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Until We Break
Stefani Valetti
For the past few years, Stefani has been running her family’s Oregon winery, Bel Cielo Estate. The only thing missing from her picturesque countryside life is companionship. But with a great distaste for dating - and the city - Stefani approaches an international service to make her marital dreams come true.
Enter Yulia, the alluring Russian woman with a penchant for heavy flirtation. She occasionally puts her money where her mouth is, too, driving Stefani wild with fantasies that this marriage might be more than convenience.
Yet she can’t shake the feeling that Yulia has an ulterior motive. Or maybe that’s the Valettis’ collective past coming back to bite them.
Yulia Petrova
Yulia Petrova will do whatever it takes to get to America, specifically, the Pacific Northwest, where the only person who matters is waiting for her.
She’ll even marry a total stranger. A woman, no less.
The trick isn’t balancing her own preferences. No, the trick is keeping her new fiancée from finding out the truth too quickly. First, she must ensure that Stefani is in love with her. Then, Yulia must reveal the tragic truth that has brought her to America.
Dosvidaniya, mi amore
Their budding passion and rising trust in one another is about to be severely complicated by the illness sweeping the world. For Stefani, that means shutting down the winery and hiding behind her chronic anxiety. For Yulia, that means taking all matters into her own hands. The whole world could burn, and she would still get what she came here for.
And she will do it alone - with or without the woman she’s come to love.
For the past few years, Stefani has been running her family’s Oregon winery, Bel Cielo Estate. The only thing missing from her picturesque countryside life is companionship. But with a great distaste for dating - and the city - Stefani approaches an international service to make her marital dreams come true.
Enter Yulia, the alluring Russian woman with a penchant for heavy flirtation. She occasionally puts her money where her mouth is, too, driving Stefani wild with fantasies that this marriage might be more than convenience.
Yet she can’t shake the feeling that Yulia has an ulterior motive. Or maybe that’s the Valettis’ collective past coming back to bite them.
Yulia Petrova
Yulia Petrova will do whatever it takes to get to America, specifically, the Pacific Northwest, where the only person who matters is waiting for her.
She’ll even marry a total stranger. A woman, no less.
The trick isn’t balancing her own preferences. No, the trick is keeping her new fiancée from finding out the truth too quickly. First, she must ensure that Stefani is in love with her. Then, Yulia must reveal the tragic truth that has brought her to America.
Dosvidaniya, mi amore
Their budding passion and rising trust in one another is about to be severely complicated by the illness sweeping the world. For Stefani, that means shutting down the winery and hiding behind her chronic anxiety. For Yulia, that means taking all matters into her own hands. The whole world could burn, and she would still get what she came here for.
And she will do it alone - with or without the woman she’s come to love.
Audible Audio
Published November 19, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 20, 2020
UGH!
Stefani and her brother own a winery in Oregon. She hates the city, likes to stay near home and finds dating a chore, but she is desperate for a family of her own. The solution? A mail order bride from Russia. Yulia is a pretty Russian woman who agrees to marry Stefani. She is straight but is willing to make this work because it is too important to live in the Pacific Northwest. Yulia has a secret and she needs Stefani to help her. Yulia has to make Stefani fall in love so she can use her as an ends to a means…
I am usually a fan of Ms Dane and Ms Billings but not this time. The book lacked emotions and passion. Yes, there was sex but it was broken up by inner musings and totally lost the rhythm and groove. It was also boring sex! I couldn’t believe these authors, who write great erotica came up with this…mess. The relationship between Yulia and Stefani was also forced as well. Yulia is a complete tool and about as personable as one. She has so much contempt for her fiancée but then suddenly might love her and maybe the sex, which she instigates so she can control Stefani, isn’t so bad… Stefani was supposed to be this strong woman who happened to have anxiety but she’s just a 2 dimensional, dull, clueless basket case. I wasn’t even a third into the book when I wanted to quit but I made myself read on hoping it would improve but it didn’t. When Stefani gives Yulia what she her heart desires most, something the Russian is willing to die to have, Stefani doesn’t even get a simple thank you!!! NOTHING!!! SO WRONG! Between the mobsters, Russian and Italian, the Covid 19, the lackluster writing and the forgettable characters, I was really glad to have read the last word.
Stefani and her brother own a winery in Oregon. She hates the city, likes to stay near home and finds dating a chore, but she is desperate for a family of her own. The solution? A mail order bride from Russia. Yulia is a pretty Russian woman who agrees to marry Stefani. She is straight but is willing to make this work because it is too important to live in the Pacific Northwest. Yulia has a secret and she needs Stefani to help her. Yulia has to make Stefani fall in love so she can use her as an ends to a means…
I am usually a fan of Ms Dane and Ms Billings but not this time. The book lacked emotions and passion. Yes, there was sex but it was broken up by inner musings and totally lost the rhythm and groove. It was also boring sex! I couldn’t believe these authors, who write great erotica came up with this…mess. The relationship between Yulia and Stefani was also forced as well. Yulia is a complete tool and about as personable as one. She has so much contempt for her fiancée but then suddenly might love her and maybe the sex, which she instigates so she can control Stefani, isn’t so bad… Stefani was supposed to be this strong woman who happened to have anxiety but she’s just a 2 dimensional, dull, clueless basket case. I wasn’t even a third into the book when I wanted to quit but I made myself read on hoping it would improve but it didn’t. When Stefani gives Yulia what she her heart desires most, something the Russian is willing to die to have, Stefani doesn’t even get a simple thank you!!! NOTHING!!! SO WRONG! Between the mobsters, Russian and Italian, the Covid 19, the lackluster writing and the forgettable characters, I was really glad to have read the last word.
December 7, 2020
I felt so sorry for Stefani through the whole story. She was being used and manipulated and yet she still loved Yulia. I understand why Yulia did what she did but I still disliked her most of the time. I was riveted by this story and the way the author incorporates the COVID virus. The steamy scenes were off the charts hot.
June 16, 2020
A fauxmance involving a mail order bride from Russia, a couple of mob families, a winery, and the beginnings of the Covid pandemic. I'm working my way through the Hard to Get series, but this was a pleasant diversion.
June 18, 2020
I did not like either Stefani or Yulia throughout the book. The story tells what most believe happens during an arrangement to get a green card. No love only using each other.
March 14, 2024
This love just wasn’t believable…
I know that it’s a trope - especially in Cynthia & Hildred’s work - that love comes fast and is true for the two main characters. And generally, I can suspend disbelief. But not this time. Until We Break just felt… false. Yulia got what she wanted in the end - it’s impossible to believe that her feelings for Stefani are true. I never once felt like Yulia was genuine in her feelings beyond getting what she wanted out of an arranged marriage. Yes, she could have walked away once she did get what she actually came to America for, but then that’s not how the story has been written.
I enjoy Hildred’s writing immensely. I’ve no idea what portion is Hildred’s and what portion is Cynthia’s but both are wonderful writers - there’s just some sugar I can’t swallow and this is that one story they’ve written together that I just cannot believe. I’d be more inclined to believe that Eva Warren will be forever happy with the likes of Nadia, who is perhaps one of the very few women in this universe Hildred’s and Cynthia have created who doesn’t enjoy being submissive.
I wanted to like this story - I’ve seen Stefani & Yulia pop up in another book and was curious about how they came to be together. At least now I can say I know. I still consider this worth a read - there’s steamy romance after all, in true Hildred/Cynthia fashion, but I can’t say I stayed for the relationship this time around.
I know that it’s a trope - especially in Cynthia & Hildred’s work - that love comes fast and is true for the two main characters. And generally, I can suspend disbelief. But not this time. Until We Break just felt… false. Yulia got what she wanted in the end - it’s impossible to believe that her feelings for Stefani are true. I never once felt like Yulia was genuine in her feelings beyond getting what she wanted out of an arranged marriage. Yes, she could have walked away once she did get what she actually came to America for, but then that’s not how the story has been written.
I enjoy Hildred’s writing immensely. I’ve no idea what portion is Hildred’s and what portion is Cynthia’s but both are wonderful writers - there’s just some sugar I can’t swallow and this is that one story they’ve written together that I just cannot believe. I’d be more inclined to believe that Eva Warren will be forever happy with the likes of Nadia, who is perhaps one of the very few women in this universe Hildred’s and Cynthia have created who doesn’t enjoy being submissive.
I wanted to like this story - I’ve seen Stefani & Yulia pop up in another book and was curious about how they came to be together. At least now I can say I know. I still consider this worth a read - there’s steamy romance after all, in true Hildred/Cynthia fashion, but I can’t say I stayed for the relationship this time around.
January 4, 2021
This is one of the first audiobooks I’ve listened to where I did not like one of the main characters, possibly even both of them. That being said, Cynthia Dane and Hildred Billings offers one of the most interesting relationships in the lesbian romance genre. Stefani, a successful winery owner decides for a marriage of convenience with Yulia, from Russia. What makes this interesting is that through most of it, I find myself asking, ‘how will this work, and why should it?’, but the authors eventually find a way to make it work. Trish Thompson does an excellent job with narrating many different voices, though her voice for Yulia does seem a little stiff and stereotypical Russian. There are times where Yulia’s accent is perfectly set for her deeds. The journey is worth the listen. Thankyou to Trish Thompson for the complementary access to this audiobook. This is a great first-Lesfic-narration; Cynthia Dane and Hildred Billings chose well to have their fascinating story read by Trish Thompson.
March 21, 2021
I'll first start by saying I kept finding myself frustrated by Yulia's character, and even Stevani, and how Yulia is just always plotting, she's always trying to do something to get her way, and she wants just one thing. Her son. I wish I can say there's a moment in this, outside the sexy bits, that calls to me, speaks to me, and makes me go "wow, that's cool", but there really wasn't one of those moments in this story for me. I just feel that there was a lot of potential missed in Yulia's "hero" journey. She has a chance at true happiness with Stefani and every chance she gets she seems to just squander it.
Stefani, spoiler, is also a walking carpet. She literally just goes-with-the-flow when she starts having suspicions about Yulia's true motives because she's blinded by this sudden, newfound love for Yulia. Yulia's love also doesn't come nearly natural as it should.
In this one, in my mind, I started off by liking Stefani, then about 60% through and ended up starting to feel sorry for Stefani, and then just nothing for her at the end.
Stefani, spoiler, is also a walking carpet. She literally just goes-with-the-flow when she starts having suspicions about Yulia's true motives because she's blinded by this sudden, newfound love for Yulia. Yulia's love also doesn't come nearly natural as it should.
In this one, in my mind, I started off by liking Stefani, then about 60% through and ended up starting to feel sorry for Stefani, and then just nothing for her at the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2022
This book is overflowing with problems. From the technical point of view there were a number of grammatical mistakes (no, nothing having to do with the Russian MC learning English) and swaps of character names in scenes, which lead me to believe this received little to no editorial checks. The larger problem is the central story of the mail-order-bride with a Visa in exchange for sex/raising one's children. It's an uncomfortable power imbalance that is vaguely touched upon between the characters through dialogue but continues to exist like the elephant in the room for the entire book. The result is a relationship that reads like a lie, if not outright coercion, no matter how many times the characters throw around the l-word out of no where. Too much "ick" factor for me.
March 19, 2024
This is a difficult love story, so full of tragedy and roadblocks to overcome, yet so beautiful!
Russian mafia vs Italian-American mafia pushing and pulling families apart and together while a love story as unlikely took the time to grow. The magic has been unleashed and two women so far apart in circumstances fall in love. A family is formed and grows stronger despite the odds these two women are determined in their own rite to make things happen. The characters are strongly defined, making the story flow to a powerful claim of love. This book is definitely worth the read.
Russian mafia vs Italian-American mafia pushing and pulling families apart and together while a love story as unlikely took the time to grow. The magic has been unleashed and two women so far apart in circumstances fall in love. A family is formed and grows stronger despite the odds these two women are determined in their own rite to make things happen. The characters are strongly defined, making the story flow to a powerful claim of love. This book is definitely worth the read.
June 1, 2020
Steamy Good!
I enjoyed a lot the introduction of a Russian character not because it was Russian but because I like the way they were teaching each other and using russian expression and words it was fun! Chemistry was interesting and vivid! The story was lovely and steamy AF! Hildred never disappoints me, BUT the only reason I am giving it 3 well let’s say 3.5 is because she included the current situation and it was like noooo not in one of my books my escape! That broke my heart!
I enjoyed a lot the introduction of a Russian character not because it was Russian but because I like the way they were teaching each other and using russian expression and words it was fun! Chemistry was interesting and vivid! The story was lovely and steamy AF! Hildred never disappoints me, BUT the only reason I am giving it 3 well let’s say 3.5 is because she included the current situation and it was like noooo not in one of my books my escape! That broke my heart!
June 6, 2020
I think this book triggered every single anxiety that I possess. At no point, even the final chapter, did I feel like Yulia loved Stefani for reasons other than what she could do for her. Yulia tells too many lies and half-truths and given that she knows about Stefani's anxiety there are times this just seems cruel. Especially because Stefani can feel it. She wonders if Yulia is using her and dismisses it as her anxiety but Yulia is using her, is lying to her.
Couldn't re-read.
Couldn't re-read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2020
What a sweet story with a little action tossed in.
When I stated reading this book, somehow I saw it going in a whole other direction but I like how everything played out still. Julia and Stefani had quite the coming together and I enjoyed the added personal thoughts of each character throughout the book, certainly helped to understand where each were coming from with their actions.
When I stated reading this book, somehow I saw it going in a whole other direction but I like how everything played out still. Julia and Stefani had quite the coming together and I enjoyed the added personal thoughts of each character throughout the book, certainly helped to understand where each were coming from with their actions.
July 15, 2020
Had trouble with this one.
The characters were unappealing.. I read about 70% of the book and then really pretty well gave up. An ugly story.. The American was too naive to be believable and the Russian was stereotypical in the extreme. A disappointment as Cynthia Dane writes so well and her stories are usually good.
The characters were unappealing.. I read about 70% of the book and then really pretty well gave up. An ugly story.. The American was too naive to be believable and the Russian was stereotypical in the extreme. A disappointment as Cynthia Dane writes so well and her stories are usually good.
June 7, 2021
Loved it
This book was so different from any book I have read before and I really did love it. She I read a book that has all the bells and whistles, I wonder how in the world you guys come up with this kind of story line. I may not understand how you do it, but I'm really glad you do.
This book was so different from any book I have read before and I really did love it. She I read a book that has all the bells and whistles, I wonder how in the world you guys come up with this kind of story line. I may not understand how you do it, but I'm really glad you do.
October 19, 2021
Simmers and Sizzles
Very interesting premise, upon which is built a terrific plot/story, with great characters. The main characters are complex and well-developed, and believable. Their relationship is balanced precariously on their dreams and impossible-seeming goals. Their interactions are oh. So. Hot.
Very interesting premise, upon which is built a terrific plot/story, with great characters. The main characters are complex and well-developed, and believable. Their relationship is balanced precariously on their dreams and impossible-seeming goals. Their interactions are oh. So. Hot.
June 1, 2020
Enjoyable
I really enjoyed this book. Yulia is a hoot. The story was interesting. It kept me on my toes. Russian mail order bride, mixed with an Italian winery and throw in the Mob. Good times had by all!
I really enjoyed this book. Yulia is a hoot. The story was interesting. It kept me on my toes. Russian mail order bride, mixed with an Italian winery and throw in the Mob. Good times had by all!
June 4, 2020
Mysterious and sexy
The words vibrant, mysterious, and sexy come to mind as I review this book. An entertaining game of unraveling the web of Yulia’s intentions in agreeing to marry Stefani.
The words vibrant, mysterious, and sexy come to mind as I review this book. An entertaining game of unraveling the web of Yulia’s intentions in agreeing to marry Stefani.
June 25, 2020
Different from her other books but warm and fulfilling
No, don't read this for a rewrite of her other books. The difference is in language. Still has got moments but the romance is palpable.
No, don't read this for a rewrite of her other books. The difference is in language. Still has got moments but the romance is palpable.
September 2, 2020
Mafias, manipulations, missions & mail-order-brides
The storyline was a uniquely different take on the typical girl-meets-girl narrative with characters that were easy to like, appreciate & relate.
The storyline was a uniquely different take on the typical girl-meets-girl narrative with characters that were easy to like, appreciate & relate.
September 23, 2020
Wonderful!
This is a well written book with well developed characters and a lesbian twist to a mail order bride storyline. I enjoyed this book and recommend you put it on your list read list.
This is a well written book with well developed characters and a lesbian twist to a mail order bride storyline. I enjoyed this book and recommend you put it on your list read list.
February 8, 2022
Toxic and terrible
Got about halfway through before I stopped reading. The relationship is toxic and entirety manipulative from Yulia. The ends don't always justify the means as she said. This is just a toxic relationship and not good material for a romance.
Got about halfway through before I stopped reading. The relationship is toxic and entirety manipulative from Yulia. The ends don't always justify the means as she said. This is just a toxic relationship and not good material for a romance.
June 5, 2020
Wonderful!
Another wonderful book from excellent authors. I would recommend this book, especially if you like a sensual and erotic story.
Another wonderful book from excellent authors. I would recommend this book, especially if you like a sensual and erotic story.
July 5, 2020
Wonderful story
I enjoyed this book with it up to date realistic telling of the world and the way a woman will do anything for child.
I enjoyed this book with it up to date realistic telling of the world and the way a woman will do anything for child.
October 18, 2021
amazing
A twisted, fun, loving and brave story. With courage, love finds a way to fulfill your dreams. Finds
a way to happiness.
A twisted, fun, loving and brave story. With courage, love finds a way to fulfill your dreams. Finds
a way to happiness.
May 31, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2
November 27, 2022
Exceptional Book
Because it diservedthis rating maybe more. I couldn't put it down. Very interesting yet very sexy. But how many kids did they have
Because it diservedthis rating maybe more. I couldn't put it down. Very interesting yet very sexy. But how many kids did they have
August 17, 2025
Mail order bride from Russia arrives for the owner of the winery. Very complicated plot with the mafia
September 9, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. The characters had a lot of depth, and it was longer than most reads. A bit unusual storyline, and that was good as well.
August 14, 2020
Faux-mance usually doesn't do it for me just not my type of thing. Usually when I pick a book with this theme I thoroughly research it beforehand cause I hate DNFing a book. However this is my 15th book by this author actually make 18th as I have read a couple of her straight romances so I know exactly what to expect from her and she delivers every time. This time is not disappointment either so let's get to it.
SLIGHT SPOILERS
First things first I loved that neither weren't pretending they weren't attracted to the other. It's one of the things I have in fake romances they are attracted to each other but NOO God forbid the other knows. Not the case here. Even the emotional part of their relationship has great pacing. The fact that Yulia was not good at English was one of the best portrayals of character having studied English but not being their first language. Usually something like this gets looked over in books and they suddenly know perfect (insert language) by the end of the book. Nope Here we get natural progression and I can honest to God hear her accent in my head. Another thing I loved was Stefani's anxiety it was great portrayal of it if you ask me. She has an anxiety disorder and panic attacks but she's gotten help from them and shows how she may feel like everything is closing down on her but she pushes it back until everything else is resolved. As someone who has high anxiety I know what I am talking about.
Anyways these are just the highlights a solid 4 stars for me
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
SLIGHT SPOILERS
First things first I loved that neither weren't pretending they weren't attracted to the other. It's one of the things I have in fake romances they are attracted to each other but NOO God forbid the other knows. Not the case here. Even the emotional part of their relationship has great pacing. The fact that Yulia was not good at English was one of the best portrayals of character having studied English but not being their first language. Usually something like this gets looked over in books and they suddenly know perfect (insert language) by the end of the book. Nope Here we get natural progression and I can honest to God hear her accent in my head. Another thing I loved was Stefani's anxiety it was great portrayal of it if you ask me. She has an anxiety disorder and panic attacks but she's gotten help from them and shows how she may feel like everything is closing down on her but she pushes it back until everything else is resolved. As someone who has high anxiety I know what I am talking about.
Anyways these are just the highlights a solid 4 stars for me
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews