Once Upon a Broken Heart Stephanie Garber – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Once Upon a Broken Heart Stephanie Garber

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2023

74%

WISE Score

4.2

Amazon

Swoony fairy tale fantasy where a heartbroken girl bargains three kisses with an immortal prince—predictably, things get complicated.

Once Upon a Broken Heart Stephanie Garber

book

2023

74%

WISE Score

4.2

Amazon

Swoony fairy tale fantasy where a heartbroken girl bargains three kisses with an immortal prince—predictably, things get complicated.

4.2

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Screenwise Verdict

This is candy-coated romantic fantasy that does exactly what it promises: swoony kisses, magical bargains, fairy tale vibes, and a wicked immortal love interest. It's not going to change anyone's life or win literary awards, but it's genuinely fun escapism for teens who want romance with their magic.

The content is refreshingly mild for YA—mostly kissing, minimal swearing, no graphic anything. Parent reviews consistently land on 12+ as appropriate, and that feels right. It's a solid pick for kids transitioning from middle grade fantasy into YA romance without jumping straight into spicy content.

The 'be careful what you wish for' theme offers some substance beneath the romance, though let's be real—this is entertainment first, life lessons second. If your teen loved Caraval or is deep into #BookTok romantasy, this will hit. If they want complex characters and literary depth, maybe not. But for what it is—a fun, romantic, magical romp—it delivers.

Age Fit

Best for ages 12-17 who are into romantic fantasy. The kissing and romantic tension make it solidly YA territory, but it's mild enough for middle schoolers ready for their first romantasy. Older teens and adults who love fairy tale retellings will enjoy it too, though some may find the writing style a bit young.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Emotionally engaging fantasy romance with themes of true love, heartbreak, and dealing with consequences. The protagonist believes in happy endings and navigates romantic disappointment, though she makes some impulsive decisions (striking deals with wicked immortals). Kissing scenes are present but not explicit. Models perseverance and hope, though the 'making dangerous bargains' element isn't the healthiest pattern. Tone is appropriate for teens.

Imaginative

Rich fantasy world with immortal princes, magical curses, and fairy tale elements reimagined. The concept of bargaining for three kisses 'at the time and place of his choosing' creates intrigue. Builds on Garber's established Caraval universe with creative world-building. The premise of trading kisses for wishes and the consequences that follow invites readers into a whimsical yet dangerous magical realm. Strong imaginative appeal for fantasy readers.

Safe

Content is fairly mild for YA fantasy romance. Per web search results: minimal profanity (one mild use, one use of deity's name in vain), several kissing scenes with 'brief and mild references' to potentially more happening. No graphic violence, gore, or explicit sexual content. Common Sense Media parent reviews suggest 12+ is appropriate. The emotional stakes involve heartbreak and dangerous magical bargains, but nothing traumatic or triggering for the target audience.

Enriching

Explores consequences of impulsive decisions and the complexity of wishes and bargains—classic fairy tale wisdom about being careful what you wish for. Themes of resilience after heartbreak and navigating deception. However, it's primarily entertainment-focused romance rather than deeply thought-provoking. The emotional journey offers some insight into desire, agency, and the cost of shortcuts, but this is candy-coated fantasy more than literature with lasting takeaways.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Whimsical, romantic fantasy world that's immersive without being too dark—perfect escapism for teens who love fairy tale retellings
Explores the 'be careful what you wish for' concept with magical bargains and curses that have real consequences
Kissing scenes stay mild and romantic rather than explicit, making it accessible for younger YA readers
Strong #BookTok appeal—if your teen is into romantasy, this hits the sweet spot between Caraval vibes and fairy tale magic
Fast-paced plot keeps pages turning; not a dense literary slog

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What to Watch For

Protagonist makes some impulsive, questionable decisions (like bargaining with wicked immortals)—good fodder for 'what would you do?' conversations
Romantic tension and multiple kissing scenes; nothing graphic but definitely romantic
Themes of heartbreak and emotional manipulation from the Prince of Hearts character
Some readers find it reads like fanfic—lighter on character depth, heavier on romantic tension

Conversation Starters

"If you could make a deal for three wishes but had to give up something important, would you do it? What would you wish for?"
"Evangeline believes in true love and happy endings—do you think that's naive or hopeful? How would you handle finding out your crush was marrying someone else?"
"The Prince of Hearts is described as 'wicked but charismatic'—why do you think people are drawn to characters like that? What makes someone actually trustworthy vs. just charming?"
"What do you think the book is saying about shortcuts and bargains? Have you ever wanted something so badly you'd do anything to get it?"

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