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Dissonance
Break
This book is ONLY from the men's POVs
For as long as Mina could remember, they have been her bullies. Taunting, teasing, and hurting her, she’s endured endless humiliation until one of them finally pushed her to break.
With no option left, she made the decision to flee - but found herself running right into the arms of the past. Seeking help, she reluctantly puts her trust and fate into the hands of her former bullies.
With their ex-friend loose and seeking to destroy the woman they are falling for, Max, Vincent, and Ethan take on their new roles as her protectors. But owning the weight and impact of their past actions might be the real enemy - and break more than just Mina before it’s all done.
~ ~ ~
BREAK is a why choose romance novel, which means that the main character won't have to choose who she ends up with. This is a MFMM 18+ age-gap, bully/enemies to lovers romance that has elements some may find triggering. Please read the trigger warning at the beginning of the book, and if you find any topics that you think will push you, please don't read. The main triggers in this book is DV.
For as long as Mina could remember, they have been her bullies. Taunting, teasing, and hurting her, she’s endured endless humiliation until one of them finally pushed her to break.
With no option left, she made the decision to flee - but found herself running right into the arms of the past. Seeking help, she reluctantly puts her trust and fate into the hands of her former bullies.
With their ex-friend loose and seeking to destroy the woman they are falling for, Max, Vincent, and Ethan take on their new roles as her protectors. But owning the weight and impact of their past actions might be the real enemy - and break more than just Mina before it’s all done.
~ ~ ~
BREAK is a why choose romance novel, which means that the main character won't have to choose who she ends up with. This is a MFMM 18+ age-gap, bully/enemies to lovers romance that has elements some may find triggering. Please read the trigger warning at the beginning of the book, and if you find any topics that you think will push you, please don't read. The main triggers in this book is DV.
525 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2023
85 people are currently reading
336 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
January 24, 2025
1. When Max and Ethan were brought into the room to help Mina and she reacted to them with fear after being so badly beaten and traumatized, Ethan’s reaction was to roll his eyes in annoyance and Max’s reaction was frustration??? I think these guys need to find a different job. 🤬
2. The guys have known Mina for most of their lives, ever since they were children. They hadn’t seen her for five years and when they did, they didn’t recognize her despite the HUGE hint of her obsessive paper folding habit? 🙄
3. How stupid are these men? Even as a child, Mina was known for her habit of folding paper when she was nervous. The guys even got their revenge by sneaking into her bedroom and destroying some of her paper creations. When they brought Mina to Ethan's house, he brought Mina a package of printer paper and on the way downstairs, Max asked him, “What’s with the paper?” 🙄
4. There is no way that a group that worked to hide and protect abused women would be made up entirely of men. And, men that did work in a group like that would NOT behave like Max, Ethan and Vincent. They were impatient, irritable and defensive. They were always arguing and fighting with each other, even yelling and throwing things. Although they were all supposed to be experienced in dealing with abusers, they didn’t recognize that Mina was being abused by her parents and they didn’t recognize the signs of an abuser in their “friend”, Danny.
5. “I’m sorry that you ever felt like I was the enemy in your story”. Yeah, that’s called a non-apology.
This book was so poorly done. All four of the men were terrible bullies to Mina for their entire childhood. When she finally confronted Max, Ethan and Vincent with the way they had treated her, they acted like they were shocked to hear that she saw their past in a completely different way than they did. Looking back, they realized some of the terrible things that they did to her but they just shrugged it off. Then, she apologized for speaking like that to them and that was it. I’m at 35% and so far, I’ve seen no sign of shame or guilt from any of the guys, no groveling, no attempt to earn her forgiveness and they all seem fine with each other. I'm done. DNF
2. The guys have known Mina for most of their lives, ever since they were children. They hadn’t seen her for five years and when they did, they didn’t recognize her despite the HUGE hint of her obsessive paper folding habit? 🙄
3. How stupid are these men? Even as a child, Mina was known for her habit of folding paper when she was nervous. The guys even got their revenge by sneaking into her bedroom and destroying some of her paper creations. When they brought Mina to Ethan's house, he brought Mina a package of printer paper and on the way downstairs, Max asked him, “What’s with the paper?” 🙄
4. There is no way that a group that worked to hide and protect abused women would be made up entirely of men. And, men that did work in a group like that would NOT behave like Max, Ethan and Vincent. They were impatient, irritable and defensive. They were always arguing and fighting with each other, even yelling and throwing things. Although they were all supposed to be experienced in dealing with abusers, they didn’t recognize that Mina was being abused by her parents and they didn’t recognize the signs of an abuser in their “friend”, Danny.
5. “I’m sorry that you ever felt like I was the enemy in your story”. Yeah, that’s called a non-apology.
This book was so poorly done. All four of the men were terrible bullies to Mina for their entire childhood. When she finally confronted Max, Ethan and Vincent with the way they had treated her, they acted like they were shocked to hear that she saw their past in a completely different way than they did. Looking back, they realized some of the terrible things that they did to her but they just shrugged it off. Then, she apologized for speaking like that to them and that was it. I’m at 35% and so far, I’ve seen no sign of shame or guilt from any of the guys, no groveling, no attempt to earn her forgiveness and they all seem fine with each other. I'm done. DNF
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2023
I really liked the previous book, Teach. There were minor grammar things, in Break, I found but overall I enjoyed it.
While I really did enjoy this book, the biggest flaw (that I know the author is still working on) is the description of characters. We hear about Mina a lot; what she's wearing, her hairdo, her eye color, her hair color (except this changed from chestnut to chocolate brown), her body shape...it's all there. This is where I DO feel her character pov would have REALLY helped the book. We have nearly no descriptions of the men. We get Ethan "6'4, bearded, tattooed, pierced, and rough around the edges". We get Max, "a couple inches shorter and slightly leaner". That's about it. If I'm wrong, please comment where I can find and understand their descriptions because it was obviously too brief for me to remember through the rest of the book because I was starving through each chapter to know what they looked like. We got more description for the tattoo lady, Gray, than we did for the men. So, that was a major issue for me throughout this book. The descriptions of their personalities didn't stand out to me until much later in the book and I found myself constantly turning back to see whose chapter I was on. When I didn't want to turn the pages back, I looked at who was talking and did process of elimination. I also wish ages were made apparent. I don't mind the amount of years listed but it would have been nice to have "16 years ago: Age 10" or something like it. She's 25 but are they older than her or the same age? Whenever it was talked about, I thought she was like 4 years younger at first. I'm thinking same age or 1 year up because Ethan goes into the military for 8 years once he graduates. That would equal to 26 assuming he went at 18.
I'm writing this off even though it made me blink with an inconsistency, it's stated Danny owns a Corvette. Later, he was driving his Mustang. The reason I'm writing it off is because it's a two-year gap that a vehicle is explained for him. But then it also states he has three vehicles. So I scratched my head a little at that. Again, writing this off.
I think the author took a really big risk with only doing the MMC POV, especially for being a new author. While I applaud the idea and the guts it took to write it, I feel as though a "series" should retain some theme element. I understand it's the Dissonance Series, and while I do feel the stories can change, the consistency of writing should remain the same. I think if this had been a standalone book (I know it technically was) and not part of a "series", it would have made much more sense. Adding in, I feel if the characters had been well described, I don't think I would have had as much of an issue.
The author's writing isn't bad at all, I think they are just still new and navigating. As a victim myself of abuse, I fully understand the differences and timelines for each person and I had no qualms over what's right for someone isn't right for someone else. I do think, because this book is very centered around the victim, it should have had her pov. Not even a lot. But even if it was just 2 or 3 added in to explain in her own words of her growth in stages, maybe in just a few diary formats, it would have helped me connect better. She kept a diary of abuse so it would have been nice if she had kept a diary while growing and we got a few entries just to feel her feelings.
Overall, even with the lack of descriptions, I read the book in one day. All 500+ pages. It was good and really held my attention. I found myself nodding a lot because of similar situations I went through and heard some of those same things spoken to me. What I LOVED...COMMUNICATION!!! Sing it from the rooftops!! I would have stopped reading if the communication had not been there so 🙌🏻. Give it a go and see what you think.
While I really did enjoy this book, the biggest flaw (that I know the author is still working on) is the description of characters. We hear about Mina a lot; what she's wearing, her hairdo, her eye color, her hair color (except this changed from chestnut to chocolate brown), her body shape...it's all there. This is where I DO feel her character pov would have REALLY helped the book. We have nearly no descriptions of the men. We get Ethan "6'4, bearded, tattooed, pierced, and rough around the edges". We get Max, "a couple inches shorter and slightly leaner". That's about it. If I'm wrong, please comment where I can find and understand their descriptions because it was obviously too brief for me to remember through the rest of the book because I was starving through each chapter to know what they looked like. We got more description for the tattoo lady, Gray, than we did for the men. So, that was a major issue for me throughout this book. The descriptions of their personalities didn't stand out to me until much later in the book and I found myself constantly turning back to see whose chapter I was on. When I didn't want to turn the pages back, I looked at who was talking and did process of elimination. I also wish ages were made apparent. I don't mind the amount of years listed but it would have been nice to have "16 years ago: Age 10" or something like it. She's 25 but are they older than her or the same age? Whenever it was talked about, I thought she was like 4 years younger at first. I'm thinking same age or 1 year up because Ethan goes into the military for 8 years once he graduates. That would equal to 26 assuming he went at 18.
I'm writing this off even though it made me blink with an inconsistency, it's stated Danny owns a Corvette. Later, he was driving his Mustang. The reason I'm writing it off is because it's a two-year gap that a vehicle is explained for him. But then it also states he has three vehicles. So I scratched my head a little at that. Again, writing this off.
I think the author took a really big risk with only doing the MMC POV, especially for being a new author. While I applaud the idea and the guts it took to write it, I feel as though a "series" should retain some theme element. I understand it's the Dissonance Series, and while I do feel the stories can change, the consistency of writing should remain the same. I think if this had been a standalone book (I know it technically was) and not part of a "series", it would have made much more sense. Adding in, I feel if the characters had been well described, I don't think I would have had as much of an issue.
The author's writing isn't bad at all, I think they are just still new and navigating. As a victim myself of abuse, I fully understand the differences and timelines for each person and I had no qualms over what's right for someone isn't right for someone else. I do think, because this book is very centered around the victim, it should have had her pov. Not even a lot. But even if it was just 2 or 3 added in to explain in her own words of her growth in stages, maybe in just a few diary formats, it would have helped me connect better. She kept a diary of abuse so it would have been nice if she had kept a diary while growing and we got a few entries just to feel her feelings.
Overall, even with the lack of descriptions, I read the book in one day. All 500+ pages. It was good and really held my attention. I found myself nodding a lot because of similar situations I went through and heard some of those same things spoken to me. What I LOVED...COMMUNICATION!!! Sing it from the rooftops!! I would have stopped reading if the communication had not been there so 🙌🏻. Give it a go and see what you think.
June 27, 2023
THIS BOOK. Be ready to cry for basically the entire first half and then swoon for the second half. If you love a good grovel, this story is filled with acts of service groveling of the best variety!
S.E. Green has managed yet again to create another realistic romance with problems that aren't world stopping but still shatter the lives of the characters involved. I'm obsessed with this series and I look forward to seeing what traumas we get to tackle with her in the future!
I hated the MMCs for the beginning third of the story, but they started to slowly grow on me. By the end they had me hooked. Especially Vincent! (It's the golden retriever energy!)
Mina was such a heartbreaking character. Getting to know her through the guys POVs was different in a great way. It was like following a trail of breadcrumbs as we slowly started to see all of the pieces to her puzzle.
One aspect of this story I especially loved was that while Mina and Max both have trauma there's no fix-all for it. THey grow and heal, but even at the end they still have issues that are caused by the traumas they endure.
S.E. Green has managed yet again to create another realistic romance with problems that aren't world stopping but still shatter the lives of the characters involved. I'm obsessed with this series and I look forward to seeing what traumas we get to tackle with her in the future!
I hated the MMCs for the beginning third of the story, but they started to slowly grow on me. By the end they had me hooked. Especially Vincent! (It's the golden retriever energy!)
Mina was such a heartbreaking character. Getting to know her through the guys POVs was different in a great way. It was like following a trail of breadcrumbs as we slowly started to see all of the pieces to her puzzle.
One aspect of this story I especially loved was that while Mina and Max both have trauma there's no fix-all for it. THey grow and heal, but even at the end they still have issues that are caused by the traumas they endure.
June 30, 2023
I didn’t think I could love any of S’s guys more than I loved our guys from TEACH but let me tell you Max, Ethan, and Vince came really damn close. This was by far her best book yet and seeing the intense emotional development not only between the main characters but also individually (looking at you here, Mina, our little warrior.) I was texting S the whole time I was reading this book and I’m not sure I have the words to say how much I loved it. If you’re one of those people who wanted ATONE to be less severe and have more groveling, this is the perfect book for you.
January 13, 2024
Unique way of storytelling
This was the only book that I've read where the narrative was 99% from the male characters' point of view.
It was a fun and unique way of portraying the story of Mina, the FMC who has gone through so much in her life but managed to stay kind and positive despite all the things that have been done to her.
This was the only book that I've read where the narrative was 99% from the male characters' point of view.
It was a fun and unique way of portraying the story of Mina, the FMC who has gone through so much in her life but managed to stay kind and positive despite all the things that have been done to her.
January 3, 2024
Another outstanding story
SE Green has this innate ability to write characters that are so real, that you can't help but connect with on so many levels.
This is another absolutely stunning, masterpiece of a book in the celebrated Dissonance series, and I loved every second of it.
SE Green has this innate ability to write characters that are so real, that you can't help but connect with on so many levels.
This is another absolutely stunning, masterpiece of a book in the celebrated Dissonance series, and I loved every second of it.
February 11, 2024
OMG!
You must read this book right the freak now!
It was absolutely brilliant. I want to read all my book from the boys POV from now on, S.E Green is now my new favourite author, bloody brilliant!
You must read this book right the freak now!
It was absolutely brilliant. I want to read all my book from the boys POV from now on, S.E Green is now my new favourite author, bloody brilliant!
February 19, 2024
Absolutely phenomenal! This was just as beautiful as the first two books! I can’t get enough! By far my absolute favorite RH series and can’t wait to read the rest! 😍 Absolutely in love with this book series! Another beautiful and well written story.
March 25, 2024
well done!
Finally a bully novel I can get through. I almost didn’t pick this one up because it’s not usually my jam. However I read the other books and I really wanted to move forward with the series. I’m glad I did! This author just became a one click for me! Bravo! Well done!
Finally a bully novel I can get through. I almost didn’t pick this one up because it’s not usually my jam. However I read the other books and I really wanted to move forward with the series. I’m glad I did! This author just became a one click for me! Bravo! Well done!
August 6, 2023
A 3.75/5 🌟 read
Soooo.. I’ve been reading how the love interests were her bullies and I’d say I don’t really agree with that statement in its entirety because the main bully and villain was someone else and these love interests were more like spectators who saw her get bullied and didn’t do anything to help her out and well one of them did participate somewhat at times but def not like the main bully and they did have conflicting feelings but peer pressure made them stay quiet.
Now I’m not justifying their actions or rather inactions in any way but merely clarifying because so many reviews claim them to be her bullies and make it sound like they have no scope of redemption when I don’t see it that way. They did redeem themselves and did the right thing eventually.
The story started sad but eventually things started getting better which was expected and nice. I didn’t like the writing style as much tho. Also felt too insta-lovey once the love story for the main characters finally starts.
RH in a standalone setting often leaves you feeling not as connected to the protagonists and that’s what happened here but I’d say this could be a good one-time read.
Soooo.. I’ve been reading how the love interests were her bullies and I’d say I don’t really agree with that statement in its entirety because the main bully and villain was someone else and these love interests were more like spectators who saw her get bullied and didn’t do anything to help her out and well one of them did participate somewhat at times but def not like the main bully and they did have conflicting feelings but peer pressure made them stay quiet.
Now I’m not justifying their actions or rather inactions in any way but merely clarifying because so many reviews claim them to be her bullies and make it sound like they have no scope of redemption when I don’t see it that way. They did redeem themselves and did the right thing eventually.
The story started sad but eventually things started getting better which was expected and nice. I didn’t like the writing style as much tho. Also felt too insta-lovey once the love story for the main characters finally starts.
RH in a standalone setting often leaves you feeling not as connected to the protagonists and that’s what happened here but I’d say this could be a good one-time read.
July 3, 2023
This is the second book I've edited so far and I was so happy that I was trusted to help with this book baby. I read the 2 books in this series that came before this one and absolutely loved them. When I found out I'd be editing this one, I was excited to see what new story and characters would be introduced. This book isn't for everyone because of the heavy subject matter in this gray romance, however, if the TWs don't affect you, I highly recommend a read. You may cry, you will definitely laugh, and love the emotional rollercoaster this beautifully written story takes you on. It's a slow burn, but the journey there is intense, heartgripping, and worth it. I can't wait for the next one.
March 20, 2024
The men seemed to have selective memories about her. They should have remembered that they bullied her when they were all young but in their mind they had done nothing wrong until they all of a sudden began to have flashbacks and when one of them mentioned about the prom surely he should have remembered that he had left her for his ex girlfriend and she had to walk home but it was as if he had forgotten and she had to remind him.
Also I would have liked it from her point of view too instead of just the men I think the story would have been better then.
Also I would have liked it from her point of view too instead of just the men I think the story would have been better then.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2024
This author breaks my heart every time I read her work.
This is my 3/4 read through of this book. It’s written only from the men’s POV which is interesting and new but really needed with the topics and tropes within it.
Loved all the angst but also the genuine affection that grew between them.
This is my 3/4 read through of this book. It’s written only from the men’s POV which is interesting and new but really needed with the topics and tropes within it.
Loved all the angst but also the genuine affection that grew between them.
June 10, 2024
First read: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Second read: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Third read: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Second read: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Third read: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 24, 2024
I am on a binge read of S.E Green books cause I finally found another RH author I can vibe with
1000000🌟stars: absolutely my favorite
⚜ rating 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
⚜Genre: Contemporary RH Romance
⚜Theme: Second-Chance B&lly Romance
⚜Targeted audience: Adults
⚜Characters: Mira, Max, Vincent, Ethan.... and the Son of a billion beach Danny
⚜Representation: mental health (coping mechanism)
⚜Pace: medium
⚜TW: DA, marital R, b7llying, gaslighting, violence, kidnapping
⚜ tropes: Why-choose, redemption
⚜ POV: multiple first-person BUT ONLY FROM THE MEN'S POV
⚜ spice 🌶🌶🌶
⚜standalone: yes
⚜Ending: HEA
⚜Book read: KU
I have no words to describe how beautifully written this book was
Donny, Max, Vincent, and Ethan grew up friends next to Mira's house. For some reason, Danny had it for Mira and encouraged the guys to bully her. The bullying continued throughout the years. Suddenly, Danny marries Mira and the guys fall out of touch. Five years later, Max and Ethan has an organization that helps DA women (ironic), and Vincent is a cop (another irony). Mira is trying to get out of her marriage, the 3 guys are helping her, discover how shitty they were when they were kids and queue in the groveling and redemption.
There was one thing I wished we got an answer to and that is "Why was Danny so obsessed with Mira that he forced her to marry him?" We get hints and speculations, but it is all theory
However, this minor thing did not take away from the exquisite story
1- To begin with, it was written solely from the Men's POV. I am a firm beleval that Romance of any kind should be dual POV. But since we rarely get books from the men's POV and because we needed to see the results of their actions and how they are redeeming itself, it worked to have only their POVs. This did not diminish Mira's part. We still get her personality.
2- Mira: although she did not get a POV (she did get the epilogue), we totally understand her background and reasons for her actions. Mira, though manipulated by her parents and Danny, is not a weak female. The fact that she was gathering evidence and photos and documentation to build a case against her husband proves how strong-spirited she is.
Why did she marry her bully? she was raised in a strict religious house. Her father forced her to marry. Danny was obsessed and manipulated her. She was helpless as a child and teen. But she reached a point where enough is enough. I loved how she did not fall for the guys immediately, how she stood up to them, and how she made them work for her love.
4- The background: We get a step-by-step from the past to the present of all the terrible things the boys did to Mira. We understand her trauma and some of their reasoning (none is excusable). When we reach the present, it is logical then that the guys had to work hard for Mira.
5- The mentality of a bully: I would like to fehemently state that there is NO EXCUSE FOR BULLYING. having said that, the book presents bullying as not a Black/White state but a grey one.
Some bullies are pure evil, like Danny. You can sense his hostile nature and his desire to physically harm since he was a kid. This type of bully is encouraged by their supportive parents and their deceptive friendly nature with others. Danny easily gains friends and can manipulate them to do his bedding. The bullying turns to abuse as adults. He was able to make two cops help him.
On the other hand, not all bullies are evil, some are good but resolve to bullying by peer pressure and their domestic circumstances. They are kids doing stupid things dictated by others. These typically reach a point where they know what they are doing is bad and stop. We can see that later they seek ways to redeem their past.
6- The spice: If you go into this book thinking it is full of spice just because it is RH, then stop. The spice scenes happen after the 81% mark. I absolutely loved that because the author did not sacrifice the plot, character development, or the medium-burn build up to get to the smut.
1000000🌟stars: absolutely my favorite
⚜ rating 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
⚜Genre: Contemporary RH Romance
⚜Theme: Second-Chance B&lly Romance
⚜Targeted audience: Adults
⚜Characters: Mira, Max, Vincent, Ethan.... and the Son of a billion beach Danny
⚜Representation: mental health (coping mechanism)
⚜Pace: medium
⚜TW: DA, marital R, b7llying, gaslighting, violence, kidnapping
⚜ tropes: Why-choose, redemption
⚜ POV: multiple first-person BUT ONLY FROM THE MEN'S POV
⚜ spice 🌶🌶🌶
⚜standalone: yes
⚜Ending: HEA
⚜Book read: KU
I have no words to describe how beautifully written this book was
Donny, Max, Vincent, and Ethan grew up friends next to Mira's house. For some reason, Danny had it for Mira and encouraged the guys to bully her. The bullying continued throughout the years. Suddenly, Danny marries Mira and the guys fall out of touch. Five years later, Max and Ethan has an organization that helps DA women (ironic), and Vincent is a cop (another irony). Mira is trying to get out of her marriage, the 3 guys are helping her, discover how shitty they were when they were kids and queue in the groveling and redemption.
There was one thing I wished we got an answer to and that is "Why was Danny so obsessed with Mira that he forced her to marry him?" We get hints and speculations, but it is all theory
However, this minor thing did not take away from the exquisite story
1- To begin with, it was written solely from the Men's POV. I am a firm beleval that Romance of any kind should be dual POV. But since we rarely get books from the men's POV and because we needed to see the results of their actions and how they are redeeming itself, it worked to have only their POVs. This did not diminish Mira's part. We still get her personality.
2- Mira: although she did not get a POV (she did get the epilogue), we totally understand her background and reasons for her actions. Mira, though manipulated by her parents and Danny, is not a weak female. The fact that she was gathering evidence and photos and documentation to build a case against her husband proves how strong-spirited she is.
Why did she marry her bully? she was raised in a strict religious house. Her father forced her to marry. Danny was obsessed and manipulated her. She was helpless as a child and teen. But she reached a point where enough is enough. I loved how she did not fall for the guys immediately, how she stood up to them, and how she made them work for her love.
4- The background: We get a step-by-step from the past to the present of all the terrible things the boys did to Mira. We understand her trauma and some of their reasoning (none is excusable). When we reach the present, it is logical then that the guys had to work hard for Mira.
5- The mentality of a bully: I would like to fehemently state that there is NO EXCUSE FOR BULLYING. having said that, the book presents bullying as not a Black/White state but a grey one.
Some bullies are pure evil, like Danny. You can sense his hostile nature and his desire to physically harm since he was a kid. This type of bully is encouraged by their supportive parents and their deceptive friendly nature with others. Danny easily gains friends and can manipulate them to do his bedding. The bullying turns to abuse as adults. He was able to make two cops help him.
On the other hand, not all bullies are evil, some are good but resolve to bullying by peer pressure and their domestic circumstances. They are kids doing stupid things dictated by others. These typically reach a point where they know what they are doing is bad and stop. We can see that later they seek ways to redeem their past.
6- The spice: If you go into this book thinking it is full of spice just because it is RH, then stop. The spice scenes happen after the 81% mark. I absolutely loved that because the author did not sacrifice the plot, character development, or the medium-burn build up to get to the smut.
July 9, 2023
I have never come across an author who can write like this. You'll love it!
I hope I can do this book justice with my review. The reason is that I COULD NOT put this book down all day, so I'm writing this at 6AM after binging it all in one go. I'm tired, but it didn't matter. I had to finish. So, here I go at trying to express just how fantastic this book is.
First off, this book is very unique. The only one like it I've read due to the fact that it's multiple POV (point of view), but ALL from the men's side of things. You will not see one at all from the female main character. There's reasons for this, and it's done perfectly. Freaking flawless. You never once wonder what she may be thinking or wishing you could hear from her side because she expresses everything clearly with her emotions or words to the guys. You're never left wanting or needing a POV from her at all, and I feel that takes some skill as a writer.
Second point, there's multiple chapters early on starting from when they were all kids, and fast forwarding a few years, then another few years, etc, as they grow up. A different guy will have his POV written about certain incidents involving them and Mina (the main female character). This will eventually lead us to the present and summarize everything that has led to what is currently going on, who the important characters are, what their backgrounds are, and pretty much where everyone is at with each other.
You follow the journey of three men who used to be friends with a fourth, but as they got older, he started acting more questionable. He did or said things that they became more uncomfortable with, but also never did anything about it. This includes treating his neighbor, Mina, horribly. If he didn't bully her or set her up for things she didn't do, he let others do it for him. His three friends just stood around silently, going along with it. Fast forward again when they're adults, and suddenly, he's getting married to her. His friends have no idea why, despite not stopping him from acting the way he did, they knew he didn't like her and couldn't figure it out. They pretty much lost contact with him after that, having enough of his attitude and bad ways.
It's five years later that every one of these characters come back together, and not in a way any of them want to.
There's a clear "bad guy" in this book. He's an abuser who gas lights his partner to the extreme, closes her off from people, assures they have no escape, and are solely reliant and dependant on him. It's easy to hate him and think how horrible he is... but leave it to the author after EVERYTHING that's gone down, they give you a brief little moment, just the tiniest blip of time, to have you feel sadness for him. To maybe wish, somehow, he had a chance of help. It certainly doesn't last long, but to make you feel ANYTHING other than disgust or hate for such a cruel person for the SLIGHTEST second, was a surprising reaction that I did not expect, and commend the author on hugely.
This book has bullying, among other things that warrant trigger warnings, but so much of this book is of three men who had no idea what their actions resulted in working hard to repair the damage done and to help someone who was in need of it, as well as a little bit of happiness in their life. If you like a book where the guys have to work at forgiveness, perhaps books involving groveling? You'll love this book.
I hope I can do this book justice with my review. The reason is that I COULD NOT put this book down all day, so I'm writing this at 6AM after binging it all in one go. I'm tired, but it didn't matter. I had to finish. So, here I go at trying to express just how fantastic this book is.
First off, this book is very unique. The only one like it I've read due to the fact that it's multiple POV (point of view), but ALL from the men's side of things. You will not see one at all from the female main character. There's reasons for this, and it's done perfectly. Freaking flawless. You never once wonder what she may be thinking or wishing you could hear from her side because she expresses everything clearly with her emotions or words to the guys. You're never left wanting or needing a POV from her at all, and I feel that takes some skill as a writer.
Second point, there's multiple chapters early on starting from when they were all kids, and fast forwarding a few years, then another few years, etc, as they grow up. A different guy will have his POV written about certain incidents involving them and Mina (the main female character). This will eventually lead us to the present and summarize everything that has led to what is currently going on, who the important characters are, what their backgrounds are, and pretty much where everyone is at with each other.
You follow the journey of three men who used to be friends with a fourth, but as they got older, he started acting more questionable. He did or said things that they became more uncomfortable with, but also never did anything about it. This includes treating his neighbor, Mina, horribly. If he didn't bully her or set her up for things she didn't do, he let others do it for him. His three friends just stood around silently, going along with it. Fast forward again when they're adults, and suddenly, he's getting married to her. His friends have no idea why, despite not stopping him from acting the way he did, they knew he didn't like her and couldn't figure it out. They pretty much lost contact with him after that, having enough of his attitude and bad ways.
It's five years later that every one of these characters come back together, and not in a way any of them want to.
There's a clear "bad guy" in this book. He's an abuser who gas lights his partner to the extreme, closes her off from people, assures they have no escape, and are solely reliant and dependant on him. It's easy to hate him and think how horrible he is... but leave it to the author after EVERYTHING that's gone down, they give you a brief little moment, just the tiniest blip of time, to have you feel sadness for him. To maybe wish, somehow, he had a chance of help. It certainly doesn't last long, but to make you feel ANYTHING other than disgust or hate for such a cruel person for the SLIGHTEST second, was a surprising reaction that I did not expect, and commend the author on hugely.
This book has bullying, among other things that warrant trigger warnings, but so much of this book is of three men who had no idea what their actions resulted in working hard to repair the damage done and to help someone who was in need of it, as well as a little bit of happiness in their life. If you like a book where the guys have to work at forgiveness, perhaps books involving groveling? You'll love this book.
July 23, 2024
This was amazing! I loved the unique povs!
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mina 🫶 Max, Ethan, Vincent
You know, I was worried that I was going to finally find an S.E. Green book that I didn’t quite love because this is a story told entirely through the male perspective, but DAMN, I couldn’t have been more wrong!!!!!!
****
Coerced into an arranged marriage, after four long years, Mina finally breaks free only to land right in the laps of her childhood bullies. Feeling alone in the world, and weary from seemingly always coming face to face with enemies, Mina is at her breaking point and in dire need of some compassion. She places her shaky trust into the hands of a group of men that are determined to right their wrongs and uncover who Mina Bardot really is, underneath all of her scars.
***
I FREAKIN’ LOVED WILHELMINA! I cried for her so much! She was literally the sweetest, most adorable, and kind FMC! When she cried over the fish 😭 ughhh she was so tender hearted and cute! I love FMCs like this, soft and gentle but strong where it matters 🫶 she was the best.
Max, had emotional scars that brought him closer to Mina. I loved that he was flawed in so many ways. He had a temper, he was emotional, but he was dedicated to Mina and others facing similar situations. The stuffed puppy and pretty papers he gave Mina to make amends was too cute! Omg and his blushing, gahhh he was a cutie.
Ethan, is my favorite type of MMC, gruff and grunting, but emotionally intelligent. He was pretty clueless in the beginning, about how to help Mina and get her to open up, but I loved watching his change over time from quiet and reserved to confident and comforting towards her. I loved that he encouraged her to follow her interests and feel free to discover herself. (The tattoo was such a beautiful thing for her).
Vincent, hilarious and charming! He was the perfect person for pushing Mina to finally take control of her life. I adored how he instilled her with the confidence to try new things, like going camping, fishing, drinking, etc. I also loved the playfulness he brought to the table, he was great comedic relief after some of the heavier parts of this story.
****
Honestly, this was a pretty perfect read to me! I was so surprised by how much I enjoyed the all male perspectives. I don’t think Mina’s pov was truly necessary (besides the epilogue) because the author did a great job of introducing Mina through Max, Vincent, and Ethan’s eyes. I felt like I knew her completely as a character, and the epilogue just confirmed that.
Loved this to bits and pieces!
10/10 would recommend!!!!
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mina 🫶 Max, Ethan, Vincent
You know, I was worried that I was going to finally find an S.E. Green book that I didn’t quite love because this is a story told entirely through the male perspective, but DAMN, I couldn’t have been more wrong!!!!!!
****
Coerced into an arranged marriage, after four long years, Mina finally breaks free only to land right in the laps of her childhood bullies. Feeling alone in the world, and weary from seemingly always coming face to face with enemies, Mina is at her breaking point and in dire need of some compassion. She places her shaky trust into the hands of a group of men that are determined to right their wrongs and uncover who Mina Bardot really is, underneath all of her scars.
***
I FREAKIN’ LOVED WILHELMINA! I cried for her so much! She was literally the sweetest, most adorable, and kind FMC! When she cried over the fish 😭 ughhh she was so tender hearted and cute! I love FMCs like this, soft and gentle but strong where it matters 🫶 she was the best.
Max, had emotional scars that brought him closer to Mina. I loved that he was flawed in so many ways. He had a temper, he was emotional, but he was dedicated to Mina and others facing similar situations. The stuffed puppy and pretty papers he gave Mina to make amends was too cute! Omg and his blushing, gahhh he was a cutie.
Ethan, is my favorite type of MMC, gruff and grunting, but emotionally intelligent. He was pretty clueless in the beginning, about how to help Mina and get her to open up, but I loved watching his change over time from quiet and reserved to confident and comforting towards her. I loved that he encouraged her to follow her interests and feel free to discover herself. (The tattoo was such a beautiful thing for her).
Vincent, hilarious and charming! He was the perfect person for pushing Mina to finally take control of her life. I adored how he instilled her with the confidence to try new things, like going camping, fishing, drinking, etc. I also loved the playfulness he brought to the table, he was great comedic relief after some of the heavier parts of this story.
****
Honestly, this was a pretty perfect read to me! I was so surprised by how much I enjoyed the all male perspectives. I don’t think Mina’s pov was truly necessary (besides the epilogue) because the author did a great job of introducing Mina through Max, Vincent, and Ethan’s eyes. I felt like I knew her completely as a character, and the epilogue just confirmed that.
Loved this to bits and pieces!
10/10 would recommend!!!!
June 29, 2023
I received an Advanced Readers Copy of BREAK in exchange for an honest review
4.5 ⭐
⭐ didn't like/DNF
⭐⭐ was okay but I probably won't look for any sequels
⭐⭐⭐ it was good I'll likely read the next one
⭐⭐⭐⭐ I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was great and I'll definitely be looking for any sequels
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I loved it so much I'm adding it to my cart to buy paperback
--
I have to say I LOVE that this book is entirely from the guys' POVs. It's completely different from the norm.
This book is set in 2 parts. Part 1 - the past. Moments in times from the guys' where they've interacted with Mina. And Part 2 - the present. Picking up with Mina at the police station after her husbands latest attack.
We learn, with the guys just what Mina has been through. After attempting to escape her abusive marriage multiple times and failing, Mina ends up in the hospital, the police station, and finally, in the hands of Boken Barriers. Run by her high bullies...
The most powerful line in this book?
"We weren’t her friends. We were her bullies."
The moment they realised that ad kids, they weren't just having fun and playing around. They were her bullies. It's a sucker punch to the gut moment and pretty impactful.
This one is low on steam (not till the end of the book really) as the guys work to repair their relationship with Mina, build their new found friendship and trust, help Mina heal and put the dickbag of a husband behind bars.
4.5 ⭐
⭐ didn't like/DNF
⭐⭐ was okay but I probably won't look for any sequels
⭐⭐⭐ it was good I'll likely read the next one
⭐⭐⭐⭐ I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was great and I'll definitely be looking for any sequels
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I loved it so much I'm adding it to my cart to buy paperback
--
I have to say I LOVE that this book is entirely from the guys' POVs. It's completely different from the norm.
This book is set in 2 parts. Part 1 - the past. Moments in times from the guys' where they've interacted with Mina. And Part 2 - the present. Picking up with Mina at the police station after her husbands latest attack.
We learn, with the guys just what Mina has been through. After attempting to escape her abusive marriage multiple times and failing, Mina ends up in the hospital, the police station, and finally, in the hands of Boken Barriers. Run by her high bullies...
The most powerful line in this book?
"We weren’t her friends. We were her bullies."
The moment they realised that ad kids, they weren't just having fun and playing around. They were her bullies. It's a sucker punch to the gut moment and pretty impactful.
This one is low on steam (not till the end of the book really) as the guys work to repair their relationship with Mina, build their new found friendship and trust, help Mina heal and put the dickbag of a husband behind bars.
August 11, 2023
I loved teach the heroine was written to be unique and spunky and all the guys were different but great. This book was the opposite. So many things were done so badly. The very first thing was why is it written 25 years ago instead of saying the age mina was. Also it was wrong form the beginning because it states in the first chapter 25 years ago and she is supposed to be six and yet in the present 25 years in future she is only 25 so ya no someone did the math wrong. All the guys are pigs as kids and the fact they did not care about the obvious abuse is disgusting. Teenagers are not stupid especially i am to believe Max who saw his own mother being abused did not recognize mina abuse as a kid no way he would have seen the signs and known what was happening.
She should have run away as a kid. Why didn’t she ever fight back go to a teacher or stand up for herself she is a weak spineless doormat with her parents. The few times she talks as a kid she takes forever to say anything like she mumbles or speaks quietly. Just once she should have yelled help me! if she went to the first cop and he was crooked she would have went to a different cop the next time why did she go to same cop and precinct every time next time call 911 dont go back to same guy.
There was not one thing i liked about this book. So disappointing after reading teach.
She should have run away as a kid. Why didn’t she ever fight back go to a teacher or stand up for herself she is a weak spineless doormat with her parents. The few times she talks as a kid she takes forever to say anything like she mumbles or speaks quietly. Just once she should have yelled help me! if she went to the first cop and he was crooked she would have went to a different cop the next time why did she go to same cop and precinct every time next time call 911 dont go back to same guy.
There was not one thing i liked about this book. So disappointing after reading teach.
July 2, 2023
I honestly wasn’t sure how I would like this story, with it being told completely (except for the Epilogue) from the guys perspectives, but overall, I really liked it. Vincent, Ethan, and Max were childhood friends with Danny and basically either helped or stood by while Danny bullied/tormented his next door neighbor, Mina. I liked that we got to see their actions, but also their reluctance and at times, guilt. Then Danny ends up marrying Mina, although none of them really understand why she would, and as they Max, Ethan, and Vincent have gotten older they have drifted away from Danny. Then one day they find out Mina has been being abused by Danny and they are called in to protect her. I liked that we could see the guys growth and self -awareness of the pain they caused. I like that Mina questioned them and they built their relationship slowly. There were a few spots towards the end when I did wish that we got a pov from Mina, so I was glad that we got it in the Epilogue. Great story, this author is definitely becoming an auto-read for me.
May 20, 2024
5 star story but 4 star writing (grammar, wording errors, very simplistic style.) But a thoroughly enjoyable read and would recommend to mood readers seeking:
-slow burn
-(almost) no spice
-rh but no group scenes/no mm
-hurt/comfort
-shy heroine
-protectors
-redemption arch
-emotional baggage & trauma
I've seen it described as second chance bully but I think that's really misleading to what actually happens in the story. The author's tagline of "Indifference and Redemption" is accurate. It's not so much bullies/enemies to lovers as it is indifferent bystanders to protectors to friends to lovers. It's a looooong journey.
I normally don't like romance without spice but this story had me hooked. I was starting to doubt that it was actually a romance when approaching the last 100 pages without any inclination toward anything but friendship. But it says on the cover "A Why Choose Romance."
It's just unlike any other why-choose (and I've read 100s) I've ever encountered, from the pacing to the relationship dynamics, but it's a great read.
-slow burn
-(almost) no spice
-rh but no group scenes/no mm
-hurt/comfort
-shy heroine
-protectors
-redemption arch
-emotional baggage & trauma
I've seen it described as second chance bully but I think that's really misleading to what actually happens in the story. The author's tagline of "Indifference and Redemption" is accurate. It's not so much bullies/enemies to lovers as it is indifferent bystanders to protectors to friends to lovers. It's a looooong journey.
I normally don't like romance without spice but this story had me hooked. I was starting to doubt that it was actually a romance when approaching the last 100 pages without any inclination toward anything but friendship. But it says on the cover "A Why Choose Romance."
It's just unlike any other why-choose (and I've read 100s) I've ever encountered, from the pacing to the relationship dynamics, but it's a great read.
July 20, 2023
Oh man, where do I even start with this book? So at first, I was so mad and disgusted with these guys behaviour. Understanding the author is trying to set something up, I trudge along through the story. It set in two parts: part one being their childhood and early adulthood then part two being their adulthood when Mina comes back into it. Mina (FMC) really brings these men to their knees over 1) how they treated her as a child and 2) how their best friend treated her in her marriage to him. This book is told solely from the MMC point of view - all three of them taking turns going through this journey. This book has so much pain laced in it as their is lots of childhood abuse mention, DV, and religious trauma. There is so much healing happening in this book while Mina heals but also so do the men as they try to atone for their childhoods and healing as a team. We didn’t get to see a lot of them as a unit of 4 which is the only thing I wish we got more of. This book is more emotional than spicy which I think is fine as it would be out of place if it was. Such a good book on healing and not letting your past dictate your future!
July 2, 2023
Wow… just wow!!!! I am at a loss for words. I just finished Break and S.E. Green you hit this one out of the park!!! My heart broke for Mina. From a young age she was treated how no child, or human being, should ever be treated only to survive and have to enter a marriage to psychotic abuser. Danny was the worst kind of man and unfortunately was aided in his abuse by other men in power positions. Max, Ethan and Vincent were stupid children who followed their “best friend” instead of standing up to him. Mina was able to put all of that aside and while healing her physical and emotional injuries she opened herself up to them and made them be better versions of themselves. Let’s not forget about Walter, he was such a great part of the story too!! There aren’t enough stars for this book!! I absolutely loved it!!
August 25, 2023
This book is definitely going to make my “Top 10 of the Year” list. I almost couldn’t make it through the first part of the book-when they’re bullying Mina and I promised myself that if the groveling wasn’t immediately up to par-I was going to dump the book. But the groveling, the sorrow, the emotions-all of it-was perfect. I’m also so so impressed with this highly emotionally charged story being solely from the mens POV. I’ve never read a book like this and was blown away from start to finish. Men definitely work through thoughts, feelings, emotions ect way different from women and watching these men go through this and consuming it all from their perspective, was so incredibly good. I’ve been recommending it to anyone who would listen and eagerly await SE Greens next work-I’m sure I won’t be disappointed.
May 24, 2025
How do you make a bully a hero? ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was a story of tremendous heartbreak of one of the biggest kind, bullying of the innocent.
The fact that I was able to finish this book with only one box of tissues is surprising.
This book.
THIS. BOOK.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Absolutely worth every single star of review.
How do you make a bully a hero? Mrs. Green does it phenomenally. I don’t know how, but she has made magic in these words.
Each book surprises me more and more. When I think a subject couldn’t possibly turn the opposite, the author so poetically and beautifully crafts a story of gold.
You cannot go wrong reading this author. These triggers are worth important mention/consideration.
This is a story of incredible redemption, sacrifice, and healing. I cannot sing the praises enough.
This book was a story of tremendous heartbreak of one of the biggest kind, bullying of the innocent.
The fact that I was able to finish this book with only one box of tissues is surprising.
This book.
THIS. BOOK.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Absolutely worth every single star of review.
How do you make a bully a hero? Mrs. Green does it phenomenally. I don’t know how, but she has made magic in these words.
Each book surprises me more and more. When I think a subject couldn’t possibly turn the opposite, the author so poetically and beautifully crafts a story of gold.
You cannot go wrong reading this author. These triggers are worth important mention/consideration.
This is a story of incredible redemption, sacrifice, and healing. I cannot sing the praises enough.
May 26, 2025
so heavy but so good
I NEVER read bully romances because I just hate the constant torment and then instant forgiveness. However, I was committed to this series and wanted to see it through. I’m happy I did, because this was not what I expected. I was in awe of Mina and her strength, and how she learned to find her footing and who she was as a person. And I love even more that they gave her the space to do so. The groveling wasn’t your typical way, but I felt like it was right to their situations. I was expecting that type of ending, but it still managed to surprise me with how everything played out. Overall I think this was a good read, but definitely not for the faint of heart
I NEVER read bully romances because I just hate the constant torment and then instant forgiveness. However, I was committed to this series and wanted to see it through. I’m happy I did, because this was not what I expected. I was in awe of Mina and her strength, and how she learned to find her footing and who she was as a person. And I love even more that they gave her the space to do so. The groveling wasn’t your typical way, but I felt like it was right to their situations. I was expecting that type of ending, but it still managed to surprise me with how everything played out. Overall I think this was a good read, but definitely not for the faint of heart
October 26, 2025
⭐ Review ⭐
This one is a standalone reverse harem 📚🔥 with a mix of bully vibes — kind of feels like a second chance story, but not quite an enemies-to-lovers trope. The dynamics are intense, emotional, and definitely not light-hearted.
There’s a lot of trauma and violence toward the FMC 💔, so I really recommend checking the trigger warnings before diving in ⚠️. What I found interesting is that is only from the men’s POV, which actually made it a bit easier to read — with everything the FMC goes through, I think experiencing it directly from her perspective might’ve been too heavy for me.
Even with the darker themes, the story kept me engaged and emotionally invested. Definitely not a fluffy read, but a powerful one. 🖤
This one is a standalone reverse harem 📚🔥 with a mix of bully vibes — kind of feels like a second chance story, but not quite an enemies-to-lovers trope. The dynamics are intense, emotional, and definitely not light-hearted.
There’s a lot of trauma and violence toward the FMC 💔, so I really recommend checking the trigger warnings before diving in ⚠️. What I found interesting is that is only from the men’s POV, which actually made it a bit easier to read — with everything the FMC goes through, I think experiencing it directly from her perspective might’ve been too heavy for me.
Even with the darker themes, the story kept me engaged and emotionally invested. Definitely not a fluffy read, but a powerful one. 🖤
July 7, 2023
I think the fact that this book was written only in the guys' POV is really interesting. I still prefer having the FMC insight best, but I really enjoyed this. It was different.
These three guys are super hard to like in the first part. I mean, they are kids in the beginning, so there's some understanding for those early chapters, but there was a lot of awful behavior from them as teenagers who should have known better. I had a hard time seeing how they could be redeemed, but I think they were. Honestly, I've read way worse MMCs.
These three guys are super hard to like in the first part. I mean, they are kids in the beginning, so there's some understanding for those early chapters, but there was a lot of awful behavior from them as teenagers who should have known better. I had a hard time seeing how they could be redeemed, but I think they were. Honestly, I've read way worse MMCs.
December 27, 2023
3.5*. I picked this up after seeing a recommendation for MMC POV only and for that reason I really enjoyed it! I often struggle to connect with the FMC POVs so this was a refreshing take.
The friendship dynamic between the MMCs I loved too.
I did think that the characters weren't quite three dimensional for me though, I had to go back and remind myself whose POV it was sometimes as they didn't quite feel memorable enough.
Also a couple of minor errors, but nothing too noticeable. Overall I did enjoy the read and would consider picking up others by the author..
The friendship dynamic between the MMCs I loved too.
I did think that the characters weren't quite three dimensional for me though, I had to go back and remind myself whose POV it was sometimes as they didn't quite feel memorable enough.
Also a couple of minor errors, but nothing too noticeable. Overall I did enjoy the read and would consider picking up others by the author..
January 15, 2024
Heartbreakingly tragic to healing
This is a whychoose only told from the guys POV until the end with Mina view. I was undecided on four or five start but the message and story was so impactful and personal to my life that I went with five. Knowing what Mina went through her entire life alone broke my heart. Even Ethan, Vince and Max in their own way would have felt something for their friend even if it wasn’t the same the whole situation was tragic. Mina was so strong to endure alone.
This is a whychoose only told from the guys POV until the end with Mina view. I was undecided on four or five start but the message and story was so impactful and personal to my life that I went with five. Knowing what Mina went through her entire life alone broke my heart. Even Ethan, Vince and Max in their own way would have felt something for their friend even if it wasn’t the same the whole situation was tragic. Mina was so strong to endure alone.
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