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Breaking Storm

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A street fighter and his childhood crush. A forced marriage. Both are hellbent on leaving the streets of Chicago, except the gang alliance won’t let them.

TEAGANCollege is my one-way ticket out of this city. For years, I distanced myself from the Chicago underworld. I attend college, work at a florist, and have a boyfriend who knows nothing about my life. Now the leaders of two rival gangs block my escape. My father is forcing me to marry the son of his rival to forge an alliance. A childhood friend I haven’t seen since I was sixteen.Joey’s a criminal, born from violence. Street wars run through his veins. I’ll do everything in my power to make this forced marriage fail. JOEYOnce I find her, I’m fleeing the streets of Chicago.Most people think of me as a thug. A useless street fighter called Storm.I’d love nothing more than to get away from this life, but my old man has blackmailed me for as long as I can remember.I’m forced to marry Teagan, my father’s biggest nemesis’s daughter, and childhood crush. All I have to do is bide my time to sever the hold my old man has on me and disappear forever.Author's BREAKING STORM is book one of the STORM DUET. It’s a dark love story between Teagan and Joey. A romantic suspense, enemies-to-lovers, forced marriage, following one couple through disturbing incidences, getting acquainted, lots of steamy moments, and a blood-curdling race to escape. This book ends with a major CLIFFHANGER, so you need to read the books in order. Book two, CHASING STORM, is the conclusion and will be up for pre-order soon. These books contain adult content and triggers. Reader discretion is advised. If you want a list of warnings, please visit authordenisebaer.com.

242 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 15, 2023

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44 people want to read

About the author

Denise Baer

15 books251 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
Profile Image for CriSsStina.
364 reviews
May 2, 2024
3.5 ⭐️

Overall, I liked this one. It kept me engaged and catched me from the first pages. It ends on a cliffhanger, but I have the next book, and I will definitely continue.

The action, plot, and relationship development were nicely balanced. There were some twists, some of them were easily to spot / suspect, but not all of them.


** possible spoilers **

I somehow expected something to happen in those last chapters since Joey made a huge mistake letting his father live. I still don't understand the reasoning behind that decision. It was very, very stupid, obviously. But since his father is a true villain, of course, he came back full force.

I liked Joey and Tea, but I, for one, cannot forgive him for what he did on their wedding night. I think she healed too seasily from her trauma. He eventually explained himself. He obviously was remorseful and promised he would repent until the end of their lives, but still. I am conflcted about the entire situation.
The fact that he is so inloved with her and he is overprotective, jealous, etc., made the situation bearable, let's say.

They both had issues in communicating efficiently, opening up, and trusting each other. But eventually, they got on the right track. They sometimes definitely showed their age.

What to expect
- arranged marriage
- they are from rival families (abusive fathers / families on both sides)
- same age, 22 years old
- medium burn when it comes to their relationship (because he fucked up immensely on their wedding night)
- no V (they both were in other relationships at the start of the book and immediately broke things up when their fathers ordered their marriage)
- double POV
- interesting side characters, especially Sean (hoping he will have a book as well in the future 🙏)
- quite a spicy read, but I wasn’t a huge fan of some scenes, like I had to think hard to understand what is happening, haha; some awkward terminology as well (for e.g., "using his tongue like a sorcerer's wand" -- excuse me, the comparison might work, but it's hilarious and obviously I started crackling and this just took me out of the scene, just like ... magic!? 😂)
- no cheating!!

TW
- Domestical violence (both MCs are beaten on page by their awful fathers)
- SA between MCs 😭😭😭
- The FMC is later in the book also almost SA by her father in law, luckily she's saved on time by the MMC right on time 🥺
- Violence, torture, etc. (it's a mafia read, so the normal for these reads)


I think the book would have worked better if their ages had been higher. For example, it's mentioned that he has been doing his father's books for the past 10 years because he was good with numbers. Uhm, he is 22!! Of course, it's fiction, so anything could be believable, but some things were obviously exaggerated. Meanwhile, at the same time, he was hiding money since, as Tea, he also wanted to get out of the mafia life when the time allowed it. He also was a street fighter and probably done other things for his father as well. Again, he's just 22!


Now, I will directly dive into the second part because I am very curious about how everything will wrap up with the mafia conflict.


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I received a review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Michellelovesreading.
1,479 reviews174 followers
June 6, 2025
This was such a good book. I’m excited to read the next one.

Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Profile Image for Debbie.
124 reviews10 followers
November 30, 2023
Breaking Storm is a dark romance set in the gang world. Definitely check the content warnings as there are some scenes that will be triggering to some.

This is the story of Joey and Teagan, two young people who were raised by rival gang leaders. Both are raised by controlling and brutal fathers. Neither wants to be a part of this life. Teagan thinks if she can get her college degree, she can leave it all behind and move on with her life. Joey is not so lucky. He has no choice but to follow his fathers demands. His father is holding something over Joey’s head, Joey can’t go anywhere.

The two rival leaders decide to form an alliance and what better way to do that than to have their children marry. Joey knows he has no other choice; Teagan is fighting it tooth and nail.
Joey and Teagan’s characters are well developed, and I found myself rooting for them throughout the book. It was great to see how they were able to grow and face the things that were thrown at them together.

The secondary characters were great. Absolutely loved Sean! He was the buffer between Joey and Teagan, and it was endearing to see how he was able to put his feelings aside for his best friend and new wife.

I loved how the dual POV overlapped. I was able to see the perspective of the other persons thoughts and feelings and it helped me understand the characters better.

The cliffhanger was brutal, excellent…but brutal! Glad I’m able to dive right into the second book of the duet.

This book had the perfect amount of drama and spice. It flowed well and I would highly recommend giving this one a try!

Thank you to Denise and Book Sirens for an ARC for free. I am Leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Sundy Tr..
251 reviews11 followers
November 27, 2023
Breaking Storm is the first book in the Storm duet series and is a dark romance taking place in the Chicago mafia world. Our heroes are forced to get married and as the story progresses we learn a good amount of stuff about them and why they act & think as they do. I liked the fact that there is only one supporting character in the book that is actually important, Sean, and the attention he gets is well deserved. The author doesn’t waste any pages with non-important people which is something I really appreciated.

As expected in a dark romance, there are unpleasant things going on and one should definitely check the trigger warnings before getting their hands on this one. The story is well-written and I liked the pace. I would have liked Tea to make things a bit harder for Joey, that’s the only thing I’d change, some more grovelling.

The book is written in first person and we have dual POV that sometimes, especially in the first half, overlap which makes it slightly tiring for the reader. As for the spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️-🌶️.

The cliffhanger leaves you wanting for more and I can’t wait to find out what the future holds for the couple.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Lauren Head.
647 reviews14 followers
August 15, 2025
Oh. My. God! Book 2 is coming soon right? Because that ending! I need answers and I need them now! The writing is amazing and completely makes you fall in love with the characters!
Profile Image for Karla.
542 reviews2 followers
December 6, 2023
3/5 stars
3/5 spice

Dark, suspenseful, and action packed. This story has a lot going on and was a bit unhinged but did deliver on being a page turner.

Tropes:
Forced Marriage
Rival families
Tortured, Possessive MMC
Morally grey hero
Strong willed FMC
Forced proximity
Trauma/healing
Dual POV
Cliffhanger

Since this a story is on the shorter side I didn't get a chance to get to know the MCs true character, especially with this author's style of writing. This is probably a personal preference but I didn't like the way the dual POVs were written. A scene would happen and we'd experience it through one MCs POV then the next chapter summarizes the other MCs POV of the same event until we get to a new scene. I'm not sure if this bothered anyone else but I found myself skipping through the summary so I can keep the pace of the story flowing. The story itself is interesting but definitely on the darkest side of dark romance with all the violence and heavy handed machismo. Check trigger warnings before reading.

I felt like I was finally getting to know the characters when the cliffhanger hit. I'm interested enough in the outcome of Joey and Teagan's story that I'll read the next book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Trigger warnings:
SA between MCs, domestic violence, mentions rape of side characters, murder, gun violence, death, blood, torture, miscommunication, explicit language, sexual content
2 reviews
November 23, 2023
First of all, I would just like to say, "Bravo!! Well Done!!", to Denise Baer. I love, love, love this book. The book is told from the different perspectives of Teagan and Joey. However, something that Denise does that I absolutely love is overlap the situations so you can see the perspective of the other person in a way that is not redundant, but endearing, allowing you to immerse yourself into the entire scene and book. Teagan and Joey are polar opposite and, yet, the same! The way their trauma has the same skeletal structure, but the way they deal with it is different- a balance to each other. Not to mention that Sean is glue that holds everything together. There were times where my mouth dropped 😮🫨(actually many times), I clasped my heart and mouth 🫢🫣, had to sit up and say out loud, "Excuse me, come again"🤭, and reread. The steamy parts🥵 were a sauna through the pages and warranted a reread for the mere pleasure of it🫣😜🤤🤭! I went through a range of emotions that made is so difficult for me to put this book down. In fact, I finished this book in 2 days because I couldn't put this down. Now I know, to some, this is no biggie, but I am just starting to pick back up the hobby of reading. So, the mere fact that I read this book in two days is a personal best, accomplishment, and a well-freaking-done on the part of Denise Baer. The way the book ended (with a cliffhanger) will COMPEL you to read the second book. And that is exactly what I plan to do after writing this review because it is just that damn good. All in all, if you are thinking, wondering, contemplating of whether or not to read this book. Don't, just go ahead and read this book because you won't be disappointed, and while you are at it, go ahead and add Denise Baer as a favorited author because I know I will.Denise Baer

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Brittney.
984 reviews42 followers
February 27, 2024
📚 Breaking Storm by Denise Baer is a gripping romantic suspense novel that delves deep into the gritty underworld of Chicago, where two individuals find themselves entangled in a web of family feuds, forced marriages, and desperate attempts to break free.

🌪️ Teagan, a determined college student with dreams of leaving behind her tumultuous past, finds herself trapped between the leaders of two rival gangs. Her father's insistence on a forced marriage to Joey, a childhood friend and notorious street fighter, threatens to shatter her carefully constructed plans for escape.

🥊 Joey, known as Storm, is more than just a thug from the streets. He longs to break free from the clutches of his manipulative father and start anew. But when he's coerced into marrying Teagan, his childhood crush, he must navigate treacherous waters to secure his freedom.

🔥 Baer weaves a tale of forbidden love, intense passion, and dangerous alliances. The chemistry between Teagan and Joey crackles with tension, drawing readers deeper into their tumultuous relationship. As they struggle against the constraints of their circumstances, the stakes grow higher, leading to a heart-pounding race against time.

🌟 The author's skillful storytelling keeps readers on the edge of their seats, with plenty of steamy moments to balance the dark themes. Each page is infused with palpable tension, building towards a climax that will leave readers clamoring for more.

🔗 Breaking Storm is the first book in the Storm Duet series, and Baer leaves readers hanging on a major cliffhanger, ensuring they'll be eagerly anticipating the next installment. With its captivating characters, intricate plot, and emotional depth, Breaking Storm is a must-read for fans of romantic suspense.

#BreakingStorm #StormDuet #RomanticSuspense #DarkLoveStory #ForcedMarriage #EnemiesToLovers #BookReview #ARCReview #BookReview
Profile Image for Harmony Kemp (Mistress Jade).
32 reviews6 followers
January 4, 2024
I received an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this book and so am choosing to leave this honest and voluntary review.

📚✨ ARC Book Review ✨📚

Title: Breaking Storm

Author: Denise Baer

Series: Storm Duet 1

🌶 Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶, 5/5

⭐ Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, 5/5

"I'm seeking salvation in your p😻ssy… Every time I'm doused in your holy water, your p😻ssy gripping my c🐓ck, I'll be absolved of my sins."

🩸📢 Trigger Warnings 🛑🚨

😎 Possessive/Jealous M0rally Grey MMC

🔫 Cr!m!nal Underworld

🤬 F0rced/Arranged Marriage

🤐 Secrets

🌶️🌶️ Sp!cy 🌶️🌶️

🪂 CLIFFHANGER in First Book

🌶🌹 Kinks & Tropes💄👠

💪 Strong FMC

🥰 Childhood Friends-to-enemies-to-Lovers

💋 Diverse characters

💥 Medium Burn

Breaking Storm is the first book of this series. Who doesn't love a good Dark Romantic Suspense? New year, new you- what better way to start it off with the sizzling Storm Duet.

The history that these main characters, Teagan and Joey share, only hook you in more and keep you invested in their story.

They are set to inherit and continue on with their families legacies, but can their love break free of the bonds of those traditions that hold them back?

If you love a filthy mouth on a Man, then Joey is your 2024 Book Boyfriend- I love me a descriptive, and dirty mouthed MMC!

Fair warning- ends on a cliffhanger! But I promise you it will be worth it in the second installment of the Storm Duet!

Love!

P.s; keep your toys charged!

Mistress Jade 💋 xoxo

#mistressjadereads #MistressJade #bookreviews #smut #smuttyreviews #romancereviews #romancereads #romance #TeaganandJoey #BookBoyfriend #ARCBookReview #BreakingStorm #StormDuet
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for kreader33.
77 reviews
June 18, 2025
A storm is full of gray.
You are thrown right into the harsh world of the book. There are different rules for this world. You can’t judge it against the current world or you will lose the story. Please read the triggers carefully and make the best decision for your physical and emotional well being. Read and experience the book however is best for you with whatever support you need.
I love the author’s note in the beginning. She definitely knows her audience! Lol Interesting pacing for this book. It’s very abnormal to what I have previously read. I couldn’t tell if I liked it or not. In some ways it was almost like the fight of Teagan against the world she was born and thrust back was part of the pacing. There’s a push and pull of it. I almost wanted it to be longer and go more in depth. The forward and backwards flips from one point of view to the other for the same event. It gives you the feeling of her struggle, of both their struggles. Joey struggles of the blackmail and protection and even love. Teagan struggles to reconcile her place and feelings in a world not of her choosing. They both have to sort their internal conflictions to be able to have their own space together.
I’m excited to see if we get a deeper look at Sean’s life and a peak into the past of Kara’s. This book ends on a cliffhanger, so we have to wait to see if Tea and Joe really do survive and get their freedom. Real freedom is not having to look over your shoulder.

Suggested reading order to date:
1. Breaking Storm
2. Chasing Storm

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Angie Holden.
113 reviews3 followers
January 4, 2024
Although I went into this blindly, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the journey. The fast-paced narrative immediately hooked me, seamlessly blending speed with crucial details that kept me engaged throughout. What stood out the most for me was the clever use of multiple points of view, alternating between Teagan and Joey. This approach added a layer of complexity to the characters, making them both relatable and likable.

The central relationship between Teagan and Joey felt refreshingly genuine. The author successfully navigated the complexities of their connection, creating characters with depth and authenticity. The spice factor in their dynamic was definitely on point, injecting the story with an intense and captivating energy.

The plot unfolded with a natural flow, keeping me on my toes with a generous dose of action and unexpected twists. While I found myself cheering for the main characters, my disdain for the antagonist added an extra layer of satisfaction to the overall experience.

It's important to mention that this book comes with trigger warnings for violence, rape, and abuse, so before to check these warnings beforehand. The book concluded with a major cliffhanger, leaving me eagerly anticipating the release of the second installment in this duet.

For fellow dark romance lovers, Breaking Storm offers a gripping tale that combines a compelling narrative with well-developed characters and a tantalizing hint of forbidden allure.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for TBRs & Tourniquets.
228 reviews7 followers
November 16, 2023
Well. To begin with I feel we need to acknowledge how evil that cliffhanger is! I’m not sure how we’re supposed to wait for the next instalment after that 😮

Breaking storm is a dual POV dark romance that follows Teagan and Joey as they navigate a marriage arranged by their fathers. There are plenty of trigger warnings so make sure you check those out but if you’re used to reading gang/mafia related romance then you’ll likely be ok with this.

I really enjoyed the fact that Teagans character wasn’t a timid, shy little thing. She gives as good as she gets and isn’t afraid to fight for those she cares about.

Joey is a typical morally grey MMC, he’s a street fighter with a passion for correcting the sins of his father. I perhaps wouldn’t have forgiven his transgressions as quickly as our leading lady but I was rooting for him by the end.

My only criticism of the book, and what stopped me giving it 5 stars, was the way the dual POV was used. We often went back and experienced the same circumstances from the other persons view point. At times this meant you were reading about something twice and often this spanned 2/3 pages which did feel repetitive. I understand why it was done and there were times the other view was valuable but I feel those sections could have been shorter, I found myself wanting to skim them at times.

Overall a great read and I’ll definitely check out the sequel.

Thanks to book sirens and the publisher for this free ARC.
Profile Image for Katie.
55 reviews
November 16, 2023
Oh man. This book was a wild DARK ride from start to finish. I'll start with the pros about this book. Joey's possessiveness was so hot. I do believe he genuinely loves Tea and cares about her. Tea is such a STRONG, bada** woman, although she should have made him grovel so so much. Sean, Joey's best friend, is such a cinnamon roll in my eyes. I simply adore him. It does have a good plot, with pretty good spice! I do wish there was more dirty talk though. Despite my only con about this book, I do plan on reading the second.

NOW, for the only thing I did not like, was the assault on Tea by Joey. I wish the one trigger was emphasized that it was by the MMC. In my opinion, it wasn't brutal or extremely detailed, but I was super uncomfortable. He doesn't touch her without her consent after this. Of course he had his reasons, which we learn about and most of us in the dark romance reading world are like…"okay well it's because of this and the FMC forgives" and we move on. If it helps I try to tell myself that it's probably a more accurate representation of what goes on in the real mafia world. If you are comfortable going into this book knowing the TWs then I recommend this book.

The only thing I didn't like about the writing style is that the duel POVs were repetitive, but it's not going to stop me from reading the next book obviously.
Profile Image for MaLoBe.
484 reviews2 followers
December 11, 2023
That's the first book I'm reviewing after my longer break from reading ARCs.

The author was unknown to me when I selected the book. I went blind in and I have to say honestly I am pleasantly surprised with the way the book is written. I loved how the flow of storyline got me immersed very quickly.

I was reading late into the night and couldn't put the book down. I couldn't choose better.

I don't want to spoil anything for anyone but I had a hard time to understand the hero and connect with him. But the author did something great to show him in different light, that allowed me to forgive him all his mistakes.

Even though I'd love some more action in this type of trope I have to say I enjoyed it. The plot is built mainly around the characters' peculiar situation. We get a lot of their inner thoughts, they are showing us their feelings and we see how they struggle to overcome the obstacles.

It was dark, it was intense, it made me cry, I got mad, I wanted to strangle someone. And then the cliffhanger…

Now I need to get my hands on the second part, because I just can't stop thinking what happens next.

Why not 5 stars rating? I keep it for the second part because my gut feeling is telling me it will be even better.


I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Shyla.
259 reviews5 followers
June 23, 2025
🖤

3.5🌟

I have been really looking forward to reading this book. I’ve struggled with what I wanted to rate it.
I just have so many mixed feelings. 🖤

So you have two top gang families that force their children into an arranged marriage. Teagan wants nothing to do with her family, has been working to get out. Is stubborn, hot headed, and her mouth gets her in trouble. Joey is all fight with a lot of secrets trusts only one person and I didn’t like him tell the almost the end!


Some possible spoilers sorry!

Ok I liked him at the beginning he showed strong character and when he could have made so many other choices he made the worse! Oh and after what he did to Tea, he uses the one thing he wants so she can go to college. What?!?!?! NO!!!! Like NO!! Earn her trust! Get to know her! Ive read books where there is still respect specially when the MMC is so OTT for the MFC. There was way too many double standards with Joey! Teagan was like a price he won.

Ok soap box done. Sorry!! I rarely leave reviews like that but with the trigger warning, of SA it doesn’t normally bother me. I think if the other part wouldn’t have happened with the school I could have let it go.

The book does move at a fast pace and I loved the side characters. Sean was definitely my favorite!
It does end on a cliffhanger and book 2 is out.
Profile Image for Carolyn Reilly.
Author 4 books145 followers
January 26, 2024
Although I'm not the greatest fan of Mafia books, the description of this one reeled me in. And when I started reading, I was hooked from the first paragraph. Joey and Teagan are very authentic and compelling characters. I initially cursed Joey for what he did to Teagan, but I also knew he wasn't the typical morally black mafioso. He was a good guy born and raised in a violent world and looking for an out. And Teagan was admirably strong, she'd rebelled against her mafia family all her life. They were perfect for each other without realizing it for quite a while. I read this rollercoaster ride of a book in one sitting. The fast-paced story had everything to keep me on the edge of my seat: suspense, danger, secrets, love, and not to mention the deliciously high spice factor.

I also love this new-to-me author's writing style. Denise Baer manages to write scenes from both Tea and Joey's perspectives without ever being repetitive or redundant.

There is a major cliffhanger ending but luckily book 2 in this duet is already available and I will continue reading Joey and Tea's story as soon as I'm finished posting this review!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Nicole  Henderson.
1,454 reviews23 followers
May 24, 2025
This is the first book I have read from this author and she did not disappoint. Ms. Baer did leave readers with a cliffhanger. I hope book two is right around the corner. Teagan Malone's life gets blown up when her dad announces that she will be marrying the son of a rival crew. Joey Cooper knows there is no way out of this union. How can he be mad when the girl he is marrying has been his crush since childhood? Teagan tried her best to stay away from the gang life, though she reaped the benefits. Teagan quickly learned her life was not her own.

Joey and Teagan's marriage started off to rocky. Teagan was thrown into the life that she was determined to run away from. Will this couple learn to exist with each other? They hopefully can at least be friends, right? In addition, they also have to deal with their fathers. Both use unethical tactics to keep these two in line. I will say there are some things that happen in this book that readers need to be aware of. Please, read the warnings before proceeding. If you continue, after reading the warnings, you are in for a wild ride. Teagan is a strong-willed young woman. Joey is struggling to look after a lot of people and keeping them safe. There is a lot going on. Ms. Baer does a good job giving readers a good story.
Profile Image for Kseniia Albitckaia.
13 reviews
December 9, 2023
I expected more from this book because the plot kept me quite interested and the story didn't seem trivial. But while reading, I often found myself annoyed by many things.

The immature behavior of both main characters. The very fast pace of events when your cauldron doesn't keep up with the plot. Abrupt change of locations and time periods.

Dialogues sometimes seemed to me absolutely childish and devoid of any sense. In general, I got the feeling that the author is trying to tell us about teenage drama while making the main characters adults. The sex scenes seemed to me very bland, and as if the author just forced herself to describe these scenes. The book ends on a cliffhanger, and I understand that the author will write a sequel, and would advise to take this issue more seriously. To make the characters really adults instead of teenagers trapped in adult bodies. Do not make abrupt transitions between locations and time and if the sex scenes make the author uncomfortable, it is worth abandoning them altogether and not describe them boring and dull.
Profile Image for Michelle  Brown.
730 reviews6 followers
December 14, 2023
This story surprised me and I have to say that doesn't happen that often.

This Author is new for me and I came away pleasantly surprised. This book was very easy to read, enjoyable characters and story line. What more could you ask for.

The pace of the book was really good, the chemistry between Joey and Teagan was next level. I am glad it wasn't insta love and that they had to work through the initial spanner that was thrown into the mix on the wedding night.

There is something about a man who loves hard and Joey was this to a capital T. Teagan was good leading lady and when she turned around and they clicked, it was higher and higher they went which was great to see.

This first book was really good and with the ending it sets up book two really well. Can't wait to see where the Author takes us.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for GKP2460 .
4,291 reviews71 followers
November 14, 2023
Breaking Storm is book 1 in the Storm Duet and ends on a cliffhanger. It's a great arranged marriage story between rivals. Right from the very beginning I wanted so badly to break William Malone into a million pieces. His treatment of his daughter Teagan is enough to infuriate anybody. Then there's Joey Cooper, there's more to him than meets the eye. As children of rival gangs, Malone's Disciples, who's head is William Malone and Cooper's Crew, who's head is James Cooper, Joey's father, they've been dragged into their father's mess more than either of them likes.
Breaking Storm is intense, intense, intense and sooooooooo freakin good! It's a gripping your seat, glued to the pages kinda read and I can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Kathleen Haley.
Author 26 books76 followers
November 15, 2023
Joey and Teagan are relatable, lovable characters who keep you rooting for them and their relationship throughout. Unlike so many dark romances out there now, this one has a plot that's unified and actually makes sense, without any loose ends or inconsistencies. Where the book falters occasionally is in its use of the double point of view. Instead of giving us insights into the individual characters' mindsets, it often merely restates what happened. There are also frequent awkward word usages and metaphors that take the reader out of the moment. Joey's calls to action don't come from within, but from his father, which lessens the impact of his rebellion. But the book has an excellent cliffhanger, full of tension and compelling the reader to turn to the sequel.
Profile Image for Rachel Louise.
16 reviews1 follower
November 17, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This a a really good book, Joey & Teagans Characters are well developed and I was really interested in how their relationship evolved through the different scenarios they faced together. Sean’s character was also a great addition to the book!

There is a perfect amount of spice and drama to keep you entertained!

The criticism I have of the writing is partly the dual POV - I found on some of the chapters it switched from either MC and instead of following on from the last characters thoughts it replayed the scene again from the other characters point of view. This is good in some instances however I felt it was used too much in this book for scenes that it didn't need to be used on.
Profile Image for Amanda Wallace.
170 reviews7 followers
November 30, 2023
This is my first read from Denise Baer and I thoroughly Enjoyed it. This story is told through dual POVs which I found Interesting and really enjoyed. The main characters, Teagan and Joey are embarking on an arranged marriage set in motion by their fathers. The two of them are an unlikely pair but their relationship is worth reading about. Teagan is a determined woman who doesn’t take crap and Joey is a morally grey street fighter, imagine that combo. It’s perfect! I fell In love with the characters and the spice in the story. I’d definitely recommend it to others. The ending though, well I need The second book asap. Thank you to Denise and Book Sirens for an arc for free . I am Leaving this review voluntarily.
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730 reviews23 followers
August 7, 2025
HOLYDARKNESSS... this had me damn invested from the opening chapter! I just friggin love coming across a new author, and then when you as a reader instantly connect with their writing. This leaves me friggin obsessed with this duet.

HOW could you leave that cliffhanger. My heart is racing, and my mind is reeling! I am in desperate need of book 2 immediately.

What an intoxicating, delicious dark spice filled book that literally will how you devouring in one sitting! 🥵

I am OBFRIGGINSESSED with Joey and his character!😍

Breaking storm was sizzling, spicy, love hate relationship with added danger, and action packed laced with sassiness and banter, all wrapped up with the thin line of love and hate 😍
5,541 reviews
November 25, 2023
This new to me author has knocked my socks off!

Teagan and Joey's story is as heart-wrenching as it is heart-warming!

Growing up in this world is not easy and William and James, their two fathers are the absolute bottom of the barrel!

Sean, Joey's bodyguard befriends Teagan, thank goodness.

Is what Joey does unforgiveable?

Can Teagan get him to lower his walls?

Will this farce of a marriage become real?

Enduring?

Can conquer all evil?

This reader sure the hopes so!

This ends on quite the cliff-hanger! Thank goodness I'm starting the next one NOW!
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79 reviews2 followers
November 26, 2023
Breaking Storm is book 1 in the Storm Duet and ends on a cliffhanger. The book is a dual POV dark romance. Check the trigger warnings before reading. It is a forced marriage mafia romance. Storm is a morally grey street fighter and Tea is a college student trying to escape her life. They are forced by their fathers to get married. They have a rocky start and are able to bridge part of their gap with the help of Sean. He is Joey’s (AKA Storm’s) best friend. He helps Tea see a different side of Joey. I can’t wait to see how their story ends.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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562 reviews4 followers
December 5, 2023
This story starts with a few tough and uncomfortable situations. Joey and Teagan are children of the underworld and are trying desperately to leave this lifestyle. To do that though, there are some bumpy patches to overcome.
Teagan is fun-loving and likable. If you could find a burnt to a crisp with a little gooey center of a marshmallow as adorable, you would have Joey. He is super tough on the exterior, but when it comes to Teagan, he is a gooey, jealous center of love.
Regarding the flow, some sayings and/or situations were either stated, repeated, or not experienced as a reader. It didn’t happen often, but it was enough to distract you from the story.
Profile Image for Candace.
35 reviews4 followers
November 22, 2023
Omg this book has a heck of a cliffhanger. I am not sure I can wait for the second book to be released to know what happens next.

This book is a dark romance and duel POV. If you choose to read this check your triggers.

This book pulled me from the start and didn’t let go. It was the only thing I thought about. I was disappointed when I had to stop reading because of work. It brings you on a roller coaster ride and doesn’t stop. Even with it ending in a cliffhanger it still has me in a choke hold.

Thank you to book sirens and the author for this free advance readers copy of this book.
8,798 reviews63 followers
November 22, 2023
Teagan wanted out of the criminal world her father lived and thought she was on the path to freedom when he drags her back in for an arrainged marriage to Joey, the son of their rival. Joey wanted out, but his father kept a tight leash on him and his mother, leaing him with no choice but to obey, and even if Teagan was his childhood crush, they have to work together to get through, but will there ever be any freedom from their dark world? well written engaging steamy action drama and more cant wait for bk2!
19 reviews
December 12, 2023
Breaking Storm ends with a cliffhanger, so make sure to get Chasing Storm if you’re like me and can’t wait! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I am new to mafia / arranged marriage romance - I don’t typically go looking for these tropes, but I really like Teagan and Joey’s story so far. Equal spice and action! The cliffhanger has you picking up the next book immediately! 100% recommend this book and it’s author!

* I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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