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Rivera Brothers' #1
Burning Bridges:
Revenge can be a dangerous game, especially when the stakes are high and passions run hot.
My family has been at war with hers for years, ever since her father killed mine. So, when I'm tasked with keeping watch over Piper Acevedo, the enemy, I know what's at stake. But instead of hatred, I find myself becoming obsessed with her.
I observe from afar, wondering what it would be like to feel her soft raven hair beneath my fingertips or taste her ruby-red lips.
I know I shouldn’t get too close, but when she propositions me, I can’t resist the temptation in front of me. In our world, nothing is real. We play games to get what we want. And what we want is to be on top. Lust and betrayal go hand in hand, and as our passion intensifies, so does the threat from our warring families.
But when I discover that Piper is in trouble, I’m torn between my duty to my family and my desire to protect her and her daughter.
Can our forbidden love survive in the face of bitter hatred and deadly danger? Or will our passion consume us both and lead to our downfall? With the Acevedos, I know I need to be ready to play with fire, but for Piper, I’m willing to go to hell and back, even if it means risking everything.
In a world where loyalty and love are never what they seem, can we find a way to be together, or are we doomed to burn in the flames of our families' feud?
My family has been at war with hers for years, ever since her father killed mine. So, when I'm tasked with keeping watch over Piper Acevedo, the enemy, I know what's at stake. But instead of hatred, I find myself becoming obsessed with her.
I observe from afar, wondering what it would be like to feel her soft raven hair beneath my fingertips or taste her ruby-red lips.
I know I shouldn’t get too close, but when she propositions me, I can’t resist the temptation in front of me. In our world, nothing is real. We play games to get what we want. And what we want is to be on top. Lust and betrayal go hand in hand, and as our passion intensifies, so does the threat from our warring families.
But when I discover that Piper is in trouble, I’m torn between my duty to my family and my desire to protect her and her daughter.
Can our forbidden love survive in the face of bitter hatred and deadly danger? Or will our passion consume us both and lead to our downfall? With the Acevedos, I know I need to be ready to play with fire, but for Piper, I’m willing to go to hell and back, even if it means risking everything.
In a world where loyalty and love are never what they seem, can we find a way to be together, or are we doomed to burn in the flames of our families' feud?
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 19, 2023
About the author
A.K. Steel
17 books159 followersA. K. Steel is a steamy romance and romantic suspense author. She lives on the beautiful South Coast of NSW, Australia, with her partner and three pre-teens, a Cocker Spaniel, and a Lovebird. When she's not writing or daydreaming about new story ideas, you can find her playing with flowers at the local flower shop or kicking a soccer ball around with her team.
A. K. takes readers on thrilling escapes from reality into her captivating world. With an intoxicating blend of danger and desire, her stories plunge readers into unforgettable journeys where they surrender to the dangerous charms of irresistible heroes and the fierce heroines they love. Lose yourself in fiery chemistry, delectable plot twists, and edge-of-your-seat adventures that culminate in satisfying happily ever afters.
A. K. takes readers on thrilling escapes from reality into her captivating world. With an intoxicating blend of danger and desire, her stories plunge readers into unforgettable journeys where they surrender to the dangerous charms of irresistible heroes and the fierce heroines they love. Lose yourself in fiery chemistry, delectable plot twists, and edge-of-your-seat adventures that culminate in satisfying happily ever afters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
June 20, 2023
A.K. Steel does not disappoint. I have been reading her books since the start of the Secrets Of The Harper Sisters series. This is Piper and Leo's story and we met them in that series so I couldn't wait to dive into their story. Plus I love mafia and enemies to lovers.
𝐵𝓎 𝑔𝒾𝓋𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓂𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝒷𝑜𝒹𝓎 𝓉𝑜𝓃𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉, 𝐼'𝓂 𝒸𝓁𝒶𝒾𝓂𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒶𝓈 𝓂𝒾𝓃𝑒 𝒻𝑜𝓇𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇.
Similarly to Romeo and Juliet, Piper and Leo's family hate each other. Leo is obsessed with her, and things take a turn. Their relationship starts to heat up, and they try to navigate it as best they can.
Burning Bridges had the perfect balance of suspense and steamy action and I knew she had some twists and turns up her sleeve for this story.
Burning Bridges was book one in this series, and I can't wait to read the next one.
𝐵𝓎 𝑔𝒾𝓋𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓂𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝒷𝑜𝒹𝓎 𝓉𝑜𝓃𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉, 𝐼'𝓂 𝒸𝓁𝒶𝒾𝓂𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒶𝓈 𝓂𝒾𝓃𝑒 𝒻𝑜𝓇𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇.
Similarly to Romeo and Juliet, Piper and Leo's family hate each other. Leo is obsessed with her, and things take a turn. Their relationship starts to heat up, and they try to navigate it as best they can.
Burning Bridges had the perfect balance of suspense and steamy action and I knew she had some twists and turns up her sleeve for this story.
Burning Bridges was book one in this series, and I can't wait to read the next one.
June 20, 2023
Very Interesting Story
My rating: 5
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers - Mafia
Heat: 7/10
Emotion 7/10
Story: 8/10
Characters: 7/10
Interest: 7/10
POV: Dual
No Cheating - No ow/om sex
No Cliffhanger
"Burning Bridges" is an excellent read.
An enemies to lovers mafia romance with heat, action, suspense and great characters.
I don't want to give away any spoilers, but i really like it when things don't drag till the very end of a book. So, this was a pleasant surprise.
This was my first book by A.K. Steel and definitely won't be the last.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
My rating: 5
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers - Mafia
Heat: 7/10
Emotion 7/10
Story: 8/10
Characters: 7/10
Interest: 7/10
POV: Dual
No Cheating - No ow/om sex
No Cliffhanger
"Burning Bridges" is an excellent read.
An enemies to lovers mafia romance with heat, action, suspense and great characters.
I don't want to give away any spoilers, but i really like it when things don't drag till the very end of a book. So, this was a pleasant surprise.
This was my first book by A.K. Steel and definitely won't be the last.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 20, 2023
This is my second ARC for mafia romance and have been a huge fan of this author since Always Fraser. I’m a sucker for a good enemies to lovers and this book did not disappoint! I like how I got the feel of Romeo and Juliet and their story with their families being at war. The intensity kept the pages turning and the forbidden love had me hoping Leo and Piper could find their happiness. With so much suspense and twist and turns you don’t expect, another great read from AK Steel!
June 21, 2023
This mafia dark romance is going to entice you from the very beginning & keep you obsessing till the very end. Piper & Leo are going to steal your hearts and make you hot with desire throughout their entire crazy intense journey that leads to an epic romance.
Leo Rivera has been holding a grudge to Piper Acevedo and her entire family. He has grown from the small boy from the wrong side of town to running their organization and he loves nothing more than riling up Princess Piper. However, he yearns for her too. His desire is all consuming at times and when he finally has a taste he knows it will never be enough. However, he knows she’s keeping secrets and he has to be careful because she could destroy him if he doesn’t keep his guard up.
Piper has lost almost everything and now she’s in debt to Leo Rivera and she hates it! But, Leo has grown into a man that entices her and makes her yearn for his touch; which is dangerous! She has secrets that need to stay hidden but she’s not sure if she can control her desires and needs when he is around.
Their story is intense, emotional, and full of twists and turns. Buckle up and enjoy their wild ride. Happy Reading!!
Leo Rivera has been holding a grudge to Piper Acevedo and her entire family. He has grown from the small boy from the wrong side of town to running their organization and he loves nothing more than riling up Princess Piper. However, he yearns for her too. His desire is all consuming at times and when he finally has a taste he knows it will never be enough. However, he knows she’s keeping secrets and he has to be careful because she could destroy him if he doesn’t keep his guard up.
Piper has lost almost everything and now she’s in debt to Leo Rivera and she hates it! But, Leo has grown into a man that entices her and makes her yearn for his touch; which is dangerous! She has secrets that need to stay hidden but she’s not sure if she can control her desires and needs when he is around.
Their story is intense, emotional, and full of twists and turns. Buckle up and enjoy their wild ride. Happy Reading!!
June 13, 2023
3.75
Thank you to A.K Steel for sending me this arc!!
For the first book in this series I was immersed. It is set in the same universe as A.K Steel’s other books and we get some cute cameos of the Harper sisters Jasmine and Amelia. While it is a nice addition to know the secrets of the Harper sisters it is not necessary to read before starting this book.
Ok first of all, I LOVE Piper. She is everything I think a mafia daughter should be. Strong, fierce, loyal to her family and obviously beautiful. And Leo, there was no doubt that he was so obsessed with Piper. He gave the biggest “its always been you vibe” which I am always a fan of.
I wouldn’t call this an enemies to lovers just because of the fact that Leo had always been obsessed with Piper, but I did love and appreciate their anger towards each other at the start of the book. I would have loved if there was more scenes of Piper and Leo realising they actually want to be together and put their hatred aside. Also if there was a scene between Hannah and Leo I would have absolutely melted.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book, and I cannot wait for Jett’s book to come.
Thank you to A.K Steel for sending me this arc!!
For the first book in this series I was immersed. It is set in the same universe as A.K Steel’s other books and we get some cute cameos of the Harper sisters Jasmine and Amelia. While it is a nice addition to know the secrets of the Harper sisters it is not necessary to read before starting this book.
Ok first of all, I LOVE Piper. She is everything I think a mafia daughter should be. Strong, fierce, loyal to her family and obviously beautiful. And Leo, there was no doubt that he was so obsessed with Piper. He gave the biggest “its always been you vibe” which I am always a fan of.
I wouldn’t call this an enemies to lovers just because of the fact that Leo had always been obsessed with Piper, but I did love and appreciate their anger towards each other at the start of the book. I would have loved if there was more scenes of Piper and Leo realising they actually want to be together and put their hatred aside. Also if there was a scene between Hannah and Leo I would have absolutely melted.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book, and I cannot wait for Jett’s book to come.
June 17, 2023
I couldn't wait to read this book when I realised it was Leo and Piper's story, who we met in the Harper Sisters series. I knew this was going to be a good read.
Leo is a strong leader and doesn't let anything phase him. That is anything except Piper. I wasn't sure I was going to like Piper after reading the Harper sisters' stories, but I was wrong. She is a strong loyal mafia daughter, but her connection to Leo can not be ignored, and what starts off as Piper trying to get information soon turns into much more.
Will they put aside the fact that their families are enemies to get their happy ever after? You definitely need to give it a read to find out.
Full of lots of twists, turns and sexual chemistry, another fab read from AK Steel, can't wait to find out which Riveria boy comes next.
Leo is a strong leader and doesn't let anything phase him. That is anything except Piper. I wasn't sure I was going to like Piper after reading the Harper sisters' stories, but I was wrong. She is a strong loyal mafia daughter, but her connection to Leo can not be ignored, and what starts off as Piper trying to get information soon turns into much more.
Will they put aside the fact that their families are enemies to get their happy ever after? You definitely need to give it a read to find out.
Full of lots of twists, turns and sexual chemistry, another fab read from AK Steel, can't wait to find out which Riveria boy comes next.
June 19, 2023
Oh wow. The twists and turns this book took me on had me gasping. I was not prepared to fall for these characters. Especially Piper. Her character was rather abrasive in the beginning and it took me a little longer than normal to get a connection going with her. But soon, I did and after that, everything changed. I was completely and wholly invested in this story and everything that was transpiring.
The chemistry between both Piper and Leo was never the problem for these two. But a past riddled with hurt and lies was. Both of them still harbored major feelings for one another over the years and couldn’t keep their hands off the other the moment they finally came together. So yeah, the romance was fiery and absolutely consuming. Steel did their romance justice in every way.
Well written, intense and utterly amazing, BURNING BRIDGES was a fantastic, page turner!! 5 Stars.
The chemistry between both Piper and Leo was never the problem for these two. But a past riddled with hurt and lies was. Both of them still harbored major feelings for one another over the years and couldn’t keep their hands off the other the moment they finally came together. So yeah, the romance was fiery and absolutely consuming. Steel did their romance justice in every way.
Well written, intense and utterly amazing, BURNING BRIDGES was a fantastic, page turner!! 5 Stars.
June 17, 2023
Ahhhh!!! What an amazing start to a new series. I loved Piper and Leo, and together, they were untouchable.
And that window scene 🥵. That is up there with one of my favourites....ever!
The love, protectiveness, and care they share was absolutely beautiful. Yet again another great story full of twists and turns. And saw some old faces 😉. Can't wait for more
And that window scene 🥵. That is up there with one of my favourites....ever!
The love, protectiveness, and care they share was absolutely beautiful. Yet again another great story full of twists and turns. And saw some old faces 😉. Can't wait for more
June 2, 2023
So glad to finally read piper and Leo’s story what a story it was! I had to binge read the book because I just needed to know what happens it did not disappoint! Loved that the harper sisters were mentioned. Go and read the whole lot from the start if you haven’t you’re in for a treat.
June 4, 2023
I loved Leo and Piper’s story. Leo and Pipers families have been at war for years. Leo becomes obsessed with Piper. Piper is playing games with Leo. Will they destroy end up destroying each other?
This book is enemy to lovers mafia trope. It has all the grit, suspense and delicious plot twists that AK Steel is known for. It is also interconnected with the secret of the Harper sister series.
This book is enemy to lovers mafia trope. It has all the grit, suspense and delicious plot twists that AK Steel is known for. It is also interconnected with the secret of the Harper sister series.
June 21, 2023
This series is interconnected to The Secrets of the Harper Sisters series but can totally be read as a series on it own; although this is just book 1 in the Rivera Brothers series and I was hooked.
Enemies to Lovers. Stalker. Mafia.
Can’t wait for Jett’s book.
Enemies to Lovers. Stalker. Mafia.
Can’t wait for Jett’s book.
June 19, 2023
Amazing
I enjoyed this book a lot and it was beautifully written! The twists and turns were great and I loved the character development throughout the story.
I enjoyed this book a lot and it was beautifully written! The twists and turns were great and I loved the character development throughout the story.
July 25, 2023
Fantastic dark mafia story of love, hate and forgiveness.
**Goodreads giveaway winner**
**Goodreads giveaway winner**
July 4, 2023
firstly, thank you so much A.K.Steel for sending me a arc of your new book! IT IS NOW RELEASED SO GO GET A COPY RIGHT NOW!!❤️🔥
This is the first book in a new mafia romance series - Rivera Brothers. and I LOVED it!
We follow piper and leo. Piper is such a perfect mafia daughter, she is feisty, brave, strong, loyal and VERY pretty. Leo was such a good mmc aswell and he was definitely obsessed with piper to say the least. We even get a ‘what did he do to you?’ which I am SUCH a sucker for.
I loved the enemies to lovers aspect even though Leo has been obsessed with piper forever. They had actual anger towards each other which I really appreciated as I hate when it’s ‘enemies to lovers’ but they don’t even annoy each other. Also…. The spiceee!!!! IMMACULATE 👀🥵
i and in LOVE with the Rivera Brothers and I can’t wait to read the other brothers books as at the end we get little possible teasers for their romances!!
5/5⭐️
❤️🔥 enemies to lovers
❤️🔥 steamy
❤️🔥 touch her and die
❤️🔥 stalker vibes
❤️🔥 mafia
❤️🔥 second chance
❤️🔥 possessive
This is the first book in a new mafia romance series - Rivera Brothers. and I LOVED it!
We follow piper and leo. Piper is such a perfect mafia daughter, she is feisty, brave, strong, loyal and VERY pretty. Leo was such a good mmc aswell and he was definitely obsessed with piper to say the least. We even get a ‘what did he do to you?’ which I am SUCH a sucker for.
I loved the enemies to lovers aspect even though Leo has been obsessed with piper forever. They had actual anger towards each other which I really appreciated as I hate when it’s ‘enemies to lovers’ but they don’t even annoy each other. Also…. The spiceee!!!! IMMACULATE 👀🥵
i and in LOVE with the Rivera Brothers and I can’t wait to read the other brothers books as at the end we get little possible teasers for their romances!!
5/5⭐️
❤️🔥 enemies to lovers
❤️🔥 steamy
❤️🔥 touch her and die
❤️🔥 stalker vibes
❤️🔥 mafia
❤️🔥 second chance
❤️🔥 possessive
June 23, 2023
I won this book on at goodreads Giveaway... and this book did not disappoint I stayed up till 1:30am to finish the book and I wanted more. More of Piper and Leo. Emenies to lovers with mafia families mixed it to in is an all time fav of mine. I really hope the next book does have them in it, I want more of a happy ending for them.
Leo- Hot, mafia bother that is making sure the town is safe over a drug that kills everyone it touches
Piper- spit fire women that is in a mans word and does very well being a mafia Princess. Trying to figure out life after her world took a turn upside down. Alpha Pricess is now not on top.
I love the build in connection between Leo and Piper, even tho they had a History it stills was nice to have all the feelings build again.
keeping my eye out on the next series of this book
Leo- Hot, mafia bother that is making sure the town is safe over a drug that kills everyone it touches
Piper- spit fire women that is in a mans word and does very well being a mafia Princess. Trying to figure out life after her world took a turn upside down. Alpha Pricess is now not on top.
I love the build in connection between Leo and Piper, even tho they had a History it stills was nice to have all the feelings build again.
keeping my eye out on the next series of this book
June 23, 2023
Loved this story. I'd recommend reading the extended prologue, as this gives a better insight into the main characters.
June 21, 2023
I loved the storyline of Leo and Piper's growing relationship with each other. The realistic way they dealt with hardship, death, danger. Most importantly the way the dealt with and how they treated those they loved. Their fight against drugs was admirable and it was great to see how they were able to fight against an infiltration in their city. I am so glad that Piper got more than her happy ending. In the end there were far more people she did not know who cared about what happened to her. Great story. I highly recommend it. You will not be disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packed
Haunting
Page-turner
Realistic
Scary
Tragic
Unpredictable.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packed
Haunting
Page-turner
Realistic
Scary
Tragic
Unpredictable.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 4, 2024
Spice & suspense? Yes, freaking please! A.K. has done it once again. I jumped at the opportunity to arc this newest series; I’ve always loved Leo, although we didn’t know him in and out, but you’ll learn throughout Burning Bridges. Piper isn’t gun shy by any means, as she’s been brought up in the same life as Leo. Both belong to big pin mafia families in the Palm Desert, at war with each other for years. But what do we know about families at war? There’s usually a forbidden love story in there somewhere… A.K., I was absolutely gripping my seat through several chapters. The spice is on point and the suspense keeps you second-guessing at every page turned.
January 12, 2024
Plenty of action and actual action 😉
I wasn’t sure I would like Piper after she was introduced in The Escape, but the author changed my mind after seeing how strong she was with what she had been dealt with in her life.
Loved seeing Leo a bit softer with her at times since he really was a hard son of a b!7ch character in the previous Harper books. He brought the hot stuff though as well! 🔥
I didn’t see the twist coming in the story as we got towards the end which is always a good thing in a book.
Each book I have read by the author just gets better! Now to read the next ones!
I wasn’t sure I would like Piper after she was introduced in The Escape, but the author changed my mind after seeing how strong she was with what she had been dealt with in her life.
Loved seeing Leo a bit softer with her at times since he really was a hard son of a b!7ch character in the previous Harper books. He brought the hot stuff though as well! 🔥
I didn’t see the twist coming in the story as we got towards the end which is always a good thing in a book.
Each book I have read by the author just gets better! Now to read the next ones!
June 20, 2023
This book grabbed me from the beginning! Leo and Piper are life!! I freaking love PIPER she is everything. This woman can hold her own she is strong beautiful and just all around amazing. Leo now this is a man I wouldn’t mind having obsess over me. This man was in it from the very beginning Piper just didn’t know. Leo is a born leader that gives zero Fs and doesn’t let anything rattle him that is until Piper… The chemistry these two have burns hot and bright. A fantastic read and I cannot wait for more from these brothers.
June 7, 2023
Burning Bridges is my introduction to this author. It's a well written, enemies to lovers, forbidden love, Romeo and Juliet-esque kind of story. These two families have been at war forever and there's no hope that anything can ever change that. It's an intense, intriguing story that keeps you glued to the pages and hoping this couple finds their happily ever after. I can't wait for book 2 in this series.
June 20, 2023
Leo and Piper have that angst tension that you know is deeper than what they think is hate, but the one where tough guy Leo has always wanted her. Their families have always hated each other and things between them were always filled with hate you want you vibes, but they had so much stacked against them from the beginning. The twists and turns in their story will have you on the edge of your seat not knowing what direction you are going to go in, but it was truly fun and amazing.
July 2, 2023
Leo and Piper’s families have been enemies for years. Leo hates Piper and her entire family. He loves to mess with Piper, part of this is due to his desire for her that he fights constantly. Now Piper has an immense attraction to Leo as well but she has secrets. Secrets that could destroy Leo. This was a great story of two people who yearn for each other but circumstances prevents them from getting together.
June 9, 2023
Piper and Leo familes are enemies , her father killed his and nowbhe is tasked with keeping tabs on her butnsoon his obsession grows and when trouble calls his loyalties are tested. Well written steamy action drama, enemies to lovers.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 14, 2023
A spicy mafia second chances romance. There was spice and steam and suspense and mystery. A rolling storyline that just picked up speed as it went. Plenty of history to sort through and happenings going on. My first by this author.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 19, 2023
Unraveling the layers of this story had me all caught up in Leo and Piper as they navigated their path towards their happily ever after. It is filled with action-packed drama that had my emotions all over the place and in their corner to get their chance for happiness.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 20, 2023
Fantastic story that's so full of action you'll have trouble putting the book down. I love Piper, she's been through a lot and is a fighter who keeps battling on. The same goes for Leo, he's had a rough life but has pushed through to get to the place of power he has. There's mystery and suspense along with twists and turns that will have you eagerly turning the pages to find out how it all ends.
June 20, 2023
A wonderful story with Piper as a woman who can hold her own, she is tough and also beautiful. Leo is a man who doesn't care what others think or think of him, but the chemistry and attraction between them is great. This book is highly recommended and I can't wait for the author's next book.
I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review
I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review
June 12, 2023
Such a good story. As you read you think you can figure out the happily ever after, but man is there a twist. So much suspense and twists and turns you don't expect. It is so good I couldn't wait to finish the book. Can't wait for the next one to come out now.
June 16, 2023
A good addition to the library of books from this author and really nice to see Piper and Leos's story. Lots of twists and turns as well as a storyline you don't see coming made this a very enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews