Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Pretty Broken Wings

Rate this book
Raven

Apparently, there’s a pipeline between breaking a stalker’s glasses and getting hired by his unbearable twin. And I was unlucky enough to find it.

I came to this town to disappear. To escape from my past and find a job. And instead, I’m stalked by a blind man who doesn’t know how to take the word no for an answer. So I do the only rational thing a girl can I break his glasses. Only then do I find out that my stalker has an identical twin brother. And he’s a lawyer. And that I, in fact, broke the lawyer’s glasses, which I can’t pay for. Turns out, Mr. Lawyer is willing to hire me to be his eyes just to piss off his brother.

Life becomes a battle of survival between the three of us. I just want to earn enough money to escape and set up a good life.

But the men have other plans.

Axel

Raven doesn’t want me. Which, of course, means I need her and I’ll do anything I can to get her. There’s only one small hiccup—she’s working for my fucking twin.

And he hates my guts.

Gage

If Axel would stop letting his trainwreck of a life crash into mine, that would be great. Only, he won’t, because somehow I hired his current fling.

And she hates my fucking guts.

Awesome.

Pretty Broken Wings is a dark romance. Themes include enemies-to-lovers with fake dating, twins, and the FMC does not have to choose. Please check the author’s website for additional content.

463 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 16, 2025

67 people are currently reading
810 people want to read

About the author

Alina May

7 books1,355 followers
International bestselling author of books like Better Run and Wanna Play a Game? Please check content warnings!

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
179 (48%)
4 stars
130 (35%)
3 stars
43 (11%)
2 stars
15 (4%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 239 reviews
Profile Image for Smutty Little Books.
323 reviews203 followers
November 3, 2025
These three 🥹 I don't know who I love more and I am so happy they found each other.

"There’s nothing better than making a grown man cry.”

If that first sentence doesn't sum up how Raven feels, I don't know what will. Raven is a woman who has consistently been wronged by everyone who was supposed to love her and is full of anger towards men. In comes obsessed Axel who also has his own traumatic story who has to have Raven and doesn't go about it the right way. Then you have golden retriever twin brother Gabe who plays referee in the middle while trying to avoid the pull to Raven.

These three are messy at first but perfect for each other. This book is for readers who like:

#Why Choose
#Twin Brothers
#Trauma
#Forced Proximity
#Female Rage

I would say this book is a slow burn. The plot isn't super complicated, but the story is good, and you fall in love with the characters. Join the Alina cult and pick this book up.
Profile Image for klinta.
282 reviews15 followers
Want to read
August 11, 2025
the first line of this is “there’s nothing better than making a grown man cry” AND she pegs him. alina girl you got me
Profile Image for Marissa E.
313 reviews343 followers
October 16, 2025
3.75⭐️ Unhinged twins, female rage and an epic slow burn

The opening line was gripping, and immediately sold me!

”There’s nothing better than making a grown man cry.”

Raven is the definition of a man hater, she believes men are down right worthless and have no business even existing. They only cause harm. She’s on the run from an abusive ex, all the men in her life, including her father, have let her down.
She finds herself running into Axel and he’s immediately taken by her, he doesn’t do relationships however, and can’t understand why he’s so taken by Raven. He thinks once he gets one time with her she’ll be out of his system. So like any perfectly sane man he steals her wallet to get her address and then returns it to her, at her house.

Next time Raven believes she runs into Axel she accuses him of stalking her at her job, but little does she know he owns the establishment she works at, and she is fired. While attempting to get up the courage to apply at the only local strip club she runs into Axel again, or whom she believes is Axel, while absolutely plastered (or possibly drugged). She then proceeds to smash his glasses. Only it wasn’t Axel, it’s his identical twin Gage.

Problem is Axel and Gage are practically completely blind even with their glasses, so Gage is forced to hire an assistant, because he’s a lawyer, and lo and behold Raven needs a job. Axel isn’t a fan of Raven getting close to her brother, so he offers to give her job back. When she refuses he has no other choice but to insert himself in her life. Like possible kidnapping her, only to backfire and find out she now is living with Gage.

Forced proximity, and unhinged, obsessive twins what could go wrong. She’ll just save up enough money to leave town, but then her ex finds her. She’s about to find out how far these twins are willing to go for her and each other.

Overall I enjoyed this book. While I understand Raven had a lot of trauma, she started to get repetitive and annoying to me. The twin she fake dates is nothing but a gentlemen to her and yet she’s constantly scared of him throughout most of the book, planting ideas of betrayal in her own head. He upsets her and rather than getting revenge on the twin that deserves it she puts shrimp in Gage’s curtain rod and sprays milk on his furniture, which is petty and hilarious. However, I found myself wanting to push through the story because her character growth was slow and lacking to me.

If you’re a fan of a why choose with twins, revenge, overcoming trauma, and a true slow burn I think you’ll love this book.
October 6, 2025
the first line of this book is “there’s nothing better than making a grown man cry.” 🫦 QUEEN ENERGY. yes ma’am. Raven is so fiesty and bad ass. she brings grown men down to their knees. she also pegs them 🤭 i ate it up. i wish i could be like her when i grow up hehe.

“𝐼 𝒻𝑒𝑒𝓁 𝓁𝒾𝓀𝑒 𝐼 𝓈𝒽𝑜𝓊𝓁𝒹 𝓉𝑒𝓁𝓁 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓈𝓉𝒶𝒷𝒷𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓂𝑒 𝓌𝒾𝓁𝓁 𝑜𝓃𝓁𝓎 𝓉𝓊𝓇𝓃 𝓂𝑒 𝑜𝓃.” 🧎‍♀️

the twins! where do i even start? Axel and Gage are the best. they’re twins yes but they are so different. Axel is more of the playboy one and Gage is the grumpy quieter one. the begging and whimpering had me weak in the knees. 🥵 i loveeee when mmc’s beg/whimper in books. it’s truly the best and this book definitely checked off all the boxes for me.

tha banter and the back n forth genuinely had me giggling! the sandwich part was so funny to me cause he definitely didn’t see that coming iykyk LMFAOOO

𓆩♡𓆪 𝐼 𝓂𝑜𝓋𝑒 𝓁𝒾𝓀𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒’𝓈 𝒶 𝒸𝑜𝓁𝓁𝒶𝓇 𝒶𝓉𝓉𝒶𝒸𝒽𝑒𝒹 𝓉𝑜 𝓂𝓎 𝓃𝑒𝒸𝓀, 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝑅𝒶𝓋𝑒𝓃 𝒽𝒶𝓈 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓁𝑒𝒶𝓈𝒽. 𝐵𝑒𝒸𝒶𝓊𝓈𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉’𝓈 𝓌𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝒾𝓉 𝒻𝑒𝑒𝓁𝓈 𝓁𝒾𝓀𝑒. 𝒲𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝑅𝒶𝓋𝑒𝓃 𝑔𝑜𝑒𝓈, 𝐼 𝒻𝑜𝓁𝓁𝑜𝓌. 𓆩♡𓆪

all 3 main characters are broken in one way or another. they’re all missing something so seeing them find themselves and what they needed within each other really was so great.

and don’t even get me started on the fur baby buddy 🥹 i love when there’s a pet companion in the books!

I TRULY LOVED THIS SO MUCH. when i saw the blind twin mmc’s & pegging promo for this book, i was immediately SAT. i signed up for the arc so fast! and i’m so thankful to have received it. this was my first alina may book but it definitely won’t be my last. 🙂‍↕️
Profile Image for Michelle.
90 reviews88 followers
October 9, 2025
⭐️ 4.5/5

Thank you Alina May for providing this e-ARC. All opinions are my own.

Heads up this story takes place in the 90s! Not too distinct, but will provide context for minor details.

This book was sooo good. I saw the summary before reading, and knew I had to read it. So much FMC angst, and general distrust of men. I am here for it! The relationships were strong and I loved the blind twin aspect, very creative. As I kept reading, I was wondering when the why choose part would come into play so you may have to wait a bit. I would’ve loved to see more backstory about the other characters and how they impacted the main characters in present day, but overall this was a great read. I can’t wait to read all of the other books by this author that are already on my TBR!

#PrettyBrokenWings #AlinaMay #ARC
Profile Image for Shelby | Spicy.booknook.
446 reviews70 followers
October 16, 2025
This was so much fun to read. There are a lot of complex emotions here, and we get to experience a whole lot of anger from our FMC, Raven. She is one very angry woman, mad at the world and men in particular. They’ve done her dirty and she has zero fucks to give about any man ever again, and has no problem letting it be known. But that’s before she’s put in the path of our fair haired, blind twins, Axel and Gage. They are determined to have her, and each go about it in their own wacky way.

These Twins! Oh my goodness, Axel is absolutely delulu in the best way and Gage winds up being a sweet puppy! Really completely opposite which makes a perfect pair for our broken, rage filled Raven. This is a slow burn because Raven doesn’t get fixed by a magic ‘D’. She holds a massive grudge (understandable given certain circumstances) and is super against trusting anything these two do or say, but once that spice hits, it’s on and oh so yummy. Overall a really wild and fun ride with great characters.

I’d say this story is more emotional than dark (compared to some of the authors other books) but there are dark themes throughout and lots of past trauma that’s shown via flashbacks so make sure to check the TW.

Contemporary MFM
Dark-Ish Romance
Twin Brother MCs
Feminine Rage
Trauma / Healing
Forced Proximity
Super Slow Burn
Pegging
Spice : 🔥🔥🔥
Profile Image for princess ౨ৎ.
267 reviews
October 10, 2025
thank you alina may for allowing me to arc read again.. i am sososoosososooo blessed <3333

just gotta say... page one femdom??? IM SAT! and then the fact gage was always 1 touch away from cumming instantly?? love me a submissive little man. love it. the relationship between raven and axel was really complex and many times i just found myself going "how tf did it go from 0-100" it really felt so extreme at all times out of seemingly nowhere.. i felt like my brain was getting electric zaps every other chapter with how they were but omgggggggggggg when its good ITS GOOOOOD 🤤🤤 i don't wna spoil anything but damn. read this yall.
Profile Image for Destiny.
179 reviews6 followers
October 11, 2025
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“There’s nothing better than making a grown man cry.”


With a first line like that, I had no chance but to be immediately hooked 🤭 Throw in blind TWIN MMCs and an angry stab-first-ask-no-questions FMC who does, in fact, make a grown man cry.

“My little bird with the broken wings. All mine.”


Raven is a BAD BITCH, radiating QUEEN energy. Despite everything life throws at her, she gets up again and again 🙂‍↕️ and channels all that pain into a don’t mess with me attitude. One minute she’s pulling a knife, the next she’s bringing someone to their knees to P E G them. Yeah, that’s right. This book had me in ALL my feels, but the spice was SPICING.

“You have the prettiest voice I’ve ever heard.”


The TWINS, ahhhh! Gage and Axel are so different yet I love them both the same. Axel’s the playboy with a deeper, broken past I didn’t expect. Gage is a grumpy softie for her, which is one of my favorite MMC's traits and I will fall for it every. single. time.

“We’re all a little broken, Ax. Doesn’t make us any less worthy of love.”


The way this author handled their trauma was so beautiful. It shows that everyone’s a little (or a lot) broken, and that’s okay; we all find our way through it. These three just… clicked. Beneath all the emotions, there’s banter that had me giggling and the begging and whimpering from these men had me fanning myself like it’d cool me off. Absolute perfection.

“Gage shows me what it’s like to love when you’re scared. And Axel… Axel shows you can be broken and still lovable. And I think that’s what I was looking for all along.”


Already missing Raven, Axel, and Gage 🥹 (and their sweet furbaby, Buddy). I’m so happy I got to read this ARC and I’m so ready for whatever Alina May does next!
Profile Image for EJ.
82 reviews3 followers
October 4, 2025
Pretty Broken Wings by Alina May is yet another 5 star read from one of my absolute favorite smut authors! Alina has this incredible way of writing about trauma with care, depth and nuance making her books not just steamy but emotionally resonant. The balance between intense smut and raw heartfelt emotion in this one is everything. I loved that roughly 80% of this book focused on enemies, emotional depth and character development and then the last 20% turned up the heat in the most satisfying way. Alina’s work often explores healing and learning to believe you’re lovable despite your past and this book nails it.

Gage had me swooning, Axel was hot yet complex and Raven… oh Raven, she’s a total badass FMC who I couldn’t help but root for and I had such a soft spot for her journey along with Axel’s. Yes, there were some intense spicy scenes but the story ultimately left me feeling both exhilarated and deeply touched. It’s hard to put into words, partly because I connected on a personal level but also because it was beautiful, healing and unforgettable.

If you love:
- Enemies to lovers with fake dating
- Twins and complicated relationships
- FMCs who are total badasses yet relatable
- Stories about healing and trauma
- Sizzling smut

Then Pretty Broken Wings is absolutely for you. Alina May once again proves she’s a master at delivering romance that’s dark, steamy and emotionally layered. I adored every second of this one.

(Please check TW, your mental health matters)

Thank you to Alina for this ARC, I’m truely grateful.

Profile Image for Summer.
320 reviews23 followers
October 15, 2025
~Arc Review~
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶

~Pretty Broken Wings~Alina May~

"I’ll burn the tips of those broken wings if I have to, so that even if they heal, she’ll never be able to fly far from me. Because my wings are broken too, and I need her to stay close. Once I have her, she can never leave. My pretty, broken obsession."

♡Alina did it again! There isn't an Alina May book that I haven't fallen head over heels in love with! The incredible way Alina incorporates trauma & healing into her writing amazes me more with every book she writes.

Raven & Axel were very much twin flames always running & so alike that it was dangerous. Raven is the embodiment of female rage & I'm so proud of who she became by the end of this story. Axel is the flirty playboy twin that doesn't commit & masks his emotion with sarcasm until he sets his eyes on Raven! Gage is the grumpy snow-white twin & protector of everything he holds close to his heart. Gage's patience & understanding throughout this story was immaculate.

I shed multiple tears for every main character in this amazing story for every fear they had to overcome because of a trauma that someone else caused. Raven, Gage, Axel, & of course, BUDDY have all earned a spot on my favorite main characters list!♡

~As Always Happy Reading~
Profile Image for S.
39 reviews
November 6, 2025
I finished Pretty Broken Wings by Alina May last night — and wow, this one wrecked me in the best way possible. 🖤

I went in mostly blind after hearing such great things about Alina’s books, and it did not disappoint. The emotions hit hard and fast. I connected with Raven so deeply — as a child of an abusive alcoholic, parts of her story felt too real. I don’t remember much of my early childhood, and reading certain scenes (especially Chapter 4 😭) brought up emotions I’ve had buried for years. I related so much with her internal struggles of fear and anger.

That chapter was hard to get through, but it was also strangely healing — almost like therapy I didn’t know I needed. This book might be triggering, but for me, it was worth every tear. 🖤

The story has so much depth beyond the spice (🌶️🌶️🌶️). It’s emotional, dark, and full of character growth — which I crave in my reads. Also… MFM/why choose fans, you’ll definitely want to pick this one up 👀

If you’ve ever survived something painful, I think you’ll find a little piece of yourself in these pages.

Triggers: domestic violence, SA, trauma, healing, murder, poverty, addiction/alcoholism



#PrettyBrokenWings #AlinaMay #DarkRomance #EmotionalReads #BookReview #Bookstagram #BooksOfInstagram #DarkRomanceBooks #WhyChooseRomance #MFMBooks #SpicyReads #Re
Profile Image for Zahida Sayed.
156 reviews1 follower
October 5, 2025
Pretty Broken Wings was absolutely perfect. The characters had real depth, their own darkness, and complex personalities that they fit together like pieces of a puzzle. It’s a prime example of how a dark romance doesn’t need to be overly spicy to be incredible when the characters and plot are strong, it shines.

This book focuses deeply on the emotional layers of its characters, and that’s what makes it so captivating. Gage was everything calm, understanding, and exactly the kind of person every girl dreams of. Axel, on the other hand, was pure fire intense, and always keeping you on edge. And Raven… my girl was badass, powerful, and more than I could have hoped for in a FMC.

I actually paused my exam revision to read this in one sitting five hours straight and I have zero regrets. It was so worth it.
Profile Image for annabethrose_author .
16 reviews3 followers
October 4, 2025
I was very kindly allowed to be an arc reader for this book, and let me tell you!

I’m an angry person in my day to day life so I instantly connected with Raven the Fmc. All she wants is to live her life with her books until the twins came along, so now she’s navigating all the emotions that come with it. The different personalities and traumas that the characters have end up complimenting each other and creating a beautiful relationship that works for the three of them. I shed a few tears (I normally don’t cry) this was less dark than I’m used to reading but still so so so good!
Profile Image for Hannah Spencer.
51 reviews3 followers
October 8, 2025
Rate: 4/5 ⭐️
Spice: 2/5 🌶️

Alina May really knows how to pull me into a book from the first sentence! I got to read the ARC of this and absolutely devoured it in 24 hrs. I would have finished it even quicker if i wasn’t working. But the storyline the characters all of it was so freaking good. And the fact that it’s twins… see no I don’t think you heard me TWINS!!!! Absolutely devoured. As always can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.

Tropes:
• enemies to lovers
• why choose MFM
• kidnapping
• stalking
• fake dating
• blind mmc’s
• forced proximity
Profile Image for Eliza_lovesbooks.
294 reviews103 followers
October 8, 2025
Another Alina May book I couldn’t put down. If you want some light lady napping, boss/employee, twin MMCs, disability representation, a FIERCE and somewhat, rightfully angry FMC who really doesn’t like men, (but like, who does?) then this is the book for you.

Raven is hiding from her past and accidentally gets on the radar of two brothers who are at odds with each other on a good day. One desperate to be loved and the other broken and unable to heal - and Raven 🐦‍⬛ just happens to be the missing piece to fuse them all together.
Profile Image for __boundbybook__ &#x1f940;Shaunie&#x1f940;.
237 reviews8 followers
October 12, 2025
This was so good! I can’t believe I already finished it! I loved the characters and the storyline and I honestly just wanna start all over again!

Let me just start with how much I love the characters first of all two hot blind twin brothers and one badass FMC who doesnt like to get told what to do I mean how can you not love it!
And the boys well let’s just say even though they are the complete opposite from each other they are a perfect combination in one.

The storyline is absolute perfection the trauma healing the growth of the characters not just for themselves but also each other its not only beautiful but also a need!

This book is filled with humor, unhinged action, trauma healing, kicking ass, disability rep and much more! I’ll definitely recommend this to anyone!
Profile Image for Rachelle Butler.
46 reviews3 followers
October 17, 2025
Alina is gonna do it every time!

"There's nothing better than making a grown man cry."

Twins, blind, tall, and fit MMCs. Yum

🐦‍⬛🐦‍⬛🐦‍⬛🐦‍⬛
This is a bit of a slow burn, forced proximity, dark “Why choose” romance.

The representation in Alina’s books is always very cool to see. I love how she takes time to really get to know, personality, traits, and characteristic of certain characters and make it her own. While still accurately representing that

Pretty broken wings was a really engaging read. Very chaotic, with unhealed MCs, traumatic past, horrible exs, but overall very great read.

Consent is sexy and must always happen.

Tropes
🐦‍⬛enemies to lovers
🤍trauma
🖤dark romance
🤍mistaken identity
🖤degradation
🤍praise
🖤power exchange
🤍bondage
🖤voyeurism
🤍miscommunication
🖤kidnapping
🤍boss x employee
🖤fake dating
🤍twin swapping

Thank you for Alina for the chance to ARC read this book 💕
Profile Image for Jessi .K..
45 reviews1 follower
October 15, 2025
Out of all the Alina books I have read this one was the most emotional for me! I had to put this down a couple times and check in with myself. Not necessarily due to triggers, more of processing through my own similar experiences, of saying yes cause I was afraid of what no would bring. Or looking back on times when I disassociated.
Books that rip feelings out of me are always a 10 outta 10 for me and that is what this did! I felt all of the fear and anger both Raven and Axel felt. As well as the loneliness they and Gage felt. The further into the book we got, I actually started to worry Alina wasn't going to put all the broken pieces back together. That is how hard these characters fought to heal, it was up until the bitter end.
Each of these characters will forever be in my heart!! Especially Buddy!!! ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹
Profile Image for Kasey Anderson.
9 reviews1 follower
October 8, 2025
If you’re familiar with Alina May’s books then please know that this one is lighter than her others. That doesn’t take away from how good it is though! If you love a slow burn, man hating FMC, twins, and pegging then this is for you!

I loved this book and couldn’t put it down. I wish that there were a few more spicy scenes and that they came sooner but again who doesn’t love a slow burn. If Alina writes it I’m going to read it!!!
Profile Image for Ashley.
24 reviews2 followers
October 20, 2025
I’ve been a fan of Alina May since her very first book Better Run! This book is honestly completely different from any other book she has written, I love all of Alina’s characters but when I say that Gage and Axel are so different I can’t even explain it they will always hold a special place in my heart. I usually speed read her books and can’t put them down, but this time I took my time and I’m glad I did because that wasn’t enough time with these characters.
In this story we have Raven,Gage, and Axel who all have different but equally heartbreaking stories, this book takes us on a journey between them and shows us how bucked up life can be but also how we CAN grow and move past the horrific things that ppl can and do encounter in the real world. I thought I loved Alina before because she can take the most depraved characters and make you fall for them but in this story she teaches us what it’s like to grow and heal when you come across monsters also!
Profile Image for April.
31 reviews1 follower
October 16, 2025
*arc review*

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75

🌶️🌶️🌶️

“We’re all a little broken, Ax. Doesn’t make us any less worthy of love”

I loved this emotional story! It was a bit of a slow burn but in the best way! All of the characters had their own trauma they were working through. It definitely had me all in my feels! It made me laugh but also had me tearing up once or twice. And who doesn’t need hot twins in their life?!? Also, I love the artwork in this book! 😍
Profile Image for Emily.
574 reviews8 followers
October 6, 2025
4.5⭐️

Twins?! Yes, please!

I loved the push and pull between Raven and Axel. And Gage is such a softie under his gruff demeanor.

More of a slow burn but the pacing felt so perfect for the characters.


I received an early copy and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Selina Nagy.
178 reviews3 followers
October 3, 2025
omg!!! This book! AMAZING!!!! all of her books are!!
please check your trigger warnings!! (pedo) but they get revenge :)
so many emotions in this book!
Twins yes please
Profile Image for Megan Gorney.
177 reviews1 follower
October 9, 2025
I was fortunate to receive an ARC for this book. I loved it. Strong FMC, why choose, twins, fake dating, slow burn. All the goods.
Profile Image for Jackie.
7 reviews
October 15, 2025
Raven and the boys 🤤 Raven and the fucking boys 🥵 I’ve said it 100 times and I’ll say it again. ALINA CANNOT WRITE A BAD BOOK!!! 10/10!!!! If you’re in a reading slump, pick it up! This will get your right back in because LORDT HAVE MERCY! My favorite read of 2025 EASILY!! 😍😍😍
Profile Image for Anna.
86 reviews3 followers
October 29, 2025
Unhinged twins? And a woman who lives to tear men down? Hell yes, what a ride. This all started with a man on their knees... literally. One of my favorite spots for them, LOL. Raven, you feisty little bird. I fear if you treated me the way you treated those men, I'd probably be on my knees doing whatever you wanted. Then there's this woman who was scorned by men and said, "No more." She took that rage and directed it at every man who crossed her path-she was a real savage. The twins, you better make sure you're paying attention because they'll definitely switch things up on you from time to time. Gage, my baby, my love-you're perfect. And your brother Axel, my little crazed, misunderstood baby-you're also perfect, even when you're up to no good. I really enjoyed how this story played out. I definitely didn't see some things coming, and I'm glad we got to learn a bit more about Raven, Gage, and Axel's backgrounds. The backstories were dark and emotional, and while there wasn't a lot of healing during the story itself, it started to come through towards the end. I loved the story and the characters those shrimp and milk scenes will stay in my head forever, along with that terrible smell. Thanks for that, LOL.
Profile Image for Danielle Damron.
128 reviews1 follower
October 17, 2025
I loved this book so much! The sass from Raven, golden retriever vibes from Gage and F-boy vibes from Axel. It wasn’t insanely spicy, but the character build and backstories from all 3. The shrimp had me giggling and I kept thinking about it as chapters went on haha. I absolutely devoured this book!
Profile Image for Cassandra Dunphy.
6 reviews
October 15, 2025
Ommmggg I did NOT know I was into that. I’m shook as always after reading another one of your books. This one was different but in a good way ;)
Profile Image for Book Lover IRL.
179 reviews
October 16, 2025
Alina May’s Pretty Broken Wings is a dark, standalone "why choose" romance that masterfully handles complex themes of abuse and trauma. It features a forced proximity, boss x employee, and enemies-to-lovers narrative, but sets itself apart with its raw, unflinching portrayal of deeply broken characters. As my first book by Ms. May, I was surprised by its darkness, having been told her other works are even more harrowing, so readers should heed the content warnings for explicit abuse.

The story immediately grabs you with an arresting quote: "There’s nothing better than making a grown man cry." From there, it delves into the disturbing lives of its three main characters, all defined by traumatic childhoods and violent pasts. Raven, the protagonist, harbors a deep and visceral hatred for all men. Twin brothers Axel and Gage respond to their trauma in opposing ways: Axel with explosive, impulsive rage and a pathological fear of emotional intimacy, and Gage with quiet perfectionism and emotional isolation.

The forced proximity setup—throwing Raven together with the twins—is where the story's intense drama ignites. Axel's obsession turns into desperate, aggressive stalking, which Raven resists at every turn. Gage, initially caught between them, develops his own connection with Raven as he observes his brother’s destructive tendencies and Raven's guarded responses to her own trauma. This intricate dance creates a compelling question: Can these three fractured souls ever truly open their hearts to one another?

What elevates this story is the author's nuanced understanding of trauma, PTSD, and the messy, nonlinear process of healing. May avoids the trap of "magical healing" and instead portrays the characters' distrust, anger, and despair with unflinching realism. She allows them to engage in destructive behaviors and shows the physical, not just emotional, toll of their triggers. This authenticity grounds the dark romance in a believable, if painful, reality.

Axel's character arc is particularly potent. His unhinged actions made him easy to despise, and his eventual redemption feels so hard-won that it was almost "too little, too late"—a testament to the author's skill. Yet, May does the impossible, slowly building a thread of hope that Axel can change.

When a story is based on heavy trauma, I crave an excellent revenge plot and this story did not disappoint. I cannot stop thinking about how it was done in this book. However, I cannot say more without resorting to accidental spoilers. By the story's angsty, dark end, readers are left with a hard-earned but satisfying HEA.

Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️(doesn't start until really late in the book)
POV: Alternating first person, between 3 people
Narration: Duet
HEA: Yes
Cliffhanger: No
Tropes: Enemies to lovers, boss x employee, small town, broken MMCs, why choose, forced proximity
Series / Standalone: Standalone

INSTAGRAM: @Book.Lover.IRL
STORYGRAPH: @Book_Lover_IRL
GOODREADS: Book Lover IRL
FABLE: Book Lover IRL
. . . . . . . . .
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I really liked this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️ I liked this book
⭐️⭐️ Meh… bored or annoyed
⭐️ Seriously? Not worth it

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ INFERNO. P@nty melting
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Blazing h0t
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Now we’re talking
🌶️🌶️ Meh… uninspired missionary
🌶️ Does weak f0replay count?
Profile Image for Kay Burrows.
297 reviews10 followers
October 17, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

“There is nothing better than making grown men cry.”

Alina May had me hooked from that very first line of this book! By the end of the first chapter I knew I was going to have a lot of fun with Raven and her female rage.

Raven is new in a small town and trying to fly under the radar. Unfortunately, Raven catches the attention of Axel.
Following their initial encounter Axel seems to be everywhere she is and isn't understanding the word no. Raven has no interest in letting Axel and his cocky attitude anywhere near her.
Frustrated with him constantly appearing everywhere she is, she snaps and breaks his glasses. Only it wasn't Axel's glasses she broke but instead they belonged to his twin brother Gage.
Gage is a lawyer and without his glasses he's unable to read and review his case files. Raven is in need of a job and Gage offers her the position to assist him for a few weeks. Axel hates the idea of Raven working with his twin and Gage is eager to piss off his brother as he's to blame for needing an assistant in the first place.

Raven is in survival mode waiting to make her escape. Unfortunately, the men have different plans for her.

These characters were a lot of fun. Raven was such a bad ass. She was feisty and didn’t take shit. After the trauma of her past she wasn’t going to let any man control her and it was so much fun watching her stand her ground with Axel. And the twins. Both identical in looks and blindness but complete opposites in personality. Axel was the playboy, always up for a good time and causing trouble. He was cocky, charismatic, arrogant and obsessive. He was determined to make Raven want him as much as he wanted her. And Gage. The broody and grumpy one who has spent his life under the shadow of his outgoing and charismatic brother. He was the logical and reasonable one who often felt out of place.

Together these three provided a dark twisted tale with banter that will make you kick your feet, begging and whimpering that will have you melting, and broken characters to pull at your heart strings wishing for their happy ending. I loved that Raven, Axel and Gage were all broken in their own ways and dealing with the trauma from their pasts. They were all coping in different methods but together they were able to begin the process of healing, acceptance, and moving forward.

These men were obsessed to the level of being unhinged and I loved every second of it. If you enjoy dark why choose romance add this to your tbr but please check your trigger warnings first.

Thank you to Alina May for the opportunity to receive an ARC copy of Pretty Broken Wings in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 239 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.