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Breaking Gray
Sophie Ryan knows what it means to survive.
After escaping years of abuse, she runs from her past and seeks refuge in a small town that carries secrets of its own. With nothing but her scissors, skill, and determination, Sophie begins to rebuild her life behind the chair of her new salon.
But this town isn’t ordinary. It belongs to the mafia. And the man next in line to take control—the brooding, dangerous, and magnetic heir—has set his eyes on her.
Drawn into a world where loyalty is law and betrayal is fatal, Sophie must decide if she’s strong enough to face more than just her past. In a place where darkness rules, can she protect her freedom… or will love break her all over again?
Breaking Gray is a dark, emotional romance about survival, healing, and the unexpected places where love dares to grow.
After escaping years of abuse, she runs from her past and seeks refuge in a small town that carries secrets of its own. With nothing but her scissors, skill, and determination, Sophie begins to rebuild her life behind the chair of her new salon.
But this town isn’t ordinary. It belongs to the mafia. And the man next in line to take control—the brooding, dangerous, and magnetic heir—has set his eyes on her.
Drawn into a world where loyalty is law and betrayal is fatal, Sophie must decide if she’s strong enough to face more than just her past. In a place where darkness rules, can she protect her freedom… or will love break her all over again?
Breaking Gray is a dark, emotional romance about survival, healing, and the unexpected places where love dares to grow.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 14, 2025
11 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
X. O. Kiki
2 books7 followersX. O. Kiki is an author who writes stories that blend raw emotion, resilience, and passion with unforgettable romance. Her debut novel, Breaking Gray, introduces readers to a world of survival, strength, and love born from the darkest places.
When she isn’t writing, Kiki draws inspiration from her roles as a mom, hairstylist, and mental health advocate. She believes stories have the power to heal, empower, and remind us that no one’s past defines their future.
Kiki lives in West Virginia, where she’s usually juggling books, coffee, and her next idea for a story that refuses to leave her alone.
When she isn’t writing, Kiki draws inspiration from her roles as a mom, hairstylist, and mental health advocate. She believes stories have the power to heal, empower, and remind us that no one’s past defines their future.
Kiki lives in West Virginia, where she’s usually juggling books, coffee, and her next idea for a story that refuses to leave her alone.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 4, 2025
I absolutely was addicted to this book. It’s a Mafia Romance but not as we know it. There are two main characters one is the woman running away from her abusive husband…..but wait….theres a twist,
She opens a hairdressing shop, in comes Xavier. He needs a hair cut, but he’s the son of the “big gun” his Daddy is nastier than a slugs slime. But is Xavier made of the same hard stuff?
There are twists in these pages that I didn’t expect that reminded me a little of my thrillers I read. I’m glad I took a chance on this indie author, she can write like any well long time published author! I’m lookingg forward to book 2, which I think she’s aiming for February
If you like dark romance and twists that will keep you guessing, you’ve fond it here it is
She opens a hairdressing shop, in comes Xavier. He needs a hair cut, but he’s the son of the “big gun” his Daddy is nastier than a slugs slime. But is Xavier made of the same hard stuff?
There are twists in these pages that I didn’t expect that reminded me a little of my thrillers I read. I’m glad I took a chance on this indie author, she can write like any well long time published author! I’m lookingg forward to book 2, which I think she’s aiming for February
If you like dark romance and twists that will keep you guessing, you’ve fond it here it is
November 5, 2025
This is the first book in the Season’s series and a debut novel to boot and it was fantastic!!! I can’t wait until book 2 comes out! Mafia Romance, he falls first, touch her and die. Please check your trigger warnings. Lots of domestic abuse but the awareness this book brings to it is thoughtful and well done. Great book. I highly recommend!!!
January 1, 2026
Sophie Ryan has moved to a new town to flee a DV situation.
She's spent a year setting up her hairdressing salon and building a good client base.... that includes our MMC, Xavier.
He's the son of the head of the local mafia, and he's been yearning for her from afar.... aside from those weekly haircuts.
Sophie is a colourful character with a deep love for music 🎶 which has been a great comfort to her through the hard times. She's resilient and the whole DV subject was written very well.
This book has very likeable characters, and is told in the first person POVs of Sophie and Xavier.
The ending ended a bit too abruptly for me, as I'd have liked to have read some POVs of the baddies and their plots and scheming.
I loved how music was such a big part of this book, and I was regularly thinking, 'I know this one!' or, 'I've got this on my playlist!' throughout the story.
I rate this book four stars and will be eager to read the sequel.
She's spent a year setting up her hairdressing salon and building a good client base.... that includes our MMC, Xavier.
He's the son of the head of the local mafia, and he's been yearning for her from afar.... aside from those weekly haircuts.
Sophie is a colourful character with a deep love for music 🎶 which has been a great comfort to her through the hard times. She's resilient and the whole DV subject was written very well.
This book has very likeable characters, and is told in the first person POVs of Sophie and Xavier.
The ending ended a bit too abruptly for me, as I'd have liked to have read some POVs of the baddies and their plots and scheming.
I loved how music was such a big part of this book, and I was regularly thinking, 'I know this one!' or, 'I've got this on my playlist!' throughout the story.
I rate this book four stars and will be eager to read the sequel.
September 24, 2025
PLEASE READ THIS! Holy cow was this an emotional roller coaster of emotions. I absolutely loved this book. I’m not one for leaving comments, but good lord did the author pour her entire soul into this book. I can’t wait for part two!
June 4, 2025
Breaking Gray by X. O. Kiki
Rating:5/5
Review:
👉Breaking Gray by X. O. Kiki is an emotionally powerful and deeply introspective novel that blends gritty realism with the tenderness of human connection. Set in a rough, crime-heavy town just outside Washington, D.C., the story follows Sophie Ryan, a gifted cosmetologist who’s doing her best to leave behind a painful and shadowy past. 🥰📚
👉Sophie’s journey is as raw as it is inspiring. She’s chasing her dreams—finally settling into her own space, building a life she can be proud of—but trauma doesn’t let go easily. There’s a constant tension in her life, as the past creeps in, threatening to shatter everything she’s worked for. X. O. Kiki captures that fragile dance between progress and fear with honesty and grace.
👉Enter the mysterious, tall, dark, and handsome man who offers not just romantic tension but also a chance at emotional healing. Their chemistry is subtle yet intense, and as their connection deepens, we begin to see cracks in Sophie’s armor—revealing her vulnerability, her strength, and her need to feel safe enough to trust again. 🥰😍
👉But this story isn’t just about romance. It’s a bold, unfiltered look at what it means to live in America’s poverty belt—how cycles of violence, trauma, and hardship leave their mark, especially on women trying to rise above it all. Kiki doesn’t sugarcoat Sophie’s environment or her emotional battles, and that’s exactly what makes this book so real, so relatable, and so necessary.
👉What truly stands out is Sophie’s inner fire. Her resilience, her moments of doubt, her small wins and quiet breakthroughs all come together to paint a deeply human portrait of survival and strength. You don’t just read about Sophie—you feel for her, cheer for her, and want her to win.
👉Breaking Gray is a captivating start to a promising series. It’s full of heart, grit, and soul—with themes of healing, self-worth, and rediscovering hope when the world feels broken. If you love emotionally driven stories that offer both truth and beauty, this one is for you.
Happy reading 😁😁
#bookreview
Rating:5/5
Review:
👉Breaking Gray by X. O. Kiki is an emotionally powerful and deeply introspective novel that blends gritty realism with the tenderness of human connection. Set in a rough, crime-heavy town just outside Washington, D.C., the story follows Sophie Ryan, a gifted cosmetologist who’s doing her best to leave behind a painful and shadowy past. 🥰📚
👉Sophie’s journey is as raw as it is inspiring. She’s chasing her dreams—finally settling into her own space, building a life she can be proud of—but trauma doesn’t let go easily. There’s a constant tension in her life, as the past creeps in, threatening to shatter everything she’s worked for. X. O. Kiki captures that fragile dance between progress and fear with honesty and grace.
👉Enter the mysterious, tall, dark, and handsome man who offers not just romantic tension but also a chance at emotional healing. Their chemistry is subtle yet intense, and as their connection deepens, we begin to see cracks in Sophie’s armor—revealing her vulnerability, her strength, and her need to feel safe enough to trust again. 🥰😍
👉But this story isn’t just about romance. It’s a bold, unfiltered look at what it means to live in America’s poverty belt—how cycles of violence, trauma, and hardship leave their mark, especially on women trying to rise above it all. Kiki doesn’t sugarcoat Sophie’s environment or her emotional battles, and that’s exactly what makes this book so real, so relatable, and so necessary.
👉What truly stands out is Sophie’s inner fire. Her resilience, her moments of doubt, her small wins and quiet breakthroughs all come together to paint a deeply human portrait of survival and strength. You don’t just read about Sophie—you feel for her, cheer for her, and want her to win.
👉Breaking Gray is a captivating start to a promising series. It’s full of heart, grit, and soul—with themes of healing, self-worth, and rediscovering hope when the world feels broken. If you love emotionally driven stories that offer both truth and beauty, this one is for you.
Happy reading 😁😁
#bookreview
February 9, 2026
Wrecked in the Best Way
Oh my gosh - this book was so good.
I read most of it in one sitting and only resurfaced because, you know… mom life doesn’t pause for fictional emotional spirals. One minute I was dropping the kids off at school, the next they were home asking for homework help, and somehow an entire world had lived inside my head in between. Every spare second I had, my nose was right back in this book.
The characters were beautifully written and deeply human. My heart ached for Sophie and everything she went through, but reading about the trauma Xavier endured had my eyes watering more than once. Their emotional depth felt raw and real, and the chemistry between them? The kind most women dream about - intense, meaningful, and completely consuming.
And the villains… wow. They were written so well that I genuinely felt the tension and stakes every time they appeared. That kind of presence on the page takes skill.
Huge applause to the author - this story pulled me in, wrecked me in the best way, and left me desperate for more.
I need Book 2.
Oh my gosh - this book was so good.
I read most of it in one sitting and only resurfaced because, you know… mom life doesn’t pause for fictional emotional spirals. One minute I was dropping the kids off at school, the next they were home asking for homework help, and somehow an entire world had lived inside my head in between. Every spare second I had, my nose was right back in this book.
The characters were beautifully written and deeply human. My heart ached for Sophie and everything she went through, but reading about the trauma Xavier endured had my eyes watering more than once. Their emotional depth felt raw and real, and the chemistry between them? The kind most women dream about - intense, meaningful, and completely consuming.
And the villains… wow. They were written so well that I genuinely felt the tension and stakes every time they appeared. That kind of presence on the page takes skill.
Huge applause to the author - this story pulled me in, wrecked me in the best way, and left me desperate for more.
I need Book 2.
December 2, 2025
XO Kiki’s debut novel was a rollercoaster ride and I loved it! Her impeccable writing skills beautifully told a story of Sophie who has spent a lifetime full of heartbreak.
Sophie is a strong, independent woman who finally has her life where she wants it to be, but someone wants to ruin it. Xavier walks into her world and is instantly smitten. His main goal is to protect her and get her to fall in love with him.
The narrative was well thought out and presented an amazing story of love, loss, fear, and hope.
The cliffhanger has me anxiously awaiting the next release. Well done XO!
Sophie is a strong, independent woman who finally has her life where she wants it to be, but someone wants to ruin it. Xavier walks into her world and is instantly smitten. His main goal is to protect her and get her to fall in love with him.
The narrative was well thought out and presented an amazing story of love, loss, fear, and hope.
The cliffhanger has me anxiously awaiting the next release. Well done XO!
December 29, 2025
*Chefs kiss* This book was so good. As a DV survivor, some of the flashbacks were hard but helped with the story of how Sophie made it out. It's got hope, finding yourself after the dark, second chance at life and love, finding someone who will devote their life to you and heartbreak. Absolutely worth reading and can't wait for the next book!
January 27, 2026
ARC Reader Review 😊
What a ride! I was hooked from the beginning and was grateful for the rollercoaster this took me on. I was shocked to learn that this was a debut novel for this author. This well written Mafia Romance was emotion with a perfect twist. Check out the trigger warnings, but if its not an issue, this was totally worth the read.
What a ride! I was hooked from the beginning and was grateful for the rollercoaster this took me on. I was shocked to learn that this was a debut novel for this author. This well written Mafia Romance was emotion with a perfect twist. Check out the trigger warnings, but if its not an issue, this was totally worth the read.
October 29, 2025
I fell in love with this book within the first couple chapters. For an indie author, I was very impressed by how well-written it was. Hate that it ended on a cliffhanger but only because I’m impatient. I NEED book 2 like yesterday. All the characters are amazing and live rent free in my head
November 13, 2025
Loved this book story line was great kept me guessing although classed as dark I didn’t find it very dark it started to get a bit darker towards the end but was left on a cliffhanger so looking forward to book 2 to see what happens and hoping book 2 may be a bit darker. Would definately reccomend this book and actually rate it a 4.5 star not just 4.
December 11, 2025
I have given this book a 5 star ⭐ rating because what I have read so far has been good I could feel what Sarah who is the main person in the book and what she goes through just to be free and happy it's a must read and I don't want to give to much away it is a dark romance and it comes with a trigger warning for DV drug abuse and some others that can be upsetting. I have absolutely loved reading the book and I like Sophie and Xavier together and I want to read the second book of the season
September 5, 2025
I really loved the book it reads like a memory sometimes sad and heart breaking and sometimes healing but always beautiful. The book is so well written and the story is really incredible I can’t wait to see what she writes next.
November 8, 2025
I went into this expecting a DV, trauma recovery story. What I got was an unexpectedly, steamy, mafia romance. I loved both aspects of this story. Sophie, hiding from her past, is an independent woman who has started a new life and not looking for love. Xavier is the wealthy and mysterious man who frequents Sophie’s shop, requesting her services specifically.
This story takes a path that sucked me into a love story between reluctant participants. The passion and secrets kept the pages turning until the very end!
Definitely a story I want to see play out!
This story takes a path that sucked me into a love story between reluctant participants. The passion and secrets kept the pages turning until the very end!
Definitely a story I want to see play out!
September 16, 2025
Dark mafia romances will forever have my heart. I enjoyed the plot of this story and the emotional roller coaster it took me on. I personally despise cliffhangers because I know how impatient I am lol. Hopefully the next book comes out sooner rather than later.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews