Broken Heart Syndrome
by Susie Tate
Shy, reclusive Frankie and her best friend Lou obsess over Thomas G. Longley, as they reverently refer to him, for their entire first two years of medical school. So when he publically humiliates her at the student bar she is devastated.
Ten years later, Frankie has to work in the testosterone driven environment of Cardiology before she can start her palliative care training and, to her dismay, Tom is her boss.
Thankfully the subject of her long-term crush doesn’t seem to remember her and, given her ability to blend into the background, she’s not really surprised. What does surprise her is how cruel he is. Sure he squished her self esteem like a bug at Uni, but the Tom she spent many a pointless lunch break or library session covertly watching seemed easy going and quick to smile; not an uptight, overly critical bully.
Between passing out whilst assisting in theatre, struggling to force the team to see their bed blockers, and being covered head to foot in the bloody vomit of ‘Scary Glenda’ (A&E’s most frequent, frequent flyer), she can’t wait to get through the six months.
Although she’s too timid to tell Tom to jog on when she is his only target, when it’s her patients that he starts trampling she decides to grow a backbone, and Tom begins to see that she is not the cold, aloof woman he once thought.
As the misunderstandings of the past come to light, Tom realizes that the ‘complete-bastard’ routine he has been clinging to out of hurt pride might not have been his most stellar idea. He has a fight on his hands to win Frankie over and, unfortunately, it’s not just his past behaviour he’s fighting against. You see, Frankie knows all about being pushed around. She’s dealt with enough verbal and even physical abuse before to last a lifetime and she’s not going to be fooled into thinking that this ruthless alpha male has turned over a new leaf.
Even if he could convince her that he’s not really the bully he projected before, her low self-esteem would never allow her to believe that a man like Tom could really be into a boring, bland, nondescript girl like her.
Luckily for Frankie, Tom is used to getting what he wants. He’s determined to make her see herself clearly for the first time in her life and he’s just arrogant enough to believe that he can break through her defenses.
But Frankie’s past is not ready to let her go quite yet. There’s a reason that she spends next to no money but is always skint: a reason that she keeps her flat door open: a reason that she holds herself back from him.
Maybe he won’t manage to convince her and he’ll allow her to push him away. Or maybe (as Lou rightly puts it) he should ‘stop being a p*ssy and man up already.’
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Martial Peak Reviews
Susie Tate's Broken Heart Syndrome is a compelling exploration of personal growth, redemption, and the complexities of human relationships set against the backdrop of a high-pressure medical environment. The novel deftly weaves together themes of self-discovery, forgiveness, and the transformative power of love, making it a captivating read for fans of contemporary romance with a touch of emotional depth.
The story centers around Frankie, a shy and reclusive medical student who, along with her best friend Lou, harbors a long-standing crush on the charismatic Thomas G. Longley. However, their admiration turns to devastation when Tom publicly humiliates Frankie, leaving a lasting scar on her self-esteem. Fast forward ten years, and Frankie finds herself working under Tom in the cardiology department, a situation that forces both characters to confront their past and their misconceptions about each other.
One of the novel's strengths lies in its character development. Frankie is portrayed as a complex and relatable protagonist. Her journey from a timid, self-doubting individual to a woman who learns to stand up for herself is both inspiring and authentic. Tate skillfully captures Frankie's internal struggles, particularly her battle with low self-esteem and the impact of past traumas on her present life. Her evolution is gradual and believable, making her triumphs all the more satisfying.
Tom, on the other hand, is initially presented as an enigma. His transformation from an arrogant, seemingly heartless boss to a man capable of introspection and change is a testament to Tate's ability to craft multi-dimensional characters. The novel delves into Tom's motivations, revealing the hurt pride and misunderstandings that fueled his past behavior. As the layers of his character are peeled back, readers are invited to empathize with his journey toward redemption.
The dynamic between Frankie and Tom is the heart of the novel. Their relationship is a nuanced portrayal of how misunderstandings and preconceived notions can cloud judgment and hinder genuine connection. The tension between them is palpable, and their interactions are charged with a mix of unresolved emotions and burgeoning attraction. Tate masterfully navigates the delicate balance between conflict and chemistry, keeping readers engaged as they root for the couple to overcome their differences.
In addition to its well-drawn characters, Broken Heart Syndrome tackles several important themes. The novel explores the impact of past traumas on present relationships, highlighting the importance of communication and understanding in overcoming emotional barriers. Frankie's experiences with verbal and physical abuse add depth to her character and underscore the resilience required to break free from the shackles of her past. The theme of self-worth is also central to the narrative, as both Frankie and Tom must learn to see themselves and each other in a new light.
The medical setting adds an additional layer of intrigue to the story. Tate, drawing on her own experiences in the medical field, provides an authentic depiction of the challenges and pressures faced by healthcare professionals. The hospital environment serves as a fitting backdrop for the characters' personal and professional growth, and the medical details are seamlessly integrated into the narrative without overwhelming the reader.
Comparatively, Broken Heart Syndrome shares thematic similarities with works by authors such as Sally Thorne and Helen Hoang, who also explore the intricacies of love and personal growth in their novels. However, Tate's unique voice and her ability to blend humor with emotional depth set her work apart. The novel's witty dialogue and moments of levity provide a welcome contrast to the more serious themes, ensuring a well-rounded reading experience.
Overall, Broken Heart Syndrome is a beautifully crafted novel that resonates on multiple levels. Susie Tate's skillful storytelling and keen insight into human nature make this book a standout in the contemporary romance genre. The novel's exploration of love, forgiveness, and self-discovery is both poignant and uplifting, leaving readers with a sense of hope and the reminder that it's never too late to rewrite one's story.
For those seeking a romance that goes beyond the surface, Broken Heart Syndrome offers a rich and rewarding journey. It's a testament to the power of love to heal old wounds and the courage it takes to embrace vulnerability and change. Whether you're a fan of medical dramas or simply enjoy a well-told love story, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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