Ash's prose is lovely - very lyrical and flowing without being pretentious or too dramatic. I have to say that her love scenes in particular are beautiful. Some of the very best I've read.

The book wasn't without flaws, obviously. No book is. What kept this from being a five-star read for me wasn't really plot related, per se.

**possible mild spoilers**

I don't know if the writer has children or has spent any time with them, but going off the portrayal of Zach I would assume not on both counts. First off, no - and I mean no - 7-year-old boy behaves like that. I don't care how precocious he is. I could see 12 or 13, possibly, but not 7. He was too adult and too articulate in both speech and explaining his actions. The other issue I had with him was that he was a proper brat. He controlled his mother, not the other way around, and that resulted in me having a problem with the heroine.

I have just finished this book and it is telling that I cannot recall her name. The way she let her child dictate her life and happiness made me see her as a very weak person, when the intent - I believe - was to portray her as a resilient woman with strength. And she was in so many areas. But I'm a mother myself and there is no way I'd let my kid run roughshod over my personal life and I don't respect mothers that allow it in their own lives. I understand putting your kid first and wanting them to be happy. I understand insuring their feelings of security and making sure they know how much they matter. But you don't walk away from a burgeoning, loving relationship like she had with Ethan - the kid's father, incidentally - just because your kid throws a tantrum. In real life, if you always put everyone first and deny your own happiness, you will not only wind up alone, but bitter and resentful. That's how it works. Stevie (remembered her name!) had many positive qualities. But instead of being a parent and making it clear to her son that he had no right to dictate her life and making the decision herself, she let the kid call the shots. If he hadn't 'given permission' she would have walked away and taken EVERYTHING from poor, sweet Ethan. He loved her and his son so much and had never felt like he was worthy of anyone, and she was willing to lay waste to his life because that kid didn't want them together. Uh, how about no? She needed to quit being the brat's friend and be a proper parent, and for this reason I couldn't like her.

Despite the above issues, I still very much enjoyed the story. It was all about Ethan for me, the 'bad boy' who was so misunderstood, who didn't actually have a bad bone in him. He really pulled at the heartstrings. The secondary characters were well-developed and remained mostly on the fringes, which I appreciated.

I rate Breaking Good 3.5 stars and definitely recommend it. Very satisfying read.

8 people found this helpful

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Linda

heartrending

Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2018

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Wow! I usually prefer mysteries and such, not just books about relationships, but this was truly exceptional. The author's understanding of the possible thoughts and emotions and her ability to capture and communicate those so eloquently made for a heartening read. An example of her expression is: "He was aware of every second, felt the time rushing past like water beneath his surfboard - thrilling, fast, and no matter how he dragged his fingers through it, seeking a hold, is was ultimately intangible." This book is filled with numerous passages that evoke clear imagery of the protagonist, as well as generate emotions similar to the characters. The painful and evocative evolution of relationships grasps the readers attention on all levels as secrets are revealed, even to oneself.

Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2018

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a nice second chance romance. I was drawn into the story the plot was interesting, writing good. I liked both main characters that didn't fit the stereotype H/h you usually read about but I had a few issues.
Zach's character does not fit a 7 year old child. his language, his level of understanding and analyzing the situation is not reasonable, also he practically calls the shots for their lives, and you cant put that level of responsibility and burden on a 7 year old. for that resaon I had a huge problem with the ending.
Another issue I had was with the focus on ADHD, yes Ethan has it and it has a huge impact on his life and life style but for someone who overcome this so impressively and built a business it just doesn't seemed believable for him to claim he is not good enough to be a father due to his ADHD, and that's true even for someone who is still straggling with it. it was interesting and different to read his train of thoughts.
Their dialogues were really intense and deep I wouldn't expect people with their level of familiarity to talk like this to one another.

6 people found this helpful

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C. Condon

ADHD

Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2024

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They knew each other from early age and he has resisted her all the way to her graduation when they have sex the night before he leaves town and she is due to go to college. Alas, pregnant and can’t locate him then thinks he died. 8 yrs later she finds out he is alive, she has his son. Then he finds out and has to come to terms with her not telling him sooner. He has learning / social disabilities … can they overcome them. An interesting angle on severe ADHD.

Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2024

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First time reader with this author and I loved it. Her writing style is third person but it was kinda refreshing. I loved the main characters, both Ethan and Stevie. I also loved the topic of ADHD…it was addressed with reverence and realism (a topic that is personally prevalent in my household). Truly a very good read. I look forward to reading more from this author.

Reviewed in the United States on April 22, 2024

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They had been inseparable but he left her pregnant and was gone seven years and she thought he was dead but he hired her to do a job and she was shocked but eventually he learned the truth and they renewed their love

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Top reviews from other countries

Reader101

Amazing read with an HEA

Reviewed in Canada on February 17, 2020

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Ethan has such a beautiful soul. I couldn't help loving him even from the beginning. I love how he never once truly gave up. He's a very inspirational character.This story also made me understand ADHD a bit more as well which is a plus. Zach was a sweet kid but I have to say that he was a bit too grown up for me. Could hardly believe he was 7 with the things he said. Jesus! everyone really does parent differently cuz in my family no child would be saying a majority of the things that came out of his mouth. So that was one part I didn't exactly enjoy reading. However it wasn't enough to dislike this book in any way. Supporting characters were interesting and lovable as well. I'd love to find out what happened to Reagan and her and Felix's story. So on to Stevie. Her character was very relatable and unique. I like how she had such an open mind and gave everything her all. This was definitely one of my favourite reads of the year - and it's just started! Thanks for an amazing read.

May Canterbury

could not put it down

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 24, 2018

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After Regan and Felix get together, Regan's sister, Stevie joins them for a summer break. Stevie needs work to pay for the trip and is stunned to find her employer is Ethan, her son's father. Ethan is now a successful business owner but he never forgot Stevie. Zach suddenly has a father and struggles to accept that his mother needs anyone else. Stevie is torn between her son and her first love. Ethan is a complicated man but Stevie is his home. Felix comes to the rescue when it all starts to unravel. Loved it!

One person found this helpful

VG

good read

Reviewed in India on May 8, 2018

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a good read on becoming a family. it's a first book for me on the main cast suffering from ADHD and realistically tackling it.

Deborah - from Australia

If I could, I’d give it ********** stars - loved it in one sitting.

Reviewed in Australia on January 19, 2020

Verified Purchase

Will be reading every book Madeline Ash has written and also goes on to write.

I believe, in my short acquaintance, I have found an amazing author. Like Mary Wesley, J.K. Can’t wait to read them all.

It’s after 3am now and I have to find a way to switch off.

Bye M.A - and thanks for all the words!

StuckOnRomance

An endearing and entertaining story filled with spunky characters!

Reviewed in Canada on December 4, 2019

Verified Purchase

Breaking Good is the 4th book in the Rags to Riches Series. This is where we finally get to know Stevie's story.
This a shorter story, just a little longer than book 3, You for Christmas. While it's a contemporary romance, it's also called a Holiday romance but not a Christmas romance.
You could also call this story a "the one who got away" type of story as Stevie knew Ethan in high school and he took off just after graduation.
And she was left with more than just a diploma!!
This story picks up right after book 3, right after Christmas with all the characters from the whole series in Byron Bay for the holidays. But Stevie's a single mother and needs to work during this holiday. And this is where she runs into Ethan. Ethan is renovating a house in Byron Bay and needs a painter. He thought it would be fun to see Stevie again. What he didn't plan on is finding out that he as a son.
It's a complete shock to see Ethan. She thought he was dead.
So after the shock of finding out that he's alive, and Ethan reeling from finding out he's a father, they also realize that the chemistry between them is still off the charts.
Pls note, that there's one sexy scene, but there's very little details in it.
The majority of the story is them learning to deal with each other and the issues that they bring. And that includes Zach, the son.
It's an endearing and fun story. The characters are sassy and spunky, especially Zach. He's adorable.
The story is interesting and keeps you entertained all the way thru! Definitely worth checking out.

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