Honest Book Review of Once Upon a Broken Heart
Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber is the first book in the Broken Heart series, and from the moment I opened it, I knew it was going to be the kind of story that steals your attention and refuses to give it back. Set in the same enchanting world as the Caraval trilogy, this book feels like stepping into a brand-new fairy tale—full of magic things, dangerous bargains, and a hopeless romantic searching for her happy ending.
Here’s a short synopsis of the book:
“For as long as she can remember, Evangeline Fox has believed in true love and happy endings . . . until she learns that the love of her life will marry another.
Desperate to stop the wedding and to heal her wounded heart, Evangeline strikes a deal with the charismatic, but wicked, Prince of Hearts. In exchange for his help, he asks for three kisses, to be given at the time and place of his choosing.
But after Evangeline’s first promised kiss, she learns that bargaining with an immortal is a dangerous game ― and that the Prince of Hearts wants far more from her than she’d pledged. He has plans for Evangeline, plans that will either end in the greatest happily ever after, or the most exquisite tragedy.”
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Full Book Review Without Spoilers
Reading Once Upon a Broken Heart feels like stepping straight into the pages of a fairy tale—complete with pink hair, cursed kisses, and the promise (or threat) of “true love” that may not be what it seems. From the very first page, the action sweeps you up, no slow build here—just a wounded heart, a desperate bargain, and a dangerous game that pulls you right into Evangeline’s journey.
I had high expectations coming off of the Caraval trilogy which lives rent free in my head. But let me tell you that this book (and the whole series) exceeds those expectations. And it definitely deserves all the hype it’s currently getting on social media.
The magnificent North makes for a mesmerizing backdrop, full of magical beings and places straight out of the Caraval books, and I was instantly curious about the characters, their ulterior motives, and the prophecies that seem to whisper about terrible things to come.
The world building is lush without being overwhelming, so new readers and long-time fans alike can fall right into this companion series without feeling lost. For me, the only way to describe it is that Garber a born storyteller—able to spin magic from the simplest sentence and make you believe in happy endings, even when she’s about to break your heart.
Characters
The characters are beautifully written, each with their own little quirks, but Jacks—the enigmatic, wicked Prince of Hearts—is absolutely the main reason I couldn’t stop reading. He’s the perfect broody bad boy MMC for romantasy fans: equal parts cruel prince and magnetic pull, with just enough vulnerability to keep you hooked.
Every calculated move makes you wonder if he’s the good guy in disguise or the most exquisite tragedy Evangeline will ever know. If you like a slow burn where you can’t quite decide if you want the love interest to win or lose, Jacks will ruin you in the best way.
Plot
The plot is a constant push-and-pull between hope and heartbreak, twisting in ways that keep a hopeless romantic like me glued to the pages. There’s a love spell here, a crown prince there, magical things hiding in every corner, and just enough danger to make the stakes feel real.
Writing
Garber’s writing style is exactly what makes this a solid read—it’s easy to follow but rich in imagery, with that fairytale-like feel of the story that makes it hard to put down.
Full Book Review With Spoilers
You’ve been warned that from here on out there will be spoilers.
Between the fairytale-like feel of the story, the magnetic pull of Jacks, and the lush world building, it’s an easy five-star read for me. Whether you’re here for the romance, the intrigue, or simply to get lost in a beautifully written plot, there are so many good reasons to pick up this book…and even more to reach for the next one. With a wounded heart, a mysterious prophecy, and the help (or maybe the sabotage) of the wicked Prince of Hearts, Evangeline Fox’s story blends whimsy, danger, and a little bit of heartbreak into something impossible to resist.
I’m so glad this is a series because I need more Jacks! And I’m a sucker for a well-written fantasy that happens around a mysterious prophecy that falls right into place, so I can’t wait to see how that all plays out.
In the end, Once Upon a Broken Heart is the kind of fantasy book that reminds you why you fell in love with reading in the first place—a story that sweeps you into a magnificent North of magic, mystery, and impossible choices. It’s a love story wrapped in danger, a dangerous game disguised as a fairy tale, and the perfect start to a companion series for fans of the Caraval books.
Pros of the Book
One of my absolute favorite parts of Once Upon a Broken Heart was Jacks. He’s the kind of character you can’t stop thinking about—equal parts dangerous, charming, and heartbreaking, with that perfect bad boy edge. I also loved the fantasy elements, especially the mysterious prophecies woven throughout the story, which added so much intrigue. And as a fan of the Caraval series, getting to see more of the Fates was such a treat—it made the world feel even richer and more connected to the books I already love.
Cons of the Book
I didn’t really have any complaints—if anything, I just wished we got even more scenes with Jacks and Evangeline together.
Does Once Upon a Broken Heart have spice in it?
No, this book and the whole series does not have spice in it. There’s some intense kissing scenes, but that’s it.
Conclusion
Overall, if you’re a fan of romantasy, fantasy, or Stephanie Garber’s writing, give this book a try right away! I loved the characters, and couldn’t wait to start the second book in the series. I really can’t recommend the Broken Heart series enough.
You can find the book here.
I have a full summary of the book here if you need a refresher on any of the main points.
Rating- 4.5 out of 5 stars
I had a great time reading this book with no major complaints. And it’s really good for a first book in a series because you’re hooked from this book.
Here’s how I rate all my books: My Rating System
Who Would Enjoy Reading?
Fans of Stephanie Garber’s Caraval series will recognize her signature style—plot lines that are a little bit whimsical, a little bit cruel, and always impossible to predict. Whether it’s first love, first heartbreak, or a new terrifying curse, there’s always something waiting to keep the reader’s interest.
What to Read After Once Upon a Broken Heart
Whether you’re going to keep going with these books or start a new series, check out all the recommendations below.
The Ballad of Never After by Stephanie Garber
The next book in the series, and possibly the best of the trilogy, is The Ballad of Never After. And you should definitely read it! Check it out here.
The Snow Queen by K. M. Shea
If you liked the fairy tale feel of this book along with the almost forbidden romance, check out The Snow Queen. You can get the book here.
The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni
If you liked this book because of the romance (and Jacks) give The Prison Healer a try! Get the book here.
