Broken Lines
- December 14, 2022
- PortaPlay
"Broken Lines" is a single-player strategy game with a profound story, set in an alternate history Eastern Europe. Your squad has crash-landed behind enemy lines and it's up to you, as the unseen hand, to guide them back home. The game features a unique turn-based system and emphasizes teamwork and strategy, as well as managing the soldiers' mental health and personal disagreements, making every decision critical in this emotional and intriguing journey.
Reviews
- The characters, Jackson and Melody, are complex and relatable, each with their own traumatic pasts that they navigate together, creating a compelling emotional journey.
- The writing is engaging and immersive, with a mix of steamy romance and dark themes that keeps readers hooked from start to finish.
- The story offers unexpected twists and a satisfying character development arc, making it a standout in the rockstar romance genre.
- Some readers found the emphasis on descriptive sex scenes to be excessive and detracting from character development.
- There are moments in the plot that feel predictable, leading to a lack of suspense for some readers.
- The book suffers from editing issues, including grammatical errors and awkward phrasing, which can disrupt the reading experience.
- story109 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 64 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The story of "Broken Lines" by Jagger Cole is a captivating and emotional journey centered around the complex relationship between Melody, a young journalist, and Jackson, a troubled former rock star. Their intertwined pasts of trauma and addiction create a rich narrative filled with twists, heartfelt moments, and steamy romance, making it a compelling read for fans of dark, age-gap romances. While some readers noted minor disconnects in the plot, the overall reception highlights the depth of character development and the engaging storytelling that keeps readers invested until the last page.
“The taboo/age-gap romance mixed with the insane plot and rollercoaster of emotions made this an incredible read.”
“Jackson and Melody have a story to tell, and you will feel every second of it.”
“This story was everything!”
“Disconnect in the story when the reason for her mother holding Melody hostage was introduced.”
“Okay as written, but there were some disconnects in the story.”
“The story was well plotted and written; I just didn’t really like Jackson.”
- emotional22 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the story is profoundly impactful, with readers highlighting its heartfelt and raw portrayal of characters grappling with dark pasts and trauma. The narrative evokes a range of feelings, from laughter to tears, as it explores themes of love, healing, and the complexities of broken relationships. Overall, it is described as a hauntingly beautiful journey that resonates deeply, leaving a lasting emotional impression.
“Surprised the hell out of me with a story so real and so heartfelt I could not have asked for more.”
“I laughed and I cried and I held my breath a few times because, well, you’ll see what I mean.”
“It was haunting and felt so real and emotional.”
- music20 mentions
- 15 % positive mentions
- 70 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative mentions
The music aspect of "Broken Lines" is vividly portrayed through the complex character of Jackson Havoc, a once-celebrated rock star grappling with personal demons and the loss of his bandmate. The narrative intertwines the realities of the music industry with fictional elements, showcasing the passion and struggles of both musicians and aspiring journalists. Readers appreciate the authentic depiction of the darker sides of music, alongside the emotional depth and character development that resonate with those familiar with the rock scene.
“Jackson Havoc's character comes alive on the page as both a larger-than-life music god and a hero who battles his own demons while helping burn Melody's demons to ash.”
“I love how Jackson never shies away from the uglier side of music and the emotions it can bring.”
“As a musician myself, I love when I see that same passion for music in the characters as I see in myself.”
“Bad boy Jackson Havoc quit his lifetime musician dream on the one year anniversary of his best friend and fellow band member’s death and went into hiding.”
“He was so broken that he let his musical paradise of sellout shows, endless women, and mind-blowing drugs to live a solitary life on an uninhabited island away from humankind.”
“Jackson Havoc was the typical musician with several addictions who disappeared from the world for 10 years.”
- humor5 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by the hilarious banter between the main characters, particularly the witty and often combative exchanges between Jackson and Melody, which showcase their undeniable chemistry. Reviewers found the humor to be a key element that made the experience both entertaining and emotionally engaging.
“The banter between the main characters was hilarious.”
“Jackson and Melody have undeniable chemistry, and their witty (often combative) banter is hilarious.”
“Everything about this book made me laugh and cry again and again.”
- character development1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers generally praise the character development, highlighting it as particularly strong for a standalone book, suggesting that the characters are well-rounded and undergo significant growth throughout the story.
“I thought the character development was great, especially for a single book.”
- graphics1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics in the book are noted for their darker themes and explicit depictions of past sexual assault and trauma, which may be unsettling for some readers.