However, nothing goes as planned. Phillip, hell bent on fixing their marriage, won’t agree to a divorce. What was only meant to be one, never to be spoken of again, night with Max is evolving into something much more complicated. Then Cassidy discovers she’s pregnant. With both Max and Phillip adamantly claiming to be the father, how much more can Cassidy take before she’s pushed beyond the breaking point?
Zena Wynn is a multi-published author of erotic and sensual romance in various romance subgenres: Interracial, Contemporary, Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, and Inspirational. She writes the type of stories she loves to read—stories with great characters who, through love and determination, overcome all the challenges that come their way. Her heroes and heroines are passionately, lovingly, devoted to each other. Zena wants her characters to stick with readers long after “The End.�
Ok, here we go, the book was great, dramatic, exhausting, head-ache inducing, painful, tear worthy, and too Fu**ing much! I recommend those who can handle it to read it. I personally had to skip through, it was all just too much. Though it was too much I stuck most of it out because of my undying love for Max. What started out as lust bloomed into full blown love for the character and my heart was broken numerous times and for that Ms. Zena Wynn I say...screw you, you suck...No I'm kidding...No I'm not...It doesn't matter. Anyway I hated Phillip and felt sorry for him at the same time. I loved her friend in the story and I will be getting the next book because I have to (For Max's sake, whom I love). I think that Max and Cassidy's love was awesome, and heart-breaking. My heart is broken. I hope you're happy Zena Wynn...Anyway, I got this book because I loved The Question (hands down, best book ever!), and I guess I'm happy I bought it, but then again I'm not since it put me through so much stress.
So in other words, read it, feel my pain, I don't want to go through this alone. Can't wait for the next one to come out! Yippie! I wrote sarcastically. But yea...I'll still be buying the second book.
This book was great! Chock full of Delicious Drama, this book serves as a gigantic red light for those who are considering revenge sex as an act of warfare against a philandering spouse..
Not only did I enjoy the flow of the book, but I also enjoyed the multidimensional characters, and the way that Ms. Wynn conveyed their thoughts, actions, and feelings to her readers.
Other than that, the only things that I did not like about this book are the price (way too frickin' much), a few issues with typo's/editing, and the fact that this book is not legally lendable via Kindle (or even Nook, for that matter)...
*Note to Ms. Wynn - I understand that you're trying to make a living by writing and whatever else, but if you want to discourage piracy, why not make it easier for people to buy the book , share it with 1 person, thereby encouraging lots of other people to buy the book as well? What's so hard about that?*
Let's start by saying this is a 5 star read and I HIGHLY recommend it. Ms Zena did her thing on this one. Cassidy, Phillip & Max are characters that pull you into the drama that is their lives. There is love, lust, passion, anger, hurt, betrayal and a lot more rolled up into a fabulous book. A couples vacation between friends turns into revelations of infidelity and the chance at new love. You should add this one to your collection. You will not be disappointed. I'm so on the edge of my seat for the next one. LOVED IT!!!
Closer to 3.5 stars. I liked the second book better and would give the two-book set a solid 4-stars.
Good, angsty soap opera. I liked the look at the breakdown of a marriage and how emotionally and legally difficult it is to get a divorce. I also liked the progression of the relationship between Cassidy and Max amidst all the drama.
My biggest problem with this book is that I would have liked a bit more lead up to Phillip & Amber's infidelity. It happened so fast with very little establishment and the motivation given to both of them for doing this felt hollow. As a foundation for what came after it felt shaky. I thought Amber's character was disposed of too easily.
I also would have liked for the author to delve in a little more into the dissolution of the friendship between Max and Phillip, not just the dissolution of the marriage between Cassidy and Phillip. Given how long and deep the friendship was, I think there would have been as much pain over that destruction as everything else. As it was only the anger and rivalry over Cassidy got explored.
But otherwise I was entertained as hell. This was well written and involving. I love a good story and this had it.
Soooo. Around page 290 it dawned on me that there was no way Zena was going to be able to round up this story nicely in one book, considering there were too much lose ends to be tied up and just 10 pages to the volume. Such a disappointment! A good story, but now I have to wait till spring 2014 to read the conclusion. Would have loved to know this in advance, before purchasing it, because then I would have wait. Did it really kill to add to the description that this book was part of a series?
Ok, with that rant out of the way, let's move to actually review the book. Like I said: it is good. Talking about your worst nightmare coming to live: walking in on your man and his best friends woman and catching them on the act. Add in the fact that this happened after you are actually giving your marriage another try because your husband was caught cheating. Whew, I was hooked from the start. Even though Cassidy’s way of thinking seriously frustrated me sometimes: trying to appease everybody. Zena really knows how to keep you engaged with the characters, good job!
After and The Nina Chronicles, I am adding this one to my fav books list. (Well unless the conclusion will disappoint, but I’m confident Zena will come trough!)
Since everyone on goodreads has already been so detailed in their review. Let me be brief. IF YOU DON T ADD THIS BOOK TO YOUR LIBRARY YOU ARE SERIOUSLY MISSING OUT. HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. WORTH EVERY PENNY. When I first saw this book weeks ago, I thought I didn't want to read about a wife switching from her husband to his best friend. Then I saw the reviews here and went and bought the book. I was surprised how much I enjoyed this book. A page turner that has become one of my favorite. Excellent job Ms Wynn. The best IR book I've read this year.
I absolutely loved this book. It is a complete novel taking me two days to read. The characters are well developed and thought out. And it was a pleasure to have devoted my time to reading Beyond the Breaking Point. And I can not wait for the conclusion.
I pre-ordered this book because I was really anxious to read Ms. Wynn's work,however,I must confess I was disappointed in the story and the characters particularly Cassidy being a obstetrician gynecologist,lol, I was disappointed that she did not know she was pregnant. I measure all books against "the question" by Ms. Wynn in terms of story, characters and engagement,this book did not satisfy me... I do hope part 2 will be way better.
I received this a copy of this book from an author giveaway.
Personal Preference Aside What did you not like: I will state that before I read the book, the blurb noted that there was cheating. I am not a fan of cheating in stories nor am I a fan of cliffhangers and this story had both. Despite the fact that the blurb notated cheating I was intrigued and interested enough to want to read the story.
What did you like: The story was indeed intriguing. It kept me interested right up until the end and the snippet for the next book made me interested in the upcoming book. The circumstances were such that the cheating was so interwoven into the book that the person being cheated on (past the initial incident and backstory), the husband, actually felt like the interloper. The characters were very relatable and their real world problems and beliefs very obviously shaped them into they were. Despite the cheating and the cliffhanging ending, I was very impressed with the story. There were many plot twists and turns along the way but the story flowed quite smoothly.
Would you recommend to a friend: If you don't have major issues with cheating and/or cliffhangers. I would recommend this story to read. The author does a marvelous job of progressing the storyline and keeping you connected with the characters.
I know not many enjoy stories that features infidelity, but when done right the fallout can produce some page turning tea sipping scenes. I feel like the author managed to achieve this outcome without tainting the story with a cheesy Jerry Springer vibe.
Although, the caught in the act cheating hubby is over done Ms. Wynn didn’t drag the adulterating character. Instead she smeared the line distinguishing black from white to show how two wrongs will always beget an imperfect right.
By not totally demonizing Phillip or raising Cassidy to sainthood proportions, the author introduced a margin of believability into one of the oldest tales of woe. Through the exploration of these characters� expectations and disappointments with their marriage Ms. Wynn added a layer which is not often shown in similarly plotted stories. For this and other unexpected plot twists, I deem this story a worthwhile read.
3.5 stars..... I loved the question that this story indirectly posed.... How far are you willing to go with a cheating spouse just to prove your relationship is over? Especially if you want to get back to your "true love"? Well Cassidy thinks she can do that in a year!
I should mention that the beginning of the book was well edited, but towards the middle and ending, it appears that the editor either quit or was not as thorough!
We'll see what happens in the conclusion since this was a cliffhanger. On to read Broken.
What is with these authors? Seriously give a Flippin heads up that this is book 1! I HATE going in blind. Now I'm waiting for book 2 and it's not coming for months. Would of waited. Don't get me wrong it was a good book but it really burns my ass they don't clearly state Book 1. I will have to give full review at later date.
4 Okay loved the story, but now what a cliffhanger, Come one now wait until Next year, I will definitely be going crazy. What Philip did to her what kind a deal is that and then at the end of the book again I went WHAT DA! To the other, please please hurry, great book. Bravisimo.
I happened upon this book as a result of searching discussion pages for something else. Reading reviews and knowing it had a second story plus the price had me hesitating over purchasing this book. Also, there was a two book set but I just couldn't justify the price never having read anything by this author. Also, knowing there was cheating/adultery in the book almost caused me to pass on the book. Still I one-clicked on Beyond the Breaking Point and am so glad that I did. To my surprise the second book, Broken, was included.
This was one of the best interracial, contemporary romance that I've read. Even knowing that this was an interracial book, you were not aware of it being a fact until halfway through the book. The first description of Cassidy had you wondering if she was African-American. As the book developed, you became a aware of the different ethnicities in the book. The book hit you in the face with Phillip and Amber being caught cheating. Yes, oral sex is having sex and is cheating. Max and Cassidy left , went to a hotel, got drunk and had sex feeling justified in their reaction. No Spoiler because this was revealed in the blurb. They never thought what they did was as bad as Amber and Phillip. Cassidy's actions were worse since we was married. There's no excuse for Max because he knew she was married and to his best friend.
That was the background for the story. Throughout the remaining book, I was disappointed with Cassidy, extremely angry with Phillip and didn't know what to make of Max. Cassidy's and Max's mothers both needed their behinds beat for not supporting their children. Cassidy had a very supporting friend and father. Even though Max had a large family, none of them were supportive, even Niccollo, and Max thought he had his back. My emotions went from one extreme to the another. I hated what Max and Cassidy continued to do. Phillip was the most conniving, despicable person and didn't deserve Cassidy or his family. The characters disappointed me and caused a range of emotions as I continued to read.
The end of the book was shocking in that it ended in a cliff hanger even knowing from reviews that a cliffhanger was coming. Books in series cans be stand-alones. Too bad this one wasn't. Fortunately, Broken was included so I didn't have to wait or pay extra for it.
Broken picked up where Beyond the Breaking Point left off, for the most part. Flashbacks covered other happenings in the characters' lives. Questions were soon answered. I was left wondering what deal Cassidy made with Phillip at the end of Beyond the Breaking Point. It was never made clear. Still Broken was an excellent book that gave you more insight to the actions taken by everyone - Cassidy, Max, Niccollo (Max's brother), and their parents.
There was enough drama, intrigue, anger and retribution in Broken to cause you to doubt how you really felt about everyone. Some thought Broken a!so ended in a cliffhanger. It didn't. It resolves all issues but left you knowing that others would be resolved as the characters continue to live their lives, either evolving or not.
These were the first books I read by this author. She is an amazing writer. I've already bought The Question, hoping it doesn't end in a cliffhanger. So far, she's one of the best authors of interracial finances and I've read a lot. I can't wait to read more by her.
Both Beyond the Breaking Point and hope Broken were included. They are worth your time and money. However, if cheating is a hard limit for you, pass on these two. Still, if you love interracial romances, I think you'd be making a big mistake if you don't read these books.
2.25 Stars. ( BW/BM & WM). An Audible audiobook read by Rosie Aigion and Kurt King. The narration is good; however, the storyline is slow moving, repetitive and features a weak indecisive heroine. Dr. Cassidy Brannon, is a Black woman who has been in a dysfunctional marriage for eight years, she is also a practicing obstetrical gynecologist who has unprotected sex during a one night stand and who lacks the ability to diagnose her own pregnancy. The heroine's unfaithful, pushy and overbearing husband, Phillip Brannon, is a prominent lawyer and a Black man. Phillip has had several extra marital affairs that he accrues to the heroine's long work day and unwillingness to allow others into their bed. The Italian hero, Max Desalvo, is a billionaire restauranteur and prominent lawyer with the same firm as his best friend, Phillip. Max and Cassidy witness Max's live-in-girl friend and Phillip engaging in oral sex; to avenge this betrayal, Cassidy and Max decide to have a sexual interlude. The annoying heroine's teetering weak repetitive behavior is a constant throughout the book culminating in a cliffhanger with a promise by Cassidy to live apart from her husband and Max for a year; after which, Cassidy is to contact Max so that they can began a life together.
Dramatic rubbish. What book is everyone else reading? We have a doormat heroine who can’t even stand her ground! Slut shaming to the extreme, a controlling, cheating husband and baby drama! Just mindless drivel with unlikeable characters! Toxic relationship central!
I Love them more soon please great story the two books 📚 are fire 🔥 I know you have more to tell about the two of them and there family love 💘💘💘💘
This is the first book of a duology. I had read the second book “Broken� before I realized that. After falling in love with it and its outcome I decided to go back and read book 1 to get the entire backstory. I’m glad I did.
I always respect an author that has the ability to make me feel something, good or bad. I haven’t hated a male character as much as I hated the character of Phillip in a very long time. This guy is so vile and disgusting that I wonder what Cassidy saw in him in the first place! This guy can have sex with any chick that walks but Cassidy dare start a sexual relationship with ONE man since dumping him and this dude hits the roof! The nerve of this guy! I don’t care that Max is his best friend, he didn’t care about that when he slept with Max’s girlfriend!
Although Cassidy and Max initially hit the sheets based on their mutual betrayal, I enjoyed the growth in their relationship from acquaintances, friends, and then into something more intense. Their love scenes are incredibly well-written and sensual. Max falls completely and hopelessly in love with Cassidy, and he is in it for the long haul. Regardless of the baby’s paternity.
Usually I run away from pregnancy romances. It’s not based on traditional values or anything like that, I just don’t care for them to be honest. With that said, Cassidy’s pregnancy and not knowing who the father is made the story more interesting and complicated her impending divorce from Phillip. It also causes Cassidy to make an incredibly stupid mistake in my opinion, and the outcome of that decision is explored in the second book.
“Beyond the Breaking Point� is a great story and I highly recommend reading it followed by its superb sequel “Broken�!
Part one of a duo, the second book is "Broken," this story follows the lives of two people who unexpectedly fall in love and the adversity they deal with from those around them because of it. Max and Cassidy are already friends when their story begins. She's married to his best friend and vacationing with her husband, Max, and his significant other when all hell breaks loose.
These two wounded hearts find comfort in one another and from that, a love story blossoms. Cassidy's husband won't give up on her and their marriage and Max's family isn't pleased by his relationship with a still-married woman. The drama and angst from those around them challenge their relationship but their love is strong. This part of their story focuses on them falling in love and if that love can overcome the resistance to accept it from those around them.
Definitely a great book duo to read by this author and I totally recommend it.
Stopped at 21%. This book keeps dragging , keeps repeating information over and over and over by making different characters say the same thing over and over and over again... See how annoying that can get? I do not want to read it... Not engaging and typical. So far at least but since this book failed to get my attention early.. It's a 'dongo.'
I hate it when a book does not indicate that it is a book 1 of part of a series "come on now" state it as it costs us money too. I gave it 4 stars because I have to wait for the next book and I am rooting for Max. When's the next book coming out PLEASE.