Review: Mr. Broody by Piper Rayne
Rating this book has been such a challenge for me because I’m left wondering if it’s a personal issue or if the story simply didn’t resonate as strongly as the first book in the series. While I enjoyed certain aspects, there were elements that fell flat, leaving me conflicted.
The story follows Henry, his son Bodhi, and Jade, weaving a second-chance romance set against a backdrop of love lost and found. Henry and Jade were childhood friends who became lovers, only to drift apart as life took them in different directions. When Jade returns to their hometown, they’re thrust back into each other’s lives, navigating unresolved feelings, past regrets, and the challenges that originally drove them apart.
I loved the overarching themes of personal growth, healing, and self-discovery. The exploration of how two people must first find themselves before reconnecting was one of the story’s strongest points. Henry’s patience and unwavering love for Jade were heartwarming, and his pure, kind heart was reflected beautifully in his relationship with his son.
Speaking of Bodhi, he had his own POV chapters in this book, which was a departure from the first. While his perspective added a unique layer, I didn’t feel it truly enhanced the story. In fact, I missed the version of Bodhi from the earlier book, where he felt more dynamic and sparkly. That said, his role as a bridge between Henry and Jade was still touching.
The side characters added depth to the narrative, and their camaraderie and support were highlights. I appreciated the appearances of familiar faces from the first book, which enriched the story’s world and sense of connection.
Unfortunately, where the book fell short for me was the emotional depth. For a story about love, loss, and reconnection, the chemistry between Henry and Jade felt subdued. I wanted to feel their pain, love, and hope as if it were my own, but it never quite reached that level. The emotions described on the page didn’t translate into feelings for me, which was disappointing.
Overall, Mr. Boddy had its moments—sweet, heartfelt, and reflective. The themes were strong, and the setup for the next book in the series has me intrigued. However, the lack of emotional resonance left me chasing a connection I didn’t quite find.
If you’re a fan of second-chance romance with a “Parent Trap” vibe, give this one a try. Just be prepared for a more subdued take on love and reconnection.
Book Stats:
Rating: 3/5
Series: The Nest
Tropes: Single Parent, Single Dad, Sports Romance, Hockey Romance, Close Proximity, Second Chance Romance, Friends to Lovers, Slow Burn
Pop: 67%
3rd Act Break Up- No
Review for Book 1 Mr. Heartbreaker
