Once Upon a Broken Heart Series by Stephanie Garber

The Once Upon a Broken Heart series by Stephanie Garber is a magical and enchanting fantasy romance set in the same universe as her Caraval series. It delves into themes of love, betrayal, destiny, and the fine line between hero and villain. The series is known for its lush prose, whimsical world-building, and a central love story filled with twists and turns. Here’s an overview of the books in the series:

1. Once Upon a Broken Heart (2021)
Plot: The story introduces Evangeline Fox, a hopeless romantic who makes a deal with Jacks, the enigmatic and dangerously charming Prince of Hearts, to stop the wedding of the man she loves. But bargains with Jacks are never straightforward, and Evangeline finds herself swept into a world of curses, dangerous plots, and unexpected feelings.
Key Themes: Heartbreak, the cost of desires, the danger of deals with immortals, and the search for true love.

2. The Ballad of Never After (2022)
Plot: Picking up after the first book, Evangeline faces the consequences of her deal with Jacks and embarks on a journey to undo a curse. Along the way, her relationship with Jacks grows more complicated as truths unravel, and she must decide if she can trust him—or her own heart.
Key Themes: Betrayal, sacrifice, the blurred line between love and manipulation, and finding one’s place in a magical world.

3. A Curse for True Love (2023)
Plot: The conclusion to the trilogy promises to answer questions about Evangeline’s fate, Jacks’ true intentions, and whether love can truly conquer all. Evangeline faces her ultimate test as she navigates a world where destiny, love, and deception collide.
Key Themes: The power of love, destiny versus choice, and redemption.

Why It’s Loved:
Stephanie Garber’s writing is filled with whimsy and poetic imagery, making the series feel like stepping into a fairy tale. The morally complex characters, especially Jacks, keep readers guessing, and the chemistry between Evangeline and Jacks is filled with tension and emotion. Fans also appreciate the seamless connections to the Caraval universe while allowing this series to stand on its own.