Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
She's the hurricane I didn't see coming.
I knew from the moment I met her that I had to have her.
Too bad she belonged to someone else.
Or so I thought.
She dropped the man hanging on her arm with one well-placed kick.
Then she knocked me on my ass and stole my truck.
Avery James doesn’t belong to anyone.
She doesn’t back down.
She doesn’t walk away.
Even when she should.
Chaos might as well be her middle name.
From one disaster to the next, she’s a magnet for mayhem.
Plus, she's too stubborn for her own good.
Blindly charging head-first into a world she doesn't belong in.
My world.
Law, order, and everything in its place.
But Avery?
She makes me want to bend every rule I have.
Even if I break under the strain.

April Canavan’s Bent is a wild and emotionally charged contemporary romance written in K. Bromberg’s Everyday Heroes World project.

210 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 8, 2020

Loading interface...
Loading interface...

About the author

April Canavan

54 books2,049 followers
USA Today Bestselling author by day and superhero by night... Seriously, though. I write Contemporary Romance that will tear my readers apart and put them back together again.
As long I have coffee, I legit think I can conquer the world.

Find all my social media here:
geni.us/StalkApril

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
162 (58%)
4 stars
82 (29%)
3 stars
23 (8%)
2 stars
6 (2%)
1 star
4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
Profile Image for Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog).
5,356 reviews200 followers
October 8, 2020


US / Worldwide

Avery doesn't like to be touched and she knows how to defend herself from people who try touching her without her consent. It's during that defense when their hometown's golden boy attempts to arrest her. That's OK, because he's a cop and he saw an assault...well he realizes later it was self-defense, but. She doesn't know it, but Carter's been half (ok, fully) in love with her for years. She also doesn't know he's about to rock her world because he's back and means to claim his spitfire.



God I LOVED Bent! It's a heartfelt tearjerker, it's sexy, and Avery the feisty sweetheart is the absolute perfect person to bring a bit of crazy to Carter's normally calm world of rules. That she makes him want to break all his rules is addicting, delicious reading and I cannot wait to read more about the entire cast of this amazing world.



ARC via Grey's Promotions for an honest review.

Review / Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.

Blog | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Profile Image for Minnie.
307 reviews23 followers
October 1, 2020
ARC Review

WOW, I'm speechless. What a ride this book was.

Bent tells a story about Carter, a policeman, and Avery, elementary school teacher. They both live in the same small town and one day, Carter catches her beating a man and he as a policeman, handcuffs her and that's how their story starts.
Carter has been in love with her since many years, even though he doesn't realise that.
Avery isn't a typical calm woman, but a badass one, who isn't scared of people and knows how to defend herself. There's a reason for that, but I won't spoiler it.
Carter and Avery start as enemies, but they can't deny their feelings and chemistry between them for long.

This book doesn't tell us only romance, but also shows us real life, where always something happens. I loved the book for how perfectly written it was, the action, the romance, everything was on point.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
884 reviews1 follower
October 8, 2020
Bent by April Canavan is set in K. Bromberg's Everyday Heroes World and I cannot begin to express how much I enjoyed it! Okay, that's a bit extreme, because allow me to now tell you all the ways that I love it! So...how do I properly explain how much I adore Avery and Carter?
Avery is feisty and snarky and unapologetic and I LIVED for it! Her attitude made me smile, het antics and personality really pulling me into the story. 
Can I just say, Rett is adorable even if he is a bit of an imp and a terror at times! He's equally cute and adorable and a wonderful nephew to Avery! In fact, I really loved the whole family! Their love for one another, even when exasperated was beautiful to witness. And I adore Chris, I need a Chris in my life! And I loved seeing more of the Malone clan, even as my heart ached for them. And Lucas? Be still my heart! 

And Carter? Holy moly but he is a tall, cool, glass of water in an arid desert and he is HOT! He is everything a man should be and so much more, and I love how he is always himself, in touch with his emotions, and willing to figure out the right way to do things, so it works for the people he cares about the most. 
This story was one heck of an emotional rollercoaster ride of a journey and I LOVED it! It was my first book by April but ABSOLUTELY will not be my last. In fact, let me go dig into all of the Birch series STAT. So, if you're looking for a story that will make you laugh, make you potentially cry or at least well up with all of the feels, and put a huge smile on your face, look no further than Bent! 
P. S. Handcuffs are shmekshay. 
Profile Image for Jackie Wright.
4,872 reviews107 followers
October 7, 2020
One of the great things about The Everyday Hero’s World is finding new authors and April Canavan is new to me but not for long because I loved her writing and I loved her characters, so I guess I will be playing catch-up with her previous works.
I was captivated by Carter Malone and Avery Jame’s story, I was drawn in from the first line and there was no putting down until I had read the final word.
Carter lives life by the rules and he is always on the right side of the law, well that is until he meets the stunning Avery but this woman has enough baggage to destroy both of them. Avery needs to let this man in and Carter needs to bend the rules for them to ever have a chance at love, so will they or won’t they. You need to read the book to find that out.
This book touched me on so many levels, I laughed and I cried but truth be told I loved everything about this romance, it has wonderful characters with amazing chemistry and it’s a story that’s not just about love and passion, it’s about friends and families and trusting enough to take a leap and hoping someone will catch you before you fall. I highly recommend this emotional read and I’m looking forward to reading more by this very talented author.
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
4,793 reviews182 followers
October 5, 2020
5 Star Review of Bent (The Everyday Heroes World) by April Canavan

April Canavan is a new author to me and I have no idea why I have not come across her before. From start to finish I was totally invested in Carter Malone and Avery James’s story.
Set in K. Bromberg’s Everyday Heroes World, this was a great addition to what has fast become one of my favourite collection of books; I have found so many new authors reading this series.
Carter is a man who follows the book, never straying from the right side of the law. All that is about to change when he meets Avery. The attraction and chemistry that sizzles between them is too much to ignore and complications will arise. Avery is a woman who has been through so much, she has baggage that almost destroyed her.
Will Avery be brave enough to let Carter break down the walls she has surrounded herself with? What will happen when her past comes back to haunt her? Will Carter be able to bend his beliefs?
Bent put me through so many emotions, there were tears, laughter, angst and uncertainty but underlying the story is love, of family and friends and taking a leap of faith that the one you let in will catch you if you fall.
Profile Image for Joyffree.
3,154 reviews56 followers
October 6, 2020
I would give this fifty stars if I could!
Why have I never heard of this series?
Or this author??

This has angst in its rawest form -
But don't let that turn you away!
Those moments?
They are blended with laughter,
family,
hope,
and love

The balance made this absolutely one of the best reads for 2020

"I tried. I really did, but I think I died somewhere along the way. "

I do wish it had been longer - I didn't want to say goodbye
And now I am salivating to get to know the cast better, to watch as they work their way through life's ups and downs.

*sigh*

Highly recommend
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
10.1k reviews84 followers
October 8, 2020
Carter is a man who thrives on law and order as evidenced by his job as a policeman however he never expected that attending his friend’s son’s birthday party would not only have him arresting his friend’s sister but change his entire life.

Avery is a teacher who is fun and feisty. She seems to attract mayhem wherever she goes which makes her very different from Carter but it only makes her that much more appealing to him however convincing her that they belong together is a challenge he is determined to win.

Although they have their obstacles as we watch their emotional journey unfold there is no denying that Carter is exactly the man that April needs in her life.
Profile Image for Mari (Mystics & Metaphysics Book Blog).
7,756 reviews169 followers
October 8, 2020
I was blown away by this. This is my first book by this author and what a wild ride of an introduction this was. I fell for Avery and Carter. I could practically feel their pull and chemistry coming off my pages but I loved how their story develops and progresses because it feels real. It's emotional, strong, sexy, passionate, and so much more.
1,333 reviews8 followers
October 10, 2020
Right from when Avery says “the alcohol made me do it” I was hooked. Couldn’t put the book down. Lots of laughs, some sad parts and totally addictive. This is the first book I’ve read from April Caravan but I am sure it is not my last. I recommend this book. I received a free book and the views and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Nicole Ortiz.
1,523 reviews54 followers
October 8, 2020
April Canavan is a new author to me. I started this book with the intent on just reading a couple chapters before bed and the next thing you know I couldn't put it down and I didn't want it to end. Carter and Avery's story was an emotionally journey it has me laughing, crying, heartbroken, angry and fanning myself. I am in awe of Avery and love how fierce and feisty but also how broken she is but doesn't let people see it. Carter is a cop who moved back to his hometown and Avery is an elementary school teacher. When these two meet it's at her nephew's birthday party where he tries to arrest Avery for assault when he sees her beating a huge biker dude. There is a connection between these two that has always been there when they were younger and Carter was Dax's (Avery's older brother) friend he just didn't realise it. Avery is emotionally closed off to letting anyone get close to her heart, but finds it harder to push Carter away each time they have an encounter and Carter is determined to tear down her wall. This was such an outstanding beautiful story with wonderful characters I hope to enjoy their stories too. I look forward to reading more from this author.

I received an ARC and volunteered to leave a review.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
450 reviews16 followers
October 11, 2020
This book was incredible, completely drew me into the plot!! 🥰🥰🥰 It wasn't your typical happy-go-lucky romance, although it does have a wonderful HEA after a totally unpredictable dramatic plot twist. Definitely a must read!!
Profile Image for Robin.
1,014 reviews4 followers
January 27, 2021
a tornado wrapped in a hurricane is one way to explain Avery. And Carter is just the man to give her a little calm that she needs, however their story isn't that easy. There's a lot of ups and downs but it's a worth it in the end. I didn't put this book down once while reading
Profile Image for Jessica.
229 reviews8 followers
October 7, 2020

Bent is my very first read by April Canavan, and I have to say, I really loved it!
It was a great story, and really made you feel. &While I think I was expecting to go into a really lighthearted story, I was partly right, but there were some really tough issues that our characters go through as well, and I think it rounded out the story in the right way.

Our FMC Avery is a bit of a bad ass, along with bring pretty hilarious. But, it's obvious that she has dealt with somethings that have left her a bit jaded. She is a teacher, and has a hilarious yet fun relationship with her brother's son, who she is often left babysitting. &When I say that Avery is a bit of a badass, I really mean that she really has no problem stating what is on her mind, along with even all of her brother's motorcycle club friends knowing she means business. But, as you read, you find out more about why she has this tough persona.

Carter, our hero is a police officer who happens to know Avery's big brother Deacon. Him and a friend were at Deacon's son's birthday party, when Carter first notices and sees Avery, not realizing that the beautiful woman beating up a guy for touching her was in fact Deacon's sister. He feels a connection, but, it is soon that things go wrong in a traumatic way.

Carter & Avery find strength in one another, while being complete opposites. They were exactly what one another needed, and their story has it all.
You will laugh, get emotional, see true resilience reflected in their choices and ability to grow. I think that Bent is a truly great read, and definitely one that I think other readers should absolutely take a chance on!
Profile Image for Ari.
331 reviews6 followers
October 15, 2020
Arc received

K Bromberg's Everyday Heroes World has been like going home, and with each book from new authors, the world gets a little bit bigger, with new faces and stories set right where fans of the Malone Brother's like to be!

Bent has a bit more bite, as Avery has a tough exterior, with a touch a mischievousness. As the daughter of the local club former president and sister of the current, getting involved with a police officer might make things complicated. Especially one who pushes her buttons, as much as she might like it. And he's incredibly sexy.

Carter Malone (yep, he's a Malone), follows his rules, and yet a part of him is attracted to Avery in all her push the limits glory.

Great chemistry, and layers that worked as they were peeled away as their story unfolded, and while at first Avery seemed a bit prickly, there's always a reason we all have broken parts. And she's not the only one...

And, as with any story set in a world by K. Bromberg, the heartstrings get pulled, tears fall, and hearts are broken. The question is, can Carter and Avery heal one another?

Loved the author's story, and it was great visiting back with the Malone family!
Profile Image for Lindsy.
634 reviews12 followers
October 17, 2020
What a ride this story was! I’ve never read anything by April or that’s set in the everyday word series. I was definitely not disappointed with this story though.
Avery was an interesting character. She didn’t like confrontation but definitely did not have any problems finding trouble or getting herself into trouble. Which is where Carter comes in; she hates being touched but then a rude guy assaults her at her nephews birthday party and she punches him. Carter comes to arrest her but then gets an emergency call. Avery keeps running away from Carter even though he’s the perfect person for her; especially since she doesn’t freak out when he touches her. She never really explains about her accident but you learn a little more about it as time goes on.
I really liked Carter and how he never turned his back on Avery. He was a great guy that was great with kids and kept Avery on her toes. I’m really glad that he pushed to be in her life and take care of Lucas after everything that happened. This story kept me surprised and I didn’t want to put it down. I loved the ending and how smart Lucas is even though he’s only a 6th grader.
Definitely recommend this story if you want something funny but also heartbreaking!
Profile Image for DocDagen.
12 reviews
September 22, 2020
April does it again with another installment to the Birch County series that draws you in and you just can't put it down.
Avery James has always been a woman who you just didn't mess with but all that was about to change when she met Carter Malone.
Carter Malone has always been driven by his resolve to follow the letter of the law but when he met Avery James that line became blurred. He will fight a battle on two fronts: the first to uphold the law and the second where he will have to fight every fiber of his being to not bend the law for her. Like a moth to a flame he is drawn to her and knows if you play with fire you will get burnt.
Canavan's Avery character is every woman. Our fears, our triumps, our victories and our defeats. She is rough broken, real and so lovable. Much like Avery with her jagged edges the raw painful truths of life rear their ugly head here. There is no escape. The forgiveness, kindness and deep aching pain will remind you of your humanity.
Grab your tissues and big ole cup of coffee because you are about to get Bent.
Profile Image for Naughty Nightie.
508 reviews10 followers
October 6, 2020
4 1/2 star read. Loved this read by April she sure takes you on an up and down ride with this one. Avery is not your average elementary school teacher and is anything but a meek and mild woman she stands up for what's right in her book. She meets Carter who's a policeman and has to arrest her at a party since she assaulted a man. This story has everything angst, romance, and some laughs along the way. Carter is torn at times between the woman he loves and some of her antics which means he feels the need to uphold the law despite her being the one doing it.
I received a copy to do an honest review for NN Book Blog. If you love a story with a strong woman who always believes in doing what's right in her book and a man who tries his best and stands up for what's right despite the one he loves always testing him you will love this one. This book is also another book in the Everyday Heros World and it doesn't disappoint.
Profile Image for Kelly  DeMarco.
1,788 reviews5 followers
October 10, 2020
Seriously bent, but not broken
Bent by April Canavan is a well written law enforcement romance. The characters in this book, Carter and Avery, are each in their own ways emotionally traumatized and reacting to their own trauma in opposite ways. Carter refuses to break the rules, let alone break them while Avery has pulled a 180 degree shift to bending the rules to near breaking.
The plot of this emotional story is all about healing. Carter and Avery seem to heal each other while helping another heal and find happiness with them. This book is chock full of emotion, animosity, denial, fear and running away. In the end, all those negative reactions no longer work, Carter and Avery find their way, thanks is large part to Carter and his persistence.
Overall, a very enjoyable emotionally compelling read that makes the HEA all the sweeter for it.
I read an ARC of this book from Hidden Gems and voluntarily share my review.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.6k reviews163 followers
October 8, 2020
April Canavan is a new to me author, and I'm blown away after experiencing Bent.  This story was utter perfection in my opinion.  This is the story of Carter, the town's golden boy policeman, and Avery, an elementary teacher & total bada**.  He's had his eye on her for some time but wouldn't admit it, so the way they interacted at the beginning had me laughing my behind off as she was such an amazing heroine who fears no one.  It starts them off together as enemies but it doesn't take them long to stop denying the chemistry between them because it's definitely potent.  Bent is a story that shows real life feeling people dealing with real life issues which not only entertained me, but totally came off realistic at the end of the day.  So I'm telling y'all that YOU HAVE TO HIT YOUR ONE CLICK BUTTONS IMMEDIATELY! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
Profile Image for Johnaka- Amity Book Blog.
1,163 reviews16 followers
September 24, 2020
Bent by April Canavan
“New to me author, 5 stars”

I have never read Canavan before or any of the K. Bromberg’s Every Day Heroes World. Needless to say I will be reading more of the World and more of Canavan. I was seriously impressed and didn’t want Bent to end.
Carter is back in his hometown. He’s straight laced and by the book. Avery is everything but. Even though she’s a hurricane, he wants her. But Avery’s been hurt before, will he be able to convince her he wants her for good?
Avery belongs to one person, and one person only, herself. But Carter makes her want more. He makes her want things she wrote off a long time ago. Will she let her walls down enough to let him in? What will happen when the unknown comes? Only one way to find out.
Plot-5/5
Characters-5/5
Heat-5/5
Writing style-5/5
Overall-5/5
1,043 reviews5 followers
September 25, 2020
This book sucked all my emotions out of me and held them hostage. I was laughing, crying, anxious, heartbroken, relieved, angered, bringing out the momma claws, fanning myself...

“I controlled the rules, the environment, all of it. Though out here, in the middle of the woods...Not a chance...”

There is a fierce loyalty throughout this book. Loyal to family. Loyal to friends. Loyal to protecting your heart. Loyal to healing.

“I hate that you think so poorly of yourself. Everything you’ve gone through, it was only a test. You won. You came out on the other side, and you’re stronger than anyone else I’ve ever met.”

Many intense subjects throughout, but written in a way you can’t help fall in love with. Makes you see through another’s struggling, aching and grieving eyes and heart.


Profile Image for E. R..
709 reviews6 followers
October 5, 2020
3.75 out of 5 stars!

When the heroine takes action against a man who invaded her personal space, the hero steps in. Instant attraction, communication issues, family drama, and external events makes the relationship between the couple fun to read. The feisty schoolteacher has personal issues she battles with whereas the solid police officer has personal grief and the heroine's "walls" to deal with in this story.

I find the characters surrounding the couple were individually capable of standing up for themselves during the story. The couple were given enough descriptions to be the focal point of the book. But my personal preference would be more details added to the story to give me a broader picture of the town, the characters, and the events that happened during this book. However, the book stands up as a solid addition to The Everyday Heroes World Series. I look forward to reading more from both the author and the series.

**Thanks to the author for the review copy.**
Profile Image for Deborah Anita Kurniawan.
536 reviews13 followers
October 7, 2020
4 ★★★★

My first read of April Canavan and what a read!
It sets in the Everyday Heroes world although not in Sunnyville directly.

~Carter Malone & Avery James~
Carter is a police officer who takes the rules very seriously.
Enter Avery James, the little sister of MC Prez, a teacher, and a badass in every aspect of life.
After a traumatic accident, Avery vows not to let any man get closer to her.
Well, barriers are created to be destroyed and that is exactly what Carter does.
He patiently waits for Avery to accept him and shows her that they truly belong together.

Some parts make me cry during my read.

I thoroughly enjoy reading this book from the beginning until the end!
Definitely going to check other books from the author.



*ARC provided by Grey's Promotion in exchanged for an honest review
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
16.8k reviews200 followers
October 7, 2020
Carter and Avery live in the same town, where he is a stick by the rules police officer, and Avery is an elementary school teacher, who is a feisty and stubborn, and she knows how to stand up for herself. When Carter comes across Avery beating on a man, he arrests her and puts her in handcuffs. These two may start of as enemies, but feelings come into play and things change. Avery has baggage and when her past comes back to haunt her will Carter stick to the rules? This is a well written tale which is emotional, humorous, entertaining, and with angst, family, friends, and love, which all had me totally captivated throughout this riveting and addictive page turner. I look forward to reading more from this author whose work I highly recommend for all.
Profile Image for Sharon.
2,029 reviews15 followers
October 8, 2020
This is the first book I have read by the author and gives readers Avery and Carter’s story. Avery is an elementary teacher with a short fuse that seems to find herself in situations where she has to defend herself. Carter is a police officer who has an attraction to Avery and seems to always be around when she gets into an altercation. The story is a slow read with some emotional scenes that will bring the tears and others that will make you smile. Although not my favorite of the Everyday Heroes World, these two opposites are just what the other needed as one to learn that rules were made to be broken and sometimes rules need to be followed. I volunteered to read a copy of this book.
678 reviews5 followers
October 12, 2020
Avery is a tough, no holds barred kind of girl who didn't put up with the men in her life that were there due to her family's association with an MC. Carter is a by the book cop who doesn't "bend". It takes them a minute to find their footing with each other and to figure out that there was more to their connection. Avery pushes Carter's buttons in the best way possible and Carter brings Avery back from going off the rails. They truly were a match made for each other. This is the first book I have read by April Caravan and I will definitely be looking for her other books. This is a standalone book but I think reading the others in the series would help with understanding the periphery characters. I received a free copy for my hones review.
Profile Image for Dimaris rossy.
1,038 reviews18 followers
October 1, 2020
April Canavan is a new author for me but she had me completely entertained. This is an easy read with fun moments, some action, some suspense, sad moments, a lot of loving, and very cute and insightful kids. Plus Avery and Carter are great! She is a handful and a bit mischievous. Always testing his patience. Always with her guard up. A very strong willed woman but with a big heart. She is in reality a softy and Carter sees right through her. If there was ever someone that could challenge her, it would be always by the book Carter. And damn, with a mix of rough in the bedroom and gentle out in the world, that man is the perfect combination of perfect sexy swoon worthy. 
Profile Image for Ga Books LoverX.
2,356 reviews22 followers
October 6, 2020
This was a fairly fast read, but it did not take away from the overall meaning of the book. This was extremely heartfelt and dealt with some heavy topics, this new to me author definitely knows her stuff!
Bent exposes truths and reasonings that will hit you right in the gut with crazy feels! I adored both Carter (swoon alert!) and Avery. There were funny times and sweet times and heartbreaking times and SUPER steamy times- all in all this was a great book and I adored reading it! 4.5 outta 5 stars from me!

PS: Thank you to April Canavan and Grey's Promotions for allowing me an advanced copy of the book to read and review honestly!
Profile Image for Bethany.
115 reviews13 followers
October 9, 2020
*Please note that I received this book free for review purposes. This will have no impact on the content of my review.*

I really enjoyed reading this novel. The main characters are flawed and real and both very much independent and badass. There was a small plot inconsistency but it didn't impact the flow in any real way and was resolved clearly.

The format of switching back and forth between the main characters in alternating chapters was very helpful in allowing the reader insight into actions and motivations as well as fleshing out the plot in more detail. The background characters were sufficiently developed to intrigue me regarding the other books in the 'verse without any of them overshadowing the main relationship.
331 reviews3 followers
September 30, 2020
Bent was amazing! Beautiful, heartwarming and passionate romance. I loved Carter Malone and Adored Avery James. He's a cop that's back in Birch County and she's the feisty school teacher. These two kept me on my toes! I fell in love with them and became invested in their lives. I loved how strong and sassy Avery was and that Carter loved her crazy. This story hit all my emotional buttons. I laughed, shed a few tears and had heart tugging moments. Lucas and Rett were scene stealers. The whole cast of characters were great! Ms. Canavan did a fantastic job with the story and characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.