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When Love Breaks Us
Damien
Sophie Shah was just like a decadent dessert.
Indulgent, overly sweet, beautiful and extremely bad for you. Scratch that-bad for me. Her big brown, doe eyes and shiny raven hair had me begging for a taste. But just like something you crave, as much as it’s a desire you’re dying for it also might just kill you. This gorgeous spitfire had me losing self-control faster than ever but Sophie was completely off limits. Not only was she much younger than me, she’s also my best friend’s little sister.
Sophie
Damien Moretti was my crime and my punishment. He was everything I didn’t need, but everything I wanted. He makes people disappear and I’m sure he wishes he could do the same to me.
Except he’s stuck with me, because I’m his best friend’s little sister and have no intention of running away from what I know I want. Even if it destroys me. Damien Moretti is a thief. He will steal your heart, then soul and never apologize about it. Because, the way he looks at me I know, it’s only a matter of time before he takes my heart and turns it into ashes.
I already know it’s not an if, but a when love breaks us.
Sophie Shah was just like a decadent dessert.
Indulgent, overly sweet, beautiful and extremely bad for you. Scratch that-bad for me. Her big brown, doe eyes and shiny raven hair had me begging for a taste. But just like something you crave, as much as it’s a desire you’re dying for it also might just kill you. This gorgeous spitfire had me losing self-control faster than ever but Sophie was completely off limits. Not only was she much younger than me, she’s also my best friend’s little sister.
Sophie
Damien Moretti was my crime and my punishment. He was everything I didn’t need, but everything I wanted. He makes people disappear and I’m sure he wishes he could do the same to me.
Except he’s stuck with me, because I’m his best friend’s little sister and have no intention of running away from what I know I want. Even if it destroys me. Damien Moretti is a thief. He will steal your heart, then soul and never apologize about it. Because, the way he looks at me I know, it’s only a matter of time before he takes my heart and turns it into ashes.
I already know it’s not an if, but a when love breaks us.
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About the author
Monica Arya
12 books1,839 followersMonica Arya is an Amazon Top 35 bestselling and award winning author. Her books have been #1 bestsellers. She is a multi-genre author, writing both thrillers and romance. Monica resides in the Carolinas with her husband and two children. She loves to connect with readers and you can find her on social media @monicaaryaauthor or www.monicaarya.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
June 20, 2023
Ive never given anything one star… I normally DNF. But the author waited to turn this mediocre book into a raging dumpster fire at 80%. It’s like she put ideas in a hat and just decided let’s pull things at random and then not really discuss it at all. This was terrible
May 29, 2023
“Forever my moon, my stars, my sun… my dandelion.”
☀️Enemies to Lovers
🌚Brothers Best Friend
💫Age Gap
☀️Suspenseful with Twists
🌚Steamy, Spicy & Angsty
💫
This book has become my entire personality and it has a special place in my heart forever!
See a dandelion - 😍
See a motorcycle - 😍
See a ferris wheel - 😍
Sophie was orphaned young and her older brother Ezra has been there for her stepping in as a pseudo dad. She began college but ended up in a bad relationship that turned violent and had to step away from her studies but now she's finally feeling like she has healed and is ready to begin living her life again.
The one thing she didn't see coming into her life was Damien and he enters like a freight train. Of course the kick is that he's her brothers best friend and older than her and his job might be a bit sketch.
The attraction for both is almost instant amid sparky banter and eye f*ucking galore. And ya'll it's THAT good!
It's angst, it's spice, it's sass, it's sweet. When you pick this book up (because there's no "ifs" involved here) I hope you fall just as much in love with Sophie & Damien as I did!
Thanks to Monica for the opportunity to be a part of her Beta/ARC teams and for being an internet friend turned real life friend! ❤️
☀️Enemies to Lovers
🌚Brothers Best Friend
💫Age Gap
☀️Suspenseful with Twists
🌚Steamy, Spicy & Angsty
💫
This book has become my entire personality and it has a special place in my heart forever!
See a dandelion - 😍
See a motorcycle - 😍
See a ferris wheel - 😍
Sophie was orphaned young and her older brother Ezra has been there for her stepping in as a pseudo dad. She began college but ended up in a bad relationship that turned violent and had to step away from her studies but now she's finally feeling like she has healed and is ready to begin living her life again.
The one thing she didn't see coming into her life was Damien and he enters like a freight train. Of course the kick is that he's her brothers best friend and older than her and his job might be a bit sketch.
The attraction for both is almost instant amid sparky banter and eye f*ucking galore. And ya'll it's THAT good!
It's angst, it's spice, it's sass, it's sweet. When you pick this book up (because there's no "ifs" involved here) I hope you fall just as much in love with Sophie & Damien as I did!
Thanks to Monica for the opportunity to be a part of her Beta/ARC teams and for being an internet friend turned real life friend! ❤️
June 15, 2023
Sweet mercy. This book ruined my poor little romance loving heart. Absolutely ripped it right out of chest and did a little dance on it. Thankfully Arya mended it up nice and neat. I was able to close this book out with a smile on my face.
The chemistry and the romance between both Damien and Sophie was instant and absolutely incredible. I loved how their whole enemies to lovers vibe started off until it could no longer be contained. Everything about them was magnificent and magnetic!!
Damien and Soph’s story flat out broke me…so many times. I wanted them to be together against all else, but even I had to admit their reasons for staying away made sense. I didn’t like it but I understood. But man, what an amazing story they told. I was so caught up with them that all I wanted to do was read. So I did every free moment I had.
This new to me author is a new favorite of mine. I can’t wait to see what else she has for us. She wrote a story that had me captivated the entire read. I wanted everything from it. I needed it. 5 Stars.
The chemistry and the romance between both Damien and Sophie was instant and absolutely incredible. I loved how their whole enemies to lovers vibe started off until it could no longer be contained. Everything about them was magnificent and magnetic!!
Damien and Soph’s story flat out broke me…so many times. I wanted them to be together against all else, but even I had to admit their reasons for staying away made sense. I didn’t like it but I understood. But man, what an amazing story they told. I was so caught up with them that all I wanted to do was read. So I did every free moment I had.
This new to me author is a new favorite of mine. I can’t wait to see what else she has for us. She wrote a story that had me captivated the entire read. I wanted everything from it. I needed it. 5 Stars.
June 19, 2023
4.5 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Monica Arya wrote an Age Gap romance with a Dark MMC and I am here for it 👏🏼👏🏼 Damien and Sophie’s relationship was a total roller coaster! I loved the push and pull of their dynamic, and how they just couldn’t seem to stay away from each other even though they had every reason to. Damien Moretti is her brother’s best friend with a dark, broken past, and Sophie Shah is a 19 yr old college student with a difficult past of her own. I loved the surprise twists and turns near the end. The last surprise even had me gasp out loud in the middle of the Chipotle line and everyone turned to look at what the heck was going on 😅😅😅 I think the story ended perfectly though, and it was just what I would have wanted to see for these two lovebirds!! 🥰
Monica Arya wrote an Age Gap romance with a Dark MMC and I am here for it 👏🏼👏🏼 Damien and Sophie’s relationship was a total roller coaster! I loved the push and pull of their dynamic, and how they just couldn’t seem to stay away from each other even though they had every reason to. Damien Moretti is her brother’s best friend with a dark, broken past, and Sophie Shah is a 19 yr old college student with a difficult past of her own. I loved the surprise twists and turns near the end. The last surprise even had me gasp out loud in the middle of the Chipotle line and everyone turned to look at what the heck was going on 😅😅😅 I think the story ended perfectly though, and it was just what I would have wanted to see for these two lovebirds!! 🥰
June 20, 2023
i wasn’t ready, for any of it. my first romance by arya, it’s got dark romance vibes with the ultimate alpha ready to legit burn down the world for her. this book has a rollercoaster of emotions; you’re happy, pissed, sad, HEARTBROKEN, and it gives you allll the spice. LIKE ALL THE SPICE. OH and did i mention.. we on a wealthy zaddy vibes. we love an author who can do it all, and i can’t wait to have arya fck with my mind next time
April 6, 2024
Monica, you’ve done it again! The angst in this had me 🥵 this is the first romance I’ve read by Monica and will for sure not be my last. Thank you for an ARC of this beautiful book!
A wild, fun, dramatic ride. Get in, and buckle up! It was fast paced: I read it in a matter of days. I was laughing, awwing, blushing, and loving the interactions of the MCs and their fellow friends. It’s sweet, spicy, and pulls at your heart strings. But it also has thriller aspects which I did not see coming and truly enjoyed them all. It made it that much better for me (as a thriller lover). Let’s also admire the title and the cover!
- my brothers best friend
- enemies to lovers
- Age gap
- Grumpy to sunshine
Soooooo read it!! You’ll thank me later ;)
August 13, 2023
Absolutely adored this book. The pacing was suspenseful and perfect. The spice was spicinggggg. We are here for the slice and dice with a side of spiceeee. But this one haddd a whole lot of it.
June 20, 2023
If you love morally dark alpha men, SPICY spice 🥵 and twists in your romance, this one’s for you! My head was spinning from all the twists that come towards the end. There’s so. Much. Drama. I had a love-hate relationship with Damien.
As much as I love darkness in my romance, this wasn’t my favorite. I highly recommend Monica’s previous books and will still read anything she writes!
3.25 ⭐️
As much as I love darkness in my romance, this wasn’t my favorite. I highly recommend Monica’s previous books and will still read anything she writes!
3.25 ⭐️
June 24, 2023
This was very difficult to get through. Felt like I was reading 50 shades of grey but with D level actors.
April 13, 2025
So good! Tons of 🔥scenes.
July 3, 2023
“You shine brightly in my life when all I am is darkness, just like the sun, moon and stars do. You are my light. You are my dandelion”
Another binge worthy, dark, twisted, steamy and thrilling romance novel from the beautiful-talented Monica Arya.
I instantly fell in love with the main characters Sophie & Damien. The dominance sex factor was extremely sexy and I felt myself blushing while reading. And felt guilty (in a good way) reading it during work to be honest 😂😂 But I digress. Besides the smut this story was captivating and completely heartbreaking. The intensity of their love for each other was addicting. And in full Monica fashion there was drama and lots of twists in the story. The end left me in tears and I couldn’t put it down until I was done. Let me tell ya-that ending made the whole book and warmed my heart. But it was a wild ride to get there! I finished it last night and still have soooooo many emotions and keep thinking about it. Well done Monica! 👏🏻
☀️ Brother’s best friend trope
🌚 All the smut
💫 Enemies to lovers
🧡 Age gape
🌻 Thrilling with twists
☀️ Millionaire
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️ Trigger warning: domestic abuse, murder, alpha male behavior
Another binge worthy, dark, twisted, steamy and thrilling romance novel from the beautiful-talented Monica Arya.
I instantly fell in love with the main characters Sophie & Damien. The dominance sex factor was extremely sexy and I felt myself blushing while reading. And felt guilty (in a good way) reading it during work to be honest 😂😂 But I digress. Besides the smut this story was captivating and completely heartbreaking. The intensity of their love for each other was addicting. And in full Monica fashion there was drama and lots of twists in the story. The end left me in tears and I couldn’t put it down until I was done. Let me tell ya-that ending made the whole book and warmed my heart. But it was a wild ride to get there! I finished it last night and still have soooooo many emotions and keep thinking about it. Well done Monica! 👏🏻
☀️ Brother’s best friend trope
🌚 All the smut
💫 Enemies to lovers
🧡 Age gape
🌻 Thrilling with twists
☀️ Millionaire
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️ Trigger warning: domestic abuse, murder, alpha male behavior
June 23, 2023
Ugh. I really don’t normally do reviews unless I find the book like outrageously bad. This was one of those books. I love a good age gap but this was so super cringe. I literally could not stand any character at all. Sophie just may be my least favorite character of all time. It took me a week to get through it because it was so painful. Sometimes the writing seemed so juvenile and the storyline could have had tons of potential but the characters ruined it.
June 21, 2023
I've read all of Monica's thrillers and loved them! When I saw that she had a new romance book coming out, I decided to step out of my comfort genre and read it! I'm so glad I did because it was so good!
This book was spicy 🌶 (I finally get to use this emoji!), but it was also a bit dark, and it had some thriller elements to it. There were also some twists that I didn't see coming!
Read this book if you like lots of spice, enemies to lovers, and age gap romance! I think you will love Sophie and Damien's story as much as I did!
This book was spicy 🌶 (I finally get to use this emoji!), but it was also a bit dark, and it had some thriller elements to it. There were also some twists that I didn't see coming!
Read this book if you like lots of spice, enemies to lovers, and age gap romance! I think you will love Sophie and Damien's story as much as I did!
June 13, 2023
I am so lucky that I got to BETA read this book and even more lucky that I got to read it again in all it’s finished glory, thank you Monica for always trusting me with your words 🩵
This book has it all going on
🩵 🩵 Age Gap
🩵 Enemies To Lovers
🩵 Brothers Best Friend
🩵 Best Friends Sister
🩵 Grumpy Sunshine
🩵 Sexy AF
🩵 Full of Angst
🩵 Thrilling
🩵 Millionaire
🩵 Steamy
🩵 Opposites Attracts
🩵 Emotional roller coaster
🩵 Suspense and twists
🩵 All the spice
Honestly you need to pick up this book as it is simply amazing, it is a really wonderful read that will keep you on the edge of your seat. If you know Monica you will know that she has to add a bit of thriller in to change it up and of course she does this brilliantly.
It is full of so much angst and boy do this pair have lots of sexual chemistry going on, seriously they have it by the bucket load. This of course makes for a lot of steamy scenes throughout the book, however they absolutely fit the characters and their storyline so it never feels too much or over the top.
I don’t want to give anything away to spoil this read for you but I will tell you that it broke my heart in places, I was sobbing haha.
I loved the storyline of this book so much, it had me laughing, it had me smiling, it had me screaming, it had me filled with hope and we won’t forget the tears.
I loved both Sophie and Damien, they were the polar opposites of one another but they just worked, there was something that just brought out the best in each other. Their relationship definitely was not plain sailing but then who’s ever is?
Loved this book and recommend it 120%
This book has it all going on
🩵 🩵 Age Gap
🩵 Enemies To Lovers
🩵 Brothers Best Friend
🩵 Best Friends Sister
🩵 Grumpy Sunshine
🩵 Sexy AF
🩵 Full of Angst
🩵 Thrilling
🩵 Millionaire
🩵 Steamy
🩵 Opposites Attracts
🩵 Emotional roller coaster
🩵 Suspense and twists
🩵 All the spice
Honestly you need to pick up this book as it is simply amazing, it is a really wonderful read that will keep you on the edge of your seat. If you know Monica you will know that she has to add a bit of thriller in to change it up and of course she does this brilliantly.
It is full of so much angst and boy do this pair have lots of sexual chemistry going on, seriously they have it by the bucket load. This of course makes for a lot of steamy scenes throughout the book, however they absolutely fit the characters and their storyline so it never feels too much or over the top.
I don’t want to give anything away to spoil this read for you but I will tell you that it broke my heart in places, I was sobbing haha.
I loved the storyline of this book so much, it had me laughing, it had me smiling, it had me screaming, it had me filled with hope and we won’t forget the tears.
I loved both Sophie and Damien, they were the polar opposites of one another but they just worked, there was something that just brought out the best in each other. Their relationship definitely was not plain sailing but then who’s ever is?
Loved this book and recommend it 120%
May 15, 2023
It took me a little while to be able to put into words how much I absolutely LOVED this book! I loved the main character Sophie and Damien. They were perfect together and the ending was not at all what I expected!
This book started off steamy right from the gate which I loved! But it wasn't just a romance novel, there was some thriller added in there as well. Damien and Sophie meet and are instantly attracted to each other, but there are obstacles in the way including Sophie's older brother, Ezra, who is Damien's best friend. They know they shouldn't cross the line because it will destroy Ezra and with losing their parents at a young age Sophie doesn't want him losing another close person.
But every time Sophie and Damien see each other the heat and attractions gets stronger. Are they able to continue fighting it or are they going to give into desire? With Damien's dangerous career is he willing to put Sophie in harms way?
I cannot recommend this book enough. Thank you to the incredibly talented Monica for my ARC!
This book started off steamy right from the gate which I loved! But it wasn't just a romance novel, there was some thriller added in there as well. Damien and Sophie meet and are instantly attracted to each other, but there are obstacles in the way including Sophie's older brother, Ezra, who is Damien's best friend. They know they shouldn't cross the line because it will destroy Ezra and with losing their parents at a young age Sophie doesn't want him losing another close person.
But every time Sophie and Damien see each other the heat and attractions gets stronger. Are they able to continue fighting it or are they going to give into desire? With Damien's dangerous career is he willing to put Sophie in harms way?
I cannot recommend this book enough. Thank you to the incredibly talented Monica for my ARC!
November 12, 2023
That's it. I am officially declaring that Monica Arya is incapable of writing a book that's anything less than 5 stars!
I have never read any of Arya's romance books, only her thrillers, so I had no idea what to expect going in but WOW. I'm pretty sure I fell in love a bit with Damien Moretti.
This book had drama, spice, relationships (not just romantically but with family as well), crime, twists that I did NOT see coming... I didn't want to put it down!
I have never read any of Arya's romance books, only her thrillers, so I had no idea what to expect going in but WOW. I'm pretty sure I fell in love a bit with Damien Moretti.
This book had drama, spice, relationships (not just romantically but with family as well), crime, twists that I did NOT see coming... I didn't want to put it down!
May 11, 2023
Absolutely an amazing 5 star must read, if you’re looking for a book to make you feel every feel possible this is the book to read! You won’t be disappointed at all!
June 16, 2023
Ezra💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔
July 1, 2023
Just not for me. The continuity was broken several times throughout with the characters personalities and the plot line. Was tough to finish.
September 4, 2023
2.5 rounded up to 3. The writing was pretty decent but it was a bit of a struggle to get through.
I knew going into this Damien was going to be a big walking red flag. I was prepared for that. But I was not prepared for how bad he would actually be. Maybe this just isn’t my cup of tea i don’t know but I had to skim through most of the sex scenes because of how cringey I found them.
It started out alright and I got over the cringey one liners but by around 70% things started to go whack. I feel if this book was longer or was split into a duo it could of had a lot of potential. By 80% it felt like the author wanted to cram in so many plot lines she had thought of and in turn ruined the execution of them. If the book had been longer or a duo and those plots were discussed and explored a little more it may have made it more bearable.
That all being said, it wasn’t horrible but it wasn’t great either and I wouldn’t recommend it unless you like major assholes, very possessive angry men and a crazy fast paced story line.
I knew going into this Damien was going to be a big walking red flag. I was prepared for that. But I was not prepared for how bad he would actually be. Maybe this just isn’t my cup of tea i don’t know but I had to skim through most of the sex scenes because of how cringey I found them.
It started out alright and I got over the cringey one liners but by around 70% things started to go whack. I feel if this book was longer or was split into a duo it could of had a lot of potential. By 80% it felt like the author wanted to cram in so many plot lines she had thought of and in turn ruined the execution of them. If the book had been longer or a duo and those plots were discussed and explored a little more it may have made it more bearable.
That all being said, it wasn’t horrible but it wasn’t great either and I wouldn’t recommend it unless you like major assholes, very possessive angry men and a crazy fast paced story line.
June 25, 2023
Bit too insta-love for me but my lord the last 20-30% I did not see coming at all!
June 16, 2023
It's started off great, I love the brother bestfriend tropes and touch her, u 💀tropes. Their banter and attractions were cute at first, then got a little toxic. Just when the story got a little more interesting, it went downhill.
This book can easily get 5 stars rate if it doesn't have 3rd act breakups. It's funny bcus they had breakups countless of time, which really turned off for me, almost DNF. Sophie was supposed to be a smart kid, but throughout the book, smart is not for her. Both of them are really bad at communicating their feelings and can't solve their problems like adult. It is just unnatural for adults to think like that. I read a lot of dark romance, but this book is confusing. It focus more on how they're can't be together, but when they did and were supposed to have emotional moments, the horny d*** ruined every romantic confession. Like u can never be serious in this book, the horny teenagers will ruin every moment. They're not even teenagers. When the 🌶 is too much, it starts to feel cheap and meaningless. Added nothing to the plot. Damien is supposed to be gangster but throughout the book, except the end, he is just a victim. Not much kickass/badass scene just here and there. It gives a slice of life type of genre more than dark romance.
The thing that I liked about this book is Damien. He is loving, caring, and possessive. He is what keeps me reading till end because I need HAE for him. In conclusion, this book is not for me, but I'm glad other readers enjoy this book, but here is my honest review. The book has so much potential if the plot going go to better direction.
This book can easily get 5 stars rate if it doesn't have 3rd act breakups. It's funny bcus they had breakups countless of time, which really turned off for me, almost DNF. Sophie was supposed to be a smart kid, but throughout the book, smart is not for her. Both of them are really bad at communicating their feelings and can't solve their problems like adult. It is just unnatural for adults to think like that. I read a lot of dark romance, but this book is confusing. It focus more on how they're can't be together, but when they did and were supposed to have emotional moments, the horny d*** ruined every romantic confession. Like u can never be serious in this book, the horny teenagers will ruin every moment. They're not even teenagers. When the 🌶 is too much, it starts to feel cheap and meaningless. Added nothing to the plot. Damien is supposed to be gangster but throughout the book, except the end, he is just a victim. Not much kickass/badass scene just here and there. It gives a slice of life type of genre more than dark romance.
The thing that I liked about this book is Damien. He is loving, caring, and possessive. He is what keeps me reading till end because I need HAE for him. In conclusion, this book is not for me, but I'm glad other readers enjoy this book, but here is my honest review. The book has so much potential if the plot going go to better direction.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2023
-age gap
-brother’s best friend
-possessive alpha
-he had a dark past that is always lurking
-she was abused by her ex
-story told over the span of several years
-super spicy
-huge twist
-heartbreak
-HEA!!!!!!
Go into this blind and enjoy the ride! I loved Damien and his touch her and die vibes! This was a JOURNEY with ups and downs. I really enjoyed this romance from Monica Arya.
-brother’s best friend
-possessive alpha
-he had a dark past that is always lurking
-she was abused by her ex
-story told over the span of several years
-super spicy
-huge twist
-heartbreak
-HEA!!!!!!
Go into this blind and enjoy the ride! I loved Damien and his touch her and die vibes! This was a JOURNEY with ups and downs. I really enjoyed this romance from Monica Arya.
May 18, 2023
I don’t generally consider myself a drama queen but in the book world, that’s a different story. Enemies to lovers fighting their attraction, love it. Brothers best friend, send it my way. Brooding, bad boy, alpha-hole, oh absolutely! Toxic past coming back to haunt you, bring it on.
When Love Breaks Us gave me all the good drama and then some. Sophie and Damien could not have been more wrong for each other on paper but more right for each other when together. Their chemistry was palpable. From their fighting, the banter the crazy 🔥 scenes, their was never a question of how they felt about each other. It made the story fly by in the best way.
I loved the flow of Sophie’s family, her brother (of course, because hello, brother’s best friend) and his wife) they added the perfect element of fun, support and comedy flow through the book really showing the depth that Sophie and Damien had outside of each other.
I read this book in one day, I couldn’t put it down. You absolutely will not be disappointed with this angsty romance. And of course, don’t forget to watch for the Easter egg characters from Monica’s prior books that she loves to throw in for extra fun.
When Love Breaks Us gave me all the good drama and then some. Sophie and Damien could not have been more wrong for each other on paper but more right for each other when together. Their chemistry was palpable. From their fighting, the banter the crazy 🔥 scenes, their was never a question of how they felt about each other. It made the story fly by in the best way.
I loved the flow of Sophie’s family, her brother (of course, because hello, brother’s best friend) and his wife) they added the perfect element of fun, support and comedy flow through the book really showing the depth that Sophie and Damien had outside of each other.
I read this book in one day, I couldn’t put it down. You absolutely will not be disappointed with this angsty romance. And of course, don’t forget to watch for the Easter egg characters from Monica’s prior books that she loves to throw in for extra fun.
June 13, 2023
"But we always knew didn't we? That it wasn't if, but when love breaks us?"
When Love Breaks Us by the brilliant but very dark mind of author Monica Arya broke me in all the best ways.
As a reviewer I need to prepare you to take on the most emotionally draining of this writer's repertoire. So please take the following precautions:
Do not read this book on public transportation. You'll be late because you missed your stop (true story)
Do not read in public because you will embarrass yourself between the blushing and cursing out loud (yes I did🤦)
Make sure you take all heart and breathing meds before opening this book. If you use an inhaler please keep it in reach. After one particular WTF just happened chapter I had to do 10 minutes of breathing exercises.
Most importantly do not attempt to understand the mind of this writer. Her creativity, her imagination, her masterful writing style and even her darkness is a gift to every book lover.
To say When Love Breaks Us is a grumpy/sunshine, age gap, brother's best friend, protective possessive alpha male, steamy erotic twisty romance thriller is like saying Cujo was a cute puppy. Not even close.
Sophia and Damien do not have a meet cute. In fact their first time seeing each other ends with broken bones. Damien makes The Darkling from Shadow and Bone seem like a colorful cherub. He has past demons but so does young Sophia. They know they will never work, they will leave destruction and death in the wake of their love but the heart wants what it wants. Damien needs Sophia to be his and shockingly Sophia will give up all for him...until there is nothing left to give up. This damaging love story will break your heart but this talented storyteller will mend it leaving some scars. All the great ones leave their mark.
I received a free copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
When Love Breaks Us by the brilliant but very dark mind of author Monica Arya broke me in all the best ways.
As a reviewer I need to prepare you to take on the most emotionally draining of this writer's repertoire. So please take the following precautions:
Do not read this book on public transportation. You'll be late because you missed your stop (true story)
Do not read in public because you will embarrass yourself between the blushing and cursing out loud (yes I did🤦)
Make sure you take all heart and breathing meds before opening this book. If you use an inhaler please keep it in reach. After one particular WTF just happened chapter I had to do 10 minutes of breathing exercises.
Most importantly do not attempt to understand the mind of this writer. Her creativity, her imagination, her masterful writing style and even her darkness is a gift to every book lover.
To say When Love Breaks Us is a grumpy/sunshine, age gap, brother's best friend, protective possessive alpha male, steamy erotic twisty romance thriller is like saying Cujo was a cute puppy. Not even close.
Sophia and Damien do not have a meet cute. In fact their first time seeing each other ends with broken bones. Damien makes The Darkling from Shadow and Bone seem like a colorful cherub. He has past demons but so does young Sophia. They know they will never work, they will leave destruction and death in the wake of their love but the heart wants what it wants. Damien needs Sophia to be his and shockingly Sophia will give up all for him...until there is nothing left to give up. This damaging love story will break your heart but this talented storyteller will mend it leaving some scars. All the great ones leave their mark.
I received a free copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
June 15, 2023
When Love Breaks Us
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again; find yourself an author that can do both, romance & psychological thrillers!! While this one’s a romance novel, it’s definitely not missing the thrill , you just get it in so many of the best ways😜
I needed a bit after finishing to process just how truly amazing this book is!
The angst, the steam, the banter between Damien and soph, every bit was just pure perfection! These two were perfect together , they both felt the pull, but they had outside sources going against them. Which when you have love like theirs, nothing is going to tear them down!
They keep giving into the desire, and then if once doesn’t pull away, the other does!
When you get to the spice, hunty, it is *chefs kiss* there were so many unexpected twists and things I couldn’t have seen coming a mile away, and they are what made this book just that, captivating, enthralling and all around just everything! I was in a book slump , an this baby pulled me out! I laughed , I screamed , I changed my panties a few times! Be ready and let Monica do what she does best, take you on a ride or your life time! If you’re hesitant of this book, don’t be. You need to read it, like yesterday!
Monica thank you for putting out yet another masterpiece that has stayed with me weeks after reading!! Can’t wait for a re read in a few months, cause baby, this is one of those books!!
“Forever my moon, my stars, my sun…my dandelion” to have this big burly dangerous man say these type of things, ugh I melted into a puddle 🫠 at the risk of giving anything away, I’m wrapping this up!
Thank you Monica for allowing me to be on your arc team! Best decision I could have ever made!!!
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again; find yourself an author that can do both, romance & psychological thrillers!! While this one’s a romance novel, it’s definitely not missing the thrill , you just get it in so many of the best ways😜
I needed a bit after finishing to process just how truly amazing this book is!
The angst, the steam, the banter between Damien and soph, every bit was just pure perfection! These two were perfect together , they both felt the pull, but they had outside sources going against them. Which when you have love like theirs, nothing is going to tear them down!
They keep giving into the desire, and then if once doesn’t pull away, the other does!
When you get to the spice, hunty, it is *chefs kiss* there were so many unexpected twists and things I couldn’t have seen coming a mile away, and they are what made this book just that, captivating, enthralling and all around just everything! I was in a book slump , an this baby pulled me out! I laughed , I screamed , I changed my panties a few times! Be ready and let Monica do what she does best, take you on a ride or your life time! If you’re hesitant of this book, don’t be. You need to read it, like yesterday!
Monica thank you for putting out yet another masterpiece that has stayed with me weeks after reading!! Can’t wait for a re read in a few months, cause baby, this is one of those books!!
“Forever my moon, my stars, my sun…my dandelion” to have this big burly dangerous man say these type of things, ugh I melted into a puddle 🫠 at the risk of giving anything away, I’m wrapping this up!
Thank you Monica for allowing me to be on your arc team! Best decision I could have ever made!!!
June 21, 2023
Ugh this book. My heart. Im a mess.
Five stars because I was literally in tears having to refrain from throwing my stupid kindle into the stupid wall. A book hasn’t broken me this much since Perfect Strangers or maybe The confidence of wildflowers. and I’m not okay right now. It’s going to take some time to come down from this one.
That said, the writing did feel a little clumsy for my personal taste (first book by this author) and some parts felt a little rushed with large time jumps between chapters. The dandelion references were a bit cheesy for me, but also really sweet and I kept hearing the dandelion song by Ruth B. in my mind over and over again while reading this. Maybe this book was written with that song in mind, but it just feels like that song is about Damien and Sophia. Overall the story still dug its claws into me and pulled me under. I couldn’t put it down even when I was furious with the plot twists so it’s a five from me, imperfections and all.
Five stars because I was literally in tears having to refrain from throwing my stupid kindle into the stupid wall. A book hasn’t broken me this much since Perfect Strangers or maybe The confidence of wildflowers. and I’m not okay right now. It’s going to take some time to come down from this one.
That said, the writing did feel a little clumsy for my personal taste (first book by this author) and some parts felt a little rushed with large time jumps between chapters. The dandelion references were a bit cheesy for me, but also really sweet and I kept hearing the dandelion song by Ruth B. in my mind over and over again while reading this. Maybe this book was written with that song in mind, but it just feels like that song is about Damien and Sophia. Overall the story still dug its claws into me and pulled me under. I couldn’t put it down even when I was furious with the plot twists so it’s a five from me, imperfections and all.
May 14, 2023
Firstly let me thank Monica for reaching out to me and asking me to if I would like to review.
So i devoured this book in one sitting, I couldn’t put it down. Hook, line and sinker 🪝
This book is not even out yet so I am going to try very hard not to give much away… here is some of the tropes you will see;
- brothers best friend
- Enemies to lovers
- Age gap
- Grumpy sunshine
- Touch her and ☠️
- Spice
Our two leads are Damien and Sophie, they shouldn’t want each other there is a 17 year age gap between them and well he is her older brothers best friend.
They first meet with her brother in the background and the attraction is instant and strong, but they become fast enemies. ( do I think it was a way for Damien to not instantly rip off her panties… damn right I do)
Sophie has a past she hates to relive but it has held her captive for some time now and she is finally ready to move on and get on with her life. She doesn’t trust easily, she has her walls up and isn’t ready to let them down. However Damien isn’t asking that MF is smashing them down one way or the other.
This girl is strong, sassy, beautiful inside and out! I enjoyed her personality, her strength and her fight.
She sure gives as good and she gets, let’s also lay it down this girl knows what she wants and she’s ready to go for it!
Damien well this man is possessive, protective and just a bit broken himself. He got in with the wrong crowed when he was younger to help himself survive but he fought to get himself free from them but are you ever really free from your past. He doesn’t want anything to do with Sophie, though he can’t seem to stay away. He has never felt this way about a woman before and he definitely shouldn’t be feeling with way about his best friends younger sister.
Can either of them ignore this attraction that is ready to ignite at any more?
Can they risk getting close knowing all the destruction it will cause?
Throw in enemies from Damien’s past…
An ex that won’t be ignored…
A brother who is nothing but trouble…
And so much more!
Can I also just say I normally guess all twists before they happen, there was one in this book even I wasn’t ready for and definitely never expected.
I laughed, I swooned, I did cry and I loved! - highly recommend!
So i devoured this book in one sitting, I couldn’t put it down. Hook, line and sinker 🪝
This book is not even out yet so I am going to try very hard not to give much away… here is some of the tropes you will see;
- brothers best friend
- Enemies to lovers
- Age gap
- Grumpy sunshine
- Touch her and ☠️
- Spice
Our two leads are Damien and Sophie, they shouldn’t want each other there is a 17 year age gap between them and well he is her older brothers best friend.
They first meet with her brother in the background and the attraction is instant and strong, but they become fast enemies. ( do I think it was a way for Damien to not instantly rip off her panties… damn right I do)
Sophie has a past she hates to relive but it has held her captive for some time now and she is finally ready to move on and get on with her life. She doesn’t trust easily, she has her walls up and isn’t ready to let them down. However Damien isn’t asking that MF is smashing them down one way or the other.
This girl is strong, sassy, beautiful inside and out! I enjoyed her personality, her strength and her fight.
She sure gives as good and she gets, let’s also lay it down this girl knows what she wants and she’s ready to go for it!
Damien well this man is possessive, protective and just a bit broken himself. He got in with the wrong crowed when he was younger to help himself survive but he fought to get himself free from them but are you ever really free from your past. He doesn’t want anything to do with Sophie, though he can’t seem to stay away. He has never felt this way about a woman before and he definitely shouldn’t be feeling with way about his best friends younger sister.
Can either of them ignore this attraction that is ready to ignite at any more?
Can they risk getting close knowing all the destruction it will cause?
Throw in enemies from Damien’s past…
An ex that won’t be ignored…
A brother who is nothing but trouble…
And so much more!
Can I also just say I normally guess all twists before they happen, there was one in this book even I wasn’t ready for and definitely never expected.
I laughed, I swooned, I did cry and I loved! - highly recommend!
June 18, 2023
Monica Arya never ceases to amaze me! From her thrillers to her romance novels!! Everything is just perfection and When Love Breaks Us is just another one to add to her list! I absolutely LOVED it! Damien and Sophie's story was everything. I cannot put into words how much I love the fact that we started off right bat with some 🔥steam!🔥 but one of my favorite things about this novel is the fact that it's not JUST romance. There is twisted, dark thriller parts incorporated into it.... so its literally almost physically impossible not to binge this! Thank you so much to Monica for gifting me this ARC! I truly couldn't get enough!
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