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The Alarie Heirs #1
Broken in the Dark
BROKEN.
That’s what I am when he finds me in the dark,
saving me from the vicious grasp of a bloodthirsty monster by bringing me back to the only place I ever called home.
THE ALARIE ESTATE.
A fortress where I spent my childhood, safely hidden behind impenetrable stone walls.
A place where my heart only ever beat for him.
But all that changed one ominous night seven years ago when I was forced to leave behind everything and everyone I knew.
And now, as I stand before him saying my vows, I no longer see the gentle boy I grew up with,
but a man of great strength and power who thrives in darkness.
To the world, he’s a deadly predator.
To me, he’s my husband.
Ready to burn the world to ashes and annihilate any monster who dares to touch me,
including the one with no face who hides in the shadows, stopping at nothing to get me back.
LE DIABLE.
A man feared by everyone except one.
LEO ALARIE
That’s what I am when he finds me in the dark,
saving me from the vicious grasp of a bloodthirsty monster by bringing me back to the only place I ever called home.
THE ALARIE ESTATE.
A fortress where I spent my childhood, safely hidden behind impenetrable stone walls.
A place where my heart only ever beat for him.
But all that changed one ominous night seven years ago when I was forced to leave behind everything and everyone I knew.
And now, as I stand before him saying my vows, I no longer see the gentle boy I grew up with,
but a man of great strength and power who thrives in darkness.
To the world, he’s a deadly predator.
To me, he’s my husband.
Ready to burn the world to ashes and annihilate any monster who dares to touch me,
including the one with no face who hides in the shadows, stopping at nothing to get me back.
LE DIABLE.
A man feared by everyone except one.
LEO ALARIE
397 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 25, 2025
74 people are currently reading
8124 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Elizabeth
6 books250 followersAshley Elizabeth is an author of steamy contemporary romance. Her books will always tell a love story with just the right amount of spice, and most importantly, end with a happily ever after. When she’s not reading a romance novel or overthinking everything, you can find her at Starbucks, keeping them in business, or watching Jurassic Park for the thousandth time with her fur baby, Bailey.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 243 reviews
March 5, 2025
'𝐁R𝐎K𝐄N I𝐍 𝐓H𝐄 𝐃A𝐑K' Is the first full length, friends to romance book in the (Alarie Heirs) series by new to me author Ashley Elizabeth. Spoken in 'dual Pov's' Leo & Scarlett
4.5 stars
This author is relatively new on the scene which surprised me with how easily she hooked me into this story. Once started, those sneaky feels grabbed ahold of me and didn’t let go. I’m so glad we’ll be diving back into this world because it’s one I don’t want to let go of.
I'm unsure why this has been labeled as a dark romance because whilst she was kidnapped everything within that time frame has been glossed over nothing was in vivid detail which is what my dark little heart was craving.
This had some twists and turns (one I'd guessed early on) the other took me by surprise, but both still kept me invested in this storyline right up until that last page was inhaled.
Leo early on wrung the feels out of me, he was every woman's walking talking book boyfriend, whilst she was kidnapped he search high and low for her, never stopping until she was safe on home soil again, and his need for vengeance burnt bright until he and his brothers caught the man responsible. He was the epitome of patience when she was back where she belonged, he stood by her side through thick and thin. Helping her ride through her terror and made her stronger.
Since they were kids growing up together, Leo had been Scarlett's number one crush which slowly grew into more. He was the boy who had all her firsts, even when her father whisked her away from the only place she'd called home, she never forgot the boy she'd left behind.
4.5 stars
This author is relatively new on the scene which surprised me with how easily she hooked me into this story. Once started, those sneaky feels grabbed ahold of me and didn’t let go. I’m so glad we’ll be diving back into this world because it’s one I don’t want to let go of.
I'm unsure why this has been labeled as a dark romance because whilst she was kidnapped everything within that time frame has been glossed over nothing was in vivid detail which is what my dark little heart was craving.
This had some twists and turns (one I'd guessed early on) the other took me by surprise, but both still kept me invested in this storyline right up until that last page was inhaled.
Leo early on wrung the feels out of me, he was every woman's walking talking book boyfriend, whilst she was kidnapped he search high and low for her, never stopping until she was safe on home soil again, and his need for vengeance burnt bright until he and his brothers caught the man responsible. He was the epitome of patience when she was back where she belonged, he stood by her side through thick and thin. Helping her ride through her terror and made her stronger.
Since they were kids growing up together, Leo had been Scarlett's number one crush which slowly grew into more. He was the boy who had all her firsts, even when her father whisked her away from the only place she'd called home, she never forgot the boy she'd left behind.
March 3, 2025
4/5⭐️
I thought this book had a good driving plot that kept me interested. There were a few chapters where I was a little disinterested in what was going on, but it wasn’t enough to stop entirely.
I really enjoyed Leo’s patience with Scarlett and their relationship they kept building together. He was there for her every step of the way and didn’t waver. He wanted to be a support system for her and he did exactly that.
I am, however, a little disappointed that we didn’t get more backstory about them and what life was like previously for them. In addition, I felt a lack of connection with Scarlett sometimes because we didn’t see her pain or things seemed to settle quicker than what I wanted. While pain is terrible, I wanted to understand her, and I wasn’t getting that.
Also, I felt the marriage was a little rushed and unexpected. It seemed okay at first, and it did add to the plot, but it just felt off.
Although, I think this is a great first book to start a series and I hope it will continue to be great.
I thought this book had a good driving plot that kept me interested. There were a few chapters where I was a little disinterested in what was going on, but it wasn’t enough to stop entirely.
I really enjoyed Leo’s patience with Scarlett and their relationship they kept building together. He was there for her every step of the way and didn’t waver. He wanted to be a support system for her and he did exactly that.
I am, however, a little disappointed that we didn’t get more backstory about them and what life was like previously for them. In addition, I felt a lack of connection with Scarlett sometimes because we didn’t see her pain or things seemed to settle quicker than what I wanted. While pain is terrible, I wanted to understand her, and I wasn’t getting that.
Also, I felt the marriage was a little rushed and unexpected. It seemed okay at first, and it did add to the plot, but it just felt off.
Although, I think this is a great first book to start a series and I hope it will continue to be great.
Read
June 20, 2025Does anyone have safety details ? I know he was with one woman during separation no else (cuz OW was the total opposite, while FMC was kidnapped and tortured? Am I right or wrong so if anyone knows pls 🙏
February 25, 2025
"You'd burn the world down for me if I asked you. Wouldn't you?" - Scarlett
"I'd burn it to ash and await your next request. My heart may beat beneath my chest, but it's you who owns it. It's yours to do with whatever you please." - Leo
******ARC REVIEW******
I do not know how Ashley Elizabeth has never crossed my path but I am so glad she did with this one. This was the first book of hers I have read and I cannot wait to go back and read all her others. Yes, this is a mafia book but I swear there were moments when I was reading it I would forget because the love that surrounds Leo and Scarlett is so freaking beautiful.
From the time they were young they knew they wanted forever with each other. Sadly seven years ago Scarlett is taken away from Leo's estate by her father. In those seven years his life gets darker and darker and then his worst nightmare comes true and Scarlett goes missing. He will stop at nothing to get her back to him and on his estate.
Scarlett has been living in a torturous hell these last six weeks and she is about to give up then her savior arrives and rescues her. Now she needs to heal and who better to be there every step of the way than her only love, Leo, and he is by her side as her husband. Ending up back at the Alarie Estate is not something she ever thought would happen.
One of the things I love most about Leo and Scarlett is how deep their connection it. How well they still know each other even after being apart for seven years. Leo is a saint when it comes to how he treats Scarlett. That man treats her like the queen she is in his eyes. She is his everything. The dynamics she also has with his brothers shows their family is where she is meant to be. Although this is a mafia romance I felt like the author writes it in such a way that gives more beauty to the love story going on with mafia as the background.
She throws in two lovely little plot twists towards the end but I will say one of them I suspected fairly early on and the other one I went back and forth on so it was a bit of a surprise. I won't lie, those twists had me so aggravated I wanted to yell! Once I reached that point there was no going to sleep until I had this little beauty of a story wrapped up and finished. Now my burning question is whose book is next and when does it release. I have my suspicions and hope they are true because these particular side characters quickly became favorites for me.
"I'd burn it to ash and await your next request. My heart may beat beneath my chest, but it's you who owns it. It's yours to do with whatever you please." - Leo
******ARC REVIEW******
I do not know how Ashley Elizabeth has never crossed my path but I am so glad she did with this one. This was the first book of hers I have read and I cannot wait to go back and read all her others. Yes, this is a mafia book but I swear there were moments when I was reading it I would forget because the love that surrounds Leo and Scarlett is so freaking beautiful.
From the time they were young they knew they wanted forever with each other. Sadly seven years ago Scarlett is taken away from Leo's estate by her father. In those seven years his life gets darker and darker and then his worst nightmare comes true and Scarlett goes missing. He will stop at nothing to get her back to him and on his estate.
Scarlett has been living in a torturous hell these last six weeks and she is about to give up then her savior arrives and rescues her. Now she needs to heal and who better to be there every step of the way than her only love, Leo, and he is by her side as her husband. Ending up back at the Alarie Estate is not something she ever thought would happen.
One of the things I love most about Leo and Scarlett is how deep their connection it. How well they still know each other even after being apart for seven years. Leo is a saint when it comes to how he treats Scarlett. That man treats her like the queen she is in his eyes. She is his everything. The dynamics she also has with his brothers shows their family is where she is meant to be. Although this is a mafia romance I felt like the author writes it in such a way that gives more beauty to the love story going on with mafia as the background.
She throws in two lovely little plot twists towards the end but I will say one of them I suspected fairly early on and the other one I went back and forth on so it was a bit of a surprise. I won't lie, those twists had me so aggravated I wanted to yell! Once I reached that point there was no going to sleep until I had this little beauty of a story wrapped up and finished. Now my burning question is whose book is next and when does it release. I have my suspicions and hope they are true because these particular side characters quickly became favorites for me.
February 22, 2025
★★★★. Thank you to the Author and Grey’s Promotions for this ARC! This review will contain some spoilers, read at your own risk.
I absolutely loved this mafia, second chance (7 year separation), he falls first, “where is my wife”, A LOT of “my wife” moments, slow burn, STRONG heroine and found family book. It was beautifully written and had such a good storyline that I pray is going to be continued within the next books for the brothers/sister!
Leo, a MAN. I loved him. He was perfect. Seven years ago he lost the love of life and since then has been walking without his “firefly” and light in his life. He had her watched but then lost her when she was taken. And when he found her? He was NEVER letting her go again. AND HE NEVER DID. This man did everything for her. His whole plot was finding the man who hurt his woman and making sure they got what they deserved. He remembered every little detail about his woman. He made sure NOBODY was allowed to touch her because of her uncomfortableness and his obsession with her. Reading about what ultimately broke them up hurt so much when you read what also happened that day. I felt horrible for him.
Scarlett, my firefly. My strong girl. I loved her. She went through hell and back and came out stronger than ever. I loved how the author wrote her healing after her attack and a big big thanks for adding in her going to therapy and actually healing that way (even thought the therapist did something wrong). She still got that help she needed. I loved reading her grow more confident but not fully healed because it was very realistic. I loved how she loved. She was very soft with her love yet loved hard. Her nightmares were so sad and I’m so happy she now has Leo there to protect her. Not only Leo either, his whole family. The way they all love her like a sister is beautiful. She finally got the love she deserves and more.
I cannot wait for the other brothers. I’m praying they all get books. Mauro and Alina, a need. ELI AND MADELINE I NEED SO MUCH. Vin, I want him with that single mom from the woman’s shelter. I feel like they would balance each other out. Alex and the governors wife PLEASE AND THANK YOU!
For my safety readers, there’s no OW drama. The mmc was with one woman after separation from fmc years ago only one time. It did not bother me because the woman was so different from the fmc so it was nice to not have the “I did it because she was like you” trope and instead he did it because she was so different in everything. He was celibate after that. It wasn’t mentioned he was with others so for my peace of mind, he was!
His arms tighten around me as if protecting me from outside forces.
“And then there’s you,” I say softly, my eyes meeting his. My heart pumps in my chest as I look at the man before me who would do anything for me. “You’d burn the world down for me if I asked you. Wouldn’t you?”
His lips graze my temple. “I’d burn it to ash and await your next request.”
He places the palm of my hand over his heart. I can feel his mirroring my own. “My heart may beat beneath my chest, but it’s you who owns it. It’s yours to do with whatever you please”
I absolutely loved this mafia, second chance (7 year separation), he falls first, “where is my wife”, A LOT of “my wife” moments, slow burn, STRONG heroine and found family book. It was beautifully written and had such a good storyline that I pray is going to be continued within the next books for the brothers/sister!
Leo, a MAN. I loved him. He was perfect. Seven years ago he lost the love of life and since then has been walking without his “firefly” and light in his life. He had her watched but then lost her when she was taken. And when he found her? He was NEVER letting her go again. AND HE NEVER DID. This man did everything for her. His whole plot was finding the man who hurt his woman and making sure they got what they deserved. He remembered every little detail about his woman. He made sure NOBODY was allowed to touch her because of her uncomfortableness and his obsession with her. Reading about what ultimately broke them up hurt so much when you read what also happened that day. I felt horrible for him.
Scarlett, my firefly. My strong girl. I loved her. She went through hell and back and came out stronger than ever. I loved how the author wrote her healing after her attack and a big big thanks for adding in her going to therapy and actually healing that way (even thought the therapist did something wrong). She still got that help she needed. I loved reading her grow more confident but not fully healed because it was very realistic. I loved how she loved. She was very soft with her love yet loved hard. Her nightmares were so sad and I’m so happy she now has Leo there to protect her. Not only Leo either, his whole family. The way they all love her like a sister is beautiful. She finally got the love she deserves and more.
I cannot wait for the other brothers. I’m praying they all get books. Mauro and Alina, a need. ELI AND MADELINE I NEED SO MUCH. Vin, I want him with that single mom from the woman’s shelter. I feel like they would balance each other out. Alex and the governors wife PLEASE AND THANK YOU!
For my safety readers, there’s no OW drama. The mmc was with one woman after separation from fmc years ago only one time. It did not bother me because the woman was so different from the fmc so it was nice to not have the “I did it because she was like you” trope and instead he did it because she was so different in everything. He was celibate after that. It wasn’t mentioned he was with others so for my peace of mind, he was!
His arms tighten around me as if protecting me from outside forces.
“And then there’s you,” I say softly, my eyes meeting his. My heart pumps in my chest as I look at the man before me who would do anything for me. “You’d burn the world down for me if I asked you. Wouldn’t you?”
His lips graze my temple. “I’d burn it to ash and await your next request.”
He places the palm of my hand over his heart. I can feel his mirroring my own. “My heart may beat beneath my chest, but it’s you who owns it. It’s yours to do with whatever you please”
February 23, 2025
“ If I could make one wish in this life, it would be that I could take all her pain away. Physical and mental. I wish I could carry it for her so she would never experience it again. “
Leo Alarie the morally grey MMC is a force to be reckoned with! He is the most feared, yet a cinnamon roll hero to only Scarlett.
After saving her from unimaginable circumstances, he vows to protect her and never let anything happen to her again.
Her kidnapper is still on the loose, as they try to figure out who he is, more secrets are revealed.
This is a dark romance, romantic suspense, marriage of convenience, found family and touch her and die.
I absolutely fell in love with the Alarie family. The 4 men Leo and his brothers Vin, Mauro, and Alex. Their sister Maddy and their mother.
Hoping for the second book to get an inside scoop on Maddy, the questionable Alastor and the broody Eli!
“Every person who has so much as touched a hair on your head will pay for their crimes by my hands. I will make them suffer. I will watch them lose their goddamn dignity as they beg for death. But I will not give it to them because death is too easy. Too kind. And I will not be their salvation. Only their damnation. They will regret ever coming anywhere near you. My wife. “
Leo Alarie the morally grey MMC is a force to be reckoned with! He is the most feared, yet a cinnamon roll hero to only Scarlett.
After saving her from unimaginable circumstances, he vows to protect her and never let anything happen to her again.
Her kidnapper is still on the loose, as they try to figure out who he is, more secrets are revealed.
This is a dark romance, romantic suspense, marriage of convenience, found family and touch her and die.
I absolutely fell in love with the Alarie family. The 4 men Leo and his brothers Vin, Mauro, and Alex. Their sister Maddy and their mother.
Hoping for the second book to get an inside scoop on Maddy, the questionable Alastor and the broody Eli!
“Every person who has so much as touched a hair on your head will pay for their crimes by my hands. I will make them suffer. I will watch them lose their goddamn dignity as they beg for death. But I will not give it to them because death is too easy. Too kind. And I will not be their salvation. Only their damnation. They will regret ever coming anywhere near you. My wife. “
March 8, 2025
I’ll just say one thing : Leo.
This MMC was everything. Very caring. Very lovely. Everything. He upgraded my standards in bookboyfriends
When I saw dark romance and friends to lovers, I was very intrigued. And this book didn’t disappoint me.
The only thing is, I knew since the beginning who Le Diable was. I would have appreciated so much more with a little surprise.
Thank you Grey and Ashley Elizabeth for the ARC
This MMC was everything. Very caring. Very lovely. Everything. He upgraded my standards in bookboyfriends
When I saw dark romance and friends to lovers, I was very intrigued. And this book didn’t disappoint me.
The only thing is, I knew since the beginning who Le Diable was. I would have appreciated so much more with a little surprise.
Thank you Grey and Ashley Elizabeth for the ARC
February 1, 2025
“No one silences my wife!”
“I call you Firefly because you’ve always been my light in the dark.”
If you are looking for an intro to dark romance, this book is for you!
Ashley has such a way with words. Although I personally have never experienced the type of trauma that Scarlett endured, I think Ashley wrote her story with such care and created a MMC who respectfully took it one day at a time with her to help her through the healing process. Leo was the perfect gentleman and once he realized more of what Scarlett needed, he was even more perfect! We all need a Leo in our lives.
Read if you like;
Second chance romance
Marriage of convenience
Best friends brother
Who did this to you
“I call you Firefly because you’ve always been my light in the dark.”
If you are looking for an intro to dark romance, this book is for you!
Ashley has such a way with words. Although I personally have never experienced the type of trauma that Scarlett endured, I think Ashley wrote her story with such care and created a MMC who respectfully took it one day at a time with her to help her through the healing process. Leo was the perfect gentleman and once he realized more of what Scarlett needed, he was even more perfect! We all need a Leo in our lives.
Read if you like;
Second chance romance
Marriage of convenience
Best friends brother
Who did this to you
March 4, 2025
- way too cheesy, cringy at times
- word “broken” repeated 1000000x including the title
- also knew who the “bad guy” was within the first time they introduced his “normal” character
- word “broken” repeated 1000000x including the title
- also knew who the “bad guy” was within the first time they introduced his “normal” character
February 25, 2025
5 ⭐️
Thank you for the e-ARC both to Ashley and Greys Promo!!
A wholesome dark romance—but make it hurt? Check! Listen, I could not put this down. When Ashley first hinted that she would be entering her dark romance era, nothing could have quite prepared me—as a dark romance girlie at my core. Knowing how gritty and emotional her books can be, I knew this was going to hurt.
My heart broke for Scarlett and all the trauma she had endured when she was suddenly kidnapped. Enter Leo Alarie—a man feared by many, one of the five Alarie siblings, and, most importantly, they were each other's first love. They had their first chance at happiness stolen from them in the cruellest way when Scarlett was taken, but Leo never gave up on finding her. The love he had for her was unwavering, and once reunited, it was clear he would do anything for her; even by marrying her into one of the most influential families, to ensure her safety. Ugh, we love a determined man around here.
This man. THIS MAN. Where do I even start? He would kill for her. He would burn the world to ash for her. He pre-cut all the food in the house because of her trauma with knives. He built her a freaking library and filled it all with her favourite books. As morally grey as he was, he was an absolute cinnamon roll when it came to his wife, and I loved it.
Ashley has such a way with words—she knows exactly how to grip you, holding your attention from the very first page to the last. Although I had my suspicions quite early on, the plot twists, the little bit of knife play, and the spice had my jaw on the floor. I wasn’t expecting it, but I loved it nonetheless.
And now, the real question— how soon is too soon to talk about the other siblings? Pleaaase, I love them all already! But Maddy and Eli, and Alex and the governor’s wife… maybee, Ash?
Tropes
🖤 Best friend's brother
🖤 Second chance
🖤 Marriage of convenience
🖤 Touch her and die
🖤 Found family
Thank you for the e-ARC both to Ashley and Greys Promo!!
A wholesome dark romance—but make it hurt? Check! Listen, I could not put this down. When Ashley first hinted that she would be entering her dark romance era, nothing could have quite prepared me—as a dark romance girlie at my core. Knowing how gritty and emotional her books can be, I knew this was going to hurt.
My heart broke for Scarlett and all the trauma she had endured when she was suddenly kidnapped. Enter Leo Alarie—a man feared by many, one of the five Alarie siblings, and, most importantly, they were each other's first love. They had their first chance at happiness stolen from them in the cruellest way when Scarlett was taken, but Leo never gave up on finding her. The love he had for her was unwavering, and once reunited, it was clear he would do anything for her; even by marrying her into one of the most influential families, to ensure her safety. Ugh, we love a determined man around here.
This man. THIS MAN. Where do I even start? He would kill for her. He would burn the world to ash for her. He pre-cut all the food in the house because of her trauma with knives. He built her a freaking library and filled it all with her favourite books. As morally grey as he was, he was an absolute cinnamon roll when it came to his wife, and I loved it.
Ashley has such a way with words—she knows exactly how to grip you, holding your attention from the very first page to the last. Although I had my suspicions quite early on, the plot twists, the little bit of knife play, and the spice had my jaw on the floor. I wasn’t expecting it, but I loved it nonetheless.
And now, the real question— how soon is too soon to talk about the other siblings? Pleaaase, I love them all already! But Maddy and Eli, and Alex and the governor’s wife… maybee, Ash?
Tropes
🖤 Best friend's brother
🖤 Second chance
🖤 Marriage of convenience
🖤 Touch her and die
🖤 Found family
February 25, 2025
5 ⭐️
Why you’ll love this book!!
Found Family
Second Chance
Touch Her & ☠️
Billionaire/ Mafia Romance
Best Friends Brother
It’s Always Been You
Marriage Of Convenience
Check Trigger Warnings
Omg Ashley killed with this book!! I loved it so much it definitely won’t be my last by her!! I love Leo and how he supported Scarlett and helped her heal he was the most respectful guy with her!!
Totally dream worthy MMC!!
Scarlett is so strong after being held captive .. I don’t know if I could have handled everything she went through and you will be cheering her on to heal in this book!!
Why you’ll love this book!!
Found Family
Second Chance
Touch Her & ☠️
Billionaire/ Mafia Romance
Best Friends Brother
It’s Always Been You
Marriage Of Convenience
Check Trigger Warnings
Omg Ashley killed with this book!! I loved it so much it definitely won’t be my last by her!! I love Leo and how he supported Scarlett and helped her heal he was the most respectful guy with her!!
Totally dream worthy MMC!!
Scarlett is so strong after being held captive .. I don’t know if I could have handled everything she went through and you will be cheering her on to heal in this book!!
March 3, 2025
This is the first book I've read by this author, but I'm hooked. I already have ideas on who will be paired up together, and can't wait for all of the MMCs siblings to get their HEA the same as Leo and Scarlett.
I am a sucker for second chance romances and marriage of convenience, so the two together made a great combination. He has never stopped loving her, nor has she. He is everything we love in an MMC; protective, attentive, patient, strong...and being one of the scariest men in the country doesn't hurt either. He will stop at nothing to find the person responsible for hurting his WIFE!
With Leo it's the little things, the flowers, their special spot, the items from when they were kids, him helping her with her fear of the dark. I simply can't say enough good things about this book. This is why I love ARC reading. It helps me to discover new (to me) authors who I likely wouldn't have seen otherwise.
I am a sucker for second chance romances and marriage of convenience, so the two together made a great combination. He has never stopped loving her, nor has she. He is everything we love in an MMC; protective, attentive, patient, strong...and being one of the scariest men in the country doesn't hurt either. He will stop at nothing to find the person responsible for hurting his WIFE!
With Leo it's the little things, the flowers, their special spot, the items from when they were kids, him helping her with her fear of the dark. I simply can't say enough good things about this book. This is why I love ARC reading. It helps me to discover new (to me) authors who I likely wouldn't have seen otherwise.
July 7, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘥 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘦 𝘪𝘧 𝘐 𝘢𝘴𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘞𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯’𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶?”
“𝘐’𝘥 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘯 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘴𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘯𝘦𝘹𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘵.”
I absolutely devoured this. I immediately want more. There isn't much I can say without giving away the plot, but if you're a fan of an obsessed MMC who's also protective, you need to dive into this. I can't wait for the series to continue and to get more of the Alarie family!
↳ Marriage of Convenience
↳ Mafia Vibes
↳ Billionaire Romance
↳ "It's Always Been You"
↳ Touch Her and 💀
↳ Dual POV
↳ Best Friends Brother
↳ Second Chance Romance
↳ "My Wife"
𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘥 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘦 𝘪𝘧 𝘐 𝘢𝘴𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘞𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯’𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶?”
“𝘐’𝘥 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘯 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘴𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘯𝘦𝘹𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘵.”
I absolutely devoured this. I immediately want more. There isn't much I can say without giving away the plot, but if you're a fan of an obsessed MMC who's also protective, you need to dive into this. I can't wait for the series to continue and to get more of the Alarie family!
↳ Marriage of Convenience
↳ Mafia Vibes
↳ Billionaire Romance
↳ "It's Always Been You"
↳ Touch Her and 💀
↳ Dual POV
↳ Best Friends Brother
↳ Second Chance Romance
↳ "My Wife"
August 3, 2025
4.75⭐
WHY IS THIS BOOK UNDERRATED?! This is your sign to read this!
Although it's a bit dark, this book is very well written. Every trope, albeit cliched is well done. This book gave me kicking my feet giggles. And the spice, oh well let's just say it's spicy. As a wattpad lover this definitely gave me wattpad vibes in terms of the chemistry between the characters.
I may enjoy this book a bit too much because of the mafia+arrange marriage+childhood friends to lovers tropes. Overall, this was very enjoyable, taking me right outta my book slump.
Oh and he'd burn the world for her!
WHY IS THIS BOOK UNDERRATED?! This is your sign to read this!
Although it's a bit dark, this book is very well written. Every trope, albeit cliched is well done. This book gave me kicking my feet giggles. And the spice, oh well let's just say it's spicy. As a wattpad lover this definitely gave me wattpad vibes in terms of the chemistry between the characters.
I may enjoy this book a bit too much because of the mafia+arrange marriage+childhood friends to lovers tropes. Overall, this was very enjoyable, taking me right outta my book slump.
Oh and he'd burn the world for her!
February 13, 2025
Can I rate this 100 stars? LOVED every word of this book! I was hooked from the beginning and now I am so upset that it's over. Every husband should strive to be like Leo.
Definitely recommend if you are into touch her and die, second chance, best friends brother, and marriage of convenience tropes.
Definitely recommend if you are into touch her and die, second chance, best friends brother, and marriage of convenience tropes.
March 5, 2025
⭐️ARC REVIEW⭐️
“𝓜𝔂 𝔀𝓲𝓯𝓮. 𝓜𝔂 𝓔𝓿𝓮𝓻𝔂𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰. 𝓜𝔂 𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮𝓯𝓵𝔂…”
I was so excited for this book. I LOVE a good Mafia book. I will instantly grab it if it’s Mafia romance. But this was a bit of a let down for me. It took me a bit to get into it. It has the bones and the potential to be a REALLY great story. But it just didn’t come together for me.
The story revolves around Scarlett and Leo. They have loved each other since they were little. But…7 years ago, Scarlett is pulled out of his life and they both think that their love will never get a chance to flourish as adults. That’s until Scarlett is kidnapped and kept in a basement for weeks…once Leo finds out, he stops at nothing to find and rescue her. Once he does he helps her on her journey to healing. The marry as a way to protect her but obviously the love is there so it turns into a real marriage. There are a few plot twists that I won’t mention in case you do choose to read it.
*sigh* here is where things fell apart for me. Other than knowing that they basically grew up together and have been in love since kids, we know NOTHING about their back story. It’s kind of just…that. And I felt like it would have been nice to know more about who they are and what life was for them before being torn apart. Also….this was a Mafia romance…right? The men seemed…meek…at best. I wasn’t intimidated by them. When I think Mafia romance I think someone who commands respect when they walk in the room. Morally grey in every way. That was just not the case. Also…Scarlett…my girl. She was….confusing? An avid reader of spicy romance books…a full fledged adult…yet asks if Leo 👅😻will feel good ? What?!? And she’s very conservative in mannerisms and dress unyil her engagement party where she’s dressed like… 👀. I was just confused. And marriage of convenience just didn’t make sense when they already loved each other so much. They never wanted anyone but the other even while they were apart
But. As always….it wasn’t my cup of tea. But maybe it’s yours🖤
💍Dark Romance
🥃Marriage of Convenience
💍Second Chance
🥃Friends to Lovers
💍Mafia
🥃Kidnapping
💍Alpha Male
🥃Best Friends Brother
“𝓜𝔂 𝔀𝓲𝓯𝓮. 𝓜𝔂 𝓔𝓿𝓮𝓻𝔂𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰. 𝓜𝔂 𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮𝓯𝓵𝔂…”
I was so excited for this book. I LOVE a good Mafia book. I will instantly grab it if it’s Mafia romance. But this was a bit of a let down for me. It took me a bit to get into it. It has the bones and the potential to be a REALLY great story. But it just didn’t come together for me.
The story revolves around Scarlett and Leo. They have loved each other since they were little. But…7 years ago, Scarlett is pulled out of his life and they both think that their love will never get a chance to flourish as adults. That’s until Scarlett is kidnapped and kept in a basement for weeks…once Leo finds out, he stops at nothing to find and rescue her. Once he does he helps her on her journey to healing. The marry as a way to protect her but obviously the love is there so it turns into a real marriage. There are a few plot twists that I won’t mention in case you do choose to read it.
*sigh* here is where things fell apart for me. Other than knowing that they basically grew up together and have been in love since kids, we know NOTHING about their back story. It’s kind of just…that. And I felt like it would have been nice to know more about who they are and what life was for them before being torn apart. Also….this was a Mafia romance…right? The men seemed…meek…at best. I wasn’t intimidated by them. When I think Mafia romance I think someone who commands respect when they walk in the room. Morally grey in every way. That was just not the case. Also…Scarlett…my girl. She was….confusing? An avid reader of spicy romance books…a full fledged adult…yet asks if Leo 👅😻will feel good ? What?!? And she’s very conservative in mannerisms and dress unyil her engagement party where she’s dressed like… 👀. I was just confused. And marriage of convenience just didn’t make sense when they already loved each other so much. They never wanted anyone but the other even while they were apart
But. As always….it wasn’t my cup of tea. But maybe it’s yours🖤
💍Dark Romance
🥃Marriage of Convenience
💍Second Chance
🥃Friends to Lovers
💍Mafia
🥃Kidnapping
💍Alpha Male
🥃Best Friends Brother
February 24, 2025
Thank you so much to the author and Grey's Promotions for providing me with an arc in return for a voluntary review. All thoughts expressed here are my own.
I wanted this book to be five stars so badly and for a long time I thought it would be but there were a few things that slightly let me down. Firstly, I could tell who the villain was from very early on as their character's introduction wasn't very subtle. It then really frustrated me that all these men who are supposed to be really powerful and good at their jobs leading this family, didn't work it out. Secondly I really liked seeing Scarlett's character growth following the horrific experience she had with the help of Leo, his family and a therapist but it felt at times inconsistent. For example, in one chapter at a big event she was terrified around other men but then shortly after was happy to walk off on her own even when there had been a man staring creepily at her. Thirdly (and related to point 1), the villain is revealed to be supposedly a person they've trusted for years but surely they would've known that his eyes were green and he was using colour altering contacts? I think these few things could've done with a little more editing but didn't take away too much from my overall enjoyment of the book.
Now onto what I loved about the book. Right from the start this book felt like a well polished version of what I'd read on wattpad as a teenager, under my covers at 11pm and I think that played a role in why I devoured it so fast. Second, Leo Alarie may look like a brooding scary man but every interaction with Scarlett just shows how inside he is really an amalgamation of the cinnamon roll, golden retriever and marshmallow tropes that I love so much. I highlighted so many of the cute and protective things he said and I swooned every time he called her His wife or did a simple thing to help her relax like pre-cutting all the food in the house for her after accidentally cutting herself while chopping vegetables triggered a panic attack. I also loved seeing his perspective of getting to help Scarlett recover and love her all over again. Leo's brothers were all perfect too and I really hope we get future books with the couples that were hinted at in this one and I will buy them so quickly if we do. This is the first book I've read from this author and I will definitely be reading more in the future.
Tropes: second chance (separated 7 years), he falls first, slow burn, strong heroine, protective mmc, mafia, found family, marriage of convenience, touch her and die
This book is classed as dark romance and does have some spice and dark themes so be sure to check out the trigger warnings first.
I wanted this book to be five stars so badly and for a long time I thought it would be but there were a few things that slightly let me down. Firstly, I could tell who the villain was from very early on as their character's introduction wasn't very subtle. It then really frustrated me that all these men who are supposed to be really powerful and good at their jobs leading this family, didn't work it out. Secondly I really liked seeing Scarlett's character growth following the horrific experience she had with the help of Leo, his family and a therapist but it felt at times inconsistent. For example, in one chapter at a big event she was terrified around other men but then shortly after was happy to walk off on her own even when there had been a man staring creepily at her. Thirdly (and related to point 1), the villain is revealed to be supposedly a person they've trusted for years but surely they would've known that his eyes were green and he was using colour altering contacts? I think these few things could've done with a little more editing but didn't take away too much from my overall enjoyment of the book.
Now onto what I loved about the book. Right from the start this book felt like a well polished version of what I'd read on wattpad as a teenager, under my covers at 11pm and I think that played a role in why I devoured it so fast. Second, Leo Alarie may look like a brooding scary man but every interaction with Scarlett just shows how inside he is really an amalgamation of the cinnamon roll, golden retriever and marshmallow tropes that I love so much. I highlighted so many of the cute and protective things he said and I swooned every time he called her His wife or did a simple thing to help her relax like pre-cutting all the food in the house for her after accidentally cutting herself while chopping vegetables triggered a panic attack. I also loved seeing his perspective of getting to help Scarlett recover and love her all over again. Leo's brothers were all perfect too and I really hope we get future books with the couples that were hinted at in this one and I will buy them so quickly if we do. This is the first book I've read from this author and I will definitely be reading more in the future.
Tropes: second chance (separated 7 years), he falls first, slow burn, strong heroine, protective mmc, mafia, found family, marriage of convenience, touch her and die
This book is classed as dark romance and does have some spice and dark themes so be sure to check out the trigger warnings first.
February 20, 2025
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
I could not put this book down!!! Ashley Elizabeth knows how to snag your attention from page one and hold it all the way until you hit the end, all while leaving you wanting to know more! And I for one am certainly hoping to see more of the Alarie brothers find their happily ever afters! Focusing on Scarlett and Leo though and all I can say is Oh My Word, you will not be disappointed in picking this book up, in fact you’ll quickly find yourself with a new book boyfriend. Truly this book was simply amazing, one I’m sure I’ll be going back to read again and again because I just loved every page so if you’re looking for a book with an incredible love story, amazing characters, hilarious banter, more than one swoon worthy moment, just the right amount of spice, and enough twists and turns to make it impossible to put this book down until all your questions are answered than be sure to grab a copy of Broken in the Dark today!
Scarlett and Leo have known each other since they were kids and have harbored a one of a kind kind of love for each other for just as long, but when tragedy strikes and Leo is lost in his grief while Scarlett is whisked away it seems that their love may never come to pass. Except when a monster has taken Scarlett captive their is only one person she can count on to save her, keep her safe, and stop her from spiraling into the darkness that is waiting for her with open arms… and that person is Leo. Leo never for a second forgot about Scarlett or his love for her and when she’s in danger he will do everything morally grey morally black in order to protect the only woman he’s ever loved. When a marriage of convenience is arranged in order to keep Scarlett safe, Leo and Scarlett agree not to let their hearts get in the way… even if their hearts are already fully intertwined. Except fate has a funny way of intervening and shaking up even the most carefully laid plans and Leo and Scarlett may just find that keeping their hearts out of their marriage is an impossible feat, except not everyone wants to see these two happy and soon they’ll realize monsters come in all shapes and sizes and wear many faces!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
I could not put this book down!!! Ashley Elizabeth knows how to snag your attention from page one and hold it all the way until you hit the end, all while leaving you wanting to know more! And I for one am certainly hoping to see more of the Alarie brothers find their happily ever afters! Focusing on Scarlett and Leo though and all I can say is Oh My Word, you will not be disappointed in picking this book up, in fact you’ll quickly find yourself with a new book boyfriend. Truly this book was simply amazing, one I’m sure I’ll be going back to read again and again because I just loved every page so if you’re looking for a book with an incredible love story, amazing characters, hilarious banter, more than one swoon worthy moment, just the right amount of spice, and enough twists and turns to make it impossible to put this book down until all your questions are answered than be sure to grab a copy of Broken in the Dark today!
Scarlett and Leo have known each other since they were kids and have harbored a one of a kind kind of love for each other for just as long, but when tragedy strikes and Leo is lost in his grief while Scarlett is whisked away it seems that their love may never come to pass. Except when a monster has taken Scarlett captive their is only one person she can count on to save her, keep her safe, and stop her from spiraling into the darkness that is waiting for her with open arms… and that person is Leo. Leo never for a second forgot about Scarlett or his love for her and when she’s in danger he will do everything morally grey morally black in order to protect the only woman he’s ever loved. When a marriage of convenience is arranged in order to keep Scarlett safe, Leo and Scarlett agree not to let their hearts get in the way… even if their hearts are already fully intertwined. Except fate has a funny way of intervening and shaking up even the most carefully laid plans and Leo and Scarlett may just find that keeping their hearts out of their marriage is an impossible feat, except not everyone wants to see these two happy and soon they’ll realize monsters come in all shapes and sizes and wear many faces!
February 17, 2025
˚ ࣪˖ ⋆ ᝰ｡˚⋆ “. 𝓘𝓽’𝓼 𝓽𝓲𝓶𝓮 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻𝔂𝓸𝓷𝓮 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀𝓼 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝔂𝓸𝓾’𝓻𝓮 𝓶𝓲𝓷𝓮.” ˚ ࣪˖⋆ ᝰ ｡˚⋆
𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖
4.5★
𝜗𝜚 ࣪˖ 𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨 𝜗𝜚 ࣪˖
⁀➴ 𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲
⁀➴ 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲
⁀➴ 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲
⁀➴ 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀
⁀➴ 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗹𝗽𝗵𝗮 𝗠𝗮𝗹𝗲
︵‿︵‿୨☠︎︎୧‿︵‿︵
⋆ ⁺₊❅.𝙎𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨⋆ ⁺₊❅.
𝘈𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘢 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳, 𝘚𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘤𝘶𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘓𝘦𝘰 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘣𝘢��𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘦 𝘌𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘦, 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦. 𝘖𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦, 𝘤𝘪𝘳𝘤𝘶𝘮𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘢𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘴𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘰𝘳. 𝘕𝘰𝘸, 𝘳𝘦𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘨𝘦, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘮𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘯𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘨𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘦𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱. 𝘓𝘦𝘰, 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘢𝘴 "𝘓𝘦 𝘋𝘪𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦," 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘪𝘥𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘨𝘶𝘳𝘦, 𝘺𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘚𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘵, 𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘶𝘴𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘥. 𝘛𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘦𝘹𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘴, 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘵.
︵‿︵‿୨☠︎︎୧‿︵‿︵
⋆ ⁺₊❅.𝙈𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨⋆ ⁺₊❅.
𝘈𝘴𝘩𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘌𝘭𝘪𝘻𝘢𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘩 𝘪𝘴 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘹 𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘦𝘴. 𝘏𝘦𝘳 𝘯𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩, 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘫𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘺 𝘵𝘰𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨. "𝘉𝘳𝘰𝘬𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘋𝘢𝘳𝘬" 𝘪𝘴 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘢 𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘶𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘢 𝘥𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘱𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵, 𝘴𝘦𝘵 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵 𝘢 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬𝘥𝘳𝘰𝘱 𝘰𝘧 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘶𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯. 𝘍𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘯𝘵.
February 18, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
First of all, thank you so much Greys Promotions for the ARC review 🫶🖤🥹
Broken in the Dark gets released 2.25.25!!
What a ride this book was. It starts of extremely heavy with our FMC Scarlett being rescued by none other than the literal night and shining armor, Leo Alarie 🥹
This is an ARC review, so I’m not going to give any spoilers:
This book is about Scarlet finding her worth and navigating life again, with the help of Leo. All while Leo is also in search of revenge over the man who hurt Scarlet. Leo is a whole man. The way he helped Scarlet find her self again was so beautiful.
There were twists and turns (although i did predict most of the outcome), and i was on the edge of my seat the last 25% of the book.
While this story was dark due to what happened to Scarlet… I’ve gotta say this book was on the more wholesome side of what i normally read😅 i did really enjoy it, don’t get me wrong. But if you’re looking for DARK romance this may not be it. It was low on spice in my opinion, but still such a good read!! I actually cannot wait to read more about the other characters, especially Maddy, Eli, Mauro, and Vin. I actually just fell in love with all the characters in this book. It’s not often that you connect with characters other than the FMC & MMC, but the way Ashley wrote everyone was incredible.
🌶️
First of all, thank you so much Greys Promotions for the ARC review 🫶🖤🥹
Broken in the Dark gets released 2.25.25!!
What a ride this book was. It starts of extremely heavy with our FMC Scarlett being rescued by none other than the literal night and shining armor, Leo Alarie 🥹
This is an ARC review, so I’m not going to give any spoilers:
This book is about Scarlet finding her worth and navigating life again, with the help of Leo. All while Leo is also in search of revenge over the man who hurt Scarlet. Leo is a whole man. The way he helped Scarlet find her self again was so beautiful.
There were twists and turns (although i did predict most of the outcome), and i was on the edge of my seat the last 25% of the book.
While this story was dark due to what happened to Scarlet… I’ve gotta say this book was on the more wholesome side of what i normally read😅 i did really enjoy it, don’t get me wrong. But if you’re looking for DARK romance this may not be it. It was low on spice in my opinion, but still such a good read!! I actually cannot wait to read more about the other characters, especially Maddy, Eli, Mauro, and Vin. I actually just fell in love with all the characters in this book. It’s not often that you connect with characters other than the FMC & MMC, but the way Ashley wrote everyone was incredible.
February 28, 2025
4.5 Stars
I have never read anything by Ashley before and was pleasantly surprised with this book. After finishing this book, I did a bit more research on Ashley because I wanted to see what other books she had out and was even more surprised to see that she's a fairly new author (first published in 2023 and this is her fourth release). So this is my PSA to everyone saying to check her out because she's quite talented.
This is a great start to a new series by Ashley Elizabeth. This is labeled as a dark romance, however, I would say the only "dark" parts are what Scarlett endures and everything else is more on the suspense side. This would be perfect for anyone looking to dip their toes into dark romance.
I won't go into any specifics or details about this book because I feel like readers will enjoy this book more without knowing much more than the blurb. This story does surround Leo and Scarlett and how their lives are intertwined once again.
Broken in the Dark is very fast paced with some twists and turns that keeps readers right at the edge the entire time. I did figure things out fairly early on, but that did not really hinder my enjoyment of this book. And while there were some things that bothered me (few character inconsistencies) they too did not hurt the overall vibe of this story.
I highly recommend this story. It's a great way to dip your toes into dark romance and dark romance lovers will appreciate the story itself with how things play out.
I have never read anything by Ashley before and was pleasantly surprised with this book. After finishing this book, I did a bit more research on Ashley because I wanted to see what other books she had out and was even more surprised to see that she's a fairly new author (first published in 2023 and this is her fourth release). So this is my PSA to everyone saying to check her out because she's quite talented.
This is a great start to a new series by Ashley Elizabeth. This is labeled as a dark romance, however, I would say the only "dark" parts are what Scarlett endures and everything else is more on the suspense side. This would be perfect for anyone looking to dip their toes into dark romance.
I won't go into any specifics or details about this book because I feel like readers will enjoy this book more without knowing much more than the blurb. This story does surround Leo and Scarlett and how their lives are intertwined once again.
Broken in the Dark is very fast paced with some twists and turns that keeps readers right at the edge the entire time. I did figure things out fairly early on, but that did not really hinder my enjoyment of this book. And while there were some things that bothered me (few character inconsistencies) they too did not hurt the overall vibe of this story.
I highly recommend this story. It's a great way to dip your toes into dark romance and dark romance lovers will appreciate the story itself with how things play out.
February 15, 2025
⭐️4 🌶️3 ARC review
Great little intro to darker romances! I really enjoyed this book. From the moment I read the blurb I knew I had to read it, the storyline was so interesting!
I was expecting Scarlett to be hidden for longer than she was, she was found straight away by Leo which surprised me. I would have liked a little more suspense in actually finding her but I think that is very much a personal thing as I’ve been on a dark kick lately! From there the storyline was great. Seeing Scarlett find herself again as she gets to grips with survival was emotional, and Leo was so supportive of her.
Leo really is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. For her he is a simpering, smouldering puddle of a man. He is attentive yet doesn’t get too close while she heals her mind, makes sure she is protected at every second of the day, and he’s definitely a romantic! And he’s definitely got the spice down 🥵 Away from Scarlett he is a beast, loyal to the core and deadly, stopping at nothing to ensure his family’s safety.
I did see who Le Diablo was going to be very early on (I do have a particular talent at spotting this though) but I didn’t see the extra twist coming! I enjoyed that very much as I like to be shocked and it definitely shocked me!
This does have some harder to read scenes but is a great intro to the darker stuff if that’s your aim - a great one to start with as you have lots going on with a very loved up MMC who would stop at nothing to give her the world in flames.
Thank you to Ashley and Grey’s Promotions for the ARC!
Great little intro to darker romances! I really enjoyed this book. From the moment I read the blurb I knew I had to read it, the storyline was so interesting!
I was expecting Scarlett to be hidden for longer than she was, she was found straight away by Leo which surprised me. I would have liked a little more suspense in actually finding her but I think that is very much a personal thing as I’ve been on a dark kick lately! From there the storyline was great. Seeing Scarlett find herself again as she gets to grips with survival was emotional, and Leo was so supportive of her.
Leo really is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. For her he is a simpering, smouldering puddle of a man. He is attentive yet doesn’t get too close while she heals her mind, makes sure she is protected at every second of the day, and he’s definitely a romantic! And he’s definitely got the spice down 🥵 Away from Scarlett he is a beast, loyal to the core and deadly, stopping at nothing to ensure his family’s safety.
I did see who Le Diablo was going to be very early on (I do have a particular talent at spotting this though) but I didn’t see the extra twist coming! I enjoyed that very much as I like to be shocked and it definitely shocked me!
This does have some harder to read scenes but is a great intro to the darker stuff if that’s your aim - a great one to start with as you have lots going on with a very loved up MMC who would stop at nothing to give her the world in flames.
Thank you to Ashley and Grey’s Promotions for the ARC!
March 4, 2025
Leo and Scarlett knew each other since they were young. But 7 years ago, Scarlett’s dad took her away from Leo, his family, and the place she called home, the Alaire Estate. Leo got word that Scarlett was kidnapped and he and his family were determined to find her and they did, handcuffed to the floor of a room, in the dark, barely alive. Promising to keep her safe and to find the monster that did this to her, Leo and Scarlett marry in hopes to lure the monster out. The more Leo and his family try to find him, the more it seems like they never will. At the same time, Leo is protective of Scarlett. He tries to make her feel safe, tries to make her feel comfortable, and dotes on her. Will Leo and his family find Scarlett’s kidnapper before the kidnapper takes Scarlett again?
Wow. I was blown away by this book. Ashley Elizabeth is a new to me author, but now I want to make sure to read any past books and any future books, especially in this series. There is just so much to love about this book, so excuse my gushing.
The romance aspect of this book is amazing. Leo is so patient and kind with Scarlett. After her kidnapping and being kept by her monster, she is understandably afraid. Leo showed her such kindness, tenderness, caring, love, and was just the perfect man for Scarlett. Don’t get me wrong, he definitely has a wicked side, but it was never toward Scarlett.
I’m not a big mafia book person – it’s usually not my thing. But the author balanced this book out so well between that aspect, the romance, even the friendships with Scarlett and Maddie, that it wasn’t not “in your face” mafia. So really, it was the perfect balance for me. Also, the fact that all the “mafia” actions were in defense of Scarlett also made it more interesting.
I will say that I figured out the monster pretty early on. I did second guess myself at one point, and I did kind of guess another twist as well, but it did not take away from my enjoyment of the book at all! Dark romance readers, mafia readers.. ya’ll are going to LOVE this book!
Wow. I was blown away by this book. Ashley Elizabeth is a new to me author, but now I want to make sure to read any past books and any future books, especially in this series. There is just so much to love about this book, so excuse my gushing.
The romance aspect of this book is amazing. Leo is so patient and kind with Scarlett. After her kidnapping and being kept by her monster, she is understandably afraid. Leo showed her such kindness, tenderness, caring, love, and was just the perfect man for Scarlett. Don’t get me wrong, he definitely has a wicked side, but it was never toward Scarlett.
I’m not a big mafia book person – it’s usually not my thing. But the author balanced this book out so well between that aspect, the romance, even the friendships with Scarlett and Maddie, that it wasn’t not “in your face” mafia. So really, it was the perfect balance for me. Also, the fact that all the “mafia” actions were in defense of Scarlett also made it more interesting.
I will say that I figured out the monster pretty early on. I did second guess myself at one point, and I did kind of guess another twist as well, but it did not take away from my enjoyment of the book at all! Dark romance readers, mafia readers.. ya’ll are going to LOVE this book!
February 16, 2025
“I shouldn’t have survived what I went through. But somehow, I did. And life will never be the same.” — Broken in the Dark by Ashely Elizabeth
After being found chained in a dark basement, Scarlett is saved from the depraved monster who took her by her childhood love and taken back to the place she once called home.
Trying to find her way out of the darkness is no easy task, but with Leo by her side she finally feels safe enough to try. If only the faceless monster who had taken her wasn’t still haunting her dreams and hunting her in real life.
I really liked this story! It was my first book by Ashley but it won’t be my last! I really enjoyed the relationship between Leo and Scarlett and how they rekindled their childhood connection. I also loved the family bonds and can’t wait for the others to get their stories!
The suspense and mystery aspects were also fun! A little predictable for me but I kind of liked feeling like I was solving the mystery first and yelling at the characters to figure it out haha
If you like:
🖤 Marriage of Convenience (for her safety)
🖤 Mystery/Suspense Romance
🖤 Mafia/Billionaire Romance
🖤 Second Chance
🖤 Childhood Friends to Lovers
🖤 My Wife
🖤 Touch Her and ☠️
Then this one is definitely for you!
After being found chained in a dark basement, Scarlett is saved from the depraved monster who took her by her childhood love and taken back to the place she once called home.
Trying to find her way out of the darkness is no easy task, but with Leo by her side she finally feels safe enough to try. If only the faceless monster who had taken her wasn’t still haunting her dreams and hunting her in real life.
I really liked this story! It was my first book by Ashley but it won’t be my last! I really enjoyed the relationship between Leo and Scarlett and how they rekindled their childhood connection. I also loved the family bonds and can’t wait for the others to get their stories!
The suspense and mystery aspects were also fun! A little predictable for me but I kind of liked feeling like I was solving the mystery first and yelling at the characters to figure it out haha
If you like:
🖤 Marriage of Convenience (for her safety)
🖤 Mystery/Suspense Romance
🖤 Mafia/Billionaire Romance
🖤 Second Chance
🖤 Childhood Friends to Lovers
🖤 My Wife
🖤 Touch Her and ☠️
Then this one is definitely for you!
February 21, 2025
*MF
*Contemporary
*Dual-1st-PoV
*Dark Themes
*”Always been you”
*Criminal Families
*Abused FMC (off page)
*Devoted MMC
*Slow Burn
*Standalone
*Interconnected
Ticks all the right boxes!
This is a new to me author and one I would definitely pick up more books from 😄
It has so many good tropes for me: abused FMC (check your tropes) and working through trauma; first love found again; and save her from the bad guy . It also has a good pace to it balance between the ‘drama’, the angst and their relationship development.
Our MMC Leo is a brilliant mix of “loved you forever” “scary to others soft to her” “possessive - touch her and 💀”, he’s also incredibly patient with her. Although she had things to overcome the 🔥 between them is strong! Scarlett has suffered (off page but made reference too!) and after Leo saves her she has a heck of a lot to work through! She’s sweet and timid but is learning to find herself again in different ways ☺️ she’s always loved Leo and they’ve been give this second chance and boy do they take it 🥰
*Contemporary
*Dual-1st-PoV
*Dark Themes
*”Always been you”
*Criminal Families
*Abused FMC (off page)
*Devoted MMC
*Slow Burn
*Standalone
*Interconnected
Ticks all the right boxes!
This is a new to me author and one I would definitely pick up more books from 😄
It has so many good tropes for me: abused FMC (check your tropes) and working through trauma; first love found again; and save her from the bad guy . It also has a good pace to it balance between the ‘drama’, the angst and their relationship development.
Our MMC Leo is a brilliant mix of “loved you forever” “scary to others soft to her” “possessive - touch her and 💀”, he’s also incredibly patient with her. Although she had things to overcome the 🔥 between them is strong! Scarlett has suffered (off page but made reference too!) and after Leo saves her she has a heck of a lot to work through! She’s sweet and timid but is learning to find herself again in different ways ☺️ she’s always loved Leo and they’ve been give this second chance and boy do they take it 🥰
February 26, 2025
Loved it. Scarlett & Leo were true soulmates.
Leo was the best. He loved Scarlett fiercely, and he was so patient and loving with her. He did everything possible to help her get herself back.
Scarlett was so traumatized by the ahole who kidnapped her. I loved the story. The plot was very good. The villains were kind of obvious, but that didn't take away from the story at all. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. It hooked me from beginning to end.
I loved all the siblings! Can't wait for Maddy & Eli. I'm super hoping to see Mauro & Alina get together as well.
I loved this book, I loved Leo, and his love for his firefly was everything and more. 🥰
Leo was the best. He loved Scarlett fiercely, and he was so patient and loving with her. He did everything possible to help her get herself back.
Scarlett was so traumatized by the ahole who kidnapped her. I loved the story. The plot was very good. The villains were kind of obvious, but that didn't take away from the story at all. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. It hooked me from beginning to end.
I loved all the siblings! Can't wait for Maddy & Eli. I'm super hoping to see Mauro & Alina get together as well.
I loved this book, I loved Leo, and his love for his firefly was everything and more. 🥰
March 8, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
2 🌶
Wow! I was drawn in at the prologue and could not stop. Scarlett had been kidnapped and tortured but was rescued by Leo Alaire and his brothers. Since her kidnapper is still on the loose, Leo and Scarlett get married for her safety. Leo had always made Scarlett feel safe, ever since they were teens.
Scarlett's healing journey was hard and had me in tears at several points, but her strength and confidence grow over time. Leo's acts of love and patience for Scarlett show his true love and commitment, that it was more than a marriage of convenience for him.
My first read by Ashley Elizabeth, but not my last! I'm ready for the next book in the series.
2 🌶
Wow! I was drawn in at the prologue and could not stop. Scarlett had been kidnapped and tortured but was rescued by Leo Alaire and his brothers. Since her kidnapper is still on the loose, Leo and Scarlett get married for her safety. Leo had always made Scarlett feel safe, ever since they were teens.
Scarlett's healing journey was hard and had me in tears at several points, but her strength and confidence grow over time. Leo's acts of love and patience for Scarlett show his true love and commitment, that it was more than a marriage of convenience for him.
My first read by Ashley Elizabeth, but not my last! I'm ready for the next book in the series.
February 26, 2025
But can I just say wow Ashley, this might be one of your best book babies yet 🩷
Yet another amazing book by Ashely. I am absolutely in awe of her writing style and going from her contemporary romance to this darker mafia romance.
Anything Ashely writes is instantly adding to my TBR and magically ends up on top of others that have been waiting a while.
Leo, this man is a tortured soul and is finally able to have what he always wanted, Scarlett as his wife. But not in the way he ever imagined.
Leo just needed a hug every 2.5 seconds when I was reading his flashback.
Scarlett, firefly, is a force to be reckoned with. I loved her so much, she was strong for going through hell and coming back to the light.
When Leo had the custom nightlight made, my heart melted even more. I loved that Scarlett was actively seeing a therapist for what had happened to her because I feel like mental health representation is important in books.
Ashley starting with the youngest brother makes me so excited to read the other siblings stories when they come out.
Read if you like
🖤 mafia romance
🩷 my wife moments
🖤 it’s always been you
🩷 touch her and ☠️
🖤 best friend’s brother
🩷 second chance
February 25, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
•mafia
•second chance romance
•strong FMC
•touch her & 💀
•found family
•marriage of convenience
I received this book as an ARC, and I absolutely loved it! The banter, the swoon worthy moments, the character growth with the FMC and the down bad MMC are just some of my favorite things about this book! Truly I couldn’t put it down once I started!
Thank you to the author and Greys Promotions for allowing me to read and review this book early!!
•mafia
•second chance romance
•strong FMC
•touch her & 💀
•found family
•marriage of convenience
I received this book as an ARC, and I absolutely loved it! The banter, the swoon worthy moments, the character growth with the FMC and the down bad MMC are just some of my favorite things about this book! Truly I couldn’t put it down once I started!
Thank you to the author and Greys Promotions for allowing me to read and review this book early!!
March 4, 2025
When I came across this book I knew I had to read it!
I’m just obsessed with Leo and Scarlett and their story. The author did an amazing job with the trauma involved in the story. You could see just how much Scarlett was healing after what she’s been through. I also loved all the side characters and can’t wait to read more about them and this world in the upcoming book of this series. Happy reading!
I’m just obsessed with Leo and Scarlett and their story. The author did an amazing job with the trauma involved in the story. You could see just how much Scarlett was healing after what she’s been through. I also loved all the side characters and can’t wait to read more about them and this world in the upcoming book of this series. Happy reading!
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