Breaking Trey

Reign of the Underground #1

by Amelia Shea

Former MC club girl, Dahlia Carter has her sights set on a new career path, and the opportunity couldn’t have come at a better time. Her roommate just bailed before paying next month’s rent, and her bank account registers almost a zero balance. Her only shot at survival lies in the hands of a man she can’t resist.Trey Serra is everything Dahlia is not. Private, unattainable, and her new boss, Trey’s world revolves around his role in the Underground, and has always been calculated, no deviations, no weakness. In the illegal organization since he was a child, he’s known nothing else and worked hard to move up the ranks. As one of the kings leading the Underground, Trey is perceived as third in line to the throne. But perception can be deceiving. He was hand-selected for his role years ago, and he’s worked his entire life to rise above every expectation and create a balance between humanity and power, confidence and recklessness. Trey lives, breathes, and bleeds the Underground, making no apologies and caring for no one outside of his small and loyal realm.With power comes privilege as well as sacrifice, and love is a vulnerability Trey has never considered feasible. Until now. He has steered clear of the newest employee at his club, but she’s around every corner and makes him question what he can have and what he really wants. Warm, loving, and gentle, Dahlia Carter is everything Trey is not, and he worries her kindness and compassion will mark her as prey in his world.Sweet, bubbly, and kind versus sophisticated, polished, and powerful. As Trey and Dahlia navigate their secret relationship, their differences may be their fatal flaw or their most powerful asset.

Genres: Romance, Amazon, Mafia Romance, Billionaire Romance

444 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 17, 2023

About the author

Amelia Shea writes contemporary romance. She released her debut novel in 2015, and has followed her passion for series romance ever since. Her writing style includes a little sweet, a little sassy and lots of steam. She loves building stories with settings that become comfortable and familiar, and developing characters who feel real, and though they may be flawed, they learn and grow, and finally deserve a happy ending. When she is not writing, she is obsessed with reading (all genres although she does has a soft spot for romance), coffee (it's more of an addiction but she prefers obsession) and perfecting her "y'all" (just a northern girl living in the south).

Reviews

[Anne in VA · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mixed feelings on this one. I liked it, but Dahlia was hard to understand. At first I thought when some of the guys called Dahlia a club whore, I assumed that THEY assumed she was one because she bartended at an MC bar, however Dahlia admits that yes, she did used to be a club whore. Which threw me for a loop because it didn't make sense. She was gorgeous, wasn't a nympho, had a dad that loved her, wasn't hooked on drugs, didn't get paid to sleep with the MC, and seemed like a level-headed person, so why exactly did she used to be a club whore for an MC? She didn't seem to have the personality for that kind of thing, so I didn't understand how that came about.

I also wasn't a fan of Trey constantly blowing hot and cold, and Dahlia always there to accept whatever scraps Trey was willing to dole out. Somebody a little broken who was always treated badly by men, I could understand. However, as I mentioned before, that wasn't how Dahlia came off, so her total willingness to be treated badly and still come back for more was very confusing.

[farmwifetwo · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was OK but felt half written. Speed to publish instead of depth and detail. 3 stars because easy read. But for a reader of her series' closer to 2.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one drove me nuts at times, mostly due to Trey. You could tell he wanted Dahlia, but he didn't want to want her. His reasoning, his job, very dangerous and if people knew she was with him, she would be in danger too. That sort of makes sense to me, would have been a better argument if he had clued Dahlia in on who/what he was. Instead it was almost the end of the book before Dahlia found out and not from Trey. What made the book work was Dahlia and how good of a person she was. You just want to be her friend and to see her happy in her life. I loved how she eventually won over all these powerful men and didn't know any of them were powerful, she just treated them like she does everyone. It made the ending all the better, love knowing there are Sunday dinners in everyone's future, whether they want it or not.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dahlia Carter is everything Trey is not. Dahlia is happiness and a soft soul, while Trey is hardened and without mercy. Dahlia has a past that has shaped who she is, Trey doesn't condemn her for it while others do. Now Dahlia is working at the Bowery and Trey can't seem to keep her out of her thoughts. His life would destroy the beauty that is Dahlia, but he can't seem to stay away. Can he take a chance and find a happiness he never thought would be in his grasp or will he corrupt her like everything else in his life?

I was not sure what to expect with this one because we know Dahlia from Ghostown East and have had little glimpses of these two interacting. I have always liked Dahlia and she was even more intriguing in this story. Trey is pure alpha male and you see a vulnerable side to him in this story. You also get a better take on Rogue, Oz, and Nash. Can't wait for the next one, if this story is an indication of how the series will go it will be amazing.

[Ivy Deluca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quickish Review 3.5 (yes I round up stars)

I have a soft spot for Amelia Shea's biker series (the spinoff, not necessarily the first, but I digress) and this is another spinoff of the Ghosttown East books featuring Dahlia, an unapologetic club girl (there is CW for discussions of her sexual freedom with the bikers, but I did appreciate that she didn't shame herself, she accepted that she did what she did when she wanted to do it).

The Good: Loved the kind of D/s dynamic between Trey and Dahlia, and yes I enjoy a good old bit of jealousy and possessive in my MMCs.

The Bad(ish): What was with the exclamation points! So! Many! Of! Them! Seriously, that was annoying. Also a little repetitive at times.

The Bottom Line: Even when annoyed, I was still into it so there's that.

[lisa jung · Rating 3 out of 5]

Trey

Trey is a member of the Underground, who we meet in previous books. And he's met his match in Dahila who is Sloan friend and wants a job as a bartender. This new series ties back to the East series, and having read it is a big plus. In figuring out background characters and settings. Did drag in places. But I am still looking forward to reading more of this series.

[Jodie Mihas · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️

I loved this book, we have met Trey and Dahlia in previous books and now get to read their story which is fantastic, I loved the back story of how Trey,Rogue and Oz became the Underground and am looking forward to the next stories in this series, Dahlia getting her happily ever after is awesome and we get to see some familiar faces along the way,I love all these characters,this is a must read series,I loved every minute of this book,Amelia never disappoints, she knocked it out of the park with this one ❤️🖤

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 star on vibes alone

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A long awaited story but oh so worth it

I cant stress on how much i really loved this story. It was obvious that Dahlia was going to get her own story with Trey, but this story was so much more than i expected. All three of these men have shown how much they like Dahlia and respect her, mind you she is such a loveable character and once cant help but love her when you read this story.
As for Trey, he fought against his feelings and ultamiately he fell in love.

Sloan and a few others have finally gotten Trey to agree to have Dahlia apply for a job at the Bowery. However her interview didnt go to well and she ended up getting another job. When Trey found out, he got her fired and made her come to work for him, she is under his skin. Dahlia soon fits in with everybody after a few grumblings along the way. But these two soon get together and its Trey who is finding it hard to tell Dahlia about who he is. But that soon changes when Dahlia gets into a bit of trouble.

This book really is the best and im so looking forward to reading Rogue and Ozs book im sure they are going to be epic just like this one!!!

[Merry One Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good start for the Underground

This was a good read. The world building of the Underground and the organizational structure from Sal, Oz, Rogue, and Trey was so entertaining. The storyline pulled you in and did not let go. Dahlia was just perfect as the lead female character. She had a sad upbringing but still a heart of gold. She had some excellent BF in Sloane and Penny. Trey struggled to accept his instant attraction to Dahlia. He tried so hard to avoid her, but then hired her to save her from losing her home. This was a well written story and characters. There are triggers associated with mafia, kidnapping, violence, etc. I am looking forward to the other brother’s stories. The epilogue is very entertaining. Read On!

[Rena · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was excited for this because a king of the underworld with a sweet employee is just what I wanted. I was so into it that I thought it would be my new favorite read... until it fell of at around 50-60%. There was just too much repetition about Trey and how he didn't want to tell Dahlia about his position. While it was valid, it was dragged on for too long. It's really funny because Dahlia was so accepting of Trey but he still refused to tell her even an overview of it. And while I liked the characters at first, towards the middle I was just frustrated with the two of them. Especially the miscommunication part with Trey not sharing to the woman that Dahlia's his girl? I mean come on. I get the author isn't great with plots. However, I thought that maybe other parts would compensate. The likability of the characters decreased as the pages went by and there's not much sweet moments for me to love. There's also a very small amount of interaction of Dahlia with Rogue and Oz (yes Rogue more than Oz but I felt it was quite lacking). While the overall idea and intent was good, it just fell because the plot and the drama was so weak and annoying that it completely decreased the appeal of the characters.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF 22%

Okay, this book is frustrating. The writing isn't bad, per say. However, it's confusing--and it shouldn't be. This is the first book of the series, and I feel like I picked up a book mid series. They keep referring to being in charge the of the Underground. I have no idea what the Underground is. I THINK we're in Iowa? But then Nashville was mentioned, so I have no idea. I THINK the Underground is a motorcycle club? But no one is driving motorcycles, so then again, maybe not. It's not a mafia. But it's something. What does anyone look like? I don't really know. Details about characters are randomly given out--like the h, Dahlia, is or was apparently known as a club whore? However, she isn't a prostitute, she doesn't talk about sleeping with men at all, all we know is that she was a bartender at a bar that didn't charge patrons drinks and everyone drank beer, and they kept her for a 'reason'. But it wasn't for sleeping with people. But the girl is stupid, so not sure what skills she could have. She is legit dumb.

Her roommate up and leaves with no warning, and legally she can, because Dahlia didn't have her roommate sign any contract or rental agreement. On top of that she quit her job as a bartender with no other job on the horizon. So she has no income and now she has full responsibility to pay rent on her own. HOWEVER, her friend manages to get her an interview with the H's bar and of course he hates Dahlia (But he doesn't, she's just hot so that pisses him off for some reason). There's miscommunication during the interview, which is annoying, and it embarrasses Dahlia so she says no to his job offer and instead takes a job at a dive bar where all the girls are expected to be prostitutes--and she's aware of this expectation and is just like "Nah, I'm not going to whore myself out." What is this plot? What is going on? WHY IS SHE SO STUPID!?
And a lot of things are happening with Trey (the H) and his 2 brothers (who aren't really brothers). The 3 of them are the leaders of The Underground (whatever that is), but as in they each have territories they are in charge of--they kind of work together, but also they don't. I have no idea what's going on--and not in a 'oh this is interesting, it's done on purpose, what's going to happen' sort of way. It's in a this writing is very disorganized sort of way.
So I'm DNFing. It's annoying because the premise COULD be good (I think, considering I'm not 100% sure what the plot is supposed to be).
2 stars because other than the disorganized plot and organization, the writing isn't horrible. I read farther than I should have because I could see glimpses of something good happening. But it never sorted itself out. The writing style kept me in the book longer than it should have.
By the 5th of the book I should know what the main organization that is the center of the book is. I should have an IDEA of what the main plot (other than the romance interests) is. I should know where the book takes place. But I know none of those things.

I don't even know what categories to put this book under...

[Wminbc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read when it came out and now a re-read in prep for Conquering Oz release.
Oh my gosh…do I love Trey. Hades will always be my favourite Amelia Shea book lover, but Trey is soooo all that. He has the dark energy, the lightness to see humour, and the sex appeal to keep the reader piqued. I love how he is with his “brothers” and with his security, walking the fine balance between dominant and sensitive. He sees things others might miss…including Dahlia. She is no club whore, but a beautiful soul that was dealt a hard hand in life. I loved her in all the East books as the men and old ladies befriended and took her into their confidence. Dahlia is the type of woman you want at your back…honest, trustworthy, loving, and real. Her battles with Rogue were both funny and poignant…being with Rogue everyday, Trey knew that when Dahlia won over his “other half”, he was all in!!! Enjoy!

From my other review when I first read it:
The Ghosttown Riders and Ghosttown East captured my MC heart…but Trey, Rogue and Oz continually enticed me to want to know more about The Underground. Breaking Trey is the first book in Reign of The Underground series and holy smokes it did NOT disappoint. Trey is part of the unholy triad: controlled, calm, and cool in all situation except when it comes to Dahlia. He loses his mind over and over when she is around, so of course he denies his attraction. Dahlia is a magnetic draw. From East to the Bowery, Dahlia brings her rays of sunshine to serving drinks. Dahlia proves to be her own brand of trouble….trouble to Trey’s peace of mind. The push and pull were great, but watching Dahlia come into her own was awesome. As the Japanese fix broken pottery with gold, Dahlia breaks Trey and puts him back together with her love. Enjoy

[Googly55 · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. This was Dahlia and Trey’s story and the first of the Underworld series. My main problem with this book is Dahlia. Small rant to follow- Dahlia, the East club whore, has irked me throughout the Ghosttown East series. East members were always bending over backwards to say how sweet and innocent she was and she was the only whore who was nice to the old ladies. Ryder even put a marker down for her to help get an interview at the Bowery. She eventually gets that job and quits her bartending/club whoring at East. The thing that makes no sense is why Dahlia was ever a clubwhore. She didn’t live at the clubhouse and only received a small wage from bartending (which was unique for East because no one else got paid besides the members). But Dahlia is just so darn sweet Gunner makes an exception for her! My question is this- why is she a club whore if she doesn’t receive room or board and isn’t in need of the club’s protection? What’s the point? She could just go to their parties and sleep around. She doesn’t seem to want to be an old lady even. So what’s the point? And then, throughout the book her whore status at East is brought up by several people and Trey freaks out when anyone makes her feel bad about her past. Her being a whore seemed 💯 voluntary so why is it a big deal if people bring it up? She came from a loving home and is able bodied and capable enough to work other jobs so it seemed like a lifestyle choice. So own it. -Rant over.

Also, I really like this author, but her use of exclamatory sentences drives me insane. I can overlook it when the story is compelling but otherwise it makes for a really tough read.

[Elizabeth Boyd · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️.✨️

I honestly even 100+ pages in was unsure and didn't really feel anything for the MMC or FMC. It wasn't until close to 230 pages or more in that the book started feeling worth it. I will say that I truly appreciated the fact that I only ran in to 2 or 3 scenes of them being sexual and skipped over them. But compared to other books I read almost 2 years ago, I appreciated that a lot. It actually had a plot and storyline behind it. The few things I hated was how short fused everyone was especially the men for no reason almost and I honestly could relate and understand Dahlias insecurities but at the same time we didn't have much back story on her at all to even explain how she got involved with the East or why she really worked for them all the crap of her baggage and we only had a small glimpse into Treys background as well. I enjoyed the book more around the 230 page mark or a bit after than but before it only felt kind of blah about it. This is the first time in awhile that I am unsure if I truly want to go onto the other books in this series. But, all in all I'm glad it wasn't so awful that I didn't want to finish it and I did find myself laughing towards the ending of the book and appreciated the ending of it more than some other books. And that is why it's 3.5 stars for me.

[Mrs J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dahlia for a short time was a club girl with Ghosttown East, she is a sweetheart and stunningly beautiful. All the brothers and Old Ladies have a soft spot and are very protective of her. She has her heart set on a new career with great pay at the prestigious nightclub the Bowery.

The Bowery is the nightclub run by the Underground, Rogue and Trey. Trey is a private and closed character, nobody gets close. He is everything that Dahlia is not.

Dahlia has been smitten with Trey for a long time, he always has a cool façade with her. Will he let her in? It’s a great story with plenty of danger, angst, deception and plot twists. This is a fantastic introduction to the Underground and I am really looking forward to Rogue’s story next.

[Double T's book buddies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trey and Dahlia

Highly recommend!! I know that I was many hoping and waiting for the release of this book, and oh wow, Amelia did NOT disappoint!!

Trey is the peace maker of the Underground world, but his restraint to keep Dahlia at arms length, was proving to be the hardest thing that he's ever had to do.

Dahlia has always just been the sweetest person when she was part of the Ghosttown East Club, and she carried that same sweetness when she finally got hired on at The Bowery.

There are quite a few events that happen throughout the story, and some were quite entertaining, but I'll just let you read for yourselves and see how well that Amelia knows how to keep you turning the pages.

Happy reading!!

[Victoria Sturlini · Rating 5 out of 5]

VERY ENJOYABLE BOOK!👍👍👍👍👍

This is the first book I have read by Amelia Shea but it won't be the last! What a great story with such complex and likeable characters. I really enjoyed every moment of it! It had everything, romance, steam, sweetness, friendship, loyalty, suspense....... You name it this book had it! There was not one moment while reading this story that I was not interested and captivated by the plot and how the story progressed. I highly recommend this book...save some time though you won't want to put it down until the end. Thank you Amelia for giving us an epilogue.... I love authors who do that.....I think it shows that the author likes her readers!! 😇

[Ashante Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Trey & Dahlia: triggers- assault, sexual assault, drugs, gun violence. honestly I'm just glad I finished this because it was touch and go for a while there and not for the triggers but the story itself. it's so repetitive, Trey is constantly going back and forth on his feelings. Dahlia is super sweet and a former club whore for an MC that is I guess a rival of the kings but we're never told why (guess it's need to know). her roommate ditches her without paying rent and now she needs a better paying job. that's where she becomes now connected to Trey. they are like oil and water to start but that because Trey is fighting his feelings for her. but he also can't stop stepping in while people at his club keep messing with her

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic start to a new series.

I really enjoyed this first book in the Reign of the Underground series. If you’ve read the author’s previous series Ghosttown East you will have met the characters previously but this book takes you into the lives of the three kings of the underground. A great book with some laugh out loud moments and a tale of friendship. There isn’t a lot of drama to be found within the book and it’s obviously setting the stage for the next book and maybe even a different series. If you have enjoyed any of the authors previous work this is a book worth your time. Can’t wait for book two in the series

[Ruthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

outstanding start

This is a spin-off from Ghosttown East, so if you’re picking up this book as a first, start at the favor for all the background, and believe me, you’ll never regret. I fell in love with Dahlia from the first time I met her, the book of Roan and Trini. Loved her punch and her sweetness. And I always hoped she would be able to pump some warmth into the cold and always-in-control Trey. She does more than just that. I’m so here for the women who’ll follow her footsteps and reign thos kings of the underground.

[Karen Keener Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book - book 1 in New series

Every book by this author shines. I love that Trey is suave and sophisticated and Dahlia is sweet but cheap and messy from the poorer side of the world but the other is their everything and their other half. I love that he can't live without her but is so scared that he might not be able to protect her. And I love that she loves him so much she can't imagine not doing what he needs her to do to keep her safe. I'm so excited for the next book.

[Diane Yoz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew Trey couldn't resist Dahlia!

Love this story so much. No matter how cold and aloof Trey tries to act towards Dahlia, she manages to break down his walls and the Underground Princess is emerges. The alpha and the sweet girl. Love the sparks between them and their HAE. All the characters are intriguing and I wanted to know more about them but I really love Rogue and how he's such an A@@H0l3ê and so funny and scary. Can't wait for his book! The suspense and drama keeps coming in every chapter that there was no way I could put this book down. So Good!

[Intel Chicky Reads Romance (Kara Merideth) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: opposites attract
Angst: 😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥

Really enjoyed this story. Trey's story was teased quite a bit in the previous books, so I was super excited. This one didn't seem as angsty as they normally are and I managed to not shed tears this time around, lol. But it was still a great story that moved really well. Truly though, its these characters. You get so super invested in them and the ever changing landscape of incoming partners. Epilogue was perfect like usual and so many teasers of what's to come. Can't wait for the as5hole's book next! 😂😂

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I had the words for this book.

This is the book where you need to cancel all your plans because when life interrupts your reading, you will be annoyed.

Trey did not disappoint in who he is. The glimpses into how he grew into the person he is also helps you understand the bond he has with Rogue and Oz.
Dahlia’s sweetness was the greatest bulldozer to Treys walls.

I cannot urge everyone enough to pick up these books and lose yourself.

[ML · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did not want to put this book down!

This book was well worth the wait! Trey and Dahlia have a special connection. She is so nice, honest and trusting while Trey is just the opposite. Trey knows he wants her but he's never felt like this for another woman, ever. He has to break his own walls down with the help of his brothers and his fatherly friend. I know I'll be reading this book over more than once!

[ANN MARIE EGGERS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my…..Treyyyyyy!

Amelia Shea……you beautiful, story telling….GENIUS! I LOVE TREY. I love the Underground…I Love it all! This is a Fantastic read! People, don’t sleep on Amelia Shea, read ALL of her books. You will fall in love over and over again!

This book is no exception. I love the power and the passion of each character in the book and look forward to watching the women who capture the hearts of the rest of these men. Nothing wrong with loving a bad boy!

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes it is really hard to cheer for the bad guys to get a happy ending. Amelia Shea makes it easy. She managed to not only give these “ruthless” men a backstory that will break your heart, but shows glimmers of how a rough life and illegal businesses don’t always make you a bad person. I absolutely loved Trey’s story. I’ve always been intrigued by Rogue, so I’m really looking forward to his story!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally we get Trey and Dahlia’s story, this has been teased for the whole East series. I liked this, but it was a little long on the ‘will Trey finally just admit he wants her’ portion. There was lots of drama and high stakes.

I did note that Trey “cupped his face/mouth” so many times (37 times). That must have been in a loop in Amelia Shea’s brain while she was writing.

I can’t wait for Rogue to get is ass kicked by love.

[Ayanna K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trey & Dahlia are a hit!

Amazing storyline that took patience to read without screaming. Dahlia is a woman who is a quiet force. At first, her so-called naiveté was unbelievable but it was more acceptance of reality and ignorance of all the forces in play. Trey had to grow on me because secret lives never work but they became a powerhouse of a couple and I loved reading their journey to true love and a family of misfits. Rogue’s story is going to be wild. I can’t wait!