Their first meeting was at her husband's funeral three years ago and then another meeting a couple of months back, which ended up in a pregnancy. Although Aster did not recognize Ryan as the guitarist from her husband's funeral, she still wants nothing more to do with him and does not intend to tell him about the pregnancy. However, fate pushes them into each other's paths again when it turns out that Aster might just have the perfect solution to help Ryan's autistic son. Ryan's profession is yet another reason for her to stay away from him, considering her distaste for the police. Her closest friends do not like or trust him either, yet somehow the heart seems to have its own ideas. Meanwhile, her best friend, who has been her pillar through it all, is dealing with her own relationship issues.

Fragile and Fierce: Broken and Beautiful Book 2 by Elizabeth Courtright continues with the journeys of your favorite characters from book 1 as they navigate life without Matt and take on new paths and new challenges. In this part of the story, bonds will be tested to the limits and hard decisions will have to be made. I always find this style of narration very captivating. Letting each of the main characters voice their own thoughts always makes their true persona come to life more effectively and Elizabeth Courtright executed this perfectly. I like this kind of narration because it invites the reader into the character's mind, instead of looking in from the outside through the eyes of a third party. Elizabeth Courtright delivered yet another deeply emotional chapter in the Broken and Beautiful series.

Fragile and Fierce is the second book in a series by Elizabeth Courtright, a novel that is emotionally intense and psychologically exciting. I was pulled into the story right off the bat because of the strong storytelling skills of the author. The reader is immediately introduced to Aster, chased by a police car for an infraction on the road, a woman who appears to be in tatters, both emotionally and psychologically. She doesn’t want to have anything to do with Ryan again and Ryan can’t live up to the standards of her deceased husband. Her friends, Kyle and Casey, don’t want Ryan for her too. In spite of the challenges they have faced in the past, Kyle and Casey have stuck together, but Kyle is about to make a decision that could change their lives forever and perhaps their being together, and the life of a child.

Here is a novel for readers who love strong and memorable characters, realistic situations, and dramatic psychological conflicts. Elizabeth Courtright has a unique narrative voice and it comes out powerfully in the first person narrative. Thematic development is impeccable and I liked how the themes of love, friendship, parenting, and solitude come across in the story. Fragile and Fierce is a story that is written from the heart, well-crafted to explore the humanity of the characters, their brokenness, and the light that shines through the open wounds of their hurts. The pacing is fast and the setting comes out vividly. This story will inspire readers to face adversity with courage and to seek value in relationships. It is entertaining, with characters that remind readers of the beauty of their fragile humanity and the occasional thrills of friendship.