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Pretty When She Breaks
An omega in a gilded cage. An illegal rut fighting ring. A pack who are hunting for vengeance.I’m the Crimson Duchess.
I was raised to perform. To seduce.
I can’t afford to let anyone close.
But when my scent match steps in to protect me, my father orders his death.
The only way to spare him is to condemn him to the rut cages.
His pack will never forgive me.
They only see cruelty where I gave mercy.
Now they’ve come for revenge; the cold-hearted Duchess who enslaved their alpha.
But I’m not the villain the world sees.
I’m the omega fighting to break free from an empire built on blood...
I was raised to perform. To seduce.
I can’t afford to let anyone close.
But when my scent match steps in to protect me, my father orders his death.
The only way to spare him is to condemn him to the rut cages.
His pack will never forgive me.
They only see cruelty where I gave mercy.
Now they’ve come for revenge; the cold-hearted Duchess who enslaved their alpha.
But I’m not the villain the world sees.
I’m the omega fighting to break free from an empire built on blood...
596 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 23, 2025
47 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
October 31, 2025
I probably would’ve rated this higher if Kaos and Finch had groveled a bit more for how they treated her early on. But overall, it was a safe read: no OWD, no manhoes, and no others after meeting. Laurel did fake date another pack while planning to kill her dad.
I just wish the epilogue had been longer because the ending felt a little rushed. I wanted to see more of Ocean and him outside the cages, and more of them together as a pack.😭
I just wish the epilogue had been longer because the ending felt a little rushed. I wanted to see more of Ocean and him outside the cages, and more of them together as a pack.😭
October 17, 2025
Received an ARC from the author for an honest review.
Wow! An amazing book! Definitely recommend 😃
The characters are complex and the plot is moving at the right pace. I loved the plot, although a longer epilogue would have been nice to see how everything settled in the future.
I will definitely read the spinoff book! Can’t wait 😃
Wow! An amazing book! Definitely recommend 😃
The characters are complex and the plot is moving at the right pace. I loved the plot, although a longer epilogue would have been nice to see how everything settled in the future.
I will definitely read the spinoff book! Can’t wait 😃
November 14, 2025
Childfree, one brief mention of a side character avoiding a breeding kink.
One alpha never slept with the omega. What’s up with that?
Some typos that I don’t mind overlooking, the flashbacks were excessive in my opinion and lead to me marking this book as tell-don’t-show.
After meeting the Kingsman pack the book seems to go sharply downhill. Everything felt rushed and clipped, some of the characters’ actions felt contradictory and poorly rationalized. The sex scenes, first at 72%, felt shoehorned in, like maybe this author never wanted them in there to begin with. I hadn’t even missed them to be honest but the first one was like a cold water shock.
There was nothing really to the sex scenes, and AGAIN: one of the alphas never slept with the omega. Was it an oversight? Was the author trying to make a point about the omega not forgiving this one alpha? That wasn’t super clear. I can’t wrap my head around it and it feels like bad editing either way.
I won’t touch on the corniness because it wasn’t the worst I’d ever seen and could have absolutely been acceptable if the last 30 chapters of the book had maintained the same momentum as the first 70.
A real shame because I think they had a real banger until about the 68-73% point.
One alpha never slept with the omega. What’s up with that?
Some typos that I don’t mind overlooking, the flashbacks were excessive in my opinion and lead to me marking this book as tell-don’t-show.
After meeting the Kingsman pack the book seems to go sharply downhill. Everything felt rushed and clipped, some of the characters’ actions felt contradictory and poorly rationalized. The sex scenes, first at 72%, felt shoehorned in, like maybe this author never wanted them in there to begin with. I hadn’t even missed them to be honest but the first one was like a cold water shock.
There was nothing really to the sex scenes, and AGAIN: one of the alphas never slept with the omega. Was it an oversight? Was the author trying to make a point about the omega not forgiving this one alpha? That wasn’t super clear. I can’t wrap my head around it and it feels like bad editing either way.
I won’t touch on the corniness because it wasn’t the worst I’d ever seen and could have absolutely been acceptable if the last 30 chapters of the book had maintained the same momentum as the first 70.
A real shame because I think they had a real banger until about the 68-73% point.
October 25, 2025
The Crimson Duchess
Laurel really went through a lot, but she never lost hope!
Katy Black killed it with this addition to the Poisonverse. It’s dark, please check the content warnings!
Laurel really went through a lot, but she never lost hope!
Katy Black killed it with this addition to the Poisonverse. It’s dark, please check the content warnings!
November 10, 2025
🌟 2.5
Hated the males. Dark bonding her? What kind of a psycho thinks that’s ok?
Finch: idiot name, idiot character. Thought he knew everything. Bulldozed his way through any other input. He was the worst.
Kaos: described as a skeleton multiple times, as if that’s what I want to envision for my prime specimen of a male main character. Book boyfriend spank bank material he is not. This dude is just lost. Lost to fog. Forgets to tell her stuff. Doesn’t know what’s going on 3/4 of the time. Then flips like a switch and is a puppy. A skeletal puppy. Eww.
Ocean was the coolest Alpha, and the only one I liked. He was all for Duchess the moment he saw her. Never treated her like trash. Stood up for her. Listened to her. Comforted her from a bloody jail cell while his other pack brother manacled himself to Laurel and the third vilified her. Ocean can stay. The rest can go F themselves.
Did they have a turnabout eventually? Yes. Was it satisfying? No. Finch should have had an equal or greater revenge punishment/grovel arc.
He debased himself in earnestness and apologised. Good ✔️
He tried to make amends. Good ✔️
Was it enough? Not even close. 𝐇𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥. Equal or greater reparations must be made.
As usual though, she forgave way too quickly for my taste (although to be fair not immediately).
Logic need not apply here. Things didn’t make sense to me, often. Why was she left to roam if she was so closely guarded. Her house was watched but for what purpose. People who weren’t supposed to be there came and went all day long and literally nothing happened. Why did Finch need a second house? The Song Pack’s plan was foiled spectacularly because they’re all overachieving idiots who can’t follow through, so they hide away in the walls. The walls! For over 12 hours. During that time while everyone was looking for her, no one thought to keep an eye on her house? Kaos waltzed right in and out, grabbing all their stuff. What, no one checked her home for clues? It doesn’t make sense. Make it make sense!
It must be an absolute Phantom of the Opera warren down there because they literally had a WHOLE ASS SUITE with the hidden omega Jewel and no one bloody knew.
Laurel. She was actually pretty cool. This woman owned her choices and made the best with what she had, clawing power, playing the game. Yes 🙌🏼
Julius was the weirdest mofo out there. He was there in the flashbacks, then missing for the whole book, until bam there he is but altered. He came off as a ditzy airhead. I didn’t like it at all.
Hated the males. Dark bonding her? What kind of a psycho thinks that’s ok?
Finch: idiot name, idiot character. Thought he knew everything. Bulldozed his way through any other input. He was the worst.
Kaos: described as a skeleton multiple times, as if that’s what I want to envision for my prime specimen of a male main character. Book boyfriend spank bank material he is not. This dude is just lost. Lost to fog. Forgets to tell her stuff. Doesn’t know what’s going on 3/4 of the time. Then flips like a switch and is a puppy. A skeletal puppy. Eww.
Ocean was the coolest Alpha, and the only one I liked. He was all for Duchess the moment he saw her. Never treated her like trash. Stood up for her. Listened to her. Comforted her from a bloody jail cell while his other pack brother manacled himself to Laurel and the third vilified her. Ocean can stay. The rest can go F themselves.
Did they have a turnabout eventually? Yes. Was it satisfying? No. Finch should have had an equal or greater revenge punishment/grovel arc.
He debased himself in earnestness and apologised. Good ✔️
He tried to make amends. Good ✔️
Was it enough? Not even close. 𝐇𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥. Equal or greater reparations must be made.
As usual though, she forgave way too quickly for my taste (although to be fair not immediately).
Logic need not apply here. Things didn’t make sense to me, often. Why was she left to roam if she was so closely guarded. Her house was watched but for what purpose. People who weren’t supposed to be there came and went all day long and literally nothing happened. Why did Finch need a second house? The Song Pack’s plan was foiled spectacularly because they’re all overachieving idiots who can’t follow through, so they hide away in the walls. The walls! For over 12 hours. During that time while everyone was looking for her, no one thought to keep an eye on her house? Kaos waltzed right in and out, grabbing all their stuff. What, no one checked her home for clues? It doesn’t make sense. Make it make sense!
It must be an absolute Phantom of the Opera warren down there because they literally had a WHOLE ASS SUITE with the hidden omega Jewel and no one bloody knew.
Laurel. She was actually pretty cool. This woman owned her choices and made the best with what she had, clawing power, playing the game. Yes 🙌🏼
Julius was the weirdest mofo out there. He was there in the flashbacks, then missing for the whole book, until bam there he is but altered. He came off as a ditzy airhead. I didn’t like it at all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2025
Katy Black has brought a marvelous edition to the Poisonverse once more. This is a book that opens up a lot of the darker sides of the Poisonverse. This book draws readers in from the start with a mystery that leaves you wondering what happened? What will happen? From the start you are drawn into the mystery, but also the setting. The book puts a lot of focus onto the world of what can happen to those from not as high of standing. There is watching the fall of alphas, Omegas and their purposes, and even seeing just how some things can be viewed in the world. From front to back, the book has you drawn in and wanting to keep reading to see what will happen next.
The setting of the book focuses on one general location with the occasional off premise. It is a rather large location that gives you a feeling of being in a town itself. The place gives you a view of the high life and the dark secrets within. It is a place that alone opens so many doors of how some places are handled and where they can go.
The Characters themselves have a good dynamic. This is the type of characters that each have their own unique sense about them, making you want to understand them and what they do and why they do what they do. They all are different in their own ways, drawing you in for their uniqueness. Their interactions from the start might be rocky, understandable when one reads the book and sees it from their views, but they come together in a perfect harmony that works. Now that is just the main characters. There are also the side characters that truly shape the world and bring to life the story and the plot. Not to mention a few appearances by some oldy but goody Poisonverse beings.
Pretty When she Breaks is a well put together book that focuses on the darker things, but the story. The story is something that is solid throughout the book and flows. It is something unique and brings attention to just what hardships someone can go through and conquer it. There is a lot of dark things though and the author does well to handle and present them. While this book does have sexual tension, this is not the focus of the book. I feel this really sets the book apart and allows the story to build.
Overall, Pretty When She Breaks is a beautiful book and should be given a chance. It is one you will not want to put down. I loved the book and hope everyone else will too.
The setting of the book focuses on one general location with the occasional off premise. It is a rather large location that gives you a feeling of being in a town itself. The place gives you a view of the high life and the dark secrets within. It is a place that alone opens so many doors of how some places are handled and where they can go.
The Characters themselves have a good dynamic. This is the type of characters that each have their own unique sense about them, making you want to understand them and what they do and why they do what they do. They all are different in their own ways, drawing you in for their uniqueness. Their interactions from the start might be rocky, understandable when one reads the book and sees it from their views, but they come together in a perfect harmony that works. Now that is just the main characters. There are also the side characters that truly shape the world and bring to life the story and the plot. Not to mention a few appearances by some oldy but goody Poisonverse beings.
Pretty When she Breaks is a well put together book that focuses on the darker things, but the story. The story is something that is solid throughout the book and flows. It is something unique and brings attention to just what hardships someone can go through and conquer it. There is a lot of dark things though and the author does well to handle and present them. While this book does have sexual tension, this is not the focus of the book. I feel this really sets the book apart and allows the story to build.
Overall, Pretty When She Breaks is a beautiful book and should be given a chance. It is one you will not want to put down. I loved the book and hope everyone else will too.
October 19, 2025
I received a copy of Pretty When She Breaks as an ARC, and I have to say I really enjoyed it!
This book had just the right amount of angst. There was one scene that was a lot but there was a nice trigger warning and a summary in the next chapter so you didn’t miss anything. I kinda wish more authors were like that.
I got a clear picture of how terrible her father treated her and didn’t have to read pages and pages of her being abused. Honestly even her pack wasn’t that bad. Yes they started off rough but besides a few rude comments and some handcuffs they were gentlemen… ish.
Because they weren’t a solid pack we didn’t get a lot of spice and that made sense. The spice we did was decent but I stayed for the plot. I found myself rooting for them but also being like uh maybe you should listen to Laurel since this is literally her world.
Our FMC had went through a lot and still was able to hold her head up high and help her pack. It was nice to kinda see her break every once in awhile as a reminder that yes she is that lady but she still needs / wants her pack too.
I will say I felt like it got a little rushed at the end but it all worked out. Also I can’t stand jewel. The loyalty laurel had for him was questionable. Like I get that he was all she had but still. He did things knowing she would get in more trouble than he did. And he justified it by being the one take care of after it was done. Like maybe don’t do it to begin with…. Idk something about him being over the top just didn’t sit well with me.
This book had just the right amount of angst. There was one scene that was a lot but there was a nice trigger warning and a summary in the next chapter so you didn’t miss anything. I kinda wish more authors were like that.
I got a clear picture of how terrible her father treated her and didn’t have to read pages and pages of her being abused. Honestly even her pack wasn’t that bad. Yes they started off rough but besides a few rude comments and some handcuffs they were gentlemen… ish.
Because they weren’t a solid pack we didn’t get a lot of spice and that made sense. The spice we did was decent but I stayed for the plot. I found myself rooting for them but also being like uh maybe you should listen to Laurel since this is literally her world.
Our FMC had went through a lot and still was able to hold her head up high and help her pack. It was nice to kinda see her break every once in awhile as a reminder that yes she is that lady but she still needs / wants her pack too.
I will say I felt like it got a little rushed at the end but it all worked out. Also I can’t stand jewel. The loyalty laurel had for him was questionable. Like I get that he was all she had but still. He did things knowing she would get in more trouble than he did. And he justified it by being the one take care of after it was done. Like maybe don’t do it to begin with…. Idk something about him being over the top just didn’t sit well with me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2025
This was my first read from this author, but not my first introduction to the Poisonverse genre. The story is listed as dark themed. Trigger warnings are listed in the front as well as at the beginning of a chapter with a particularly traumatic event. Thank you so much for that. I don’t normally read heavy, dark romance because it usually doesn’t make sense to me. I didn’t feel that kind of disconnect here. There were moments that sparked strong emotions in me for the lead female Laurel due to all of the hardships with her family, and now with her alphas misconceptions of who she is. Ocean is the MVP of her scent matches. He was her constant, unwavering champion. He would have done anything to keep her safe. I think one of the biggest betrayals would be the dark bonding, and the harshness that came directly after. I feel like there could have been a little more grovel from Kaos and Finch. Overall, I wouldn’t say the book reads too dark. There was spicy, but not so much that it took over the story. The writing was fantastic!
I’m looking forward to the next book in the series which will feature Laurel’s brother Jewel and her best friend Jade, possibly Casey. Casey deserves his own pack. He’s such a sweetheart and he was so smitten with Jade and always flustered with Jewel. They all had amazing chemistry. The book date is for middle of next year. Can’t wait!
Thank you to the author for the free advanced review copy. This is my honest review.
I’m looking forward to the next book in the series which will feature Laurel’s brother Jewel and her best friend Jade, possibly Casey. Casey deserves his own pack. He’s such a sweetheart and he was so smitten with Jade and always flustered with Jewel. They all had amazing chemistry. The book date is for middle of next year. Can’t wait!
Thank you to the author for the free advanced review copy. This is my honest review.
October 21, 2025
“I only had one thought as I was dragged along. Was I about to be killed by my scent matches?”
This has to be one of my favorite reads this year!! There's not many stories that can make you feel such intense emotions, but Katy Black has hands down accomplished that feat in spades!
This book wrecked and ruined me in the best way!! Can I just say the emotions with this book are seriously intense, and I'm 1000% here for it. I was so mad, furiously so for Laurel. Mostly with Kaos & Finch but as I read more of this book… I'm in tears, falling in love & wanting Kaos even more. His brand of crazy was psycho, funny and romantic even, at times. I love the way his mind works and would love to see Laurel finding his stash of lightbulbs! Finch… ugh that man!! Trust me, you'll just have to read and see where I'm coming from there. This is a grovel and redemption arc book, and it does not disappoint. Ocean, Oh amazing Ocean is the calm and the storm together. Protective, Sweet, somehow sees more than he should and lethal when he needs to be. Laurel is such a strong omega given what she's been through… She had to be to make it through living as The Crimson Omega. Sometimes some twists and turns in life have a way of shaking our world up. This is what happens to Laurel and it is exactly what she did want, but needed.
This has to be one of my favorite reads this year!! There's not many stories that can make you feel such intense emotions, but Katy Black has hands down accomplished that feat in spades!
This book wrecked and ruined me in the best way!! Can I just say the emotions with this book are seriously intense, and I'm 1000% here for it. I was so mad, furiously so for Laurel. Mostly with Kaos & Finch but as I read more of this book… I'm in tears, falling in love & wanting Kaos even more. His brand of crazy was psycho, funny and romantic even, at times. I love the way his mind works and would love to see Laurel finding his stash of lightbulbs! Finch… ugh that man!! Trust me, you'll just have to read and see where I'm coming from there. This is a grovel and redemption arc book, and it does not disappoint. Ocean, Oh amazing Ocean is the calm and the storm together. Protective, Sweet, somehow sees more than he should and lethal when he needs to be. Laurel is such a strong omega given what she's been through… She had to be to make it through living as The Crimson Omega. Sometimes some twists and turns in life have a way of shaking our world up. This is what happens to Laurel and it is exactly what she did want, but needed.
October 24, 2025
The Crimson Duchess
There is something truly unique in the poisonverse world. Damaged characters that somehow find a way to hold out against their enemies. Laurel is a shining showcase of that. Being used as a prop for her father's mafia-like legacy, she has no say in her life. He has taken everything. Her mother, her fathers, her brother, and her mates. But she bidding her time and waiting to find more information on her brother. He didn't give her choice when he made her a duchess, but she's going to use it.
Too bad a pack of alphas have their own plans. They don't know what she's been through or what she's trying to do so she finds herself in a dark bond, and one of her scent matches in the fighting ring. Oh...and surprise, her father has just given his permission, to a pack of vile alphas, that they can mate and marry her.
Laurel is smart, fierce, and so tough is this RH omegaverse. There is a lot of emotional whiplash that really pulls on readers heartstrings. Ocean is amazing. He'll do whenever it takes to look out for his pack. Finch and Kaos were trying to deal with their pasts and responsibilities, but I think Laurel didn't make them grovel enough.
And I have to say that as far as the side characters go...Jewel and Jade were just super entertaining. Casey is an adorable little sweetheart. Maybe there's a future pack in the making.
There is something truly unique in the poisonverse world. Damaged characters that somehow find a way to hold out against their enemies. Laurel is a shining showcase of that. Being used as a prop for her father's mafia-like legacy, she has no say in her life. He has taken everything. Her mother, her fathers, her brother, and her mates. But she bidding her time and waiting to find more information on her brother. He didn't give her choice when he made her a duchess, but she's going to use it.
Too bad a pack of alphas have their own plans. They don't know what she's been through or what she's trying to do so she finds herself in a dark bond, and one of her scent matches in the fighting ring. Oh...and surprise, her father has just given his permission, to a pack of vile alphas, that they can mate and marry her.
Laurel is smart, fierce, and so tough is this RH omegaverse. There is a lot of emotional whiplash that really pulls on readers heartstrings. Ocean is amazing. He'll do whenever it takes to look out for his pack. Finch and Kaos were trying to deal with their pasts and responsibilities, but I think Laurel didn't make them grovel enough.
And I have to say that as far as the side characters go...Jewel and Jade were just super entertaining. Casey is an adorable little sweetheart. Maybe there's a future pack in the making.
October 23, 2025
This story is quadruple POV, well written, and a dark, complex, reverse harem, omegaverse, erotic fantasy romance between Laurel, the female omega lead who is the public face of an organised crime family, and Finch, Ocean, and Kaos, the male alpha leads who are one pack looking for revenge on Laurel’s family who caused serious harm to Kaos. I empathised with the historical damage that all the lead characters carried. I enjoyed that Laurel continued to resist her abusive father and work towards defeating him. I enjoyed Finch’s focused determination, and understood choices he made towards Laurel that he later repented of. I appreciated seeing Kaos’ different mental states and enjoyed the way Laurel’s presence helped him to move towards mental stability. I enjoyed Ocean’s genuine calm and optimism, feeling like the only main character with any sort of healthy mental practices. I enjoyed the detailed non-romance plot and important secondary characters, many of whom provided valuable comic relief against the starkness of the rest of the plot. I chortled at the ending, enjoying Laurel’s victory over her family’s machinations.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
October 17, 2025
Love the Poinsonverse series and this one is no exception!
Katy does a great job pulling the heartsrings on this one. It has some difficult topics so make sure you read the content warnings. I love the strength of our FMC, Laurel. Raised in an abusive family, she's not leaving until she finds out what happened to her brother. Living in a mask, seemingly content with her throne above the rut fights, Laurel will stop at nothing to get what she wants, figuring out what happened to her brother. Finch, Ocean, and Kaos know all about the fights that occur at the casino that Laurel's dad runs. They are determined to get revenge for their packmate. Even if they have to take down Laurel to do it, she's just as bad as her father....or so they think. But what happens when they get caught and the only way to save them is to send them to the fights? Now, the pack is coming to the rescue, and they'll use Laurel in any way they can to rescue their packmate. And as always, there will be groveling.
Again - absolutely loved the book!! Definitely recommend and adored the cameos by some of our other poisonverse packs! Not to mention the lead in for whats next :)
Katy does a great job pulling the heartsrings on this one. It has some difficult topics so make sure you read the content warnings. I love the strength of our FMC, Laurel. Raised in an abusive family, she's not leaving until she finds out what happened to her brother. Living in a mask, seemingly content with her throne above the rut fights, Laurel will stop at nothing to get what she wants, figuring out what happened to her brother. Finch, Ocean, and Kaos know all about the fights that occur at the casino that Laurel's dad runs. They are determined to get revenge for their packmate. Even if they have to take down Laurel to do it, she's just as bad as her father....or so they think. But what happens when they get caught and the only way to save them is to send them to the fights? Now, the pack is coming to the rescue, and they'll use Laurel in any way they can to rescue their packmate. And as always, there will be groveling.
Again - absolutely loved the book!! Definitely recommend and adored the cameos by some of our other poisonverse packs! Not to mention the lead in for whats next :)
November 6, 2025
This Poisonverse story grabbed me from the start and held me captivated by this thrilling intense world and amazing characters. With its twisted secrets and mysteries, the suspense had me on the edge of my seat.
Though I'm familiar with Omega and the Poisonverse the breakdown of info at the beginning of the book about the world as well as the characters was really helpful to gain a better understanding making the reading experience more enjoyable. I loved the cameo of the characters from the Shattered series by Marie Mackay in this book.
The main characters were well-developed and written. I loved how their relationship developed and unfolded. The dynamic between Laurel aka the Dutches (FMC) and her MMCs Ocean, Finch, and Kaos went through a lot of healing and growth. The build-up and slow-burning were worth it.
Tropes:
Poisonverse
Omega
MFMM
Rejected mates
Ruts + Heats
Dark Bond
Mafia
Mafia Princess
Psycho/Ferel Alphas
Enemies-to-lovers
Revenge
Check TW
If you're a fan of the Poisonverse I highly recommend this book.
Thank you Katy Black and Marie Mackay Books for the opportunity to read the eARC.
Though I'm familiar with Omega and the Poisonverse the breakdown of info at the beginning of the book about the world as well as the characters was really helpful to gain a better understanding making the reading experience more enjoyable. I loved the cameo of the characters from the Shattered series by Marie Mackay in this book.
The main characters were well-developed and written. I loved how their relationship developed and unfolded. The dynamic between Laurel aka the Dutches (FMC) and her MMCs Ocean, Finch, and Kaos went through a lot of healing and growth. The build-up and slow-burning were worth it.
Tropes:
Poisonverse
Omega
MFMM
Rejected mates
Ruts + Heats
Dark Bond
Mafia
Mafia Princess
Psycho/Ferel Alphas
Enemies-to-lovers
Revenge
Check TW
If you're a fan of the Poisonverse I highly recommend this book.
Thank you Katy Black and Marie Mackay Books for the opportunity to read the eARC.
December 11, 2025
The Crimson Duchess, Laurel, is a pawn in her fathers illegal rut fighting ring. She keeps Alphas entertained at her fathers discretion. When one of the Alphas goes too far a new one steps up to protect. She realizes too late he is her scent match as her father orders his death. Laurel does the only thing she can think to save him, send him to the rut cages. His pack is coming for him and they only see this as cruelty and they are coming for revenge.
I found the relationships between Laurel and the alphas kinda frustrating. Starting with the obvious, the dark bond. And then the way they treated her until she basically forgave (??) them, well Kaos at least. I don't really think they did enough to earn forgiveness, except Ocean who never really did anything wrong. The side mystery with her brother was kinda intriguing though. And I am definitely the person who loves seeing other characters from the series being brought in so I was glad to see the Kingsman pack, but sad Roxy wasn’t there. So while I think this book was ok I don't think it was great. Just meh.
Rating 3 stars
*I received a review copy from the author for my voluntary and honest review
I found the relationships between Laurel and the alphas kinda frustrating. Starting with the obvious, the dark bond. And then the way they treated her until she basically forgave (??) them, well Kaos at least. I don't really think they did enough to earn forgiveness, except Ocean who never really did anything wrong. The side mystery with her brother was kinda intriguing though. And I am definitely the person who loves seeing other characters from the series being brought in so I was glad to see the Kingsman pack, but sad Roxy wasn’t there. So while I think this book was ok I don't think it was great. Just meh.
Rating 3 stars
*I received a review copy from the author for my voluntary and honest review
October 18, 2025
Having read the blurb before diving into Pretty When She Breaks, I was nothing short of a ball of anxiety! I just knew it was going to be a bittersweet read and I was right. There’s so much darkness going into it and the more you learn, the darker it seems to get! But it was so good! The plot felt pretty fast-paced, so there wasn’t as much time for me to dread the darkness. Things move pretty slowly toward the sweet parts, but the progression felt natural and authentic considering what each character knows at any given moment. Kaos’ internal dialogue was hilarious and entertaining - he was the light in the otherwise dark world! I really enjoyed the clever plots by Laurel and friends! There wasn’t nearly as much spice as I’ve come to expect in an omegaverse but there was so much going on that I didn’t realize until I was reflecting back on the story. I could’ve gone for more relationship development than we got but there was still substantial character development from many characters throughout. It’s dark. It’s got moments of levity. It’s got high-stakes. You’re going to love it!
October 20, 2025
This is yet another great addition to the poisonverse! Laurel's journey with her scent matches and enemies surrounding her at all times was just tense and kept you gripped wanting to know what is going to happen! This book lives up to the dark nature of the poisonverse with each member of the pack suffering throughout. Laurel was such a strong fmc mentally to survive under her father and as the crimson duchess; her character had different levels of strength and it was great to see her earn her freedom finally with her mates. The spice in this was definitely low but I quite liked that it focused on the relationship development and plot more. I really felt for Ocean, he was such a sweetheart out of the three mcs! Kaos was definitely the unhinged protector once he accepted Laurel as his omega. Finch was definitely the one who needed the biggest redemption due to his actions throughout and feel like he earned it back.
Overall, can easily recommend this book if you love the dark nature of the poisonverse and looking forward to Jade's story next!
Overall, can easily recommend this book if you love the dark nature of the poisonverse and looking forward to Jade's story next!
October 24, 2025
Dark mafia romance. It’s omegaverse. But it’s not very spicy at all. There is a revenge plot going on and some serious misunderstanding/miscommunication happening.
It feels like it gets resolved fairly quickly. This book surprised me because I felt like it was moving kinda slowly. Then boom it was almost over. I think it’s because the pacing was so steady. That I expected it to ramp up but it just kept creeping forward.
Laurel is a duchess, been offered and princess bond and rejected it, and because of this she is able to soothe all alphas with her scent. When Ocean meets her everything changes. And the chaos begins.
It’s a great story. I enjoyed every part of it. It is missing the usual spice level of omegaverse books. But it wasn’t harmful to the story.
I do wish we had been able to experience more time with them as a pack. As they healed and once they were healed. That’s all that kept it from being a five star for me.
But all in all a great time. I’m happy to have read it and experienced the Seo pack.
I received an ARC for free. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
It feels like it gets resolved fairly quickly. This book surprised me because I felt like it was moving kinda slowly. Then boom it was almost over. I think it’s because the pacing was so steady. That I expected it to ramp up but it just kept creeping forward.
Laurel is a duchess, been offered and princess bond and rejected it, and because of this she is able to soothe all alphas with her scent. When Ocean meets her everything changes. And the chaos begins.
It’s a great story. I enjoyed every part of it. It is missing the usual spice level of omegaverse books. But it wasn’t harmful to the story.
I do wish we had been able to experience more time with them as a pack. As they healed and once they were healed. That’s all that kept it from being a five star for me.
But all in all a great time. I’m happy to have read it and experienced the Seo pack.
I received an ARC for free. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
November 18, 2025
I thought Laurel was an amazing character. She was extremely resilient and I loved the way she adapted to her situation and was able to subtly manipulate those around her. I liked that she was competent and came up with a lot of good ideas that helped the pack.
I enjoyed this quite alot until the sudden 180 Kaos and Finch pulled. A good third of the book is them hating Laurel and treating her as the enemy and then they just suddenly change their mind. With Kaos at least, that could be chalked up to his fractured mentality, but it was less believable with Finch. I don’t think I would’ve minded so much if they had of at least grovelled more.
I’m also disappointed that Ocean spent so much time locked up in a cage and feral, we really didn’t get to see much of him which was a shame because he was such a sweetheart. The ending also felt really rushed which was unfortunate.
Overall even though the romance might’ve been lacking, I enjoyed the world building and plot outside of the pack a lot. And I’m so glad that the Lucas pack and Thaddeus got the comeuppance they deserved.
I enjoyed this quite alot until the sudden 180 Kaos and Finch pulled. A good third of the book is them hating Laurel and treating her as the enemy and then they just suddenly change their mind. With Kaos at least, that could be chalked up to his fractured mentality, but it was less believable with Finch. I don’t think I would’ve minded so much if they had of at least grovelled more.
I’m also disappointed that Ocean spent so much time locked up in a cage and feral, we really didn’t get to see much of him which was a shame because he was such a sweetheart. The ending also felt really rushed which was unfortunate.
Overall even though the romance might’ve been lacking, I enjoyed the world building and plot outside of the pack a lot. And I’m so glad that the Lucas pack and Thaddeus got the comeuppance they deserved.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2025
I absolutely love the Poisonverse world because it differs from the average omegaverse. The unique bonds, golden-eyed omegas, and darker themes really set it apart. This installment lived up to the previous ones.
Seeing Ransom and Shatter again, even in a small part, was excellent—it felt like reconnecting with old friends.
Laurel was a fascinating character and omega. Despite feeling broken, she still managed to retain some fire and resilience. I must admit that Finch didn't earn any points with me for the way he treated Laurel. On the other hand, Kaos was the most confusing character I've encountered. However, once I understood his backstory, my feelings shifted from dislike to pity. Ocean, the final member of the pack, emerged as a hero from the beginning, and what he endured was difficult to read about.
It was a fantastic read; once I started, I couldn't put it down and finished it in one sitting.
Seeing Ransom and Shatter again, even in a small part, was excellent—it felt like reconnecting with old friends.
Laurel was a fascinating character and omega. Despite feeling broken, she still managed to retain some fire and resilience. I must admit that Finch didn't earn any points with me for the way he treated Laurel. On the other hand, Kaos was the most confusing character I've encountered. However, once I understood his backstory, my feelings shifted from dislike to pity. Ocean, the final member of the pack, emerged as a hero from the beginning, and what he endured was difficult to read about.
It was a fantastic read; once I started, I couldn't put it down and finished it in one sitting.
November 11, 2025
The poisonverse is my favorite dark omegaverse world. I love how unhinged the characters and story plots are.
This book is about an omega mafia princess who is forced under trauma and abuse to follow every order given by her father. She has no freedom and does not make personal connections due to something that happened to her as a child.
The mmc come into her world and the craziness ensues. The pack is filled with individuals who are dealing with past traumas and mental issues themselves. I loved one of the mmc immediately, fell in love with the 2nd very shortly and the 3rd I loved to hate for half of the book lol.
This author did an amazing job of writing the “bad guys”. They are such great characters at instigating your hatred while you read them. At the same time I love the side characters written. They steal the show in some chapters and I really hope there are more books with those characters because I need to know more.
The fmc is strong, smart, determined and all around bad a**. She is amazing at putting on a mask and people underestimating her worth and her smarts. They think she is just a pretty, vapid arm ornament. Boy are they surprised.
This book is steamy, dark, funny, emotional and just downright good.
This book is about an omega mafia princess who is forced under trauma and abuse to follow every order given by her father. She has no freedom and does not make personal connections due to something that happened to her as a child.
The mmc come into her world and the craziness ensues. The pack is filled with individuals who are dealing with past traumas and mental issues themselves. I loved one of the mmc immediately, fell in love with the 2nd very shortly and the 3rd I loved to hate for half of the book lol.
This author did an amazing job of writing the “bad guys”. They are such great characters at instigating your hatred while you read them. At the same time I love the side characters written. They steal the show in some chapters and I really hope there are more books with those characters because I need to know more.
The fmc is strong, smart, determined and all around bad a**. She is amazing at putting on a mask and people underestimating her worth and her smarts. They think she is just a pretty, vapid arm ornament. Boy are they surprised.
This book is steamy, dark, funny, emotional and just downright good.
October 15, 2025
I received a copy of Pretty When She Breaks as an ARC, and was delighted by it - it stays true to the Poisonverse (with some fun guest stars), and is just as intense and fun as the rest. I loved watching Laurel and her pack untangle everything, including their relationships with each other, and seeing Laurel step into herself and claim her place, not only in the pack, but in the ring. There were a few moments where I think things were forgiven maybe too quickly for my liking, or not addressed enough, such as the bond between Laurel and her pack, but it didn’t take me out of the story. The hints of Jade’s story (without giving anything away) are enough to have me intrigued and waiting to read more! Overall, this was a fun, energetic read, and gripped me in its shiny claws (jewels, even) until the end.
October 18, 2025
I genuinely didn’t know what to expect from this book, as the first part made me hate everyone except Laurel, who broke my heart. She’s so strong and powerful, but she deserved so much better than the life she was given. Ocean came in and swept her off her feet, but his pack were absolute asshats. Luckily, their attitudes changed once they got to know Laurel, but I wanted to knock their heads together several times. Once Kaos felt safe enough, the Kaos chaos released, and he’s the most all-over alpha I’ve ever read — he’s so funny. Finch took a lot more time and honestly could have done with a lot more grovelling, not going to lie. I loved the story though and the Crimson Palace is such an original, interesting setting! The storyline will have you at the edge of your seat and ready to throw certain alphas in the Blood Well. This was a great Poisonverse addition!
October 22, 2025
I‘m between 3-4 stars.
I really loved the overall story. The relationship development was really well written. I was rooting for my girly here, so that the pack would see she was one of the good ones. Buuut i kinda didn’t understand why she wasn’t honest about her intentions (why she sent ocean down). Like yeah, it‘s more interesting for readers but the explanation in the story was a bit weak.
What also confused me was the Jewle storyline. The ending in particular felt rushed, and I barely felt any emotion when they met again. Everything happened so quickly and, given the circumstances, easily. At one point it was like okay yeah they’ll win (obviously because hea but it was kinda anticlimactic).
Overall, I really liked the book. It was entertaining and had a nice way of focusing on building the relationship. You could see the men individually change and grow.
I really loved the overall story. The relationship development was really well written. I was rooting for my girly here, so that the pack would see she was one of the good ones. Buuut i kinda didn’t understand why she wasn’t honest about her intentions (why she sent ocean down). Like yeah, it‘s more interesting for readers but the explanation in the story was a bit weak.
What also confused me was the Jewle storyline. The ending in particular felt rushed, and I barely felt any emotion when they met again. Everything happened so quickly and, given the circumstances, easily. At one point it was like okay yeah they’ll win (obviously because hea but it was kinda anticlimactic).
Overall, I really liked the book. It was entertaining and had a nice way of focusing on building the relationship. You could see the men individually change and grow.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2025
Loved this poisonverse novel.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Raw. Consuming. Impossible to put down.
Pretty When She Breaks is the kind of dark, emotional romance that crawls under your skin and refuses to let go. Katy Black doesn’t just write tension — she builds it, layer by layer, until you’re completely hooked on every messy, intense, beautifully broken moment.
The characters feel real in the best and worst ways. Their flaws, their fire, their vulnerability — you feel it all. The chemistry? Electric. The emotional pull? Deep enough to drown in. And the trauma, healing, and grit woven through the story bring a depth that sticks with you long after the final page.
If you love broken characters who claw their way toward love, a touch of darkness, and a story that punches you right in the heart, this one is a must-read. Katy Black delivered — and then some.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Raw. Consuming. Impossible to put down.
Pretty When She Breaks is the kind of dark, emotional romance that crawls under your skin and refuses to let go. Katy Black doesn’t just write tension — she builds it, layer by layer, until you’re completely hooked on every messy, intense, beautifully broken moment.
The characters feel real in the best and worst ways. Their flaws, their fire, their vulnerability — you feel it all. The chemistry? Electric. The emotional pull? Deep enough to drown in. And the trauma, healing, and grit woven through the story bring a depth that sticks with you long after the final page.
If you love broken characters who claw their way toward love, a touch of darkness, and a story that punches you right in the heart, this one is a must-read. Katy Black delivered — and then some.
October 16, 2025
All I can say is...READ IT! Prepare yourselves, this isn't a quick and cozy read! It is dark and it is angst and it is redemption! Laurel has gone through hell with her father, and things aren't improving when she's introduced to her new prospective pack. (HATED THEM!) Meanwhile, her scent matches are looking for justice. Ocean is the sweetest alpha, and has to go through so much due to Laurel trying to protect him. Finch, I kind of wanted to see in the cage getting his butt kicked a time or three. Kaos...I honestly absolutely adored him! Yes, he's a bit rough around the edges, but he is amazing! This book had me laughing, it had me crying, it had me ready to throw something. It is worth the time to experience these characters growing and working to achieve their HEA.
October 24, 2025
I really enjoyed this book and this pack. The setting was really interesting and led so much to the story. And the set-up with some mystery and darkness was really well done.
I love how everyone grows through the book. Not just as a pack but individually. Ocean is the calm glue of the group. Everything falls apart in spectacular fashion and it's so fun to see how things come together. I love the dichotomy of Laurel and the Duchess. And Finch drove me a bit crazy but that made the book even more entertaining.
I think Kaos might be my spirit animal. His struggles are so relatable and understandable, and I love his personality (it's always nice to know I am not the only one who has quirks).
I love how everyone grows through the book. Not just as a pack but individually. Ocean is the calm glue of the group. Everything falls apart in spectacular fashion and it's so fun to see how things come together. I love the dichotomy of Laurel and the Duchess. And Finch drove me a bit crazy but that made the book even more entertaining.
I think Kaos might be my spirit animal. His struggles are so relatable and understandable, and I love his personality (it's always nice to know I am not the only one who has quirks).
October 24, 2025
Every part of this book had me gripped! The Duchess, the real Laurel, the men! First there is there is her "cousin" (not blood cos - packs) and his pack of nasty men - they are just slimy and gross and i love how she gets that feeling right from the get go. Ocean is like a wave of refreshing honesty in this staged world, a world she cant escape just yet, not until she figures out the biggest mystery of her life. But Ocean comes with a pack and "its complicated" gets switched up a knotch! I really enjoyed this book and this woman who refuses to be who her family want her to be. These men that need to figure out their own broken souls before they can claim hers and the ultimate heist and game of cat and mouth!
October 27, 2025
I love the poisonverse and this book does not disappoint. There are some heavy themes so please check your triggers. Kaos’ darkness and how Ocean and Finch help take care of him was really touching. Ocean takes most of the load on himself but seeing Finch step up and embrace his role as pack lead was great character development. Laurel has made the most of her situation as the Crimson Duchess and essentially being her father’s puppet. The distinction between Laurel and the Crimson Duchess personality added a depth to the story I wasnt expecting. So often characters mask themselves to protect them self or someone else so seeing both sides of her personality was great. So many great twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat.
October 19, 2025
Well this was a wild ride and I devoured it! Laurel is a Duchess Omega whose father is in organized crime. She’s always know that she was going to be property one day to a pack, but she is definitely not going down fighting.
The Seo pack is trying to infiltrate The Fairchild crime family for revenge. But, when Ocean realizes that he is scent matched with Laurel(the enemy’s daughter) he oversteps trying to protect her. Laurel does the only thing that she can think of to allow him to keep his life. This is a dark omegaverse so definitely read the trigger and warnings.
The Seo pack is trying to infiltrate The Fairchild crime family for revenge. But, when Ocean realizes that he is scent matched with Laurel(the enemy’s daughter) he oversteps trying to protect her. Laurel does the only thing that she can think of to allow him to keep his life. This is a dark omegaverse so definitely read the trigger and warnings.
October 23, 2025
Thanks to the author for the ARC! This book is a great addition to the PoisonVerse, just be sure to read the content warnings before you dive in. It’s deliciously raw and angsty. The characters are complex and nuanced - they feel very real and flawed - and are doing their best (mostly!) to navigate dark, complicated situations.
The book concludes with a satisfying and well deserved ending for the characters - both the ones we love and the ones we hate. I loved that some favorite characters from other PoisonVerse books made an appearance. Definitely recommend!
The book concludes with a satisfying and well deserved ending for the characters - both the ones we love and the ones we hate. I loved that some favorite characters from other PoisonVerse books made an appearance. Definitely recommend!
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