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Break for Me
Maddox Alcott gives me everything I need... for a price.How's this for a Cinderella story?The billionaire's son falls for the impoverished orphan.A match made in fairy-tale heaven.Except this Prince Charming's generosity comes at a cost.Of all the indecent proposals I've received, his terrifies me the most.To surrender myself to his complete control.I tell myself I can survive anything... once.A few hours, maybe a night, and he'll grant my deepest wish—the treatment my brother needs to overcome his addiction.But "once" isn't enough for Maddox Alcott.And my prince will take what he wants... even if it breaks us both.This book is a DARK romance, which contains mature content and elements that may be triggering. Please read at your discretion and check the warning in the preface of the book.
332 pages, Paperback
Published February 11, 2024
507 people are currently reading
324 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
January 31, 2024
This book is unlike anything I've read before👀🧐
Before we proceed with the review, here's a bucket full of TRIGGER WARNINGS to make you aware:
- Drug addiction with various results 🛑
- Underage stripping 🛑
- Underage prostitution🛑
- Sexual assault of a minor (female)🛑
- Sexual assault of a minor (male)🛑
- Suicide attempt 🛑
- Somnophilia (not the smutty one) 🛑
Now onto my thoughts:
This wasn't the most interesting or gripping read for me; also, I didn't really connect with both the characters that much, so their romance was kind of underwhelming for me to read about. BUT!!! (🍑) There was something about this book that made it stand out from all the others to me personally.
Maybe it was the fact that I haven't read books before, where the male character was SAed before, so to see the result of that and the way he dealt with the trauma was new to me and enlightening.
Maybe the way the hero thought of himself as asexual was intriguing. The way the couple discussed things and were ready to be in a relationship with only the prospect of vaginal sex in the distant future (SPOILER ALERT: he got it up), was definitely something I haven't encountered in romance books before.
Before we proceed with the review, here's a bucket full of TRIGGER WARNINGS to make you aware:
- Drug addiction with various results 🛑
- Underage stripping 🛑
- Underage prostitution🛑
- Sexual assault of a minor (female)🛑
- Sexual assault of a minor (male)🛑
- Suicide attempt 🛑
- Somnophilia (not the smutty one) 🛑
Now onto my thoughts:
This wasn't the most interesting or gripping read for me; also, I didn't really connect with both the characters that much, so their romance was kind of underwhelming for me to read about. BUT!!! (🍑) There was something about this book that made it stand out from all the others to me personally.
Maybe it was the fact that I haven't read books before, where the male character was SAed before, so to see the result of that and the way he dealt with the trauma was new to me and enlightening.
Maybe the way the hero thought of himself as asexual was intriguing. The way the couple discussed things and were ready to be in a relationship with only the prospect of vaginal sex in the distant future (SPOILER ALERT: he got it up), was definitely something I haven't encountered in romance books before.
February 21, 2024
Once again Layla hit it out of the park ❤️🩹. Maddox and Evie have both had tragic pasts which share a connection they couldn’t even have imagined. Both characters also share a past of sexual abuse and family with drug addictions.
Maddox has an issue with his sexuality, something I haven’t read in a book before and it was so well written.
Evie is just trying to survive day by day and Maddox sees a way to help her that helps him as well.
Both Zane and Wilders books are coming and should both be so good.
Maddox has an issue with his sexuality, something I haven’t read in a book before and it was so well written.
Evie is just trying to survive day by day and Maddox sees a way to help her that helps him as well.
Both Zane and Wilders books are coming and should both be so good.
January 29, 2024
This is the darkest sweetest thing i've read in a long time. How can i hate someone but also at the same time love someone so much it physically hursts. These two characters are so painfully beautiful on their own but also together. They both have or had the same struggles by having to take care of a family member who was or is a drug addict, that why they understand eachother so well. That attraction, that same pain, it's all connected in one way or another.
My heart ached so many times while reading this book. i could feel their pain, their loneliness and then their happiness by finally finding someone who can understand what life's like. They saved eachother in the best way possible. Maddox is so hurt from previous trauma, he dealt with it by not dealing at all, pushing it in the deeperst darkest corners of himself, burying it so deep that not even his closest friends who became family know. A chance encounter changes everything for these two and gives them meaning again. They start living, feeling again. She is so strong, she's been through so much doing what had to be done. I love her. She's trying to make it work no matter the cost, no matter how hard life throws her different curveballs. She is fierce, she fights, she loves and she finally learns how to trust, how to be vulnerable, everything about this book is just pure raw love and healing.
My heart ached so many times while reading this book. i could feel their pain, their loneliness and then their happiness by finally finding someone who can understand what life's like. They saved eachother in the best way possible. Maddox is so hurt from previous trauma, he dealt with it by not dealing at all, pushing it in the deeperst darkest corners of himself, burying it so deep that not even his closest friends who became family know. A chance encounter changes everything for these two and gives them meaning again. They start living, feeling again. She is so strong, she's been through so much doing what had to be done. I love her. She's trying to make it work no matter the cost, no matter how hard life throws her different curveballs. She is fierce, she fights, she loves and she finally learns how to trust, how to be vulnerable, everything about this book is just pure raw love and healing.
January 26, 2024
Not all love stories are about rainbows and sunshine. Sometimes, they're about darkness and pain and finding someone whose trauma helps mend the broken pieces of your very existence as you heal theirs. That's this story. It's positively beautiful in all its broken bits and pieces.
March 26, 2024
A HARD read…
😮💨it took me DAYS to finish this one. The layer of darkness surrounding every page the further I got in this book blared caution! Caution! To me apparently fragile psyche. I usually know when I can read a book or not, needing to be in a good headspace or not but this one took me by surprise. I was expecting the dark bully and all it entails but the trauma of the absolute abuse our main characters went through at the hands of those supposed to love them? Was NOT prepared for that, at all. I’m sure it was mentioned in the triggers but I didn’t check so oops, that’s on me. That being said? I’m glad I went in blind. Made the story that much more heart wrenching. I had to read 2 other books in between this one to “lighten” things up a bit.
This story followed 2 very broken people who with one still having hope and love to give and the other so lost they didn’t know which way is up nor that he was leading a life in a daze…until her…their tragic love story was rough and hard to read. I felt so much for them and again, maybe it was my own psyche hyping this up but it struck my heart. I won’t be forgetting this story anytime soon.
All in all a dark (& not the way you’d assume) read that triumphed with a BIT of hope at the end. I love how these two get to heal together and make their own way. A HEA for sure but boy was the climb there painful.😖
😮💨it took me DAYS to finish this one. The layer of darkness surrounding every page the further I got in this book blared caution! Caution! To me apparently fragile psyche. I usually know when I can read a book or not, needing to be in a good headspace or not but this one took me by surprise. I was expecting the dark bully and all it entails but the trauma of the absolute abuse our main characters went through at the hands of those supposed to love them? Was NOT prepared for that, at all. I’m sure it was mentioned in the triggers but I didn’t check so oops, that’s on me. That being said? I’m glad I went in blind. Made the story that much more heart wrenching. I had to read 2 other books in between this one to “lighten” things up a bit.
This story followed 2 very broken people who with one still having hope and love to give and the other so lost they didn’t know which way is up nor that he was leading a life in a daze…until her…their tragic love story was rough and hard to read. I felt so much for them and again, maybe it was my own psyche hyping this up but it struck my heart. I won’t be forgetting this story anytime soon.
All in all a dark (& not the way you’d assume) read that triumphed with a BIT of hope at the end. I love how these two get to heal together and make their own way. A HEA for sure but boy was the climb there painful.😖
December 19, 2024
If you cannot do many or any triggering subjects, I would advise not to read this book. But if you can, and give it just a little extra time to get past the shock in the first few chapters, I think you’ll love this book. The realness and the pain is so heartbreaking, but it’s also what makes this book really good to me.
I absolutely devoured this book. At first, I was not sure I would like it. Maddox is dark and twisty, but you understand why when you read on. My heart breaks because the pain and suffering this boy went through shines through immensely. The author did an amazing job showing a side I have never read before. Maybe this isn’t exactly how most asexual people are, but it is a take that I’m sure is out in the world. It’s heartbreaking and beautiful in this really fucked up way. She writes this book so well that you really feel the pain and you can understand why he’s so morally grey, but he’s also really sweet.
Evie is the kind of victim I can completely understand. Her past broke her in a different way than Mads past did and she does what she has to do to survive. She’s what I would consider hypersexual after her trauma, and I understand on a personal level how true this can be for some victims. She was also written well, with her real feelings there and then her mask of indifference she put on at times.
Then we have all of the drug addiction trauma for both main characters. Again, it’s real and raw and the different takes just made this book so good.
I absolutely devoured this book. At first, I was not sure I would like it. Maddox is dark and twisty, but you understand why when you read on. My heart breaks because the pain and suffering this boy went through shines through immensely. The author did an amazing job showing a side I have never read before. Maybe this isn’t exactly how most asexual people are, but it is a take that I’m sure is out in the world. It’s heartbreaking and beautiful in this really fucked up way. She writes this book so well that you really feel the pain and you can understand why he’s so morally grey, but he’s also really sweet.
Evie is the kind of victim I can completely understand. Her past broke her in a different way than Mads past did and she does what she has to do to survive. She’s what I would consider hypersexual after her trauma, and I understand on a personal level how true this can be for some victims. She was also written well, with her real feelings there and then her mask of indifference she put on at times.
Then we have all of the drug addiction trauma for both main characters. Again, it’s real and raw and the different takes just made this book so good.
March 24, 2024
3.5 stars for me
Let me start by saying over all, it’s a good story.
The characters developed beautifully.
The plot was pretty deep and heavy. The spice is on the low end.
I got Your Loss vibes from the book (which is perfectly acceptable since Layla wrote that too)
This story had the potential to be an 4-5 star read. In fact, I have loved all of Laylas previous works.
Things that could have gotten a higher rating from me would be:
World building. I am huge on world building. Maybe as the series progresses we will see more.
I would have loved to see some deeper character growth from both character.
I also would have liked to see the MMC face his traumas for a more emotional ride.
Character development ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Entertaining ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Writing style ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
World building ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🥵
Let me start by saying over all, it’s a good story.
The characters developed beautifully.
The plot was pretty deep and heavy. The spice is on the low end.
I got Your Loss vibes from the book (which is perfectly acceptable since Layla wrote that too)
This story had the potential to be an 4-5 star read. In fact, I have loved all of Laylas previous works.
Things that could have gotten a higher rating from me would be:
World building. I am huge on world building. Maybe as the series progresses we will see more.
I would have loved to see some deeper character growth from both character.
I also would have liked to see the MMC face his traumas for a more emotional ride.
Character development ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Entertaining ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Writing style ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
World building ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🥵
June 21, 2025
Decent
First author for me so went into this book with zero expectations.
Very different type of romance for me, esp with the MMC & his "trauma".
Though it's never said definitive what caused the trauma, it's kinda sorta hinted. The healthy thing would have had an ending where he actually seems counseling ..
I actually liked both FMC & MMC. There was slight bullying in very beginning but the MMC absolutely adores the FMC.
The author wrote the feeling or sense of dread for the FMC leading up to her "agreement " with the MMC.
I like how it was eventually resolved but there were things left I said by the end.
Like the MMC's need for total control over what she wears etc to basically make all of the daily important decisions for her. Did that stop?
P.s. Zane needs his own book!
First author for me so went into this book with zero expectations.
Very different type of romance for me, esp with the MMC & his "trauma".
Though it's never said definitive what caused the trauma, it's kinda sorta hinted. The healthy thing would have had an ending where he actually seems counseling ..
I actually liked both FMC & MMC. There was slight bullying in very beginning but the MMC absolutely adores the FMC.
The author wrote the feeling or sense of dread for the FMC leading up to her "agreement " with the MMC.
I like how it was eventually resolved but there were things left I said by the end.
Like the MMC's need for total control over what she wears etc to basically make all of the daily important decisions for her. Did that stop?
P.s. Zane needs his own book!
January 29, 2024
4 Stars for Break For Me by Layla Simon
This is a dark high school romance with bullying themes and readers should review content warnings.
Maddox is a character you are going to love to hate! The son of a rich billionaire who seemingly has everything! Evie could not be more his opposite - but she is fierce and willing to put up with Maddox as he promises her his much needed help for her brother.
This author has a writing style that always gives the reader an interesting story as well as characters with interesting dynamics !
Good read !
This is a dark high school romance with bullying themes and readers should review content warnings.
Maddox is a character you are going to love to hate! The son of a rich billionaire who seemingly has everything! Evie could not be more his opposite - but she is fierce and willing to put up with Maddox as he promises her his much needed help for her brother.
This author has a writing style that always gives the reader an interesting story as well as characters with interesting dynamics !
Good read !
March 22, 2024
First please read the the trigger warnings before reading the book.
Dark high school/slight bullying, rich guy/poor girl theme but this book was not what I expected at all.
Maddox and Evie are both complicated characters with similar pasts and find something in each other they've never had with anyone else. This book was both sweet and very dark. I found myself cringing at points then smiling at something super sweet a page later. All in all it's a 4 read and 3 smut for me but I couldn't put this book down and finished it in a day. I'm curious what the rest of the series will hold.
Dark high school/slight bullying, rich guy/poor girl theme but this book was not what I expected at all.
Maddox and Evie are both complicated characters with similar pasts and find something in each other they've never had with anyone else. This book was both sweet and very dark. I found myself cringing at points then smiling at something super sweet a page later. All in all it's a 4 read and 3 smut for me but I couldn't put this book down and finished it in a day. I'm curious what the rest of the series will hold.
January 20, 2024
This story is about Maddox and Evie and their story is an emotional and tuff journey. A rich guy meets a poor girl who he takes care of and she helps him find light in his very dark life. There are many darker themes and for those with triggers beware. This couple has intense and steam chemistry and are good for each other. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this story for a honest review and it was a good read.
January 24, 2024
Break for Me book one by Layla Simon
Maddox and Evie are two broken souls who met by chance. This story starts off with a fire and it stayed on with sizzling heat with the twist and turns of the secrets and pain the both had to live with. Learning how to be better together even though they had so much against them. This story has a lot to offer and hits at home with some serious moments. A fantastic story.
Maddox and Evie are two broken souls who met by chance. This story starts off with a fire and it stayed on with sizzling heat with the twist and turns of the secrets and pain the both had to live with. Learning how to be better together even though they had so much against them. This story has a lot to offer and hits at home with some serious moments. A fantastic story.
January 30, 2024
I've read a few of Layla's books, and I haven't been disappointed yet. The storyline is great. Not much spice, which honestly I didn't mind. Maddox and Evie are two completely different people. Maddox grew up in a billionaire household. Evie grew up in and out of foster care. What they didn't know when they met was how some of their life story was the same. Overall, it's a very good book. I would definitely read it again.
May 6, 2024
Maddox has issues!!
Evie gets caught at a drug house by Maddox and his friends while they were trying to burn the place down and chase the dealers away. There is something about Evie that draws Maddox to her and things get complicated when they find out her brother knew Maddox's sister before she died. This is a great read but definitely read the trigger warnings if you are a sensitive reeader.
Evie gets caught at a drug house by Maddox and his friends while they were trying to burn the place down and chase the dealers away. There is something about Evie that draws Maddox to her and things get complicated when they find out her brother knew Maddox's sister before she died. This is a great read but definitely read the trigger warnings if you are a sensitive reeader.
May 15, 2024
I really wanted to like this book, the plot and cover is a great way to suck you in. By the trigger warnings I expected so much more. Couldn’t connect to the characters, they fell flat for me, I wouldn’t categorize this book a as dark romance, maybe light gray at best. First time reading this Author, have 2 more of her books in my tbr, but to be honest, I’m not sure I want to read them if they’ll be as boring as this book.
March 11, 2024
Loved it
I read so many books, I have no clue if I read this author before. I loved that it takes place in I guess England? I like the funky words and their spelling. The story was really good, I liked the characters and the backgrounds that came with each of them. Their struggles made them who they were. I look forward to the next book on Zane.
I read so many books, I have no clue if I read this author before. I loved that it takes place in I guess England? I like the funky words and their spelling. The story was really good, I liked the characters and the backgrounds that came with each of them. Their struggles made them who they were. I look forward to the next book on Zane.
March 23, 2024
While I love a dark read, this one just fell flat for me. Despite all of the messed up shit that should fuck with your emotions and get you sucked into the characters and the story I lacked both 🤷🏻♀️ I absolutely felt no connection to the characters or story. I tried really really hard but, DNF at 53% couldn’t deal with the boredom any longer🫣
September 12, 2024
Missing a key part....
This was an okay read.... We never got the whole story of Moddox, the big secret, who he was the way he is, yeah there were scene that you could probably guess, but he never told his secret, the reason he couldn't get hard. That is the only reason I gave this four stars instead of five....
This was an okay read.... We never got the whole story of Moddox, the big secret, who he was the way he is, yeah there were scene that you could probably guess, but he never told his secret, the reason he couldn't get hard. That is the only reason I gave this four stars instead of five....
January 14, 2024
Maddox and Evie, their story is emotional and had me crying at parts. I loved this book. A rich guy meets a poor girl who he takes care of..... There are some darker themes in the book so read the TW before. Can't wait for the next one to come out..
January 24, 2024
Wow this series started with a blast. Love reading Maddox and Evie story even in their darkest moments they were awesome to read. And I can not wait for Zane and Wilder story maybe even Ant will have his chance too. Awesome beginning to the Tiaki Academy series.
January 31, 2024
Emotional read
Kayla Simon is becoming a favorite author this was an emotional story and when the spice hit
Is was good check your trigger warning please there,is a lot but such a good story
Kayla Simon is becoming a favorite author this was an emotional story and when the spice hit
Is was good check your trigger warning please there,is a lot but such a good story
February 5, 2024
Maddox and Evie definitely have a rollercoaster to overcome, as they each have pasta that won’t leave them alone and have impacts on how they perceive themselves. We see them able to work through things as their connection grows and the author paces the story well while doing so.
February 6, 2024
As always, a dark, spicy & quick read. An amazingly crafted plot that draws you in and keeps you engaged.
There's a lot of TW on this one, so be prepared before reading.
The tension & angst between Maddox & Evie is 🔥🔥. A 1-click read, for sure!
There's a lot of TW on this one, so be prepared before reading.
The tension & angst between Maddox & Evie is 🔥🔥. A 1-click read, for sure!
February 7, 2024
Excellent ☆☆☆☆☆
This book had such an emotional pull that it was easy to get lost in the pages. Excellent characters who were easy to follow and believe. Can't wait to read the next book in this series.
This book had such an emotional pull that it was easy to get lost in the pages. Excellent characters who were easy to follow and believe. Can't wait to read the next book in this series.
February 12, 2024
Dark Perfection
This romance novel was dark but perfect. Maddox and Evie came from dark unfathomable backgrounds and found that HEA. I spent most of the book head over heals for the dark Maddox. The angst was high. Different kind of steam.
This romance novel was dark but perfect. Maddox and Evie came from dark unfathomable backgrounds and found that HEA. I spent most of the book head over heals for the dark Maddox. The angst was high. Different kind of steam.
April 24, 2024
It was ok
It was an okay book, I wish there would have been more details in certain parts of it and then maybe a little less in other parts I feel like there could have been more added about the couple and less about other people
It was an okay book, I wish there would have been more details in certain parts of it and then maybe a little less in other parts I feel like there could have been more added about the couple and less about other people
July 17, 2025
I enjoyed the last book I read from this author, Freckles, more. This one was a little too disturbing for me, with what the two main characters went through, not to mention their friends. It had some good moments in it, and although well written, is not one I would recommend.
January 21, 2024
Arc review
Soooo many red flags and TW wowwwww!
Be sure to read the trigger list because wow there is so many ! I LOVE IT
You like dark romances than buckle up because you are going for a ride !
Soooo many red flags and TW wowwwww!
Be sure to read the trigger list because wow there is so many ! I LOVE IT
You like dark romances than buckle up because you are going for a ride !
January 23, 2024
Loved the story, it had all the feels. Loved the MMC, he made me swoon! It is pretty intense at times, definitely check triggers! I love this author, she is a one click buy for me!
January 27, 2024
What a plot changer that is twisted and dark. This is a very delicious read that I read in one setting. This is a book that will have you on the edge of your seat.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews