Breaking the Records

Dark Era #3

by C.L. Ledford

Life as a handler for the mafia hasn't been all that bad. The blood of the kill and the
torture of our enemies has always been something I've excelled at. Now that TC and
Drake have taken over, my life as I know it is changing.
I'm now making a name for myself within the Superbike Racing world, and I owe all to
TC. However, when one race threatens to end my career, it changes my life once again.
An unexpected obstacle in the form of a beautiful women enters my life and now I have
to figure out whether this relationship is going to make me or break me?


In a flash, my life changes… literally. With my world now turned upside down, I find
myself in an unconventional relationship with a man, who just so happens to be a
former patient of mine. What I didn't expect were the feelings that came with this new
relationship. Unfortunately, things don't go as planned and I soon find myself facing a
choice that could end with me leaving and taking a secret with me.
With my life now in chaos, unexpected developments unfold. I never would have
predicted the events that followed, revealing the true impact of Riker Kidwell.

Kindle Edition

Expected publication March 3, 2026

About the author

I have been writing since I was 14 but never finished the books that I had started.
Silver Moon Kiss was my first and it is currently being rewritten and I'm excited that it will be released next year.

The Second Alpha Heir is my first self-published book. It is due to be released on June 14th with both E-book and Paperback.

I am a wife and mother of 3 with 5 German Shorthair pointers and I'm also hoping to get into Nursing school. I like to hunt and watch my kids grow up into the people that I know they can be.

Reviews

[Melissa Mejia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of receiving this as an e-ARC and voluntarily will be giving my honest review. OMG what a ride!! I loved the chemistry between Kali and Riker!! Fake dating and falling head over heels!! What a twist in this story it has me wanting more. I devoured this book!! Cant wait for the world to read this story. You will fall in love like i did!! Chefs kiss C.L.!!

“Riker:
Life as a handler for the mafia hasn't been all that bad. The blood of the kill and the
torture of our enemies has always been something I've excelled at. Now that TC and
Drake have taken over, my life as I know it is changing.
I'm now making a name for myself within the Superbike Racing world, and I owe all to
TC. However, when one race threatens to end my career, it changes my life once again.
An unexpected obstacle in the form of a beautiful women enters my life and now I have
to figure out whether this relationship is going to make me or break me?

Kali:
In a flash, my life changes… literally. With my world now turned upside down, I find
myself in an unconventional relationship with a man, who just so happens to be a
former patient of mine. What I didn't expect were the feelings that came with this new
relationship. Unfortunately, things don't go as planned and I soon find myself facing a
choice that could end with me leaving and taking a secret with me.
With my life now in chaos, unexpected developments unfold. I never would have
predicted the events that followed, revealing the true impact of Riker Kidwell.”

[Mickeybare · Rating 4 out of 5]

Breaking Records is absolutely a great read! I was given the opportunity to ARC read this book, and I'm very happy I did, as I loved the chemistry between the main characters. Riker's life as a Superbike racer/handler for the Mafia has been great, but he keeps everyone at a distance for both his safety and theirs. That is, until life throws him a curveball in the form of a wreck. He then meets Kali, a nurse who won't put up with any of his crap. and puts him in his place. No one ever does that! weeks later, they meet again, and that's when things get crazy. they are thrown together in a fake relationship. and the twists and turns start from there. this is a great story, and if you want to find out what happens with Riker & Kali, you need to read the book.

[Liz Bench · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay the fact that the mmc is a biker was just hot already but with all the twists and turns in this book and the main character I just can't express how much this book had a chokehold on me even while going to my great aunt's funeral. It has a lot of tropes being enemies to lovers? And one bed trope. He treated the MC like shit when they first met and after that he was a whole different guy. I've kind of fallen for him 🫣 I mean the pet name and not letting anyone touch her or say mean shit to her like hot 🥵 I highly recommend especially for you dark romance people out there. I wish I could reread this book the first time over and over again.

[Devlishpam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book kept me reading as I wanted to see how it ended! I loved the relationship that grew over time. Having a story where true love wins is always a great read. Now I need to go back and read the first two books in the series.

[Elaina Bressman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could not put this down. Saw a few of the twists coming but not what the twist would end up to be.
I got into it and it was amazing!

[Carrie Hess · Rating 5 out of 5]

such an amazing book!

[Kelly Covey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I thought it was well written and the characters have an amazing chemistry. There was definitely a couple parts I didn't see coming so I couldn't put it down!

[Dalia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Breaking Records is an intense, addictive read that I devoured in one sitting. Riker has built his life balancing two dangerous worlds: dominating the Superbike racing scene while serving as a Mafia handler, where bloodshed and brutality are second nature. He keeps everyone at arm’s length—until a devastating crash puts him in the care of Kali, a no-nonsense nurse who refuses to be intimidated by him. No one stands up to Riker… but Kali does, and it completely throws him off balance.

When fate brings them back together weeks later, they’re swept into a fake relationship that quickly spirals into something far more complicated. With secrets, shifting loyalties, and unexpected emotions, their connection threatens to either save them or destroy everything they’ve built. Fast-paced, gritty, and full of twists, this story keeps you hooked until the very end.

[A. Clements · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5/5⭐️
Spice: 4/5 🌶️
Romance: 4/5 🥀
Suspense: 5/5 🔥

Blood. Speed. Secrets.
The Dark Era continues…

🖤 Fake Dating
💚 Mafia
🖤 touch her and ☠️
💚 Nurse FMC
🖤 Bike Racing

The way this book held my attention...

The chemistry between Kali and Riker was off the charts. Watching them both slowly fall for each other. Watching as the MMC trys to withdrawl. The s*xual tension. 😮‍💨

C.L. You did an amazing job writing BtR. (I think it's my favorite out of the series). Riker holds a special place in my heart. I just wanted to hug him through out his whole book.

[Haily Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has me a chokehold I literally couldn’t put it down until I completely finished it! Soooo good def worth the read!! You will not be disappointed. The characters mash together so well and even tho I’m not really into racing, I actually really liked that in this book! Who knows maybe I’ll get a bike now😭😂