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Once Upon a Broken Heart
by Garber, Stephanie
Evangeline Fox is a romantic at heart who discovers, too late, that her prince charming is marrying someone else. In a desperate bid to stop the wedding, she makes a bargain with the Prince of Hearts, a legendary Fate who is as dangerous as he is gorgeous. This story feels like a glittery, slightly sinister fairy tale where every step forward comes with a hidden cost. Garber builds a world that is lush and whimsical, but there is always a sharp edge lurking beneath the velvet curtains. The pacing is breathless, driven by Evangeline’s naive hope and the frustrating, slow-burn tension between her and Jacks. If you enjoy stories where magic feels like a tangible, living character and you prefer your romance with a heavy dose of moral ambiguity and high-stakes games, you will find this impossible to put down.
10 Books similar to 'Once Upon a Broken Heart'
The books selected here lean into the specific intersection of high-stakes faerie politics and the kind of prickly, slow-burn tension that defines the Jacks and Evangeline dynamic. We chose these titles because they mirror that distinct blend of whimsical atmosphere and genuine, teeth-gritting danger. Whether you are craving more of those treacherous magical bargains or simply want another romance where the love interest might actually be a villain, these stories explore the same themes of fated encounters and broken promises. Each selection captures that same feeling of being trapped in a beautiful, lethal game.
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Since this is the prequel series to the world of Jacks, it is essential reading for fans who want to experience the same lush, magical, and mysterious atmosphere. It captures the same whimsical yet dangerous fairy-tale quality that makes Garber's writing so distinct.
by Holly Black
This book features a similar blend of high-stakes faerie politics and a complex, morally grey romance that fans of the Jacks dynamic will find compelling. It offers a darker, more intricate take on the 'enemies to lovers' trope within a dangerous magical realm.
If you enjoyed the fated romance and magical curses in Garber's work, this series offers a similar epic scale and romantic intensity. It features a human protagonist thrust into a dangerous faerie world where she must navigate deadly bargains.
This book features a protagonist who is unapologetically ambitious and a love interest who is dangerous and powerful, echoing the dynamic in *Once Upon a Broken Heart*. It is a dark, romantic fantasy that focuses on manipulation and power plays.
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by Naomi Novik
For readers who loved the fairy-tale retelling aspects and the magical bargains of Garber's work, this novel offers a more atmospheric and grounded take on folklore. It masterfully weaves together multiple perspectives in a cold, enchanting, and high-stakes narrative.
This standalone fantasy features a charming, magical world and a slow-burn romance that feels reminiscent of Evangeline's journey. It balances lighthearted moments with genuine danger, making it a perfect follow-up for fans of whimsical fantasy.
This book is a perfect match for those who loved the 'fated' and 'cursed' elements of Garber's writing, combined with a beautiful, painterly aesthetic. It focuses on a human girl and a faerie prince whose lives become inextricably linked through a series of magical mishaps.
by Adalyn Grace
Readers who enjoyed the gothic, slightly eerie romance between Evangeline and Jacks will appreciate the relationship between Signa and Death in this novel. It combines a murder mystery with a lush, supernatural romance that feels both dark and sweet.
This book offers a more intense, high-stakes version of the magical romance found in Garber's work, perfect for readers who want more danger. It features a lethal tournament and a complex, slow-burn romance that keeps the reader hooked.
This is a tragic, beautiful origin story that captures the whimsical and heart-wrenching nature of fairy tales, much like the world of the Magnificent North. It is a must-read for anyone who enjoys exploring the darker backstories of magical characters.
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As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.