Review Detail

Between These Broken Hearts is the conclusion of the Beneath These Cursed Stars' duology. Sometimes you need a romantasy to follow the typical story arc to the satisfying conclusion, and this one does that perfectly.
We left our main characters, Felicity and Jasalyn, feeling betrayed by their love interests as well as their secrets exposed. We have zoomed to just a few days before Jasalyn’s 18th birthday, with Mordeus all lined up to be resurrected into Jasalyn’s body. We didn’t miss anything in the months in between because Jasalyn was in an enchanted sleep until a mysterious goblin helps her wake up. Felicity was captured by her twin brother, Konner, who has kept her in an enchanted illusion where she lived the life she would have if her father, Erith, had never made his devil’s deal.
One thing this book does particularly well is show Jasalyn’s healing journey. From being so traumatized that she willingly gave up her immortality and knows she will die on her 18th birthday, to finding reasons to live, not just because others need her, but for herself. The author took Jasalyn’s character to a dark place and respected the time and actions it would take to get to the other side, and it wasn’t all just magically fixed.
From beginning to end, the peril mounts, and all characters are in motion to frantically solve their dilemmas. However, it all feels sedate. I was never worried that the events wouldn’t go in their favor, and they wouldn’t get their happily ever after.
Overall, this conclusion was satisfying and checks all the boxes for a romantic fantasy for older YA audiences. Reader’s note: There is some spice in the romance that may better suit older audiences. It also heavily focuses on mental health and the journey out of depression and trauma.