Broken Innocence

Blackchapel Bastards #2

by Hallie Bennett

One glance at the curvy bookworm sitting alone at his father's party is all it takes for Luca D'Amora to become obsessed...

A woman as soft and gentle as Eden Marino doesn't belong in his dangerous world. Not yet anyway...

Shy Eden Marino is determined to escape her family's connections to the Italian mafia...

Learning about her arranged marriage to a D'Amora man scares her. Even more than the feeling that someone's been watching her...

BROKEN INNOCENCE is a steamy full-length cozy mafia romance with dark themes. Please check the content notes.

Genres: Contemporary

167 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 31, 2025

About the author

Hallie prefers steamy, insta-love stories where the curvy girl finds love with a filthy-talking hero. And when she ran out of reading material, she decided to write her own stories. If you want a quick, hot read, she's your girl!

Instagram: @authorhalliebennett
TikTok: @authorhalliebennett
Facebook: @authorhalliebennett

Reviews

[Becky (romantic_pursuing_feels) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers

Overall: 4.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔 (It’s a shorter novel)
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Just a touch
Perspective: first person from both hero and heroine and some from Dmitri Petrov and Jonah Anderson
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? medium to fast
When mains are first on page together: chapter 2
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: No, but there is a link for one at the end of the story (it takes place a year later)
Format: voluntarily read an advanced reader copy from the author through BookSprout in e-book form
Why I chose this book: I enjoy Hallie Bennett/Jemma Frost books!
Mains: Luca D’Amora and Eden Marino – This is a M/F relationship between a cishet hero and heroine
(Descriptions found at end of my review)

Should I read in order?
I don’t think it’s totally necessary to enjoy the romance but it will build a bit of the story and they do live with the hero and heroine from book 1. These are short reads and book 1 was also fun, so I do suggest reading in order if you can.

Basic plot:
Eden’s parents are forcing her into a marriage – luckily for her stalker he can take the place of the groom.

Give this a try if you want:
- contemporary romance
- Boston setting
- mafia
- curvy heroine
- stalker hero
- pets – heroine owns a cat
- day care working heroine
- he’ll buy you romance books and give you gifts
- touch her and die
- she’s his captive
- arranged marriage
- higher steam – 3 scenes with some throat play, period sex, some toy usage and dirty talk

Ages:
- heroine is 28, I think the hero is around 35?

First line:
“Papa, I don’t want to stay here,” I say for the fifth time.

My thoughts:
Oh I am so loving this series! This is giving me so much of what I want right now in romance. Obsessed heroes that fall first. I’m not opposed to some stalking….forced marriage. Yes please!

I loved the first half of this one so much. I found so many lines so sweet, and was highlighting so many quotes. I thought the tension was really great.

I think I liked the latter half of book 1 more (the action/villain takedown) than this one – I thought the ASMR videos were a stretch for me but I also just adored how it wrapped up at the end with the hero being able to give back to her. Another minor complaint – the POV switches with future characters. I’m always whiny about that – it’s just a me thing – but I just don’t think it’s developed enough to be really pertinent to the story.

Overall I loved this book and am so eager for the whole series!


Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: This is my 6th under her Hallie Bennett name. I’ve 12 read if you count her historical persona, Jemma Frost
Average rating from me: 4.67 for this pen name (and the same is you count all books read under both names)
Favorite book: Probably this one??

Endearments
The hero calls the heroine ‘Butterfly’

Quotes any typos are my own! I am bad with typos, I apologize


“Hi, sorry for the wait! I-” My apology comes to a screeching half once my brain registers the person standing on my doorstep.
It’s a man.
An extremely handsome one – chiseled jaw with dark stubble, piercing blue eyes that promise sin and danger – staring at me like I’m the last piece of cake at a birthday party.
---
Butterfly,
Rest and read. I’m told that these books are perfect for a day in bed.
I’ll be home later this evening, but Allison will bring lunch to you at noon.
Yours,
Luca

The note was propped against a stack of books on the nightstand when I woke up. My name was scrawled across the front old, though he’d switched to his random nickname for me inside the short letter. Flipping it closed, I set it aside and studied the colorful titles he left me. A mix of romantic comedies, fantasy romance, and some historical romance thrown in for good measure.
---
“Too bad, Butterfly. Your fate is sealed, and it’s tied to mine.”
“Please just let me go. Enzo will forget all about me, and you can finish your revenge against your dad and brother. I don’t need to be involved.”
“No.” I step forward and pry Beanie out of her clenched hands, setting her on the ground beside us. Her pitiful mewling sounds throughout the night, but she’s going to have to survive her enclosure for a little while longer.
Because our girl needs a reminder of who she belongs to.
---
“You’re not going anywhere except your bedroom,” Luca says, crowding me backward until my back hits the rough brick of the manor. “Tomorrow, you’ll become my wife, we’ll leave for our honeymoon, and you won’t attempt to leave me again. Understand?”
---
Another kiss.
This one tracing the edge of my mouth.
“Again,” Luca commands, but he swallows my attempt to obey by capturing my lips with his. They’re firm and warm and masterful in their possession as his tongue sweeps forward, teasing and tasting. “Dolce farfalla,” he murmurs, retreating for a moment before stealing my breath again.
---
“Come for me, baby. Come for your husband.”



Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.

- parental abandonment
- physical violence against the heroine
- death on page
- human trafficking
- some elements of dubious consent (forced marriage, stalking)
- the mains are forced to have sex at the threat of violence from the hero’s half brother
- gun violence on page

Author content warnings? stalking, kidnapping, dubious consent, toxic family, violence, explicit sex, cursing/offensive language, human trafficking (not hero or heroine), period blood sex, light anal, forced exhibitionism, threat of rape (not from hero to heroine) (I always encourage you to check author’s websites, since Amazon penalizes authors for certain content warning words in their novels)


Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:

Safe sex: I think the hero pulls out the first scene, kinda pulls out in the second after they are married, but not immediately...
How’s the consent? It’s a mafia book with a stalker hero and a forced marriage so if consent is important to you, this might not be for you – but there’s no non-consensual acts and both seem pretty willing for everything (heroine is curious and exploring but does try to get out of her situation with him)
Pregnancy/children in story?
Chapter 14 – kiss
Chapter 17 – 🔥 breast play, oral for her, missionary (v loss for her) with some throat play
Chapter 19 – 🔥 period oral for her on the daybed at the beach, sex
Chapter 26 – 🔥 nipple clamps, oral for her, titty fucking, missionary
Chapter 30 or so there’s a forced bj scene but I wouldn’t count it as steamy – it’s under duress
Total chapters: 31


Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs


Full break down on what my ratings above mean here:
Overall: How I felt about it everything considered!
Readability: How ‘readable’ was the book? Did I fly through it? Did I have to tell myself to pick it back up repeatedly? Were any passages confusing? (I will probably score like (1) is literally unreadable due to formatting/typing errors, etc (2) There were lots of errors that made it difficult to read OR It was extremely confusing and I had to reread passages to make sense of it OR I disliked it so much I had to bribe myself to keep reading (3) I didn’t really want to keep reading and would have preferred to abandon the read and start something else OR some minor continuity issues/confusion (4) I liked it fine, maybe a minor error or 2. I was happy to pick it up when I had time. (5) I never wanted to put this down. I thought about it when I wasn’t reading it. I hid in the bathroom from my kids to read. I threw inappropriate food at my children for dinner so I could read instead.)
Feels: Totally subjective to each person but did the book give me any tingles? Any butterflies? Did it rip my heart out (in a good way?)
Emotional depth: How well do I feel I know the characters at the end? How much did I feel their emotions throughout the story?
Sexual tension: Again, subjective, but how strong was the wanting and longing to me between the characters? A book might have strong sexual tension without a single touch.
Romance: Was there romance? Did romantic things happen? This can be actions/words/thoughts of the characters and again is subjective.
Sensuality: This is how the intimate scenes are written. Kisses and sexual scenes – how sensual were they? Were they on the mechanical side? Was there emotional pull tied in? Were the details explicit or flowery? These are subjective but generally (1) too short to get a good judgment (2) not all what I'm looking for - very vague or flowery prose (3) either not explicit enough or not enough emotional pull (too mechanical/physically descriptive without the emotions) (4) what I love in a scene (5) absolute perfection - perfect balance of emotional longing and explicit descriptions
Sex Scene Length: How long the bedroom scenes are (generally (1) is 1-3 sentences (2) is a few paragraphs to a page-ish (3) is about average, a few pages (4) more well developed scenes, quite a few pages with descriptions (5) the majority of the book takes place in the bedroom. This is always hard to tell for me on audio!
Steam Scale: Generally, each flame is a scene. If scenes are super close together I sometimes combine them. If a scene is super short or so vague I don’t know what’s happening, I don’t count it. There’s some levels of grey but generally the number of flames is how many sex scenes there are (I max out at 5 so I’ll put a + after if there’s more than that)


Find me
Instagram || The Storygraph || Bookbub ||

Book Clubs
The Ton and the Tartans (Historical Romance)
Upturned Petticoats and Undone Cravats (Historical Romance with Steam Requirements)
A Love Less Ordinary (Science Fiction, Paranormal, Monster, Fantasy)
Modern Manuscripts (Contemporary Romance)
Words for the Wicked (Contemporary Romance with Steam Requirements)
Vintage Romance (Old School Romance – published 2000 and prior)

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

Revenge will be his!

Once upon a time six young illegitimate sons of some of the most powerful men in the world were sent to Blackchapel Manor to finish their education. The son of their teacher was also their classmate. But their education was to learn how to be a mercenary. They learned their lessons well. They will torture and kill anyone who interferes with their plans to kill the fathers who walked away from them without a backward glance. These seven men were dubbed the Blackchapel Bastards. This is Luca D’Amora's story.

Luca was ten when his father, Enzo D’Amora, delivered him to Blackchapel Manor. In only one week, he's lost both his mother, who died, and now his father, who's dumping him at this "school." His father's good friend, Conrad Steele, will be in charge of him.

Enzo loved Luca's mother as much as he could love anyone. Enzo is in the Boston Mafia and married to the Don's daughter, so there's no way Luca can live with his father, his wife, and his newborn son. Supposedly Luca will only be there until his father makes a new arrangement. That never happened.

The seven boys had been raised to implode The Syndicate, the organization that had blacklisted Conrad Steele years ago. The Syndicate is composed of the fathers of the other six boys. The seven sons, now men, run two companies. He and Mathias are recognized as the leaders of Blackchapel Incorporated, their legitimate company, which is a Fortune 500 company. He's the COO of that company, while Mathias is the CEO and also the unofficial leader of the Blackthorn Bastards. They also have a second company, Blackthorn, that is the dark underbelly company of their criminal organization.

Eden Marino has been sheltered her entire life. She was raised in a traditional Italian family where unmarried daughters live at home until they marry, and then their husbands watch over them. Her father is a low-level soldier in Don D’Amora's crew. She's twenty-eight and certain that marriage isn't in the cards for her. She works at a daycare and earns enough to pay rent and her other expenses. She's decided to move out to be on her own and has signed a lease for an apartment in the Boston suburb of Spring Falls. Her father agrees to the move if, at the mandatory Sunday dinners and with every phone call, she confirms she's safe, happy, and content with her decision to move away.

A plus with having her own apartment is that now she can have a cat, Beanie. Her mother is allergic to them, so she'd never been allowed to have one at home. Someone also was nice enough to send her a stained glass butterfly suncatcher as a welcome gift. She's also receiving other gifts that she thinks are from the leasing company.

After seeing her at his father's birthday party, Luca has now added a new crime to his repertoire—stalking. His target is Eden Marino. She thinks it's safe to traipse around her third-floor apartment in flimsy clothing. After all, there's a row of tall privacy trees around the apartment building. One of those trees is his perch. Her laptop also has spyware installed: it's not safe to leave it unattended at a public library. Especially if he's in the vicinity. He must keep an eye on his precious butterfly, even if he's never spoken to her...

The latest dinner with her parents turns her world upside down. She's always been overlooked by everyone. But at Don D’Amora’s recent birthday party, her family had been invited, and they did attend. Enzo's legitimate son, Fabian, has the reputation of being a womanizer. The Don has contacted her father to discuss a marriage between her and Fabian. This is something she doesn't want to ever even consider. However, her parents are thrilled with the idea of their daughter married to the future Don!

Luca won't allow that to happen! No one, especially Fabian, will wed the woman he's fallen in love with. She will be his bride! He convinces his father to swap grooms. But Fabian plans to seek revenge against the "golden" son.

I received an ARC of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Laura Moylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

We learn so much about the Blackchapel Bastards in this book. They are awesome in each of their own ways and finding out about their pasts made me cry. I needed the AC on high because I got nervy all throughout the book. Luca, who I fell in love with in the first book, is the main dude in this one. Luca D’Amora was brought to Blackchapel when he was about ten, after the death of his mother, who was mistress to his father, Enzo. When Luca went to his father’s birthday party, he assessed the best ways to continue the plan that he and the others were working on- how to take down their fathers and the syndicate that they belonged to. They are vengeance. At the party, he saw Eden Marino, the daughter of one of his father’s mafioso men. She works at a daycare and has just moved out from under her parent’s thumbs, into her own home and has gotten a cat, Beanie. The cat made me laugh, because we all know that orange cats are freaking nuts. lol. Luca has been protectively stalking the lovely Eden, for he sees the truth when he looks at her, that she will be his. I loved learning about all the other ‘bastards’ and their backgrounds and how they razz each other. Don D’Amora has called on his son Luca and his true born son, Fabian. Things begin to go awry and then Luca thinks he fixed it, but we find out that is hardly what happens. I was livid with what happened next and it made me both rant curses and cry. I love how Luca takes care of things and how he handles Eden (mostly). lol. But, watching them interact would have to be my favorite part of the book. Oh the plot twists! Yay. The fights are awesome and it totally appealed to the bloodthirsty part of me that wanted vengeance for what happened, because in a book is the best place for that. I dislike Fabian soooo much. The book was fun, funny, romantic, steamy, scary, thrilling, suspenseful, and had some awesome action in it. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vedece Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

CONTENT WARNING! Check the author's site for a full listing.
Luca was, for lack of a better phrase, dropped off at Blackchapel Manor the same week his mother died. As the illegitimate son, he couldn't be around his father's real family. The things that he was taught there, made him, along with his other brothers in blood, the man that he is today. A Blackchapel Bastard. Trained to take vengeance and inflict pain since youth. Thanks Dad.
Luca may be COO of their legal business, Blackchapel Incorporated, but he's added something new that's his private business. Stalking Eden Marino and he takes that job just as seriously.
Eden is twenty eight with no prospects for marriage so she decides, with her Mafia ties father's blessing, to live independently. Her father is a low level worker in the Family so she should be safe. She thinks. She's unseen and even forgotten at the gatherings and that's fine with her. She doesn't want to be "used" to be married off to someone in the organization. But when she finds out that's exactly what's going to happen, what can she do?
When Luca finds out that the Don's, (his father), son, (his half brother), wants his Eden for a wife, he won't have it. She belongs to him. So he offers himself as a replacement, which is acceptable to the Don.
When she's kidnapped, assaulted then delivered to Luca, he goes on the warpath!
She finds that truth is stranger than fiction as he tells her the tale after she wakes up. Even after he tells her all, can she trust him? Stay with him?
A suppressed memory leads them to finding out that his brother is more vile than anyone suspected. And now, the ones he has in his sights?
Eden and Luca!
Do yourself a favor and start with book one. You don't have to, but you'll want to.
I am loving this series and it's only book two!!!!
This review is my own opinion and is not AI.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle Frater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally, the next chapter in this amazing new series! Eden’s family might be loosely tied to the Boston mafia, but they’ve always hovered on the outermost fringes—quiet, unnoticed, and content to stay that way. Eden is happy to go unnoticed, with a new apartment and a job that keeps the lights on, finally savoring her independence. So, when her parents drop a bombshell, announcing she’s to marry Fabian, the Don’s son, she’s blindsided. But someone else is even more stunned. Luca D’Amora, Fabian’s enigmatic and possessive half-brother, has other plans. Because Eden has been his from the moment he laid eyes on her. Watching from the shadows, leaving anonymous gifts, Luca has kept his distance, until now. There’s no chance he’ll let anyone else claim her. The only man walking Eden down the aisle will be him. Yes, Luca’s obsessive devotion should raise a few red flags, but what’s surprising is how his dark intensity masks a genuine, unwavering tenderness. He adores Eden, protects her fiercely, and, most importantly, treats her like a partner in every sense of the word. No secrets. No manipulation. Just a beautiful kind of devotion that speaks of the depth of his feelings for her. Eden, a shy soul raised in a traditional and sheltered Italian household, is no firebrand heroine, but watching her bloom under Luca’s love and desire is as satisfying as it is sensual. Their chemistry crackles, their connection deepens, and their romance feels like a fairytale laced with danger and devotion. But don’t be fooled, this story isn’t all whispered promises and bedroom heat. There’s plenty of mafia intrigue, violent turns, and pulse-pounding action to keep you breathless. And just like in the first installment, the bond between the Blackchapel Bastards steals the show. These brothers are fiercely loyal, deeply scarred, and utterly compelling. I’m already dying to dive into their stories next.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mafia Wife · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series. They are a group of men who were born of mafia, but all have been betrayed in some fashion by their family. Together to farm their own strength and organization. Luca is the second to find his woman. He first saw her at a birthday party a boring function. He wasn’t looking forward to going to until he saw her. Sitting off in a corner, oblivious to everyone else reading her book. He was fascinated by her lack of interest in participating in the social machine and her glorious curves. He has been watching and waiting for his opportunity and when it comes, he ceases it. She is born a mafia daughter, but has been slowly edging her way away from the life having her very own apartment and job. She hopes everyone in the life forgets her father had a daughter so she can live a normal life. She thinks she has succeeded until the day her father tells her he has arranged a marriage for her. I really enjoyed both of the individual main characters he was born the illegitimate son of his father, and he carries some of that weight however, he’s been successful in his own right, and he is straight up over the top of obsessed with his bride. He is tender, he thinks about her. He doesn’t have that mafia bravado at all with her. She has always wanted to get away from the life, but with her new husband, she finds things aren’t as bad as she feared. You get some of his organization/brotherhood. You get some of the mafia drama you get some family drama I didn’t dislike any of it, but some of the transitions and interactions just didn’t happen smoothly for me and left me feeling a little bit off. Oh no, I think I enjoyed their relationship between them, but was a little dissatisfied how the rest of the story wove together.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hang on get comfortable you won’t put it down until the last page has been read but read your trigger warnings. Luca sexy as all get out illegitimate son was dropped off at Blackchapel Manor with is biological father after his mother passed away what an awaken it was for him the things he had to go through, the things he was taught no boy should have to learn or go through things like that but it made him the man he is and inflicting pain or taking vengeance was his normal. Luca is the COO of their legal business for Blackchapel Inc., but he also has his private business, one that he knows he shouldn’t be doing but can’t help himself, it is what keeps him breathing stalking his girl. Eden is sweet hasn’t been married off by her father who is the mafia connected since she isn’t married at the age of twenty-eight since he hasn’t found a husband for her he agrees to allow her to live on her own since he is just a low level player in the mafia so she should be safe, she feels like she is unseen and her biggest fear is being used for marriage so staying of the radar is in her best interest or so she thinks. Luca finds out the Don, his father and brother wants his girl for his wife, and he isn’t going to allow that to happen, so he offers himself and the Don accepts. But when she is kidnapped, hurt he goes on to warpath taking out or hurting any and all who hurt his girl but when she learns the truth will she believe him, will she run or stay, will she every really trust him, there more to his brother than anyone knew a very weird …sick something that that learned a little too late do they stop him in time, and is there happiness for these two along the way?

[Tiffany Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always been Noticed

"Broken Innocence" is the second book in the excellent Blackchapel Bastards series! In this installment, Luca and his adopted brothers are on a mission to take down his mafia father and half-brother. Things take an unexpected turn when Luca's father suddenly brings him into the family business, which doesn’t sit well with his half-brother.

At a birthday party, Luca catches sight of Eden for the first time. She’s tucked away in a cozy corner, wholly absorbed in a book, and he instantly feels that she’s the one for him. Eden is a quiet soul who often goes unnoticed. She enjoys her peaceful life with her cat and works at a daycare, steering clear of her father’s criminal world. So, she’s completely shocked when her father announces that the Don wants her to become his son’s bride-to-be. And to her astonishment, that son is none other than Luca!

The chemistry and attraction between Luca and Eden are electric right from the start. I am absolutely loving this series! The characters are so relatable and well-crafted that you'll quickly find yourself rooting for Luca and Eden. Additionally, the strong bond between Luca and his adopted brothers effectively highlights their unwavering support for one another.

The chemistry between Luca and Eden leads to some delightfully steamy moments, making this light mafia romance an absolute page-turner! From the first page to the last, you’ll be hooked and eager for more. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a lot that I liked about this second installment of the Blackchapel Bastards mafia romance. Luca, the morally-gray hero, is a dream book boyfriend, surprising Eden with gifts and fixing her appliances in her new apartment. He's a dream, that is, if you don't mind a little stalking including watching you pleasure yourself on your living room couch and bribing your cat with treats to win him over. Even though Luca is over the top, he is absolutely obsessed with Eden and will do anything to spoil her, protect her, and cherish her as his own. Eden is chubby and curvy and never had much attention from men and wasn't expecting for anyone to notice her. Little did she know she would have not one but two sons of the mafia don vying to have her for their wife.

I liked the story because it was a mafia romance that never forgot it was a love story...the mafia part was not over powering of the relationship and it gave Luca a way to shine (he frees victims of his horrible half-brother Fabian's sex trafficking.) The love scenes are very hot, and there are just enough of them to not overwhelm the story. This was my first read from Hallie Bennett and I will definitely read the rest of her series.

[Shawna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Broken Innocence: A Curvy Girl Dark Romance
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶

Eden has always been the overlooked mafia princess. She's more curvy than most of the other princesses and not as much as the partying type. When she catches the eye of Luca D'Amora -- she stays there.

Eden is the quiet, innocent type who is eager to live on her own and do her own thing. She moves into her own apartment, has a cat - Beanie - and goes to work at a daycare. She's delivered gifts every so often and little does she know she's stalked through the window of her third floor apartment every single night.
Luca is the quiet and broody mafia half-brother who has plans to ruin his half-brother and father. Every night he watches Eden from a tree perched outside her third floor apartment window. He even sends her gifts. He plans to make her his one day.

My thoughts:
I like that this is a curvy-girl book. It's not as dark as you would expect, but it's definitely got dark tendencies. I would recommend this book to anyone who doesn't mind the tropes for this book. It's page turning and I was able to finish it in a day. Great book!

[Alex Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

EEEEEK, I loved this book. It was 167 pages of stalking, kidnapping, family drama and of course page after page of spice. Eden is the only child of a low-level Italian Mafia member, she has been on the outskirts of society for as long as she could remember, so when her parents inform her, she is to marry the Don's son she was understandably distraught. All she wanted was to live her life and blend into the woodwork (so to speak). Luca is the eldest son of the Boston Mafia Don, however being an illegitimate bastard his father couldn’t have him around his wife and legitimate son. After being abandoned at Black Chapel Manor and growing into the COO of Blackchapel Inc Luca and his brothers (the Blackchapel Bastards) are on a mission to bring down their father’s and the syndicate legacy crashing down around them. What Luca never could have expected was Eden Marino.

Read Broken Innocence today if you want to know how the love story between Eden and Luca pan out. However, if you haven’t read book one of the Blackchapel Bastards Series Whispered Desire I highly recommend reading it first.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Malini · Rating 5 out of 5]

My girl by MeemsAngel82

This is book 2 in this series and it continues to be both sweet and dangerous as the mission of these men becomes more intense. Here we have two people that are attracted to one another and one doesn't even know it at first! This H is an attentive man and yes, he has been watching her but their lives are connected mafia...

She believes she is vs enough removed from the mafia that she can have her own life. He has had his eyes on her because he's very interested.

And thank goodness for that. Her parents should be ashamed and his brother and father? Oh my. Just bad people. She is such a sweet and gentle girl, trying out her freedom and harms no one. What happened was so mean and thank goodness he had his heart set on her! And he and his brothers were all strong and were in her corner. A entertaining series and I look forward to more!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shana W · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the action, the romance and the steam in the book. The main characters are well developed and I like that there's so much found family (literally, in the case of The Family).  Luca has married the perfect woman, as Eden was raised in The Family's culture and she understands it and tolerates it. Luca takes exceptionally good care of her and there are some very romantic moments in addition to the very steamy ones. She's very lucky that he listens to her, as do his brothers in arms, and that they are all so responsive. They take swift and decisive action, saving a lot of people in the process. I enjoyed the storyline around Luca's father; I could not have predicted some of the things that happened towards the end of the book, which is good. So far this is a great series and I'm excited to read the next book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Dark obsession meets forbidden love—Luca and Eden are fire and danger wrapped in silk and secrets.”

From the moment Luca D’Amora lays eyes on Eden, it’s game over. For her innocence. For his control. For everything.

Eden is the quiet, curvy bookworm trying to escape her mafia-tied past. Luca? He’s the brooding, obsessive heir who has no plans of letting her out of his sight—or his life. He’s possessive, he’s dangerous, and he does not play fair.

If you’re into:
• 🔥 Mafia obsession
• 💋 Shy heroine meets dominant antihero
• 🖤 Dark romance with steamy twists
• 🐍 Family secrets, arranged marriage tension
• 💔 Broken pasts colliding with red-hot futures

…then buckle up.

Broken Innocence dives into a world where power is currency, love is dangerous, and the line between protector and predator gets deliciously blurred.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gazelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is one of my favorite series by this author. Luca is drawn to Eden from the first time he sees her. While Luca has a broken relationship with his family, he finds himself willing to engage with them to save Eden. Luca is a little unconventional in the way he expresses his interest in Eden. This is definitely one of those books people would make videos about red flags in real life but green in a book. I really enjoyed this book and getting to know more about the Blackchapel Bastards family and can't wait for more! Here are a few notes from the author about content warnings: Stalking, Kidnapping, DubCon, Toxic Family, Violence, Explicit Sex, Cursing/Offensive Language, Human Trafficking (not hero or heroine), Period Blood Sex, Forced Exhibitionism, Threat of rape (not from hero to heroine)

[Lexa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some of my Goodreads review can be spoilers
Check content warnings.
Short, hot and quick read. Eden’s dad is part of the mafia, however she is trying to be independent and stand on her own. Luca’s been obsessed since he saw her at his dad’s birthday party. He kept his distance to protect her… but the man falls first and falls hard.
Things take a turn when Eden is suddenly arranged to marry Luca’s brother...
Tensions arise.
Luca is such a stalker and boy obsessed at the beginning, but once he finally gets close to Eden he is so sweet, protective, and endlessly patient. Their first real meeting? He pretends to be a maintenance guy fixing her dishwasher… and the chemistry? Off the charts!!!
The side plot, seeking vengeance and his step-brother was entertaining.
I am hoping to read more of the Blackchapel brothers.
Highly recommend it!!!

[BusyM3 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in the series Blackchapel Bastards. This is the story of Luca and his brother in arms grew up in Blackchapel. They are seven illegitimate sons of the world's most powerful men. They are all out for revenge against their fathers and the Syndicate. Eden is just trying to stay in the shadows away from the workings of The Family. That all changed when the Don wanted her to marry his legitimate son and heir to the Family. Luca made sure that she is the one he will marry. This is their journey to their happily ever after.
The story will take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions. This story has some triggers. I can't wait to read the next installment.

I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[LV · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that will appeal to those that love the stalker/kidnapping possessive hero romances. Although we are told Luca sees Eden at a reunion and falls for her, I think not actually writing that scene in was a mistake as it would've been a good one.
The mfc Eden is plus sized which was great, but very naive. She has been sheltered but I still felt she was a little too gullible at the start. Her cat is a cute addition. Luca adores her and her curves. He is very thoughtful and it was enjoyable to watch him get teased by his friends. The sex scenes were hot and well written. The overall plot was also strong, but it lacked tension and suspense.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Petty (Book Bangers Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you read book one, you know about Luca, and this is his story. Luca has been through hell growing up; he learned the hard knocks of life in the mafia. He and his brother in arms make up the BlackChapel Bastards, and oh boy, do I love them all. When Luca sees Eden, he becomes obsessed with her, trying to protect her and make sure no one touches her. Eden has lived a sheltered life and craves a bit of freedom, but when things start to turn and she has to get married, one man steps up and takes charge. These two actually have chemistry, but they also share a strange connection so strong it jumps off the pages. When danger strikes, though, can Luca protect her and save her before it's too late? I couldn't put this book down — it just pulls you in.

[Aspen G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken Innocense is steamy, seductive, mafia-life hotness! Eden and Luca are fire. I love how alpha-protector obsessed Luca is over Eden from the moment he meets her, and the way his brothers tease him about his possessive behavior is super fun! Eden is sweet and sheltered, and her attempting to live on her own sets up the scenarios she finds herself in with Luca quite well. The danger elements are quick-paced, and the action mixed in keeps the suspense flowing. The dark elements are smoothly incorporated but don’t overshadow the love story, which is dramatic and sweet in itself. The men of Blackchapel are dark and dangerous but the biggest marshmallows when it comes to their women. The contrast is delicious!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

["They Did What?" · Rating 5 out of 5]

As we learned in book one Luca is totally obsessed with Eden. He watched her, monitored her, stalked her. Eden, who has never been “seen” gets quite the wake-up call when she is told not only one, but two brothers are trying to claim her. The story continues of the Blackchapel bastards in this spicy hot, deeply emotional, passionate story where the descriptiveness is excellent, there are no stutters, and it flowed from beginning to end and what a surprise end it was. I will be sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for the next book. "This is my honest review of an advanced reader copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily."

[JaneH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eden and Luca made me smile. In fact I’m smiling while writing this review.
She has been told she is to marry the son of her dad’s boss. She is NOT happy. Luca, who has been watching her for a while (and sending her, anonymously, gifts) is the half-brother of the prospective groom. And of course Luca will not let the marriage proceed until he is the groom!
A great read, full of action and mayhem all while Luca cares for, and loves on his wife (Eden)
Passion, humour, a high maintenance cat, really bad guys and a rather heated HEA ending.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maureen Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Broken Innocence picks up smoothly from where book 1 left off, and Hallie Bennett’s easy, flowing writing style makes this a quick and enjoyable read.

I really liked the main characters—Eden and Luca. Eden is quiet, insecure, and convinced she’s unattractive, while Luca has been quietly obsessed with her for months. He’s a total sap when it comes to her, which adds a sweet touch to their dynamic.

The story had potential, but the plot felt a bit simplistic and could’ve used more depth or tension to really hook me. That said, it was a pleasant, low-angst romance perfect for a light read.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished the second book in this series. I have to say, it’s just as wonderful as the first one! The hero, Luca, is completely obsessed with Eden, and it’s so sweet to see how protective and loving he is despite the darker sides of his character. Once Eden gets past her initial shock, she recognizes the tenderness that balances out Luca’s intensity. Plus, the chemistry between Luca and Eden? Absolutely sizzling! Their happily-ever-after just hit all the right notes for me. I can’t wait to see who the next character is that falls in love. Highly recommend this one!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Praline 99 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mafia romance.
Eden is a young woman building a quiet life for herself, far from her family's ties to the mafia. But now she's in a marriage arranged by her family with a dangerous mafia don.
Luca, a dangerous man and the boss of a Fortune 500 company, made his own way after being abandoned by his father. Now, with his seven adopted brothers, they decide to bring down their father, the head of a criminal organization. But he didn't think he'd fall for the shy daughter of a mafia boss.
Will Luca and Eden have a beautiful story, or will their family business tear them apart….

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Crystal Junebug · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Blackchapel Bastards series. I didn't get a chance to read the first book in the series but since these are standalones that are interconnected in someway, I didn't have to read it in order. Now, having said that, I'll be sure to read the first book now. If it's anything like this book, I know it'll be a good one. This one is a story between Luca and Eden. The story moves pretty quickly, but doesn't feel rushed. It's full of drama, angst, action, and spice so spicy that it made my toes curl. Luca and his mouth... I loved it. Overall, an excellent read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who wants a stalker like Luca? Hand immediately raising! This is called a dark romance and even though it is darker than the last book, it is not that dark. If you don’t want really dark and want to dip your toes into mafia romance, these books would be perfect for you. I love the concept of the “family” of Blackchapel Bastards and how they are there for each other. When these guys love, like Luca loves Eden, they love hard and fast which really makes a romantic read. Hallie’s writing flows so smoothly that I flew through this book in an afternoon.

[Tamara Fruge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt like I was on edge the whole book. Wanting to see what would happen and what would develop. Luca was the one whose background I was most intrigued by. Don’t get me wrong I am excited for all these characters stories but Luca always confused me. I am excited to see what happens down the line but this story had me entranced. Wanted to see what would happen from one minute to the next. There were some moments where I was concerned on what would happen but Hallie made sure I didn’t wanna put the book down.

[Melissa Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all I always enjoy Hallie Bennett's story but her darker romance are becoming my favorites of her. I love my MMC morally grey, obsessed, stalkerish ( to their woman), and definitely have a dirty mouth. Luca is all the above and more. Eden believes no one notices a chubby wallflower but once Luca set eyes on her he was obsessed. Love the brotherhood between the "brothers". I'm invested in all the "brothers" and can't wait for all their stories.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Arlene M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luca d’Amora is Enzo’s illegimate son.
Enzo D’Amora is Luca’s father.
Conrad Steele was his teacher to do bad things.
Hugo Steele was Conrad’s son.
Eden Marino was Luca’s intended girlfriend.

Luca and Eden meet , when she was kidnapped and revenge from his half brother Fabian because he was going
to marry her instead of Fabian, per his father’s wishes.
Luca and The Blackchapel Bastards are intent on taking down his father , Mafia and The Syndicate.
Can they succeed and resolve the issues and have a Happily Ever After.
You will have to read the book.

This book has suspense, danger, twists, turns, drama, emotions.

Great Job. Hallie Bennett !!!!