What do you think?
Rate this book
Toxic Hearts #1
The Burnt Heart
Even my status as the Orazio heir to the shadowy underworld of Greenich Bay couldn’t shield me from heartbreak.
Jesse, Logan, and Briar, the ones I trusted most, shattered me after five years of love. No proposal, just betrayal. Vengeance drove me into the arms of my ex-fiancé, a rival crime family scion. Let them see how quickly I can move on. They don’t need to know that our arrangement is fake.
But with my life in danger, I am forced to rely on them again. They use the opportunity to beg for my forgiveness. But the pain from their betrayal still smolders.
How can one mend a scorched heart?
We made a desperate, last ditch decision that severed us from our soulmate. Dark secrets drove us to wound the women we cherished. Now, we must confront our past to secure our future. When Adelaide becomes a target of a ruthless enemy, determined to end her life, we won’t stop until we earn her back.
Healing a burnt heart is never easy, but our unwavering devotion burns hotter than ever.
Jesse, Logan, and Briar, the ones I trusted most, shattered me after five years of love. No proposal, just betrayal. Vengeance drove me into the arms of my ex-fiancé, a rival crime family scion. Let them see how quickly I can move on. They don’t need to know that our arrangement is fake.
But with my life in danger, I am forced to rely on them again. They use the opportunity to beg for my forgiveness. But the pain from their betrayal still smolders.
How can one mend a scorched heart?
We made a desperate, last ditch decision that severed us from our soulmate. Dark secrets drove us to wound the women we cherished. Now, we must confront our past to secure our future. When Adelaide becomes a target of a ruthless enemy, determined to end her life, we won’t stop until we earn her back.
Healing a burnt heart is never easy, but our unwavering devotion burns hotter than ever.
Unknown Binding
1904 people are currently reading
2964 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 288 reviews
Read
November 26, 2023DNF @ 25%
I'm so bummed because I wanted to love this so much. The blurb sounded so good and I'm always on the lookout for an epic grovel. But in order to like the grovel, I need to connect to the relationship and the romance first. And the breakup essentially happens in chapter one with merely a glimpse of how they get together. While we get continuous flashbacks throughout the story, it just did nothing to further connect me.
The reason for the fake breakup was so outrageously weak, that I struggled with it. Considering the circumstance and how much these men supposedly loved her, staging a breakup for money just didn't land. It seemed contrived and lacked true development and rationale in my opinion. I struggled to connect with the characters in general. I wanted to like this so much but sadly after forcing myself to get to the 25% mark, I knew that this was just not the book for me. No rating since I didn't finish.
Find me on:
I'm so bummed because I wanted to love this so much. The blurb sounded so good and I'm always on the lookout for an epic grovel. But in order to like the grovel, I need to connect to the relationship and the romance first. And the breakup essentially happens in chapter one with merely a glimpse of how they get together. While we get continuous flashbacks throughout the story, it just did nothing to further connect me.
The reason for the fake breakup was so outrageously weak, that I struggled with it. Considering the circumstance and how much these men supposedly loved her, staging a breakup for money just didn't land. It seemed contrived and lacked true development and rationale in my opinion. I struggled to connect with the characters in general. I wanted to like this so much but sadly after forcing myself to get to the 25% mark, I knew that this was just not the book for me. No rating since I didn't finish.
Find me on:
October 24, 2024
1. The prologue said “Six years ago” but it wasn’t made clear that Chapter One switched to present day.
2. Adelaide helped them all start new lives, helped them get degrees, “careers and opportunities” and they repaid her by dumping her for money. Although it was supposed to be a fake break up, she had no way of knowing that and they were more than willing to break her heart for cash. They even used her worst insecurities against her by telling her that she’d gotten too fat for them.
3. Badly needed editing. Eg. “unphased” instead of “unfazed”, “gone onto” instead of “gone on to”, “She’d smiled to whoever she was on the phone too.”, “I let the alcohol fuzzy my vision”, “Slowly, all our bought police had been foisted out”, “You’ve done enough snake.”, “…especially when I’d taken the low blow of her looks”, “Everything would be fine. Everything would work out. It had to be.”
DNF
2. Adelaide helped them all start new lives, helped them get degrees, “careers and opportunities” and they repaid her by dumping her for money. Although it was supposed to be a fake break up, she had no way of knowing that and they were more than willing to break her heart for cash. They even used her worst insecurities against her by telling her that she’d gotten too fat for them.
3. Badly needed editing. Eg. “unphased” instead of “unfazed”, “gone onto” instead of “gone on to”, “She’d smiled to whoever she was on the phone too.”, “I let the alcohol fuzzy my vision”, “Slowly, all our bought police had been foisted out”, “You’ve done enough snake.”, “…especially when I’d taken the low blow of her looks”, “Everything would be fine. Everything would work out. It had to be.”
DNF
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2024
i saw snippets of this on tiktok before it was released and it made my stomach hurt because i had no other information so i WAITED very impatiently for it to come out at midnight and then finished it in four hours 😳
the book opens with her running away from her arranged fiancé because he called her fat and rejected her and running into three beautiful men. they are all 18 in the prologue and the first chapter is 6 years later. the h thought they were going to propose, but they break up with her instead saying they want to see what else is out there. (it’s all a lie)
I LOVE ME SOME DUMB ASS MEN AND THESE MEN ARE SO FUCKING STUPID I WANT TO PUNCH THEM. they let an outside source influence them into breaking up with the love of their lives because of money. now i know they didn’t think what they did was wrong at the time but WOW they really thought the h would take them back the next day 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 men. 🙄
there is ow drama in the form of one of the H’s friends from foster care, Nicole 🤢 if i were going to read a book with ow drama, it would be this type of drama. and the author has the ENTIRE scenario in her TW list to make sure readers are comfortable and i loved that. Briar (one of the H’s) was so dumb to trust Nicole……like i did understand his reasoning and he sure fucked up with telling her the secrets that he told her. but i chalked it up to him being a stupid stupid man and then at the end 🥺🥺🥺🥺 i felt so bad for him i just wanted to hug him and protect him.
one of the H’s was a virgin because he hated being touched and the h was his first and only AND he was submissive. those scenes were hot 🥵
i loved this book though. it made me anxious and sweaty but also safe because i knew there was no cheating or troublesome ow drama. just dumb ass men and an h that TAKES NO SHIT. she really made them work for it.
the grovel however wasn’t really like a physical kind of grovel. i thought it was appropriate for the h though. her men really worked on themselves and that’s what she needed, she’s the kind of woman that doesn’t NEED men so they had to learn how to stand beside her and be strong.
I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK OMMMMMGGGGG i have no idea where it will go but i love two of the H’s already.
the book opens with her running away from her arranged fiancé because he called her fat and rejected her and running into three beautiful men. they are all 18 in the prologue and the first chapter is 6 years later. the h thought they were going to propose, but they break up with her instead saying they want to see what else is out there. (it’s all a lie)
I LOVE ME SOME DUMB ASS MEN AND THESE MEN ARE SO FUCKING STUPID I WANT TO PUNCH THEM. they let an outside source influence them into breaking up with the love of their lives because of money. now i know they didn’t think what they did was wrong at the time but WOW they really thought the h would take them back the next day 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 men. 🙄
there is ow drama in the form of one of the H’s friends from foster care, Nicole 🤢 if i were going to read a book with ow drama, it would be this type of drama. and the author has the ENTIRE scenario in her TW list to make sure readers are comfortable and i loved that. Briar (one of the H’s) was so dumb to trust Nicole……like i did understand his reasoning and he sure fucked up with telling her the secrets that he told her. but i chalked it up to him being a stupid stupid man and then at the end 🥺🥺🥺🥺 i felt so bad for him i just wanted to hug him and protect him.
one of the H’s was a virgin because he hated being touched and the h was his first and only AND he was submissive. those scenes were hot 🥵
i loved this book though. it made me anxious and sweaty but also safe because i knew there was no cheating or troublesome ow drama. just dumb ass men and an h that TAKES NO SHIT. she really made them work for it.
the grovel however wasn’t really like a physical kind of grovel. i thought it was appropriate for the h though. her men really worked on themselves and that’s what she needed, she’s the kind of woman that doesn’t NEED men so they had to learn how to stand beside her and be strong.
I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK OMMMMMGGGGG i have no idea where it will go but i love two of the H’s already.
March 12, 2024
I’m a little bored. I’m 10% in and the fact that her soulmates dumped her for money and called her fat and that they wanted to see other people was the way they went about it was just sad, mean and pathetic. Not lead men material. The FMC has given them anything and everything they wanted but because they cared about what other people thought of them, they decided to take the money and hurt the FMC to do it. Lame.
I’m interested to see how far the OWD from Nicole with Briar/MMC2 will go. I feel like if he doesn’t have s e x with her at least once to spice up this plot then this book will be a huge disappointment. I already know that the MMC’s will spend the entire book begging for forgiveness, and yes so far the betrayal is a big one with a low blow in the form of the body shaming, but honestly it’s not that intense to have written such a long story on. It’s betrayal lite.
49% UPDATE
There are too many POV’s and yet nobody is actually doing anything. The only proactive one is Jesse/MMC1, and he is the one I actually dislike the most as he was the one who started this whole mess! The FMC talks about how forever her love is but she is inflexible in trying to work things out. I absolutely love that normally, but in this book’s context of all the MMC’s who are abused underdogs, it just comes off as not supportive or truly loving. Yes they neglected her, they were taking her commitment to them for granted, and yes there are plenty of secrets, lies and outright hidden truths, but every single one of them is rejection based. And if she wants anyone to believe that she would have always accepted them for their flaws and sad histories, then that should still be the case now, even in the wake of their stupid f#€k up. My understanding is the FMC will eventually acknowledge her own errors in judgement, where she tried to protect them like children, instead of enfolding them into her world properly. She is starting to do that now, but it’s soooooo boring right now!! Ugh.
85% UPDATE
So at 65% we finally see how the group decided to be together in one chapter of a blip of their history together. It was sweet but not enough. Honestly, most of the relationship on page is between Logan/MMC3 and the FMC. Briar/MMC2 is a sad sack who has a really good sob story and a big D, but that’s the extent of his actions so far. Jesse/MMC1 is overly hostile with pretty much everyone but the FMC and while he started this mess he is also the only one making all the efforts to make it right. As well as being my least liked of the trinity of boyfriends. If I ranked them by who I liked the most, it would be Logan first, Briar a far second, and Jesse would be just eh.
The action of this story finally takes off at the 80% mark and I’m just at the point where Briar is about to face his demons, right after passing out like a girl! And I say that with all my pride about woman empowerment, but the implication of “like a girl” is fully justified in this case. Yeah, this is so not believable. It’s been all talk and melodramatic action by the villains. Let’s see how it ends.
FINAL UPDATE
Okay, well it had an HEA. I didn’t care for most things about this story but I do fully support this author’s talent and creativity.
Having said that, I don’t feel like it’s an HEA when each character has to give up their dream or hope of something to be together. Jesse had to give up parenthood. Why couldn’t they have tried surrogacy or adoption?? Like no option or discussion was ever made about it! Logan was a part time travel photographer but he says he’s okay with that when this is his passion. I have no idea what Briar’s hopes and dreams are because he was such a sad lump throughout the book that all I wanted was for him to get hugged to death, to put an end to his and my misery. Smh. His sob story doesn’t go into details and I wished it did as it might have made me like him. Normally I like the mopey types but this character was so underdeveloped that I just couldn’t deal with him anymore.
The premise of the story was about being the mafia boss and about what their legacy would be but it never gets explained what legacy the FMC will actually have as she couldn’t have children. So who is she leaving a legacy to?? I was just confused as to what was the point of all the mafia drama, when they would obviously realize when no babies came from her as time passes. Won’t the outfit eventually rise up against her as boss with no heir to take over one day?? Every mafia book I have read has plans in place for this one area but this book ends with no real resolution of this glaring issue.
Along side that, I highly doubt her father didn’t know she couldn’t have children. She was injured/attacked when she was 16, therefore a minor. The doctors would have absolutely told her father the extent of her injuries. Also, where were her guards, where were her mother’s guards when they left the house to have a picnic. They weren’t ninjas who left the house stealthily. As they had been attacked before, they absolutely would have had guards. But her father wasn’t aware that her mother’s death was self inflicted, and therefore know it wasn’t an attack?? I mean so much is not throughly explained. The reader is just supposed to overlook glaring inaccuracies and lack of information.
As for the relationship dynamics of the quadruple, I didn’t really feel it. Like I mentioned above the FMC was overly intractable when it wasn’t an actual cheating or abuse kind of betrayal. Again, this cast of MMC’s were devoted to her but she took one instance of a regrettable choice and she wouldn’t move on from it. Even in the end when she wanted to accept them back, she still stayed away from them for months after everything played out.
Besides that, very few authors can make a poly relationship work for me and unfortunately this author is not one of them. Most of the time I feel like one of the men feels like a spare or a leftover option for the FMC. Most of the book that was Briar and occasionally Jesse. In the last chapter I felt like it was Logan. I just never really felt the group of them as a “couple” despite the plot drama of the rejection.
Sadly there were a noticeable amount of grammar and continuity errors in the book on top of some non-American verbiage that I had to stop and look up the meanings for. I think they were Australian? Does Australia not have their own mafia that the author could have written about?? Also, Greenwich Bay in New York is a fairly small neighborhood that isn’t as big as this book makes it out to be. And hardly mafia worthy. Just saying.
I really won’t read this again as I didn’t enjoy it all that much. It held my attention for the mild suspense that was in it but ultimately it failed in showing the MMC’s grow into their new mafia positions as their boss/wife’s bodyguard guards. The FMC didn’t really embrace anything other than her own mistakes and history. The one and only s e x scene between this quadruple at the end of the book was gratuitous and not stimulating at all. And we never see the comeuppance of Nicole on page. WTH??!? Honestly, that was the final straw in my dislike of this book. Good luck.
I’m interested to see how far the OWD from Nicole with Briar/MMC2 will go. I feel like if he doesn’t have s e x with her at least once to spice up this plot then this book will be a huge disappointment. I already know that the MMC’s will spend the entire book begging for forgiveness, and yes so far the betrayal is a big one with a low blow in the form of the body shaming, but honestly it’s not that intense to have written such a long story on. It’s betrayal lite.
49% UPDATE
There are too many POV’s and yet nobody is actually doing anything. The only proactive one is Jesse/MMC1, and he is the one I actually dislike the most as he was the one who started this whole mess! The FMC talks about how forever her love is but she is inflexible in trying to work things out. I absolutely love that normally, but in this book’s context of all the MMC’s who are abused underdogs, it just comes off as not supportive or truly loving. Yes they neglected her, they were taking her commitment to them for granted, and yes there are plenty of secrets, lies and outright hidden truths, but every single one of them is rejection based. And if she wants anyone to believe that she would have always accepted them for their flaws and sad histories, then that should still be the case now, even in the wake of their stupid f#€k up. My understanding is the FMC will eventually acknowledge her own errors in judgement, where she tried to protect them like children, instead of enfolding them into her world properly. She is starting to do that now, but it’s soooooo boring right now!! Ugh.
85% UPDATE
So at 65% we finally see how the group decided to be together in one chapter of a blip of their history together. It was sweet but not enough. Honestly, most of the relationship on page is between Logan/MMC3 and the FMC. Briar/MMC2 is a sad sack who has a really good sob story and a big D, but that’s the extent of his actions so far. Jesse/MMC1 is overly hostile with pretty much everyone but the FMC and while he started this mess he is also the only one making all the efforts to make it right. As well as being my least liked of the trinity of boyfriends. If I ranked them by who I liked the most, it would be Logan first, Briar a far second, and Jesse would be just eh.
The action of this story finally takes off at the 80% mark and I’m just at the point where Briar is about to face his demons, right after passing out like a girl! And I say that with all my pride about woman empowerment, but the implication of “like a girl” is fully justified in this case. Yeah, this is so not believable. It’s been all talk and melodramatic action by the villains. Let’s see how it ends.
FINAL UPDATE
Okay, well it had an HEA. I didn’t care for most things about this story but I do fully support this author’s talent and creativity.
Having said that, I don’t feel like it’s an HEA when each character has to give up their dream or hope of something to be together. Jesse had to give up parenthood. Why couldn’t they have tried surrogacy or adoption?? Like no option or discussion was ever made about it! Logan was a part time travel photographer but he says he’s okay with that when this is his passion. I have no idea what Briar’s hopes and dreams are because he was such a sad lump throughout the book that all I wanted was for him to get hugged to death, to put an end to his and my misery. Smh. His sob story doesn’t go into details and I wished it did as it might have made me like him. Normally I like the mopey types but this character was so underdeveloped that I just couldn’t deal with him anymore.
The premise of the story was about being the mafia boss and about what their legacy would be but it never gets explained what legacy the FMC will actually have as she couldn’t have children. So who is she leaving a legacy to?? I was just confused as to what was the point of all the mafia drama, when they would obviously realize when no babies came from her as time passes. Won’t the outfit eventually rise up against her as boss with no heir to take over one day?? Every mafia book I have read has plans in place for this one area but this book ends with no real resolution of this glaring issue.
Along side that, I highly doubt her father didn’t know she couldn’t have children. She was injured/attacked when she was 16, therefore a minor. The doctors would have absolutely told her father the extent of her injuries. Also, where were her guards, where were her mother’s guards when they left the house to have a picnic. They weren’t ninjas who left the house stealthily. As they had been attacked before, they absolutely would have had guards. But her father wasn’t aware that her mother’s death was self inflicted, and therefore know it wasn’t an attack?? I mean so much is not throughly explained. The reader is just supposed to overlook glaring inaccuracies and lack of information.
As for the relationship dynamics of the quadruple, I didn’t really feel it. Like I mentioned above the FMC was overly intractable when it wasn’t an actual cheating or abuse kind of betrayal. Again, this cast of MMC’s were devoted to her but she took one instance of a regrettable choice and she wouldn’t move on from it. Even in the end when she wanted to accept them back, she still stayed away from them for months after everything played out.
Besides that, very few authors can make a poly relationship work for me and unfortunately this author is not one of them. Most of the time I feel like one of the men feels like a spare or a leftover option for the FMC. Most of the book that was Briar and occasionally Jesse. In the last chapter I felt like it was Logan. I just never really felt the group of them as a “couple” despite the plot drama of the rejection.
Sadly there were a noticeable amount of grammar and continuity errors in the book on top of some non-American verbiage that I had to stop and look up the meanings for. I think they were Australian? Does Australia not have their own mafia that the author could have written about?? Also, Greenwich Bay in New York is a fairly small neighborhood that isn’t as big as this book makes it out to be. And hardly mafia worthy. Just saying.
I really won’t read this again as I didn’t enjoy it all that much. It held my attention for the mild suspense that was in it but ultimately it failed in showing the MMC’s grow into their new mafia positions as their boss/wife’s bodyguard guards. The FMC didn’t really embrace anything other than her own mistakes and history. The one and only s e x scene between this quadruple at the end of the book was gratuitous and not stimulating at all. And we never see the comeuppance of Nicole on page. WTH??!? Honestly, that was the final straw in my dislike of this book. Good luck.
dnf
March 18, 2024Bummer DNF at 45%
I just couldn’t with this one. The h wasn’t likable I really just couldn’t care about her. The guys were weak. The vibe of the book was off.
And the betrayal wasn’t worth the h throwing her men away for esp after they explained the REAL why of thier actions and it pissed me off that she was still so determined to push them away and be a cold bitch after she finds out the truth as to why.
This whole books was a mess the execution was horrible.
This book was just weird
I just couldn’t with this one. The h wasn’t likable I really just couldn’t care about her. The guys were weak. The vibe of the book was off.
And the betrayal wasn’t worth the h throwing her men away for esp after they explained the REAL why of thier actions and it pissed me off that she was still so determined to push them away and be a cold bitch after she finds out the truth as to why.
This whole books was a mess the execution was horrible.
This book was just weird
November 23, 2023
No. Just no.
I love a good heartbreak and groveling but this? This is stupid.
The three guys share one brain cell and none of them use it. Like puppies after their master and not in a cute way but in a humiliating way.
And I didn't like Adelaide. I just didn't find her personality beside being a... I don't know.. a mafia girl or what.
And the story about her being in danger? No matter how much I tried, I didn't care about it.
I love a good heartbreak and groveling but this? This is stupid.
The three guys share one brain cell and none of them use it. Like puppies after their master and not in a cute way but in a humiliating way.
And I didn't like Adelaide. I just didn't find her personality beside being a... I don't know.. a mafia girl or what.
And the story about her being in danger? No matter how much I tried, I didn't care about it.
August 10, 2025
The reason for the break up was dumb. 88% in the grovelling was still going🥴 I like a good grovel scene but it needs to be done well enough that it gives the characters time to make up, heal & move on. I didn’t get that from this book, it felt rushed. The FMC is supposed to be this ruthless mob boss’s daughter, all I got was a wanna-be.
The whole foursome relationship was just weird, one wants to be dominated & dominate at the same time, one dominates, one goes with the flow & one wants to be submissive. It’s freaking cringe basically, the whole dynamic doesn’t gel well. The storyline was the grovelling, everything else was thrown in as extra.
The whole foursome relationship was just weird, one wants to be dominated & dominate at the same time, one dominates, one goes with the flow & one wants to be submissive. It’s freaking cringe basically, the whole dynamic doesn’t gel well. The storyline was the grovelling, everything else was thrown in as extra.
November 5, 2023
TITLE: The Burnt Heart
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
AUTHOR: Mae Pierce
TROPE: Why Choose, Grovelling, Second Chance Romance
TYPE: Series
POV: Multiple POV
MY RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
WHAT TO EXPECT:
❤️🔥Why Choose
💌 Slowburn
🔪 Groveling
😓Second Chance
👊FMC Mafia Heir
✨Healing Trauma
😏Submissive MMC
💔Betrayal & angst
⚠️ Other Women Drama
I am trying to wrap my head around the characters now that I have finished reading The Burnt Heart regarding my rating. I wanted to kick Logan, Jesse & Briar for how they treated Adeline, but I also think that was Mae's point when she wrote this book. I did love the amount of grovelling; there are too many books the FMC gives in too quickly. The OW drama was not as bad as it could have been, but I also do not have an aversion to that type of angst in a storyline. There were twists and turns, which added to the tension in the storyline, but I think the men could have done more in their grovelling. Overall, I enjoyed the story, which was an easy, quick read, and I am also interested in Laura's story. I am giving The Burnt Heart a rating of 4 / 5 stars.
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
AUTHOR: Mae Pierce
TROPE: Why Choose, Grovelling, Second Chance Romance
TYPE: Series
POV: Multiple POV
MY RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
WHAT TO EXPECT:
❤️🔥Why Choose
💌 Slowburn
🔪 Groveling
😓Second Chance
👊FMC Mafia Heir
✨Healing Trauma
😏Submissive MMC
💔Betrayal & angst
⚠️ Other Women Drama
I am trying to wrap my head around the characters now that I have finished reading The Burnt Heart regarding my rating. I wanted to kick Logan, Jesse & Briar for how they treated Adeline, but I also think that was Mae's point when she wrote this book. I did love the amount of grovelling; there are too many books the FMC gives in too quickly. The OW drama was not as bad as it could have been, but I also do not have an aversion to that type of angst in a storyline. There were twists and turns, which added to the tension in the storyline, but I think the men could have done more in their grovelling. Overall, I enjoyed the story, which was an easy, quick read, and I am also interested in Laura's story. I am giving The Burnt Heart a rating of 4 / 5 stars.
November 3, 2023
Really good. Plot was good. Angst was great. She didn’t roll over and forgive them. The spice was low. Not a lot. Only a small handful of scenes but they were excellent. I wish there was more but then there might not be much angst. I’m hoping to read Lara’s story. So many twists and turns. Thank you for not having her forgive them after a few scenes. Briar made me so angry with Nicole. But I get it. He used her. But damn. They really took their girl for granted. I wish we could give parts of a star but since we can’t, 4.5. It’s so close to a 5 bc I love the angst and the plot was good. I did feel like it was a little bouncy. But the relationship is what I was focused on. I do think they could have done more. They kinda just bothered her. More grand gestures. Therapy was a good idea. The notes were great. They did do little things, which is important. Over all I would read this again. I do wish it was more violent (lol) bc it is a mob book. There isn’t a ton of mob stuff. I do agree with her at the end. She should have brought them in earlier.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2023
Emotional Rollercoaster
I felt this story lacked continuity. We get our main characters established early and it’s very much about the devotion and praise of their girl.
Don’t expect the spice to hit until the end and this is one of the reasons the storyline didn’t flow for me.
We jump ahead 6 years and the relationship is falling apart due to lies, threats and betrayal. But the guys are quick to realise their faults and want to make amends. But this gets dragged out over many months and it just was constant, apologies and promises to do better.
In the meantime we have a Mafia princess trying to head off a hostile takeover. And she is not sure who to trust.
We do have some dark themes of mentions of child abuse, so check your trigger warnings.
Overall it’s well written, engaging and not predictable.
It’s a 3.5 star read for me
RH
Multi POV
🌶️🌶️ 💀❤️
ARC
I felt this story lacked continuity. We get our main characters established early and it’s very much about the devotion and praise of their girl.
Don’t expect the spice to hit until the end and this is one of the reasons the storyline didn’t flow for me.
We jump ahead 6 years and the relationship is falling apart due to lies, threats and betrayal. But the guys are quick to realise their faults and want to make amends. But this gets dragged out over many months and it just was constant, apologies and promises to do better.
In the meantime we have a Mafia princess trying to head off a hostile takeover. And she is not sure who to trust.
We do have some dark themes of mentions of child abuse, so check your trigger warnings.
Overall it’s well written, engaging and not predictable.
It’s a 3.5 star read for me
RH
Multi POV
🌶️🌶️ 💀❤️
ARC
November 4, 2025
meh, angst is good grovel not so good i understand some might think so but i am a petty bitch unfortunately!!
betrayal is fmc is rich mmcs not, so they make a deal with this dude who promises to give them money in their mind its a fake breakup, but she doesn't know it they brutally break her heart even insulting her figure and embarrassing her in her reward ceremony.
its safe this has one of the dreaded girl best friend who is in love with mmc and fmc kept warning him that but he never did anything about it so ow drugs him but nothing happens, to be clear he was never attracted to her, but he did confide in her so,,,,,,,,,,,,,
betrayal is fmc is rich mmcs not, so they make a deal with this dude who promises to give them money in their mind its a fake breakup, but she doesn't know it they brutally break her heart even insulting her figure and embarrassing her in her reward ceremony.
its safe this has one of the dreaded girl best friend who is in love with mmc and fmc kept warning him that but he never did anything about it so ow drugs him but nothing happens, to be clear he was never attracted to her, but he did confide in her so,,,,,,,,,,,,,
April 4, 2025
4.25 stars
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 4.5/5
Spice: 2/5
Why Choose
Contemporary
Mafia
Strong FMC
Rich FMC/Poor MMCs
Opposites Attract
He Falls First
Slow Burn
Grovel
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 4.5/5
Spice: 2/5
Why Choose
Contemporary
Mafia
Strong FMC
Rich FMC/Poor MMCs
Opposites Attract
He Falls First
Slow Burn
Grovel
November 28, 2023
I was so excited for this having heard spoilers of ow drama and emotional cheating and having enjoyed a prior title from the author.
However,the reality of its downfall was immediately evident with such a devestatingly silly and ludicrous plot device and how obviously imbecilic and beta her lovers ! I don't understand what the author was thinking how the prior writing excellence devolved to this! I am loathe to leave these type of remarks, but I there was no way to downplay the disappointment or move forward given such an epic fail .
Since I only made it to about 25%,my intent is to leave remarks with no rating. I had to add a star in order to review... Hopefully I can remove it as not to affect rating Arc.😂
Its not letting me leave no star,so even as I see no way to extricate or evolve from such absurd origins in attempt to be fair for my early departure, will 2 star it🤷
I will take a chance and check out future titles as I've seen her talent in another story!
However,the reality of its downfall was immediately evident with such a devestatingly silly and ludicrous plot device and how obviously imbecilic and beta her lovers ! I don't understand what the author was thinking how the prior writing excellence devolved to this! I am loathe to leave these type of remarks, but I there was no way to downplay the disappointment or move forward given such an epic fail .
Since I only made it to about 25%,my intent is to leave remarks with no rating. I had to add a star in order to review... Hopefully I can remove it as not to affect rating Arc.😂
Its not letting me leave no star,so even as I see no way to extricate or evolve from such absurd origins in attempt to be fair for my early departure, will 2 star it🤷
I will take a chance and check out future titles as I've seen her talent in another story!
November 15, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️½
🌶️🌶️½
“I’m yours, body, soul, heart. If it takes the rest of my life, I’ll prove it to you. Nothing is worth losing you.”
I have loved Mae Pierce’s earlier takes on the rejected mates trope and redemption arcs. Specifically, her Power of Blood Duet was an excellent example of a FMC who makes the MMCs atone for their actions and doesn’t fall into the fated-mates trap. Unfortunately, The Burnt Heart didn’t deliver the same emotional fix I was looking for (though it is filled with a considerable helping of angst).
I did feel like we were abruptly thrust into the end of a six-year relationship. Rather than seeing the buildup of their relationship in a positive light from the onset, we were witness to its destruction. I think I would have developed stronger feelings if I had already been emotionally invested in the characters and their relationship.
There is thin reasoning behind the MMCs’ betrayal of the FMC, who was supposedly their soulmate. I did appreciate that the FMC did not immediately take them back (as they had erroneously assumed she would). Honestly, these men needed a kick to the head to realign their thought processes – I wasn’t even sure they deserved the FMC’s forgiveness for a good portion of the story, but they did redeem themselves.
I found myself skimming through the middle of the story because the MCs’ inner dialogue became redundant. Yes, it drew out the angst and gave us an insider look at their emotional damage, but the repetitive thoughts and feelings started to frustrate me, slowing down the plot progression. I just wanted to get to the good part!
This was slow burn with limited spice; very plot and relationship-repair-heavy. Those epilogues, though! That’s where the spice came out. While the scenes were not abundant, they packed a punch once they arrived.
A standalone, this book ends in a HEA, though the road to get there is long.
Genre: Contemporary Mafia Romance
Tropes/Features: High angst, betrayal, second chance, book-long groveling, redemption arcs, fake dating, mafia, mafia queen FMC, childhood friends MMCs, touch aversion, trauma survivor, domme/sub, OW/OM drama
Narrator: Multiple 1st Person POV
Relationship Type: Why Choose – MFMM, slow burn (long redemption cycle), some spice
Book Type/Ending: Standalone with HEA
TW/CW: Available in book (Of note: OM/OW drama)
🌶️🌶️½
“I’m yours, body, soul, heart. If it takes the rest of my life, I’ll prove it to you. Nothing is worth losing you.”
I have loved Mae Pierce’s earlier takes on the rejected mates trope and redemption arcs. Specifically, her Power of Blood Duet was an excellent example of a FMC who makes the MMCs atone for their actions and doesn’t fall into the fated-mates trap. Unfortunately, The Burnt Heart didn’t deliver the same emotional fix I was looking for (though it is filled with a considerable helping of angst).
I did feel like we were abruptly thrust into the end of a six-year relationship. Rather than seeing the buildup of their relationship in a positive light from the onset, we were witness to its destruction. I think I would have developed stronger feelings if I had already been emotionally invested in the characters and their relationship.
There is thin reasoning behind the MMCs’ betrayal of the FMC, who was supposedly their soulmate. I did appreciate that the FMC did not immediately take them back (as they had erroneously assumed she would). Honestly, these men needed a kick to the head to realign their thought processes – I wasn’t even sure they deserved the FMC’s forgiveness for a good portion of the story, but they did redeem themselves.
I found myself skimming through the middle of the story because the MCs’ inner dialogue became redundant. Yes, it drew out the angst and gave us an insider look at their emotional damage, but the repetitive thoughts and feelings started to frustrate me, slowing down the plot progression. I just wanted to get to the good part!
This was slow burn with limited spice; very plot and relationship-repair-heavy. Those epilogues, though! That’s where the spice came out. While the scenes were not abundant, they packed a punch once they arrived.
A standalone, this book ends in a HEA, though the road to get there is long.
Genre: Contemporary Mafia Romance
Tropes/Features: High angst, betrayal, second chance, book-long groveling, redemption arcs, fake dating, mafia, mafia queen FMC, childhood friends MMCs, touch aversion, trauma survivor, domme/sub, OW/OM drama
Narrator: Multiple 1st Person POV
Relationship Type: Why Choose – MFMM, slow burn (long redemption cycle), some spice
Book Type/Ending: Standalone with HEA
TW/CW: Available in book (Of note: OM/OW drama)
July 21, 2024
So much wasted potential! I thought it started off well. That was until I heard why they “broke up” with our main fends character. It was an idiotic and stupid reason if I’m being honest. What was equally as stupid was the h not giving them the time of day. What they did was dumb as hell but to act like she did even after knowing the truth? Overkill! None of these characters were likable. The secondary characters, now I’m interested in them for sure!
February 4, 2024
A loooot of groveling, deception, and scheming! A very good book definitely!
December 7, 2023
This is sooo bad the writing is boring, the plot makes no sense. There are just random important things you learn about the characters in between . The first 80% off the book is not happening anything and than everything is packed in the last 20%. Random things are mentioned in between like “the unseen”
The last chapter was just NOOO “his mushroom head” ???? Why would you say that??
The last chapter was just NOOO “his mushroom head” ???? Why would you say that??
November 24, 2023
THIS WAS SO STUPID??????
November 7, 2023
✨ARC Review✨
Ok may I start by staying Mae did not mess around with this book. My heart strings were constantly played with from start to finish👀
This book follows Adelaide and her three guys Briar, Jesse and Logan. Long story short the guys MASSIVELY f*ck (excuse my language) up and when I say massively I mean it. Yes our main girl Adelaide was hurt, as any woman would of been when the loves of your life harshly breaks up with you after 6 years, but this woman took it in her stride and decided to hit them where it hurted most. Adelaide is definitely a woman who was in her revenge era💅
One of my favourite aspects of this book is how the author shows that these characters aren’t perfect, the screw up a lot and that’s ok. Even though our MMCs pissed me off earlier on in this book, they do make up for it. I mean forget marrying you with paper rings, they tattoo their rings as a sign of devotion and that they will always fight with her through the tough times😭
If I could describe this book in two words I would say ‘emotional rollercoaster’ 🎢
I am definitely interested in learning more about Lara and her guys and I look forward to learning more about that take in the future 👀
I am grateful to Mae, the author who provided this e-arc for my honest thoughts✨
Ok may I start by staying Mae did not mess around with this book. My heart strings were constantly played with from start to finish👀
This book follows Adelaide and her three guys Briar, Jesse and Logan. Long story short the guys MASSIVELY f*ck (excuse my language) up and when I say massively I mean it. Yes our main girl Adelaide was hurt, as any woman would of been when the loves of your life harshly breaks up with you after 6 years, but this woman took it in her stride and decided to hit them where it hurted most. Adelaide is definitely a woman who was in her revenge era💅
One of my favourite aspects of this book is how the author shows that these characters aren’t perfect, the screw up a lot and that’s ok. Even though our MMCs pissed me off earlier on in this book, they do make up for it. I mean forget marrying you with paper rings, they tattoo their rings as a sign of devotion and that they will always fight with her through the tough times😭
If I could describe this book in two words I would say ‘emotional rollercoaster’ 🎢
I am definitely interested in learning more about Lara and her guys and I look forward to learning more about that take in the future 👀
I am grateful to Mae, the author who provided this e-arc for my honest thoughts✨
December 30, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75 🌶️🌶️.5 /5
“Pride is a mighty armor for those who have nothing.”
Ok first off - that ending and the twists throughout the book?! So well done omg! I personally enjoyed Adelaide’s character, I thought she was a strong fmc and I always love a fmc who’s curvy. Her inner monologue at times was a bit repetitive BUT I am so glad she mad these men GROVEL! I wasn’t expected to be fully thrown into the relationship break up in chapter 1, I would’ve liked to have a bit more buildup and connection to the characters while they were together to have that emotional tether as I just didn’t fully connect with them or their relationship. However, as the story progressed and we got further glimpses into their lives and their pasts I definitely felt my heart hurt for each of the characters. There is a strong focus on trauma healing, relationship fixing, and plot over spice - however when there was a spicy scene (particularly in the end) WHEW buckle in 🥵. I’m definitely keen to read more of this authors work, particularly poison heart!
“Expect us everyday, because we won’t stop until we make up for what we’ve done.”
❤️🔥 why choose (MFMM)
⚠️ fmc mafia heir
❤️🔥 grovelling
⚠️ second chance
❤️🔥 slowburn
⚠️ betrayal & angst
“Pride is a mighty armor for those who have nothing.”
Ok first off - that ending and the twists throughout the book?! So well done omg! I personally enjoyed Adelaide’s character, I thought she was a strong fmc and I always love a fmc who’s curvy. Her inner monologue at times was a bit repetitive BUT I am so glad she mad these men GROVEL! I wasn’t expected to be fully thrown into the relationship break up in chapter 1, I would’ve liked to have a bit more buildup and connection to the characters while they were together to have that emotional tether as I just didn’t fully connect with them or their relationship. However, as the story progressed and we got further glimpses into their lives and their pasts I definitely felt my heart hurt for each of the characters. There is a strong focus on trauma healing, relationship fixing, and plot over spice - however when there was a spicy scene (particularly in the end) WHEW buckle in 🥵. I’m definitely keen to read more of this authors work, particularly poison heart!
“Expect us everyday, because we won’t stop until we make up for what we’ve done.”
❤️🔥 why choose (MFMM)
⚠️ fmc mafia heir
❤️🔥 grovelling
⚠️ second chance
❤️🔥 slowburn
⚠️ betrayal & angst
May 31, 2024
Aaaaaammmmmaaazzzzing!!!
Why have one grovelling man when you can have three!
But the catch, you get a three in one heart break.
A crime lords daughter who is an intelligent strong ass women has her trajectory forever changed. 3 men with different vibes who grew up and survived foster care together. But they mess up, they mess up bad. Trying to show their worth, they realise they lost the most precious thing to them. It’s no free pass and they will have to fight to get her back!
All whilst threats from come from all around, who is targeting them and why. What sick games is someone playing?
Amazing! Spice and everything nice!
Check the triggers if you please, as this has some darker themes!
Why have one grovelling man when you can have three!
But the catch, you get a three in one heart break.
A crime lords daughter who is an intelligent strong ass women has her trajectory forever changed. 3 men with different vibes who grew up and survived foster care together. But they mess up, they mess up bad. Trying to show their worth, they realise they lost the most precious thing to them. It’s no free pass and they will have to fight to get her back!
All whilst threats from come from all around, who is targeting them and why. What sick games is someone playing?
Amazing! Spice and everything nice!
Check the triggers if you please, as this has some darker themes!
July 18, 2025
a good betrayal/grovel read, I like that this book had the betrayal happen within the first few chapters, nothing worse than having it in the last 20% and then having zero grovel.
No, this book was jam-packed with her 3 men absolutely tripping over themselves to fit what they broke, and it was delicious.
within all of this, there were outside factors working to drive them apart, some surprises and twists and trurns along the way, a lot of growth throughout the journey.
Adelaide was a boss bitch, she is a very VERY capable mafia princess. I liked her a lot.
great book, beautiful writing. 1 thing I will say is It could have been slightly shorter in some areas, but hey, that's just a personal preference.
No, this book was jam-packed with her 3 men absolutely tripping over themselves to fit what they broke, and it was delicious.
within all of this, there were outside factors working to drive them apart, some surprises and twists and trurns along the way, a lot of growth throughout the journey.
Adelaide was a boss bitch, she is a very VERY capable mafia princess. I liked her a lot.
great book, beautiful writing. 1 thing I will say is It could have been slightly shorter in some areas, but hey, that's just a personal preference.
January 29, 2024
is there a book 1 to this? it was very confusing lol
addy was too proud and the guys kept running around in circles for her. I mean, the groveling was necessary but just too long and exhausting 🥱 they apologize a million times and did everything for her forgiveness and she was just too stubborn to listen. otherwise, you couldn’t understand why they loved each other so much because you don’t have any glimpse of their past. we know that the guys were in foster care and they went through some sh*t but that’s it 😐 this was just them fighting and the guys trying to make addy forgive them… not my cup of tea 🤷🏻♀️
addy was too proud and the guys kept running around in circles for her. I mean, the groveling was necessary but just too long and exhausting 🥱 they apologize a million times and did everything for her forgiveness and she was just too stubborn to listen. otherwise, you couldn’t understand why they loved each other so much because you don’t have any glimpse of their past. we know that the guys were in foster care and they went through some sh*t but that’s it 😐 this was just them fighting and the guys trying to make addy forgive them… not my cup of tea 🤷🏻♀️
November 2, 2023
Words cannot express how much I loved this book. I devoured it; it’s almost insulting how much I ignored in the real world just so I could finish this book.
Is it insulting that it takes authors months and months and months to write a book just for the reader to finish 400+ pages in less the 12 hours?
I was given this book as an ARC — but on it’s release date I will be devouring it again.
Adelaide and her men have my heart. This book is the perfect blend of grovelling (heavy grovel, like start to finish and epilogue), full of plot, darkness, angst and just the right amount of gore, (this book is dark mafia after all!)
There is OW drama which I was initially worried about as it’s not my favourite trope but boy does this help the story. Is it excusable…NO…is it as bad as I thought it would be…also NO. Does it make sense…big fat yes.
No spoilers as I really want you to read this book. Like this book might be one of my top 5 this year just for the differences in characters and how they are portrayed. Never mind the interesting plot, intriguing side characters (hello sneak peak on the last page), and spice right at the end (it makes sense, just read it)!
Enough said..read this book!
Is it insulting that it takes authors months and months and months to write a book just for the reader to finish 400+ pages in less the 12 hours?
I was given this book as an ARC — but on it’s release date I will be devouring it again.
Adelaide and her men have my heart. This book is the perfect blend of grovelling (heavy grovel, like start to finish and epilogue), full of plot, darkness, angst and just the right amount of gore, (this book is dark mafia after all!)
There is OW drama which I was initially worried about as it’s not my favourite trope but boy does this help the story. Is it excusable…NO…is it as bad as I thought it would be…also NO. Does it make sense…big fat yes.
No spoilers as I really want you to read this book. Like this book might be one of my top 5 this year just for the differences in characters and how they are portrayed. Never mind the interesting plot, intriguing side characters (hello sneak peak on the last page), and spice right at the end (it makes sense, just read it)!
Enough said..read this book!
November 20, 2023
This fell kind of flat for me. First off why choose with almost no sexy scenes? Secondly the guys screw up big time and this story started off strong and then it just went downhill. The guys were groveling but almost to themselves because there was barley any dialogue between the main characters and too much inner dialogue from fmc. Not to mention you have guys being bad asses one scene and then the next they are complete wimps and can’t handle the violence of being with a mafia princess make up your mind. It was just so muddled. I really wanted to like this but couldn’t rate it more than stars and honestly I’m being generous.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ - really liked how this book started, had me gripped in a WTF is gonna happen type way.. sucker for grovelling men to a badass woman.. however I found her to eventually become distasteful. Like she eventually finds more and more out and she’s still just a cold bitch. I get being paranoid but danm.. she came off a little nuts lol. Pretty much all the spice was in the epilogues, and I wish we had seen more briar spice cause dang.. his need for control made sense to me and I wanted more. Overall, not bad tho. Still kept me wanting to read.
November 18, 2023
Happy release day to “The Burnt Heart”!
Similar to Pierce’s other works, “The Burnt Heart” (TBH) is sexy and full of suspense. I would say that’s where the similarities end, however.
Unlike her other work, I found TBH to feel unnecessarily long. It also starts quite quickly, and I struggled to develop the connection to characters when I’m immediately thrust into the storyline.
Regarding the characters, I found virtually none of them redeemable. In fact, I was more interested in Lara and her growing harem than the FMC and her men! I couldn’t relate to any of them and instead grew increasingly frustrated with the hot and cold behavior from each of them.
With that being said, I firmly believe that disliking a character is better than feeling indifferent about one. Pierce’s writing conjures up such emotion that it goes to show how strong of a writer she is.
While I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I did her fantasy series, it’s still an enjoyable read best suited for those who enjoy angst, suspense, and RH.
Similar to Pierce’s other works, “The Burnt Heart” (TBH) is sexy and full of suspense. I would say that’s where the similarities end, however.
Unlike her other work, I found TBH to feel unnecessarily long. It also starts quite quickly, and I struggled to develop the connection to characters when I’m immediately thrust into the storyline.
Regarding the characters, I found virtually none of them redeemable. In fact, I was more interested in Lara and her growing harem than the FMC and her men! I couldn’t relate to any of them and instead grew increasingly frustrated with the hot and cold behavior from each of them.
With that being said, I firmly believe that disliking a character is better than feeling indifferent about one. Pierce’s writing conjures up such emotion that it goes to show how strong of a writer she is.
While I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I did her fantasy series, it’s still an enjoyable read best suited for those who enjoy angst, suspense, and RH.
December 3, 2023
Uhhhhh did not understand everything??
Really long and i did not really like those men
Really long and i did not really like those men
April 22, 2025
literally no.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 288 reviews