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Run This Town #1
(Watch Me) Break You
They’re in a war for control of the streets, but love will be the ultimate prize.
Here comes trouble…
Men. Women. Drugs. Dima Zhirkov’s favorite things. Add in the element of danger and he should be right as rain. But not today. It’s not working, hasn’t for a long time. He’s grasping at the flimsiest of straws to prove he’s indeed strong enough to run his streets. Until he sets eyes on him. In the midst of a room full of strangers, Dima is drawn to a man as cold and dangerous as he’s beautiful. Captivated, Dima embarks on a ruthless campaign to get his new toy into bed.
Here comes the danger…
Xavier “X” Storm is content to pull the strings while someone else handles the day to day dealings of his gang, The Rude Boys. He’s after what Dima holds closest—the Coney Island streets. He contracts out the job of killing the Russian, except Dima isn’t that easy to kill. When he suddenly shows up in X’s path, tempting him to indulge in the dirtiest play, he finds Dima isn’t all that easy to shake, either. His cocky attitude and rough submission tempts X to go where he’d vowed to never return, and they plunge head first into an affair fueled by possessive obsession.
Run for cover
Sex and pain Dima can handle, and X delivers the most depraved kind. Their connection is explosive, their games addictive, but Dima can end it whenever he wishes. He doesn’t see that X is breaking him down, giving Dima everything he wants and even more than he ever thought to need. By the time he realizes who X is and what he wants, Dima is raw and bullet-riddled. It’s run or fight. And Dima doesn’t back down. Neither does X.
Warning: Includes strong BDSM elements, and reference to rape and sexual abuse.
Here comes trouble…
Men. Women. Drugs. Dima Zhirkov’s favorite things. Add in the element of danger and he should be right as rain. But not today. It’s not working, hasn’t for a long time. He’s grasping at the flimsiest of straws to prove he’s indeed strong enough to run his streets. Until he sets eyes on him. In the midst of a room full of strangers, Dima is drawn to a man as cold and dangerous as he’s beautiful. Captivated, Dima embarks on a ruthless campaign to get his new toy into bed.
Here comes the danger…
Xavier “X” Storm is content to pull the strings while someone else handles the day to day dealings of his gang, The Rude Boys. He’s after what Dima holds closest—the Coney Island streets. He contracts out the job of killing the Russian, except Dima isn’t that easy to kill. When he suddenly shows up in X’s path, tempting him to indulge in the dirtiest play, he finds Dima isn’t all that easy to shake, either. His cocky attitude and rough submission tempts X to go where he’d vowed to never return, and they plunge head first into an affair fueled by possessive obsession.
Run for cover
Sex and pain Dima can handle, and X delivers the most depraved kind. Their connection is explosive, their games addictive, but Dima can end it whenever he wishes. He doesn’t see that X is breaking him down, giving Dima everything he wants and even more than he ever thought to need. By the time he realizes who X is and what he wants, Dima is raw and bullet-riddled. It’s run or fight. And Dima doesn’t back down. Neither does X.
Warning: Includes strong BDSM elements, and reference to rape and sexual abuse.
212 pages, ebook
First published September 5, 2014
224 people are currently reading
2757 people want to read
About the author
Avril Ashton
78 books1,679 followersA Caribbean transplant, Avril now lives in Stone Mountain, GA., with a tolerant Spousal Equivalent. Together they raise an eccentric daughter who loves reading and school (not so much school anymore). Avril’s earliest memories of reading revolve around discussing plot points of Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys with an equally book-minded mother
Always in love with the written word, Avril finally decided to do the writing in August of ’09 and never looked back. Spicy love scenes, delicious heroes, and wicked women burn up the pages of Avril’s stories, but there’ll always be a happy ending; Av remains a believer of love in all its forms.
Always in love with the written word, Avril finally decided to do the writing in August of ’09 and never looked back. Spicy love scenes, delicious heroes, and wicked women burn up the pages of Avril’s stories, but there’ll always be a happy ending; Av remains a believer of love in all its forms.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 391 reviews
July 29, 2023
— 4 stars ☆
Dima flipped until they were face to face. “I’ll be here, wherever you go.” His eyes were bright in the low light. “My place,” he touched the pad of one finger to X’s mouth, “my place is by your side.”
stop ilovedimaxaviersomuch. 🥺 sometimes you just need some ott clingy ultra possessive + crazy psychopathic characters to help you find some variety in your reads. 😌 dima & xavier were so toxic and unhealthy and addictive and i loved it!! and the best part is that i wasn’t even expecting to. unexpected reads that end up stunning you in the best ways >>>
“I love everything about you, Rush.” Xavier concentrated on Dima’s ass. “Everything. You’re worth it.” He alternated blows, lashing Dima’s butt cheeks. “To me.” His choked words cut off then began again. “You’re worth everything to me. I want you to choose me, even when the time comes that you won’t want to.”
Dima didn’t know if the whip or Xavier’s words were the cause of his loud, hacking sobs. But they were, ripping from his throat.
“Choose me when your head says no.”
i simply could not put this down and binged it in one sitting. i was getting all the feels bc of dimaxavier and i was so down for it. i loved both dima and xavier so much?? both individually and as a couple. this was one of those cases where i was literally so in love with both the mcs bc both of them had these qualities in them that made me so intrigued?? x, being the tough, cold, ruthless, smart guy but finally feeling something with dima (which btw is one of my fav tropes. the “i’ve never felt anything before you” vibes in this were immaculate 💅), and dima, being such a wild, crazy, insane guy who also felt so much with those he let inside his inner circle. the way both of them were so jealous & possessive and i ate it up though?? bye i adore them. they just deserve the world and they’re such a power couple, too. 🥺🤍
their dynamics were literally what made the book for me. i loved how dima was the one who first pursued xavier (sexually) while xavier helped him realize just how much they loved each other. just how obsessed both of them were with each other. i loved the way the dynamics were balanced, too! xavier was so cold and almost emotionless before dima but him being the one to pursue the emotional part of their relationship? says a lot 😌 they found the type of love and commitment both of them needed, found that middle ground and they loved in the insane way that they did, but they loved each other right by their ways. and that’s everything to me <3
i don’t generally love bdsm dynamics bc they’re just not always for me. but here, the aftercare? the way both of them were so undone by each other? they had me an emotional mess and they wrecked me with the way they were crazy for each other. the pain kink, blood kink and breath play just suited them and if that’s what was for them, who am i to say anything about it. it fit so naturally with them and i loved that. they gave “only i can hurt you” vibes in spades and i was so here for it. 😩🦋
yes, it was very unrealistic and chaotic and messy but it was exactly what i needed atm and it was almost perfect in my eyes. 😌
Dima flipped until they were face to face. “I’ll be here, wherever you go.” His eyes were bright in the low light. “My place,” he touched the pad of one finger to X’s mouth, “my place is by your side.”
stop ilovedimaxaviersomuch. 🥺 sometimes you just need some ott clingy ultra possessive + crazy psychopathic characters to help you find some variety in your reads. 😌 dima & xavier were so toxic and unhealthy and addictive and i loved it!! and the best part is that i wasn’t even expecting to. unexpected reads that end up stunning you in the best ways >>>
“I love everything about you, Rush.” Xavier concentrated on Dima’s ass. “Everything. You’re worth it.” He alternated blows, lashing Dima’s butt cheeks. “To me.” His choked words cut off then began again. “You’re worth everything to me. I want you to choose me, even when the time comes that you won’t want to.”
Dima didn’t know if the whip or Xavier’s words were the cause of his loud, hacking sobs. But they were, ripping from his throat.
“Choose me when your head says no.”
i simply could not put this down and binged it in one sitting. i was getting all the feels bc of dimaxavier and i was so down for it. i loved both dima and xavier so much?? both individually and as a couple. this was one of those cases where i was literally so in love with both the mcs bc both of them had these qualities in them that made me so intrigued?? x, being the tough, cold, ruthless, smart guy but finally feeling something with dima (which btw is one of my fav tropes. the “i’ve never felt anything before you” vibes in this were immaculate 💅), and dima, being such a wild, crazy, insane guy who also felt so much with those he let inside his inner circle. the way both of them were so jealous & possessive and i ate it up though?? bye i adore them. they just deserve the world and they’re such a power couple, too. 🥺🤍
their dynamics were literally what made the book for me. i loved how dima was the one who first pursued xavier (sexually) while xavier helped him realize just how much they loved each other. just how obsessed both of them were with each other. i loved the way the dynamics were balanced, too! xavier was so cold and almost emotionless before dima but him being the one to pursue the emotional part of their relationship? says a lot 😌 they found the type of love and commitment both of them needed, found that middle ground and they loved in the insane way that they did, but they loved each other right by their ways. and that’s everything to me <3
i don’t generally love bdsm dynamics bc they’re just not always for me. but here, the aftercare? the way both of them were so undone by each other? they had me an emotional mess and they wrecked me with the way they were crazy for each other. the pain kink, blood kink and breath play just suited them and if that’s what was for them, who am i to say anything about it. it fit so naturally with them and i loved that. they gave “only i can hurt you” vibes in spades and i was so here for it. 😩🦋
yes, it was very unrealistic and chaotic and messy but it was exactly what i needed atm and it was almost perfect in my eyes. 😌
January 20, 2016
*** Seriously Kinky M/M book with,actually a really good story ***
Dima Zhirlov is head of a Russian mafia gang.
He's one twisted character.Totally ruthless,he thinks nothing of killing people.Even though he's young he's a bit jaded.He's been in love before but isn't interested anymore.He's seriously into his kink....I mean really into it.He's not fussy.Men and women, but he needs pain and dominance to get off and the more twisted the better.
Xavier Storm is in charge of a rival Jamaican gang,although he likes his annominity.
Dima first seen Xavier in a Bdsm club whipping a girl and he is mesmerized.....he wants what Xavier is doing to the girl but he also wants Xavier to feel something.He persues him relentlessly and desperately wants Xavier as his new 'Toy'.
Here's the twist...
Xavier knows who Dima is but Dima has no idea the object of his obsession is his rival.
Xavier tries so hard but Dima is impossible to resist.
Bdsm Element
Right so for me,in erotic books,pretty much nothing is of limits but the ONE thing that does nothing for me is Bdsm.So,imagine my surprise when it actually worked for me here.The reasons being the sex scenes were very well written and not too drawn out( sometimes in Bdsm books they seem to go on forever ).
And also,although,there are quite a lot of these scenes there are also some quite tender moments between the men.
This won't be for everyone and it's so far removed from a fluffy M/M story but if you like your men who do men to get seriously down and dirty and with a really good story I cannot recommend highly enough!!!
Dima Zhirlov is head of a Russian mafia gang.
He's one twisted character.Totally ruthless,he thinks nothing of killing people.Even though he's young he's a bit jaded.He's been in love before but isn't interested anymore.He's seriously into his kink....I mean really into it.He's not fussy.Men and women, but he needs pain and dominance to get off and the more twisted the better.
Xavier Storm is in charge of a rival Jamaican gang,although he likes his annominity.
Dima first seen Xavier in a Bdsm club whipping a girl and he is mesmerized.....he wants what Xavier is doing to the girl but he also wants Xavier to feel something.He persues him relentlessly and desperately wants Xavier as his new 'Toy'.
Here's the twist...
Xavier knows who Dima is but Dima has no idea the object of his obsession is his rival.
Xavier tries so hard but Dima is impossible to resist.
Bdsm Element
Right so for me,in erotic books,pretty much nothing is of limits but the ONE thing that does nothing for me is Bdsm.So,imagine my surprise when it actually worked for me here.The reasons being the sex scenes were very well written and not too drawn out( sometimes in Bdsm books they seem to go on forever ).
And also,although,there are quite a lot of these scenes there are also some quite tender moments between the men.
This won't be for everyone and it's so far removed from a fluffy M/M story but if you like your men who do men to get seriously down and dirty and with a really good story I cannot recommend highly enough!!!
April 18, 2020
“Let's play then, Rush.”
I had a hard time with this review. I thought that maybe reading Not My Sinner - where Dima is introduced - would make it easier. But no, nothing could have prepared me for this book.
(Watch Me) Break You is a rivals-to-lovers gay romance, with memorable characters, action and thrill, blood and tears, and lots of kink.
The Story
Dima Zhirkov is the head of a Russian gang running the streets of Coney Island. He is fucked up like crazy. He is into women and men, hardcore sex (), drugs and booze. But his usual ways don’t seem to work for him anymore.
Dima sets eyes on Xavier Storm in a private club. Seeing X in action, Dima is immediately captivated. He instinctively knows that X would give him what he craves. So he determines to hunt him down.
Xavier Storm is the silent leader of The Rude Boys, rival gang of the Russians, and he is after Dima’s territory. When they meet in the club, X recognizes Dima, but of course doesn’t tell it to him. He tries to stay away from the Russian, but Dima doesn’t let him have the luxury of choice.
Sex and pain Dima can handle, and X delivers the most depraved kind. Their connection is explosive, their games are addictive, but Dima can end it whenever he wishes. At least that’s what he thinks. When he realizes otherwise, it is too late.
Characters
Dima Zhirkov appears first in Not My Sinner, as Mateo Oliveros’ ex. In Not My Sinner he is a gorgeous guy with wicked humor, and an aura that tells you that you better behave.
But he is not that simple. Dima is a criminal. He uses drugs and alcohol on a daily basis. He is extremely violent and dangerous. He kills without remorse. He fantasizes about killing and basks in the thought of warm blood on his hands. He is a psycho. He is uncontrollable and unpredictable. Not to mention his very special sexual needs.
Still, I loved him. And when you ask why, the only thing I can say that he is irresistible. Though not in a sweet and adorable, but in a dark, wicked way, but yeah, that’s the reason.
Dima seems to be fearless, but has insecurities just like anyone else, and a secret soft side.
“I don’t know how to do this.” Dima motioned between them. “It scares me,” he whispered. “The way I feel, the way you make me feel. It scares me.” Too much to put into words. He’d never had something to lose before.
Xavier is unapproachable, stoic, and powerful. After Dima shows up, he tries to grasp his hallmark control with both hands but he loses the fight quickly. He has no defenses against the crazy Russian, he is simply swept away by him. And though first he doesn’t want any kind of relationship with Dima, not even sex, let alone love, as the story progresses, and X realizes that he has feelings for him, he isn’t scared or hesitant. It is amazing how clearly he sees the situation, how aware he is in his own emotions and Dima’s possible reactions.
X lost track of everything but the taste of Dima. He was surrounded by the Russian, his senses taken over by him. He'd fight it, but he wasn't meant to win this. From the instant Dima accosted him in the bathroom at the club, X realized this was meant to happen. He was meant to give in, to be here on his knees, holding Dima’s face between his hands, kissing him as if he'd be lost without the sweet taste of the other man filling his taste buds.
The Romance
Dima doesn’t believe in more. He thinks ‘more’ is not for a man like him.
Xavier was in love once but he lost it. His tragedy is heartbreaking, and unbelievably cruel. He would have never thought he would want love again: the craving, the need, the fear, being out of control – not his favorite things.
He was willing to do whatever was necessary to keep this silly grin on his face. To keep his heart beating faster and his pulse racing. His reaction was similar to what he’d felt with Quinn, but different. He’d fallen in love with Quinn slowly, quietly. With Dima, it was like a baseball bat upside the head, these feelings. They completely swamped him, made him want different things, made him want to be different.
Xavier doesn’t expect love, he doesn’t see where it comes from. And sadly, I can’t see it either. Yes, there is chemistry, attraction, lust. Dima and X are incapable to stay away from each other. Their need for each other is visceral. But somehow, in the whirlwind of emotions and sensual erotic scenes, I missed the development of the romance – if there is one. My fault maybe, but even if it is insta-love, it is impossible not to be affected by it. X and Dima’s love is heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time.
The Erotica
From the reviews here I know it is too much not only for me but for other readers too. There was a moment when I considered abandoning this book. I’m so glad I read it anyway. The presence of emotions makes the sex a bit less rough as the story progresses – not much less, and it remains insanely hot, no need to worry!
“Aw, Rush.” The blows fell faster, harder. “You have me. Couldn’t lose me if you tried.”
Avril Ashton is an amazing writer. Her stories are captivating and extremely intense. (Watch Me) Break You is one of those stories that makes your heart beat faster and your pulse race.
Recommended to readers with some BDSM reading experience (do not start with this one!), who are open for more.
That wouldn’t do for Dima. He’d demand more. No way would he accept being topped by someone who wouldn’t or couldn’t show their pleasure at his submission. His gift. Because submission was a gift to be treasured. Appreciated.
My favorite quotes.
September 7, 2014
If there is a reoccurring theme for me here at GoodReads, it's my friends gasping when they find out that I haven't read any of the Cut & Run or Brooklyn Sinners series. I know, I know! I even have a shelf titled get your ass in gear, just for books like those. I'll get to them but, damn, after reading (Watch Me) Break You, Brooklyn Sinners just catapulted to the top of my list. I loved (Watch Me) Break You so much that I am ready to inhale any and all of Avril Ashton's work.
MC Dima Zhirkov and MC Xavier “X” Storm are career criminals. Each can kill another human being without flinching. Dima meets X in a BDSM club and decides he must have him as his "toy" to deliver the delicious erotic pain he so desperately craves and is unable to find anywhere else. These characters were deplorable 90% of the time. I honestly still can't believe some of the things they did to each other. Physically AND emotionally. I mean, that's some fucked up shit, ya know? I'll give you an example under a spoiler tag.
This book was erotically filthy, naughty, raunchy and downright nasty. AND I LOVED EVERY FUCKING WORD. How the hell did Ms. Ashton take these two scumbag characters and make me love them and crave their shocking acts? I actually ugly cried during a good portion of this book. The fuck? AND, get this! Huh? Are you shitting me? Oh, and it is actually believable! *shakes head*
Of course this book is not going to be for everyone. Heed the trigger warning in the blurb, 'cuz it ain't kidding around:
Warning: Includes strong BDSM elements, and reference to rape and sexual abuse.I kept flashing to one of my absolute favorite BDSM books Uneven while reading this. I can very confidently say that if you enjoyed Uneven, you are going to love (Watch Me) Break You. It is actually better!
HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommended if you feel like a walk on the wild and kinky side. Oh, fuck yeah! This one is now on my fuck yeah, 5+ stars shelf and my absolute favorites shelf. Now I can't wait to read all of Avril Ashton's other books and then come back to this one and re-live it.
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March 18, 2025
"You. Are. The. Love. Of. My. Life." Xavier punctuated each word with a blow. Dima backed each one up with a cry.
Too much. His body was ablaze, going up in flames, and yet his chest hurt more. His heart hurt more.
"Nothing else matters," Xavier snarled. "Nothing else should matter. Except my love for you. And your love for me." The blows changed. Almost as if he'd switched hands. More concentrated on Dima's right side.
~ this dialogue 😭 >>>
original rating — 3.5 stars
current rating — 4+ stars
i mean- obviously if the couple can make me act like this 👇🏼
then they're doing something right and it deserves a high rating from me. 🤪 although, to be fair, i've loved Xavier and Dima's dynamic even from my first read. they already had me on a chokehold since then... i think it was more of the bdsm aspect that had me conflicted at first. i still stand by my original review, but imo, this is definitely one of those books that gets better and better upon reread (even if i'm still not a fan of the bdsm, but it's more of a personal preference and Dima enjoys it so who am i to complain? 🤷🏼♀️).
***
original review
3.5 stars ☆
Dima is one insane mf and i loved him for it, both mcs were possessive of each other and i'm just gonna leave this off with... iatethisshitupBYE. 😭✌🏼
(i'm only giving this 3.5 bc i didn't really like the bdsm aspect but it's a me-thing... Dima and Xavier were chefs kiss)
Too much. His body was ablaze, going up in flames, and yet his chest hurt more. His heart hurt more.
"Nothing else matters," Xavier snarled. "Nothing else should matter. Except my love for you. And your love for me." The blows changed. Almost as if he'd switched hands. More concentrated on Dima's right side.
~ this dialogue 😭 >>>
original rating — 3.5 stars
current rating — 4+ stars
i mean- obviously if the couple can make me act like this 👇🏼
then they're doing something right and it deserves a high rating from me. 🤪 although, to be fair, i've loved Xavier and Dima's dynamic even from my first read. they already had me on a chokehold since then... i think it was more of the bdsm aspect that had me conflicted at first. i still stand by my original review, but imo, this is definitely one of those books that gets better and better upon reread (even if i'm still not a fan of the bdsm, but it's more of a personal preference and Dima enjoys it so who am i to complain? 🤷🏼♀️).
***
original review
3.5 stars ☆
Dima is one insane mf and i loved him for it, both mcs were possessive of each other and i'm just gonna leave this off with... iatethisshitupBYE. 😭✌🏼
(i'm only giving this 3.5 bc i didn't really like the bdsm aspect but it's a me-thing... Dima and Xavier were chefs kiss)
September 12, 2017
5 Stars
LOVED this so much! Loved its emotions and angst. I like Ms. Ashton's writing style. She writes in such a way that you can’t put it down. Even though her stories a little bit similar to each other but they are enjoyable because of the way she writes! I’m so glad I have more of her books on my TBR.
It was well-paced. The characters were well-defined and perfect (each one in their own way). The story-line was well-written. The story is told in dual POV, 3rd person. It’s the first installment in "Run This Town" series but it can be read as a stand-alone. I loved it and hope you enjoy it as well!
LOVED this so much! Loved its emotions and angst. I like Ms. Ashton's writing style. She writes in such a way that you can’t put it down. Even though her stories a little bit similar to each other but they are enjoyable because of the way she writes! I’m so glad I have more of her books on my TBR.
It was well-paced. The characters were well-defined and perfect (each one in their own way). The story-line was well-written. The story is told in dual POV, 3rd person. It’s the first installment in "Run This Town" series but it can be read as a stand-alone. I loved it and hope you enjoy it as well!
May 9, 2017
4.5 HEARTS--What I'd really like to do is yell at you. Yell at you about this book and why it is deliciously filthy and does not care what you think about it. But I can't do that.
How can you not sing this song with the title and setting? Impossible!
This book hits a LOT of my FUCK YES buttons: kinky, interracial romance, crime, blood, cumeating, raunchiness, Russians, Jamaicans, crazy, possessive main characters that will do anything to get their man back, NYC (that's right - there's more to NYC than Manhattan), rimming, tons of stuff!
Give me a criminal any day in my romance! Glorious. It was smutty and fantab. If I had to describe this book take Avril's Brooklyn Sinners series and Mine by Mary Calmes, let them mate and turn up the intensity, so much that you might need to buy ice for your pants. That's "(Watch Me) Break You"in a nutshell.
Dima is the Russian head of a gang he didn't want but has to run in Brooklyn. He has people trying to kill him from different factions, a rival gang trying to take over his turf and he can't be with the one he wants because he left him. All the alcohol, drugs and orgies can't help fill the emptiness inside him. Until he sets his eye on Xavier/ X whipping another submissive in mid scene at BDSM club. Dima gets what he wants, any means necessary. And this starts the twisty, roller coaster ride of stalk, pain, wild sex, possessiveness and violence.
What a ride!
Is it for everyone? NO! Read the blurb, heed the warning. There are non-con moments. Let me add one more too, if you're a BDSM stickler, this might not be one for you. There is BDSM practiced but it's not textbook or filled with contracts/ negotiations. Kinky? Oh yes, this was. What to expect? Well someone loves the pain - whips, belts, breath play, gun play, dildos and butt plug to name a few. The gangsters are street, not the smooth nice guys. You're getting a loose trigger with Dima and X
X hides who he is from Dima, the lies and the violence keeps piling up. And the boys get pretty cray-cray over one another. The crazy things we do out of love, huh?
Sometimes it read more like a drama or a script instead of real life characters. The main characters did repeat their sentiments a lot for emphasis but I got the point the first time. And even I questioned one SM scene between X and Dima, you shouldn't practice while in anger. But those two are so damn twisted, I won't harp on it. This author can rock a sex scene, there's no denying that. I still have wafts of steam rising from my body. There is some action, more criminal activity and sometimes the reality suspension button had to be pushed.
Is it dark? I've read some pretty sick and dark things, so my scale might be warped compared to yours. On a scale for 1-5, 1 being the lowest and 5 is the things that will leave your soul scarred, this book is a 3. It's more stalking/crazed/sadistic than dark to me. There are guessable plot twists but you know what, the book is serious hot. If you don't look to deeply and let the flames embrace you from the hotness that is X and Dima, you have one entertaining read.
The story ends with a HEA, where at one point I seriously did not see happening. But it is Avril Ashton, she likes making her boys work from their happy ending. (BK Sinners fans we get a little visit from a Sinners couple!)
CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK, THE BLURB AT THE END HAS ONLY WHET MY APPETITE FOR MORE!!!!! I will probably need to read it in a freezer with the fire this author's writing can produce.
A copy provided for an honest review.
How can you not sing this song with the title and setting? Impossible!
This book hits a LOT of my FUCK YES buttons: kinky, interracial romance, crime, blood, cumeating, raunchiness, Russians, Jamaicans, crazy, possessive main characters that will do anything to get their man back, NYC (that's right - there's more to NYC than Manhattan), rimming, tons of stuff!
Give me a criminal any day in my romance! Glorious. It was smutty and fantab. If I had to describe this book take Avril's Brooklyn Sinners series and Mine by Mary Calmes, let them mate and turn up the intensity, so much that you might need to buy ice for your pants. That's "(Watch Me) Break You"in a nutshell.
Dima is the Russian head of a gang he didn't want but has to run in Brooklyn. He has people trying to kill him from different factions, a rival gang trying to take over his turf and he can't be with the one he wants because he left him. All the alcohol, drugs and orgies can't help fill the emptiness inside him. Until he sets his eye on Xavier/ X whipping another submissive in mid scene at BDSM club. Dima gets what he wants, any means necessary. And this starts the twisty, roller coaster ride of stalk, pain, wild sex, possessiveness and violence.
What a ride!
Is it for everyone? NO! Read the blurb, heed the warning. There are non-con moments. Let me add one more too, if you're a BDSM stickler, this might not be one for you. There is BDSM practiced but it's not textbook or filled with contracts/ negotiations. Kinky? Oh yes, this was. What to expect? Well someone loves the pain - whips, belts, breath play, gun play, dildos and butt plug to name a few. The gangsters are street, not the smooth nice guys. You're getting a loose trigger with Dima and X
X hides who he is from Dima, the lies and the violence keeps piling up. And the boys get pretty cray-cray over one another. The crazy things we do out of love, huh?
Sometimes it read more like a drama or a script instead of real life characters. The main characters did repeat their sentiments a lot for emphasis but I got the point the first time. And even I questioned one SM scene between X and Dima, you shouldn't practice while in anger. But those two are so damn twisted, I won't harp on it. This author can rock a sex scene, there's no denying that. I still have wafts of steam rising from my body. There is some action, more criminal activity and sometimes the reality suspension button had to be pushed.
Is it dark? I've read some pretty sick and dark things, so my scale might be warped compared to yours. On a scale for 1-5, 1 being the lowest and 5 is the things that will leave your soul scarred, this book is a 3. It's more stalking/crazed/sadistic than dark to me. There are guessable plot twists but you know what, the book is serious hot. If you don't look to deeply and let the flames embrace you from the hotness that is X and Dima, you have one entertaining read.
The story ends with a HEA, where at one point I seriously did not see happening. But it is Avril Ashton, she likes making her boys work from their happy ending. (BK Sinners fans we get a little visit from a Sinners couple!)
CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK, THE BLURB AT THE END HAS ONLY WHET MY APPETITE FOR MORE!!!!! I will probably need to read it in a freezer with the fire this author's writing can produce.
A copy provided for an honest review.
March 17, 2022
cool plot idea overall, but truly poor execution. two stars mostly for the hot smut.
i didn’t like the way they met, it just didn’t feel organic at all. the way that Dima just randomly saw Xavier and decided, for essentially no real reason, that now he’s gonna stalk the man until Xavier gives in and gives Dima what he so desperately wants - yummy kinky painful sex… it just didn’t work for me.
(spoiler alert 🚨 it didn’t take long to convince xavier lmao)
unbeknownst to Dima though, Xavier is an enemy from a rival gang *gasp* and he *obviously* only finds that fact out AFTER he falls in love with him (not that it took long, i swear some of these mcs in books have magical dick powers that make you fall in love with them in approximately two days)…
anywaysss, i feel like this could have been really good with lots of major editing and a better plot set up. 🥴
i didn’t like the way they met, it just didn’t feel organic at all. the way that Dima just randomly saw Xavier and decided, for essentially no real reason, that now he’s gonna stalk the man until Xavier gives in and gives Dima what he so desperately wants - yummy kinky painful sex… it just didn’t work for me.
(spoiler alert 🚨 it didn’t take long to convince xavier lmao)
unbeknownst to Dima though, Xavier is an enemy from a rival gang *gasp* and he *obviously* only finds that fact out AFTER he falls in love with him (not that it took long, i swear some of these mcs in books have magical dick powers that make you fall in love with them in approximately two days)…
anywaysss, i feel like this could have been really good with lots of major editing and a better plot set up. 🥴
June 3, 2024
I never wrote a review about how amazing this book is, but trust me. It’s mad AMAZING!
This book sealed the deal on making Avril Ashton a fave author of mine. Her writing is so sexy, the characters so unforgettable , and most of all the diversity that is offered up.
Watch Me Break You is affecting and beautiful and it still remains one of my fave books today.
If you love the bad boy characters who are unapologetic about who they are and how they run things, then this book is for you. Highly Recommend!
This book sealed the deal on making Avril Ashton a fave author of mine. Her writing is so sexy, the characters so unforgettable , and most of all the diversity that is offered up.
Watch Me Break You is affecting and beautiful and it still remains one of my fave books today.
If you love the bad boy characters who are unapologetic about who they are and how they run things, then this book is for you. Highly Recommend!
April 11, 2018
5 Stars!
This was a raw, emotional, dirty, and at times, disturbing read.
This author really pushed the boundaries of what a healthy relationship is. Dima and Xavier definitely weren't what you would call healthy when it came to showing their passion, lust, or love for each other. Both men were scary possessive of the other.
Both men are leaders of their 'gangs'. Both fighting for the top spot. Only Xavier knows Dima is his competition where Dima just thinks Xavier is a high power lawyer. Xavier didn't plan on falling for the aggressive Dima, but he does and falls hard. His secret of being the leader of the Rude Boys is eating away at him and he plans on telling Dima but the choice is taken outta his hands when Dima captures one of Xavier's men and the secret is exposed. Chaos erupts from the secret and Dima and Xavier have a huge falling out and Dima goes to extremes to make Xavier feel his pain.
These boys were off the charts hot together. Their passion for each other explosive. One of my favorite reads this year.
Happy reading dolls! xx
This was a raw, emotional, dirty, and at times, disturbing read.
This author really pushed the boundaries of what a healthy relationship is. Dima and Xavier definitely weren't what you would call healthy when it came to showing their passion, lust, or love for each other. Both men were scary possessive of the other.
Both men are leaders of their 'gangs'. Both fighting for the top spot. Only Xavier knows Dima is his competition where Dima just thinks Xavier is a high power lawyer. Xavier didn't plan on falling for the aggressive Dima, but he does and falls hard. His secret of being the leader of the Rude Boys is eating away at him and he plans on telling Dima but the choice is taken outta his hands when Dima captures one of Xavier's men and the secret is exposed. Chaos erupts from the secret and Dima and Xavier have a huge falling out and Dima goes to extremes to make Xavier feel his pain.
These boys were off the charts hot together. Their passion for each other explosive. One of my favorite reads this year.
Happy reading dolls! xx
January 22, 2016
Story Rating ~ 4 Stars
Hero Rating Dima ~ 4 Stars
Hero Rating Xavier ~ 4 Stars
Heat Level ~ 4.75 Stars
Ending ~ 5 Stars
Overall Rating ~ 4 Never Stop Calling Me Rush Stars!
A good friend of mine recommended this book to me a while back and I’m glad I finally gave this one a go. At first I was a bit scared that I would not like this book. You see, I’m really not into hard core BDSM romances. I felt a bit uncomfortable reading about one of the hero’s whipping the other to give him pleasure and then choking him hard while pounding into him even harder. Nope, did not like reading that at all. What kept me reading was the story-line, it hooked me and reeled me in. As the book moved along there were some rather tender moments between the two of them that practically stole my breath.
This is a dark M/M mafia romance filled with secrets, violence, drugs, murder, sex and yes LOVE. Add in a cat and it made for a very Interesting read.
Hero Rating Dima ~ 4 Stars
Hero Rating Xavier ~ 4 Stars
Heat Level ~ 4.75 Stars
Ending ~ 5 Stars
Overall Rating ~ 4 Never Stop Calling Me Rush Stars!
A good friend of mine recommended this book to me a while back and I’m glad I finally gave this one a go. At first I was a bit scared that I would not like this book. You see, I’m really not into hard core BDSM romances. I felt a bit uncomfortable reading about one of the hero’s whipping the other to give him pleasure and then choking him hard while pounding into him even harder. Nope, did not like reading that at all. What kept me reading was the story-line, it hooked me and reeled me in. As the book moved along there were some rather tender moments between the two of them that practically stole my breath.
This is a dark M/M mafia romance filled with secrets, violence, drugs, murder, sex and yes LOVE. Add in a cat and it made for a very Interesting read.
August 26, 2022
Re-read Jan. 28, 2022
*** This is a dark, wild, gritty good time with some very bad guys !! *** You'll love it ! * It's a war between the Russian Mob and the Jamaicans, and all are dirty, bloody, and ruthless.
Dima is in charge of his Russian faction. He's tattooed, pierced, and hard core.
Xavier Storm is a Lawyer, who lets his "second", Is/Israel run things through him.
Dima is in need - in search of pain - so he goes to a club, sees Xavier whipping a woman and he wants to be in her place, and only Xavier will do. He wants Xavier's expertise and his soul to belong to Dima.
When they get together sparks fly, the earth shakes, and the world ends as they knew it, because there's no turning back. Xavier feels exactly the same. X knows who Dima is, but Dima doesn't know X is his enemy.
Butch
The characters are explosive and gritty. The plot is fast paced, smooth, and gripping. Well written, "unputdownable" !! This stand alone tale will creep into your mind while you have hope for these bad guys.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED !! ENJOY !!!
==================================
Graphic violence, BDSM, dirty talk, yes, yes, yes.
==================================
Well written gangster tale with a twist !! Love these bad boys !
========
*** This is a dark, wild, gritty good time with some very bad guys !! *** You'll love it ! * It's a war between the Russian Mob and the Jamaicans, and all are dirty, bloody, and ruthless.
Dima is in charge of his Russian faction. He's tattooed, pierced, and hard core.
Xavier Storm is a Lawyer, who lets his "second", Is/Israel run things through him.
Dima is in need - in search of pain - so he goes to a club, sees Xavier whipping a woman and he wants to be in her place, and only Xavier will do. He wants Xavier's expertise and his soul to belong to Dima.
When they get together sparks fly, the earth shakes, and the world ends as they knew it, because there's no turning back. Xavier feels exactly the same. X knows who Dima is, but Dima doesn't know X is his enemy.
Butch
The characters are explosive and gritty. The plot is fast paced, smooth, and gripping. Well written, "unputdownable" !! This stand alone tale will creep into your mind while you have hope for these bad guys.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED !! ENJOY !!!
==================================
Graphic violence, BDSM, dirty talk, yes, yes, yes.
==================================
Well written gangster tale with a twist !! Love these bad boys !
========
July 12, 2016
5 sexy ass stars.
First Read:06/2015
Second Read:07/2016
I want you guys to think about the best sex of your life, the most satisfying lover there is, that's me thinking about Avril Ashton, she brings the heat like no one else darling!
This is how I feel after reading her books,
Let me start off saying yes to the more interracial books Lord Ashton produces they get sexier and hotter. In this brand spanking new series, she had a Russian, I am madly in love with Russian guys in books, anythime I read something and they mention them my expectations just get higher. Dima didn't disappoint honey, that opening scene in the parking lot damn near guaranteed an orgasm out of me! I was Da, Da, Da'ing all over my house. Then she introduces Mr. Storm talk about powerful men in her books, their emotions are always out at face value, one thing I love about her books is the angst can go blow it out your ass Bitch!! No angst over, we getting straight down and dirty!
What solidified it in my opinion, was the damn dining room table scene!! Two hot ass men, a dining room table, and the sexiest, satisfying rim job in all her books, left me explosive.
Now that the sexy times are talked about, the plot was really good. As expected X wanted to tell Dima who he really was, but things were out of his hand, did Dima act out like I expected hell yea. He is definitely a crazy russian! In the end, it worked out, and Reggie and Is book is next and I'm awaiting this crazy train!
First Read:06/2015
Second Read:07/2016
I want you guys to think about the best sex of your life, the most satisfying lover there is, that's me thinking about Avril Ashton, she brings the heat like no one else darling!
This is how I feel after reading her books,
Let me start off saying yes to the more interracial books Lord Ashton produces they get sexier and hotter. In this brand spanking new series, she had a Russian, I am madly in love with Russian guys in books, anythime I read something and they mention them my expectations just get higher. Dima didn't disappoint honey, that opening scene in the parking lot damn near guaranteed an orgasm out of me! I was Da, Da, Da'ing all over my house. Then she introduces Mr. Storm talk about powerful men in her books, their emotions are always out at face value, one thing I love about her books is the angst can go blow it out your ass Bitch!! No angst over, we getting straight down and dirty!
What solidified it in my opinion, was the damn dining room table scene!! Two hot ass men, a dining room table, and the sexiest, satisfying rim job in all her books, left me explosive.
Now that the sexy times are talked about, the plot was really good. As expected X wanted to tell Dima who he really was, but things were out of his hand, did Dima act out like I expected hell yea. He is definitely a crazy russian! In the end, it worked out, and Reggie and Is book is next and I'm awaiting this crazy train!
July 2, 2017
*** 2.5 Stars ***
The Russian mob? Rival gang members? Secrets? Lies? Betrayals? Assassination attempts? Arson? Revenge killings? Yup, this enemies-to-lovers book had all of that and a boatload of kinky sex.
Ask anyone and they'll tell you that I love me a Grade A smutfest, but I think there may have been too much kinky sex right off the bat in this one. (I know. That statement seems sacrilegious even to me and I wrote it!)
I'm serious, though. As much as I love the dirty sexy times, I need the raw emotions and the heartfelt declarations of love too. And most of the time, I want them first. I'm unapologetic about that. I want to feel like these characters are invested in one another on a deeper level and that they've built the trust needed for some of the often dangerous kinks they were partaking in. We DO eventually get gloriously gooey declarations of love and possessive growls of jealousy (yaaaaay!), but we had to wait for that shift so long I nearly gave up on it happening and my eyes started to glaze over in boredom every time Xavier and Dima would have sex.
Unfortunately, even as I started to get into my happy place with this couple, I knew that the inevitable reveal of X's deceit was coming - and with it, more violence.
And when it came, that violence was brutal.
That's when it hit me: the relationship of between Dima and Xavier and the violence that they perpetuate on one another was awfully reminiscent of Vadim and Dan in Special Forces: Soldiers. A pale imitation, sure, but the comparison can definitely be made. And, I know that I've never by someone who claims to love me, but somehow I don't think I'd forgive them. Ever. The inclusion of those two scenes, when combined with utter forgiveness and a HEA, stretched my suspension of disbelief too far and it snapped.
So, while (Watch Me) Break You was without a doubt an erotic roller coaster, the violence between the MCs and some truly poor editing are what eventually dropped the book from 3 stars to 2.5 stars for me.
The Russian mob? Rival gang members? Secrets? Lies? Betrayals? Assassination attempts? Arson? Revenge killings? Yup, this enemies-to-lovers book had all of that and a boatload of kinky sex.
Ask anyone and they'll tell you that I love me a Grade A smutfest, but I think there may have been too much kinky sex right off the bat in this one. (I know. That statement seems sacrilegious even to me and I wrote it!)
I'm serious, though. As much as I love the dirty sexy times, I need the raw emotions and the heartfelt declarations of love too. And most of the time, I want them first. I'm unapologetic about that. I want to feel like these characters are invested in one another on a deeper level and that they've built the trust needed for some of the often dangerous kinks they were partaking in. We DO eventually get gloriously gooey declarations of love and possessive growls of jealousy (yaaaaay!), but we had to wait for that shift so long I nearly gave up on it happening and my eyes started to glaze over in boredom every time Xavier and Dima would have sex.
Unfortunately, even as I started to get into my happy place with this couple, I knew that the inevitable reveal of X's deceit was coming - and with it, more violence.
And when it came, that violence was brutal.
That's when it hit me: the relationship of between Dima and Xavier and the violence that they perpetuate on one another was awfully reminiscent of Vadim and Dan in Special Forces: Soldiers. A pale imitation, sure, but the comparison can definitely be made. And, I know that I've never by someone who claims to love me, but somehow I don't think I'd forgive them. Ever. The inclusion of those two scenes, when combined with utter forgiveness and a HEA, stretched my suspension of disbelief too far and it snapped.
So, while (Watch Me) Break You was without a doubt an erotic roller coaster, the violence between the MCs and some truly poor editing are what eventually dropped the book from 3 stars to 2.5 stars for me.
November 24, 2017
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*It didn't do it for me*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
I am not a fan of bdsm. I don't like it, and I didn't like it here. I had hope that it would still be a turn on, considering I love mafias and I love possessive men, but nah, it didn't work for me. The book centers around gang leader of The Rude Boys (also a lawyer), Xavier ‘X’ Storm (how old?) and Head of Brooklyn's Russian Gang Dima ‘Rush’ Zhirkov (how old?). Dima craves pain and being dominated, and X craves giving pain and dominate. Together, they never thought they'd ever meet someone who is exactly they way they want; their perfect match. However, there's the secrets... Dima doesn't know X is the brain behind The Rude Boys... Overall, I liked the possessiveness, but the rest was just ‘meh’. I didn't feel the story at all.
“Blood and violence gets me hard,” Dima murmured with a smile.
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Contemporary Romance (M/M)
Series: - Series (Standalone?), Book One.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Xavier ‘X’ Storm.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Unsure.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Unsure.
Will I read this again in the future? - No.
Rating - 2 (I did like the possessiveness...) stars.
December 19, 2014
You know what's really important about this book? That my friend Vivian gave it to me for Christmas. Thank you so much, V.
*hugs and won't release you, to a degree that makes onlookers uncomfortable, and you uneasy.*
GR won't let me give more than five stars, which is annoying, because you're a ten-star friend.
Rating is for Vivian.
*hugs and won't release you, to a degree that makes onlookers uncomfortable, and you uneasy.*
GR won't let me give more than five stars, which is annoying, because you're a ten-star friend.
Rating is for Vivian.
July 29, 2023
I don’t know why I picked this up but it’s gotta be the sweetest dark romance I’ve ever read.
November 7, 2022
4.25**** stars
I don’t remember why I put this book on-hold half way through put I’m glad I picked it up again. I was in exactly the right mood to finish and love it.
And yeah, wow. It was… uhm… kinky. For me it was actually a bit disturbing to watch how much Dima [nickname Rush bc he’s Russian] got off on Xavier inflicting pain (and I mean real pain!) on him during sex. Well, at least as much as X got off on doing it for him. But it’s save to say that it def brought a whole lotta intensity to the story that I always enjoy with this author’s books.
They are opponents or rather enemies on the street. Though the thing is, Dima doesn’t know it. He doesn’t know (yet) that the striking lawer he fell in love with is the secret leader of a rival gang while Xavier in contrast damn well knows who Dima is - the newly-crowned head of Brooklyn’s Russian Mafia - because he fears he will loose Dima if he finds out.
And that showdown people… I was barely breathing when shit hit the fan.
I am usually not a fan of that possessive lover shit but gawd did it work for me here!! I don’t know how Avril Ashton does it but fuck she writes her stories exactly how I need them to be.
Xavier’s and Dima’s love and need for each other was so intense, I can’t wait to get more of it in their sequel "Rush".
***********
Run This Town Series
Book 1 - (Watch Me) Break You - 4.25 stars
Book 1.5 - Rush - tbr
Book 3 - (Watch Me) Unmask You - 4.5 stars
Other faves in this universe
Scars & Secrets - 4.5 stars
I don’t remember why I put this book on-hold half way through put I’m glad I picked it up again. I was in exactly the right mood to finish and love it.
“I’m the only one allowed to hurt you, Rush.”
And yeah, wow. It was… uhm… kinky. For me it was actually a bit disturbing to watch how much Dima [nickname Rush bc he’s Russian] got off on Xavier inflicting pain (and I mean real pain!) on him during sex. Well, at least as much as X got off on doing it for him. But it’s save to say that it def brought a whole lotta intensity to the story that I always enjoy with this author’s books.
They are opponents or rather enemies on the street. Though the thing is, Dima doesn’t know it. He doesn’t know (yet) that the striking lawer he fell in love with is the secret leader of a rival gang while Xavier in contrast damn well knows who Dima is - the newly-crowned head of Brooklyn’s Russian Mafia - because he fears he will loose Dima if he finds out.
“You’re worth everything to me. I want you to choose me, even when the time comes that you won’t want to.”
And that showdown people… I was barely breathing when shit hit the fan.
I am usually not a fan of that possessive lover shit but gawd did it work for me here!! I don’t know how Avril Ashton does it but fuck she writes her stories exactly how I need them to be.
Xavier’s and Dima’s love and need for each other was so intense, I can’t wait to get more of it in their sequel "Rush".
***********
Run This Town Series
Book 1 - (Watch Me) Break You - 4.25 stars
Book 1.5 - Rush - tbr
Book 3 - (Watch Me) Unmask You - 4.5 stars
Other faves in this universe
Scars & Secrets - 4.5 stars
April 17, 2018
Dark, twisted, and brutal, yet....
ridiculously sweet at times. The beginning of this book is definitely dark. Gangsters, killers, drugs, prostitution, weapons--they're all part of the game. Add in BDSM with an emphasis on the s/m and you've got this book.
Two rival gangs launch into a turf war. Two gang leaders enter into a relationship laden with lies, hits, murder, passion, pain and sooooooooo much sex. There's love, too, and mushy stuff which is sometimes out of place in the dark lives of these men, but it wasn't too jarring.
So the sex....there are brief MF, FFM scenes. So if girly parts aren't your thing, beware--you can easily skip over these parts. There is also some dub-con, some blood play, knife play, breath play, spanking, whipping, and I'm sure something else that I forgot. Barebacking, that's in there, too with nary a condom in sight. There is drug use and drinking. There is death and betrayal and violence and arson. There's also a pussy named Butch. There's love. And an HFN.
This was my first book by the author, and I'm thinking that it's not going to be my last.
ridiculously sweet at times. The beginning of this book is definitely dark. Gangsters, killers, drugs, prostitution, weapons--they're all part of the game. Add in BDSM with an emphasis on the s/m and you've got this book.
Two rival gangs launch into a turf war. Two gang leaders enter into a relationship laden with lies, hits, murder, passion, pain and sooooooooo much sex. There's love, too, and mushy stuff which is sometimes out of place in the dark lives of these men, but it wasn't too jarring.
So the sex....there are brief MF, FFM scenes. So if girly parts aren't your thing, beware--you can easily skip over these parts. There is also some dub-con, some blood play, knife play, breath play, spanking, whipping, and I'm sure something else that I forgot. Barebacking, that's in there, too with nary a condom in sight. There is drug use and drinking. There is death and betrayal and violence and arson. There's also a pussy named Butch. There's love. And an HFN.
This was my first book by the author, and I'm thinking that it's not going to be my last.
March 14, 2016
'(Watch Me) Break You' was for me a pretty hardcore BDSM story compared to the stuff that went down in this one for the most part my readings in this area have been mild. Surprisingly that aspect of the story didn't really bother me and from my perspective it was an integral part of the relationship between these two characters.
This is the story of Dima and Xavier, leaders of rival gangs. X or Xavier is more of a behind the scenes type of guy and Dima got his responsibility through course of events his brother ended up in jail and dad died that's it Dima the gangs yours want it or not...fate. For most of the book X knows who Dima is, but Dima has no clue about X. He believes him to be a big shot lawyer.
Dima of course doesn't do relationships so his solution to his escalating feelings for X is to objectify him and for a lot of the story he mentally refers to X as his 'toy'. Yes, I do still want to punch him in the junk for this it was irritating as all hell. There were so many things about Dima that drove me nuts, made me hate him, want X to walk away from him and I wished a thousand plagues on Dima or at least I thought I did until I realized that while I may not like Dima. I really liked X and X really liked Dima and the two characters worked really, really well together. So I basically threw up my hands admitted defeat and stayed up until lord knows what hour of the night so that I could finish the story and sleep peacefully. In other words I really liked this one it was dark, gritty, over the top with violence and emotion and sucked me in like a black hole...and there's a kitty but you'll have to read the book if you want to find out his role in this story ;)
This is the story of Dima and Xavier, leaders of rival gangs. X or Xavier is more of a behind the scenes type of guy and Dima got his responsibility through course of events his brother ended up in jail and dad died that's it Dima the gangs yours want it or not...fate. For most of the book X knows who Dima is, but Dima has no clue about X. He believes him to be a big shot lawyer.
Dima of course doesn't do relationships so his solution to his escalating feelings for X is to objectify him and for a lot of the story he mentally refers to X as his 'toy'. Yes, I do still want to punch him in the junk for this it was irritating as all hell. There were so many things about Dima that drove me nuts, made me hate him, want X to walk away from him and I wished a thousand plagues on Dima or at least I thought I did until I realized that while I may not like Dima. I really liked X and X really liked Dima and the two characters worked really, really well together. So I basically threw up my hands admitted defeat and stayed up until lord knows what hour of the night so that I could finish the story and sleep peacefully. In other words I really liked this one it was dark, gritty, over the top with violence and emotion and sucked me in like a black hole...and there's a kitty but you'll have to read the book if you want to find out his role in this story ;)
Read
January 21, 2016Might come back to this one later. Stuck at 28%.
February 24, 2024
***fyi i’m basically going to be spoiling every part of this story***
there was quite a bit of om/ow drama in this, even tho no one ever “cheated” per se….the book started off with a bang, dima going to a bdsm house and seeing xavier whip a woman named savannah. dima decides that xavier is going to be his new toy, he the only one that can give dima what he wants. dima follows and accosts xavier when he goes to the bathroom, demanding xavier give him what he gave savannah, except dima doesn’t just want the whip, he wants xavier’s emotions too. xavier basically tells him fuck off, never happening, but is so affected by this encounter he loses control and spur of the moment fucks savannah in an open parking lot….dima sees this as he’d been following xavier, and when xavier leaves, dima rushes over before savannah can get in her car, holds her a knife point, demands she tell him xavier’s name, asks if he came inside her, to which she says yes, and then we get this:
“You should tell him this,” he whispered as he tunneled his fingers in and out. “That I finger-fucked you to get at his cum.”😳🥵
quite possibly the most batshit insane chapter one i’ve read in a minute and i was hooked!!! i love crazy ass mmcs and dima had me in a chokehold…..i really thought with xavier being the boss of a rival gang, we’d get two deranged feral fucks in love, but xavier wasn’t keeping up with dima in terms of crazy. he definitely had his moments, but he never gave me the ruthless vibe that a mafia boss should have.
you kinda have to suspend disbelief for how fast their feelings for each other developed. like xavier sorta immediately decided dima was his man for life very early on and spent the rest of the book trying to corral and woo a feral and scared dima into admitting and accepting they are more than just what they get up to in the bedroom….and man, do they ever get up to shit in the bedroom:
“The dildo in his ass was merciless, ruthless. Dima fucked it like he was starved for cock. Hungry to be used. Dying to be turned out. Because he was. On his knees, sobbing, with a gag-inducing grip on his balls and a fake dick that felt like the size of his fist crammed inside him.”😳😳
like um okay hot damn!!! and remember when i said dima is lowkey scared of what they have? yea, he tries to quit xavier several times, tries to push him away, but this is when crazy xavier comes out to play:
“Yeah?” Xavier swiped the empty plate to the floor and it shattered on impact. He ignored the mess, clasping Dima’s throat in one large hand. “I’d hold it against you if you let me leave. I’d hold it against you if you let me walk away, Rush, with my cum dripping down the back of your legs and your lips still swollen from my kisses.” His nostrils flared, anger tightening his grip on Dima’s neck. “I’d hold it against you.”
i love a good toxic obsession🤭🤭 bc one thing about xavier is he doesn’t play with his mans!!!! it’s giving that one fleetwood mac lyric “you’ll never get away from the sound of the woman that loves you”. xavier is like reassurance personified, bc if he loves you and wants you, believe you’re gonna fucking know it.
“My past will always be my past. My future, Dima, I want my future to be you.”
“You’re worth everything to me. I want you to choose me, even when the time comes that you won’t want to.”
bc trust, that time is coming as xavier’s secret starts closing in on him. he knows dima is the leader of the russians, but dima doesn’t know xavier is the face behind the jamaicans. and when push comes to shove, things get all fucked up and complicated. and when dima finds out in the worst way possible, betrayal hits deep. in an almost fugue state of hurt, anger, heartbreak, and grief, dima carves his name into the back of xavier’s neck….which made me absolutely foam at the mouth bc holy fuck!!!! you find out the man you are in love is the actual boss of the rival gang you are basically at war with, gave the order that just killed your brother, and to top it all off you assume he played with your heart and body for fun and the retribution you give him is TO CARVE UR FUCKING NAME IN HIS SKIN?????😩😩😩😩😩😩😩 i am deceased af, a pile of mush bc omfggggg you had him and his cousin, the outward face of the jamaicans, in the palm of your hand…..putting a bullet in either of their skulls would’ve been light work, but instead u carve ur name into ur mans and let them both go????? DOWN BAD even in the face of betrayal😩😩😩
then, we watch dima go back and forth between hatred for xavier, getting excessively high and drunk trying to forget him, and showing up in xavier’s bed unannounced bc he can’t stay away. xavier begs and grovels quite a bit. dima does some actual fucked up shit, forces his gun up xavier’s ass against his will, while xavier is saying “no. no. dima. please.” which was quite a shock….like where were the TWs for this???? (xavier is the top in this dynamic and they never spoke about switching or if xavier even bottomed) i found it extra repulsive bc xavier had opened up to dima about the reason his marriage failed…..his husband was attacked in their home and viciously beaten, and violated with a flashlight, by xavier’s own hate-filled family members….sooooo for dima to turn around and do this was too far for me.
now listen, i love dark romance. i assumed this book would have darker elements with the two main characters being mafia bosses. but if i’m going to read a dark romance, i want to know what i’m getting myself into and i want the author to be upfront about it. and excuse me if i’m wrong, but i didn’t see this book actually marketed as “dark romance”. if it was, i missed it. i would expect things like that in something actually labeled “dark romance”, but i wasn’t expecting that here. even if this wasn’t labeled a dark romance, looking at the trigger warnings would have prepared me enough, but the best we get from the trigger warnings is “improper use of a gun, reference to rape and sexual abuse” hmmm wrong, first of all. this was ON PAGE sa between main characters, so i expect a trigger warning for that. and “improper use of a gun” is the most deficient, scoff-able TW i’ve ever seen. do better.
there were a few other little things that nagged me like:
“Slut that she was, Savannah got wet simply at the sight of his gun”
“Butch! Damn it. Dima, come get your pussy.”
slut shaming and referring to your cat as your pussy🥴🥴🥴 weird
there were also times where dima would wake up in bed surrounded by his two employees, sylvie and anton who are in an open relationship, and who dima used to fuck around with, and it would be unclear if dima had done anything with them. on one occasion, it was cleared up fairly quickly, dima still had all his clothes on and sylvie told him that he didn’t participate, but he did watch sylvie and anton go at it. then, towards the end when xavier and dima were on the outs, xavier barges up to dima’s apartment and finds all three of them (dima, anton, and sylvie) naked and tangled up in bed sleeping. xavier goes batshit as expected, but assumes dima let them touch him, which dima doesn’t clear up until like 4 chapters later!!!!! dima says he didn’t sleep with anyone else. um i was distressed this whole time thank u very much!!!
i think most people would also appreciate a warning about sexual scenes with women when they’re reading an MM book. bc this had 2 scenes with savannah in the beginning, the threat of anton and sylvie in like 3 more scenes, plus i think there was a scene in the beginning where dima watched anton and sylvie too.
so overall…..half of me is still making heart eyes at dima and xavier bc they’re an addicting, obsessed, insane mess even tho the feelings happened too fast to be truly believable, and the other half of me is pissed at all the other nonsense that did nothing for the story and didn’t need to be included at all. 3.75 stars.
i’m quite intrigued about israel and reggie’s story bc i love a good best friends to lovers, esp with one clearly already pining his ass off, so i’ll be continuing onto book 2
there was quite a bit of om/ow drama in this, even tho no one ever “cheated” per se….the book started off with a bang, dima going to a bdsm house and seeing xavier whip a woman named savannah. dima decides that xavier is going to be his new toy, he the only one that can give dima what he wants. dima follows and accosts xavier when he goes to the bathroom, demanding xavier give him what he gave savannah, except dima doesn’t just want the whip, he wants xavier’s emotions too. xavier basically tells him fuck off, never happening, but is so affected by this encounter he loses control and spur of the moment fucks savannah in an open parking lot….dima sees this as he’d been following xavier, and when xavier leaves, dima rushes over before savannah can get in her car, holds her a knife point, demands she tell him xavier’s name, asks if he came inside her, to which she says yes, and then we get this:
“You should tell him this,” he whispered as he tunneled his fingers in and out. “That I finger-fucked you to get at his cum.”😳🥵
quite possibly the most batshit insane chapter one i’ve read in a minute and i was hooked!!! i love crazy ass mmcs and dima had me in a chokehold…..i really thought with xavier being the boss of a rival gang, we’d get two deranged feral fucks in love, but xavier wasn’t keeping up with dima in terms of crazy. he definitely had his moments, but he never gave me the ruthless vibe that a mafia boss should have.
you kinda have to suspend disbelief for how fast their feelings for each other developed. like xavier sorta immediately decided dima was his man for life very early on and spent the rest of the book trying to corral and woo a feral and scared dima into admitting and accepting they are more than just what they get up to in the bedroom….and man, do they ever get up to shit in the bedroom:
“The dildo in his ass was merciless, ruthless. Dima fucked it like he was starved for cock. Hungry to be used. Dying to be turned out. Because he was. On his knees, sobbing, with a gag-inducing grip on his balls and a fake dick that felt like the size of his fist crammed inside him.”😳😳
like um okay hot damn!!! and remember when i said dima is lowkey scared of what they have? yea, he tries to quit xavier several times, tries to push him away, but this is when crazy xavier comes out to play:
“Yeah?” Xavier swiped the empty plate to the floor and it shattered on impact. He ignored the mess, clasping Dima’s throat in one large hand. “I’d hold it against you if you let me leave. I’d hold it against you if you let me walk away, Rush, with my cum dripping down the back of your legs and your lips still swollen from my kisses.” His nostrils flared, anger tightening his grip on Dima’s neck. “I’d hold it against you.”
i love a good toxic obsession🤭🤭 bc one thing about xavier is he doesn’t play with his mans!!!! it’s giving that one fleetwood mac lyric “you’ll never get away from the sound of the woman that loves you”. xavier is like reassurance personified, bc if he loves you and wants you, believe you’re gonna fucking know it.
“My past will always be my past. My future, Dima, I want my future to be you.”
“You’re worth everything to me. I want you to choose me, even when the time comes that you won’t want to.”
bc trust, that time is coming as xavier’s secret starts closing in on him. he knows dima is the leader of the russians, but dima doesn’t know xavier is the face behind the jamaicans. and when push comes to shove, things get all fucked up and complicated. and when dima finds out in the worst way possible, betrayal hits deep. in an almost fugue state of hurt, anger, heartbreak, and grief, dima carves his name into the back of xavier’s neck….which made me absolutely foam at the mouth bc holy fuck!!!! you find out the man you are in love is the actual boss of the rival gang you are basically at war with, gave the order that just killed your brother, and to top it all off you assume he played with your heart and body for fun and the retribution you give him is TO CARVE UR FUCKING NAME IN HIS SKIN?????😩😩😩😩😩😩😩 i am deceased af, a pile of mush bc omfggggg you had him and his cousin, the outward face of the jamaicans, in the palm of your hand…..putting a bullet in either of their skulls would’ve been light work, but instead u carve ur name into ur mans and let them both go????? DOWN BAD even in the face of betrayal😩😩😩
then, we watch dima go back and forth between hatred for xavier, getting excessively high and drunk trying to forget him, and showing up in xavier’s bed unannounced bc he can’t stay away. xavier begs and grovels quite a bit. dima does some actual fucked up shit, forces his gun up xavier’s ass against his will, while xavier is saying “no. no. dima. please.” which was quite a shock….like where were the TWs for this???? (xavier is the top in this dynamic and they never spoke about switching or if xavier even bottomed) i found it extra repulsive bc xavier had opened up to dima about the reason his marriage failed…..his husband was attacked in their home and viciously beaten, and violated with a flashlight, by xavier’s own hate-filled family members….sooooo for dima to turn around and do this was too far for me.
now listen, i love dark romance. i assumed this book would have darker elements with the two main characters being mafia bosses. but if i’m going to read a dark romance, i want to know what i’m getting myself into and i want the author to be upfront about it. and excuse me if i’m wrong, but i didn’t see this book actually marketed as “dark romance”. if it was, i missed it. i would expect things like that in something actually labeled “dark romance”, but i wasn’t expecting that here. even if this wasn’t labeled a dark romance, looking at the trigger warnings would have prepared me enough, but the best we get from the trigger warnings is “improper use of a gun, reference to rape and sexual abuse” hmmm wrong, first of all. this was ON PAGE sa between main characters, so i expect a trigger warning for that. and “improper use of a gun” is the most deficient, scoff-able TW i’ve ever seen. do better.
there were a few other little things that nagged me like:
“Slut that she was, Savannah got wet simply at the sight of his gun”
“Butch! Damn it. Dima, come get your pussy.”
slut shaming and referring to your cat as your pussy🥴🥴🥴 weird
there were also times where dima would wake up in bed surrounded by his two employees, sylvie and anton who are in an open relationship, and who dima used to fuck around with, and it would be unclear if dima had done anything with them. on one occasion, it was cleared up fairly quickly, dima still had all his clothes on and sylvie told him that he didn’t participate, but he did watch sylvie and anton go at it. then, towards the end when xavier and dima were on the outs, xavier barges up to dima’s apartment and finds all three of them (dima, anton, and sylvie) naked and tangled up in bed sleeping. xavier goes batshit as expected, but assumes dima let them touch him, which dima doesn’t clear up until like 4 chapters later!!!!! dima says he didn’t sleep with anyone else. um i was distressed this whole time thank u very much!!!
i think most people would also appreciate a warning about sexual scenes with women when they’re reading an MM book. bc this had 2 scenes with savannah in the beginning, the threat of anton and sylvie in like 3 more scenes, plus i think there was a scene in the beginning where dima watched anton and sylvie too.
so overall…..half of me is still making heart eyes at dima and xavier bc they’re an addicting, obsessed, insane mess even tho the feelings happened too fast to be truly believable, and the other half of me is pissed at all the other nonsense that did nothing for the story and didn’t need to be included at all. 3.75 stars.
i’m quite intrigued about israel and reggie’s story bc i love a good best friends to lovers, esp with one clearly already pining his ass off, so i’ll be continuing onto book 2
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2021
Dima flipped until they were face to face.“I’ll be here, wherever you go.” His eyes were bright in the low light. “My place,” he touched the pad of one finger to X’s mouth, “my place is by your side.”
You know, for what it's worth, I was expecting this book to be full on insta love, no character development, sex is their only personality trait and some numbo jumbo plot. (wow my judgemental streak hit hard at that) I basically prepared myself for the worst.
So this book was.... Surprisingly Good.
Not Top Tier Staniel Level because that book is just a boss ass bitch, but this book was just... I just had a fun time reading it.
One of my favorite parts of reading an author's backlist, especially one I adore, is noticing their writing. Especially, the evolution <'i>of their writing.
“Watch me,” his toy whispered. Sadistic. Eyes so black Dima didn't see the whites. He looped the rope around Dima's neck. Tightened it. “Let's play then, Rush.” He pulled the rope. “And watch me.”
Dima did.
“Watch me break you.” He tightened the rope, pulling while Dima opened his mouth, fighting to breathe, to live.
And the Avril's Ashton's writing today is so unbelievably phenomenal. Her writing today is deep, thought provoking, insightful and fucking powerful and although this book didn't hold that same status, there was a level of degree where you can SEE oh that's where she got it from. I(maybe am blowing it off proportion) saw little bits and pieces of Avril's writing, that truly cemented the foundation of her work today.
Okay I don't know who wrote the blurb of this book but whoever did... Well let's just say, the blurb NEEDS to change. And if you haven't read the blurb yet, just don't. It's basically spoiled you the 80% of this book and I'm thanking the wise, wise seconds I've had in life and my strong distaste of reading blurbs in the first place to have not read it upon starting this book.
I will say, the first twenty percent of this book was not only INCREDIBLY FUCKED UP and just bat shit savage, there are moments that reek of questionability and just... makes you slap you hand against your forehand because that second hand embarassmement just hit TOO HARD.
The man released him and was gone before Dima could gulp in air.
His heart pounded as he clutched the edge of the sink, breathing fast. He met his own wild gaze in the mirror, shivering at the hungry grin on his face.
A chase. He could do that.
But it gets better. The more you read, the more flushed out the characters become and the more you just understand their motives and perspectives and just overall being. They become more than just a raging cliche and you can feel the authenticity and vulnerability from them.
“I like you.”Zhirkov smiled, tongue flicking out to play with the lip piercing. “I mean you’re suicidal, but I like you. Find someone else to fuck with, I have nothing you want.”
“Or else?”
Zhirkov's teeth flashed when he grinned. It was predatory, it was threatening, it was cold, and it made X freeze and stare in fascination.
“I like blood. I've got no problem with getting into a bloodbath with you,” the Russian said with a smirk. “I just wanted to make sure that's howyou wanna play it.” He got to his feet. “You know where I'll be at. Come get me.”
This book has quite an interesting tangle of events. Especially the different dynamic of these two characters and how they affect one another. It was interesting, it was cute, it was borderline silly and made you wanna hit your head against a wall but also hot and raunchy as fuck.
The sadism in this book is just 💯🔥✨
It was natural to X to reach out and pinch the bleeding lip between thumb and forefinger, hard. Until Dima whimpered and his eyes snapped open. Need swam there, shimmering in those pretty fucking eyes. X hooked his thumb nail in the little cut at the inside of Dima's lip, tearing it. Blood dripped down Dima's chin and onto the front of his white t-shirt. And the Russian took the pain, reveled in it with loud whimpers that spiked X's blood pressure.
And I have to say, once you get into the bulk of this (relatively short) book, you get sucked into these characters, their lives and opinions and just their thoughts and I have to say, once you grow attached to these characters... That moment, it just gets better from there.
X lost track of everything but the taste of Dima, the feel of him between his legs, under his fingertips, the sound of him. He was surrounded by the Russian, his senses taken over by him. He'd fight it, but he wasn't meant to win this.
Bastard that X was, he wanted more. The last thing he should want, the last person he should want, but he did.
X wasn’t going to question it, he wasn’t going to hide from it. Caring for Dima was suicide, but he’d take it if it meant going back to life without the excitement of Dima.
I have to say. One damn annoying part of this book was Xavier's character and how in his POV, he constantly referred to himself as 'X'. It was a stylistic choice I can tell but GOSH DARN IT, the amount of times I've read X in the past few hours made my eyes cross.
+ I do wish the general ending of this book held a few more chapters before the epilogue.
✨ I'm contemplating my rating from a 3.5 - 4.0 stars. For now I'll rate it 3.5 but at the moment I'm leaning more of a 4.0 star but I feel like I've been rating my books very highly the past two months lol so here's me toughing it up.
Initial Reactions
Damn this was better than I expected it to be.
“I love everything about you, Rush.” Xavier concentrated on Dima’s ass. “Everything. You’re worth it.” He alternated blows, lashing Dima’s butt cheeks. “To me.” His choked words cut off then began again. “You’re worth everything to me. I want you to choose me, even when the time comes that you won’t want to.”
Dima didn’t know if the whip or Xavier’s words were the cause of his loud, hacking sobs. But they were, ripping from his throat.
“Choose me when your head says no.”
November 4, 2014
5 Balls Busting
WHOA MAMA. This is not your momma's smut! Hello YUMMY GOODNESS! Non-Con, Kidnap, Torture, Murder and Mayhem -- and love between the unlikeliest of men. Two rival gang leaders. I ate this one up. Literally. Did not stop even to pee. Perhaps not realistic - and a few times I had a "softer side of Sears" moment when things were just a bit too sappy and lovey dove but overall a gritty memorable novel that hopefully is starting a series with the same characteristics. No apologies - a lot of matter of fact. I def. have to read more of this authors books!
Others have said it way better than me but if you like harsh, gritty, and bloody books with your MM do not miss this one!
WHOA MAMA. This is not your momma's smut! Hello YUMMY GOODNESS! Non-Con, Kidnap, Torture, Murder and Mayhem -- and love between the unlikeliest of men. Two rival gang leaders. I ate this one up. Literally. Did not stop even to pee. Perhaps not realistic - and a few times I had a "softer side of Sears" moment when things were just a bit too sappy and lovey dove but overall a gritty memorable novel that hopefully is starting a series with the same characteristics. No apologies - a lot of matter of fact. I def. have to read more of this authors books!
Others have said it way better than me but if you like harsh, gritty, and bloody books with your MM do not miss this one!
March 11, 2018
These guys are brutal, harsh and totally captivating. Bad boys without a doubt, but they sucked me the hell in and made me care. Hot. Very hot. A fast-paced, hold-onto-your-seat kind of story. And an unusual take on the enemies to lovers theme because .
I enjoyed the enemies-to-lovers twist and the heat between the MCs so much.
I enjoyed the enemies-to-lovers twist and the heat between the MCs so much.
April 12, 2025
Intense
3.5 Stars!
Never lie to crazy Russian Mafia bosses. Don't do it. Especially when they've fallen in love with you.
My my my did Xavier learn that the hard way.
This was wonderfully written as usual and Although the feelings came pretty abruptly, I still enjoyed this.
On to the next!
Edit (April 2025)
Upon second read, the feelings were believable. Loved reconnecting with these two 😩
3.5 Stars!
Never lie to crazy Russian Mafia bosses. Don't do it. Especially when they've fallen in love with you.
My my my did Xavier learn that the hard way.
This was wonderfully written as usual and Although the feelings came pretty abruptly, I still enjoyed this.
On to the next!
Edit (April 2025)
Upon second read, the feelings were believable. Loved reconnecting with these two 😩
May 15, 2017
Sweet Jeebus. This book consumed my morning. I was utterly useless to my family until I read the very last word of the book. It was a little darker than I normally read but that didn't bother me at all. I devoured this book. I can't wait to read the rest of the series!
December 29, 2014
This review is posted on Way Too Hot Books.
Being sick during Christmas holidays sucked, especially with all that delicious food around me (even though my thighs are thankful- traitors!), but at least I had my books to comfort me and since I was "a little" moody, my book choice was also from the darker side. Yup, definitely not the most appropriate book to read during holidays and I totally blame my weakened state of my mind by lack of sugar or Christmas food in general :P. Yeah, right.
A year ago this book would have probably never found itself in my hands and the biggest reason for that is the fact that the MCs have a Dom/sub relationship and practice heavy BDSM (whipping, flogging, breath play, gun play etc.), but I became more open-minded after reading some awesome books with similar elements, books like: Rough Canvas (Nature of Desire, #6) by Joey W. Hill, Dark Soul Series by Aleksandr Voinov etc.
Nowadays, the most important thing for me when it comes to this type of relationship is that the romance is slow-building, that the relationship is based on deep connection and not just sex and that the MCs are equals in their relationship or to be more exact- I don't like it when the guy who is Dom in the bedroom is also Dom out of it and the other way around, because I prefer both of my main characters to have strong personality and not just go with the flow.
That's why I liked Dima's & Xavier's relationship in general. Both of them were strong, straight to the point characters who weren't defined by their roles in the bedroom. The chemistry between them was scorching hot from the moment they set their eyes on each other and I liked their intensity even though some of the HBDSM stuff they "practiced" made me cringe.
~ This is definitely a book for you if you are:
- fans of D/s interracial romance with elements of heavy BDSM
- fans of enemies-to-lovers stories
- fans of shady MCs involved in street gangs
- fans of dark, raw and raunchy reads
- fans of dark romance and lots of dirty talking
- fans of mm crime/mystery reads
~ It would have been a 5 stars read for me if:
- the romance had been more slow-building
- there had been less push & pull (melo)drama
- there had been less possessive "caveman" behavior
- there hadn't been some cheesy content
- the writing had been a bit more polished
All in all, aside some minor issues I liked it enough and I will definitely be reading the next one- (Watch Me) Body You (Run This Town, #2) which features Israel & Reggie as MCs, who were secondary characters in this one. It's supposed to be bffs-to-lovers/GFY romances, one of my biggest guilty pleasures when it comes to the mm genre. The resistance is futile!
"Watch me," his toy whispered. Sadistic. Eyes so black Dima didn't see the whites. He looped the rope around Dima's neck. Tightened it. "Let's play then, Rush." He pulled the rope. "And watch me." Dima did.
"Watch me break you."
Being sick during Christmas holidays sucked, especially with all that delicious food around me (even though my thighs are thankful- traitors!), but at least I had my books to comfort me and since I was "a little" moody, my book choice was also from the darker side. Yup, definitely not the most appropriate book to read during holidays and I totally blame my weakened state of my mind by lack of sugar or Christmas food in general :P. Yeah, right.
“Blood and violence gets me hard,” Dima murmured with a smile.”
3 dark, raw, suspenseful, emotional & kinky stars!
A year ago this book would have probably never found itself in my hands and the biggest reason for that is the fact that the MCs have a Dom/sub relationship and practice heavy BDSM (whipping, flogging, breath play, gun play etc.), but I became more open-minded after reading some awesome books with similar elements, books like: Rough Canvas (Nature of Desire, #6) by Joey W. Hill, Dark Soul Series by Aleksandr Voinov etc.
Nowadays, the most important thing for me when it comes to this type of relationship is that the romance is slow-building, that the relationship is based on deep connection and not just sex and that the MCs are equals in their relationship or to be more exact- I don't like it when the guy who is Dom in the bedroom is also Dom out of it and the other way around, because I prefer both of my main characters to have strong personality and not just go with the flow.
That's why I liked Dima's & Xavier's relationship in general. Both of them were strong, straight to the point characters who weren't defined by their roles in the bedroom. The chemistry between them was scorching hot from the moment they set their eyes on each other and I liked their intensity even though some of the HBDSM stuff they "practiced" made me cringe.
~ This is definitely a book for you if you are:
- fans of D/s interracial romance with elements of heavy BDSM
- fans of enemies-to-lovers stories
- fans of shady MCs involved in street gangs
- fans of dark, raw and raunchy reads
- fans of dark romance and lots of dirty talking
- fans of mm crime/mystery reads
~ It would have been a 5 stars read for me if:
- the romance had been more slow-building
- there had been less push & pull (melo)drama
- there had been less possessive "caveman" behavior
- there hadn't been some cheesy content
- the writing had been a bit more polished
All in all, aside some minor issues I liked it enough and I will definitely be reading the next one- (Watch Me) Body You (Run This Town, #2) which features Israel & Reggie as MCs, who were secondary characters in this one. It's supposed to be bffs-to-lovers/GFY romances, one of my biggest guilty pleasures when it comes to the mm genre. The resistance is futile!
“He’d fallen in love with Quinn slowly, quietly. With Dima, it was like a baseball bat upside the head, these feelings. They completely swamped him, made him want different things, made him want to be different.”
September 2, 2017
Re-read September 2017
Still perfect! <3
Still perfect! <3
February 1, 2022
4 Stars
MM-Romance, Racial Diverse Characters, Organized Crime, Enemies-to-Lovers, Dark, BDSM, Steamy
For some reason, I've circled Avril Ashton's work for the past two years, never taking the plunge. So I am happy I finally did and utterly surprised by Watch Me Break You .
The book is dark, rough, harsh, wicked even, and well delivered. Bleeding, begging, and in a jealous rage, MCs pulled at me; they're incredibly well fleshed out, emotional, erratic, and all the good stuff I want in a dark read. One has to be in the mood for this book as there is no holding back during the BDSM scenes... there isn't much that is soft or sweet. However, intimacy builds throughout the story and ends with a satisfying HEA.
MM-Romance, Racial Diverse Characters, Organized Crime, Enemies-to-Lovers, Dark, BDSM, Steamy
For some reason, I've circled Avril Ashton's work for the past two years, never taking the plunge. So I am happy I finally did and utterly surprised by Watch Me Break You .
The book is dark, rough, harsh, wicked even, and well delivered. Bleeding, begging, and in a jealous rage, MCs pulled at me; they're incredibly well fleshed out, emotional, erratic, and all the good stuff I want in a dark read. One has to be in the mood for this book as there is no holding back during the BDSM scenes... there isn't much that is soft or sweet. However, intimacy builds throughout the story and ends with a satisfying HEA.
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