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The Savage And The Beautiful : Bronx's Story
He’s chaos. Rage. Voices in the dark. But Bronx is mine — my twin flame, my safe place, my addiction.
She should’ve been the last person I let close. Instead, Bri became the only one who quiets the storm in my head.
What we have ain’t a fairytale. It’s obsession. Fire. The kind of love that could save us…or destroy everything in its path. And if anyone tries to come between us? The world better be ready to burn.
She should’ve been the last person I let close. Instead, Bri became the only one who quiets the storm in my head.
What we have ain’t a fairytale. It’s obsession. Fire. The kind of love that could save us…or destroy everything in its path. And if anyone tries to come between us? The world better be ready to burn.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 18, 2025
About the author
Reese Laflare
21 books51 followersI write based on experiences and to help prevent others from going down the same road as me. Each novel I create will focus on different aspects of street life. My mission is to bring awareness to modern-day drug usage, imprisonment, and other issues.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 24, 2026
A little disappointed
I almost DNFd the book because of the story structure and immature characters but I was sucked in and decided to keep reading. The writing transitions are odd so it makes things jumpy and chaotic. It's an entertaining read but it's not smooth and the way the trauma presents is interesting. There's a lot of inconsistencies with both character actions and motivations. Bri's mother depiction will change based on what the scene needs vs the reality of the character presented. Bri was 25 and then she said she was 23. Certain behaviors of characters that should nuclear reaction were bounced back fine in other scenes. Chapter transitions also didn't match up. Was the opp girl who's the connect a brother hopper before Bronx was forcibly locked up or after? Things like that hinders the reading experience.
I almost DNFd the book because of the story structure and immature characters but I was sucked in and decided to keep reading. The writing transitions are odd so it makes things jumpy and chaotic. It's an entertaining read but it's not smooth and the way the trauma presents is interesting. There's a lot of inconsistencies with both character actions and motivations. Bri's mother depiction will change based on what the scene needs vs the reality of the character presented. Bri was 25 and then she said she was 23. Certain behaviors of characters that should nuclear reaction were bounced back fine in other scenes. Chapter transitions also didn't match up. Was the opp girl who's the connect a brother hopper before Bronx was forcibly locked up or after? Things like that hinders the reading experience.
May 24, 2026
Two children
Violated
Now adults
Trauma bonded
Buckle up—it’s gonna be one hell of a ride!
This was a new-to-me author recommended by a reading buddy as a palate cleanser. It did that and then some. We meet Bri and Bronx, who are struggling as young teens, and they make a promise to each other, not knowing if they’ll see each other again. Fast forward ten years, and as luck would have it, their paths cross, and we watch them navigate some of those same struggles as adults. The only thing I can say is, who needs enemies with families like theirs?
This was messy AF, and I loved every minute of it. At the time of this review, I've shared it with two coworkers, posted about it in a Discord book group, and yelled at my daughter because she took too long to download and read it! Go ahead and head to KU. It’s waiting for you.
Violated
Now adults
Trauma bonded
Buckle up—it’s gonna be one hell of a ride!
This was a new-to-me author recommended by a reading buddy as a palate cleanser. It did that and then some. We meet Bri and Bronx, who are struggling as young teens, and they make a promise to each other, not knowing if they’ll see each other again. Fast forward ten years, and as luck would have it, their paths cross, and we watch them navigate some of those same struggles as adults. The only thing I can say is, who needs enemies with families like theirs?
This was messy AF, and I loved every minute of it. At the time of this review, I've shared it with two coworkers, posted about it in a Discord book group, and yelled at my daughter because she took too long to download and read it! Go ahead and head to KU. It’s waiting for you.
October 19, 2025
Bronx &Bri
READ THE TRIGGER WARNING...
This ain't no Romeo and Juliet type love story. This is an awesome hood love story with all the fixings. Damage, trauma, hurt, ain't ish family, your back against the wall, at your wits end type of hood love story. So all you know is how to survive. Bronx and Bri with similar situations. Are their bonds only out of traumatic experiences or can they both navigate the hands they were dealt?
Bronx is the epitome of an unhinged ninja. And he always gonna come for Bri now that they have reconnected. But the author writes his life so beautifully that you can see why his is who he is.
READ THE TRIGGER WARNING...
This ain't no Romeo and Juliet type love story. This is an awesome hood love story with all the fixings. Damage, trauma, hurt, ain't ish family, your back against the wall, at your wits end type of hood love story. So all you know is how to survive. Bronx and Bri with similar situations. Are their bonds only out of traumatic experiences or can they both navigate the hands they were dealt?
Bronx is the epitome of an unhinged ninja. And he always gonna come for Bri now that they have reconnected. But the author writes his life so beautifully that you can see why his is who he is.
October 22, 2025
LOVED IT!! But read the TWs
I loved this story about Bronx and Bri but be sure to read the trigger warnings and be prepared for a wild ride with all the things that makes a hood drama AMAZING!! I’m a big fan of Reese Laflare and can’t wait for the next installment!
I loved this story about Bronx and Bri but be sure to read the trigger warnings and be prepared for a wild ride with all the things that makes a hood drama AMAZING!! I’m a big fan of Reese Laflare and can’t wait for the next installment!
October 22, 2025
Spoilers kinda sorry
Ok so the pros first I liked the story line I loved the main characters. It got really good towards the end and I NEED PART TWO LIKE NOW !
The cons idk something was missing/ off in the beginning like I almost wanted to DNF. Maybe more history/ backstory idk it just didn’t flow at first. The double incest was Ewww. 1 ok we’d that girl but 2 it’s like WTF. Things that coulda helped work back story/ world building. Like where the MOB kids come from how Lennox knew theory moms etc etc. all these characters and relationships but again no backstory or context. It reads like free form writing like a diary not a complete book idk
I’m glad I didn’t DNF because as above stated it got really good !
Ok so the pros first I liked the story line I loved the main characters. It got really good towards the end and I NEED PART TWO LIKE NOW !
The cons idk something was missing/ off in the beginning like I almost wanted to DNF. Maybe more history/ backstory idk it just didn’t flow at first. The double incest was Ewww. 1 ok we’d that girl but 2 it’s like WTF. Things that coulda helped work back story/ world building. Like where the MOB kids come from how Lennox knew theory moms etc etc. all these characters and relationships but again no backstory or context. It reads like free form writing like a diary not a complete book idk
I’m glad I didn’t DNF because as above stated it got really good !
May 16, 2026
Whew 😰
At the heart of Reese Laflare’s narrative is a volatile, deep-seated connection between two individuals who are products of their harsh environment:
Bronx: Portrayed as the personification of "chaos" and "rage," Bronx is a character defined by his internal battles. He is haunted by "voices in the dark," suggesting a struggle with mental health, trauma, or the psychological toll of his life in the "The Mob Family." He is not a traditional hero; he is a man whose primary language is violence and whose peace is only found in one person.
Bri: Described as Bronx's "twin flame" and "addiction," Bri serves as the anchor for the story. She represents the "Beautiful" in the title. Her character is defined by a fierce, almost dangerous loyalty. She is the only person capable of "quieting the storm" in Bronx’s head, making her both his greatest strength and his most significant vulnerability.
The novel explores heavy, interconnected themes common in gritty urban romance and street fiction:
1. Obsession vs. Love
The book explicitly challenges the "fairytale" notion of romance. The relationship between Bronx and Bri is framed as a "fire" or an "obsession" rather than a healthy, standard partnership. It explores the idea that in a "savage" world, love must be equally intense and protective to survive, even if it borders on the destructive.
2. Mental Health and the "Storm"
A significant theme is the psychological impact of street life. Bronx’s "rage" and the "voices" he hears highlight a focus on modern-day mental health issues within the Black community and the urban experience—issues that the author, Reese Laflare, has stated she aims to bring awareness to through her writing.
3. The Price of Loyalty
Set against the backdrop of "The Mob Family," the book examines the cost of staying true to those you love. The narrative suggests that their love could either "save them" or "destroy everything," emphasizing that in their world, personal happiness often comes at the expense of safety or organizational duty.
4. Redemption through Connection
Despite the darkness, there is a recurring theme of finding a "safe place" in another person. Bri is Bronx's sanctuary. The story suggests that even those considered "savage" by society are capable of profound, life-altering connections that offer a form of unofficial redemption.
At the heart of Reese Laflare’s narrative is a volatile, deep-seated connection between two individuals who are products of their harsh environment:
Bronx: Portrayed as the personification of "chaos" and "rage," Bronx is a character defined by his internal battles. He is haunted by "voices in the dark," suggesting a struggle with mental health, trauma, or the psychological toll of his life in the "The Mob Family." He is not a traditional hero; he is a man whose primary language is violence and whose peace is only found in one person.
Bri: Described as Bronx's "twin flame" and "addiction," Bri serves as the anchor for the story. She represents the "Beautiful" in the title. Her character is defined by a fierce, almost dangerous loyalty. She is the only person capable of "quieting the storm" in Bronx’s head, making her both his greatest strength and his most significant vulnerability.
The novel explores heavy, interconnected themes common in gritty urban romance and street fiction:
1. Obsession vs. Love
The book explicitly challenges the "fairytale" notion of romance. The relationship between Bronx and Bri is framed as a "fire" or an "obsession" rather than a healthy, standard partnership. It explores the idea that in a "savage" world, love must be equally intense and protective to survive, even if it borders on the destructive.
2. Mental Health and the "Storm"
A significant theme is the psychological impact of street life. Bronx’s "rage" and the "voices" he hears highlight a focus on modern-day mental health issues within the Black community and the urban experience—issues that the author, Reese Laflare, has stated she aims to bring awareness to through her writing.
3. The Price of Loyalty
Set against the backdrop of "The Mob Family," the book examines the cost of staying true to those you love. The narrative suggests that their love could either "save them" or "destroy everything," emphasizing that in their world, personal happiness often comes at the expense of safety or organizational duty.
4. Redemption through Connection
Despite the darkness, there is a recurring theme of finding a "safe place" in another person. Bri is Bronx's sanctuary. The story suggests that even those considered "savage" by society are capable of profound, life-altering connections that offer a form of unofficial redemption.
February 12, 2026
Wow Wow Wow
I always say the MMC in the books I read have to be unhinged and baby Ms. LaFlare did not disappoint! Bronx was next level unhinged him and his voices sent me every time. Make no mistake tho because Bri was certifiably off her rocker as well. With each thing that transpired between Bronx and Bri I found myself routing for them even more. I love how China talk Bronx through things and he doubles back on it. I will say this. He shows up and shows out for Bri each and every time and I can’t wait to see him put those who hurt him where they belong. Starting with Brooklyn!!!! Good book can’t wait for part 2!
I always say the MMC in the books I read have to be unhinged and baby Ms. LaFlare did not disappoint! Bronx was next level unhinged him and his voices sent me every time. Make no mistake tho because Bri was certifiably off her rocker as well. With each thing that transpired between Bronx and Bri I found myself routing for them even more. I love how China talk Bronx through things and he doubles back on it. I will say this. He shows up and shows out for Bri each and every time and I can’t wait to see him put those who hurt him where they belong. Starting with Brooklyn!!!! Good book can’t wait for part 2!
May 2, 2026
INSANE!!!! I couldn’t put it down
Whew this is the second series that I’ve read by the author and Lord she went deep into the basement of he🏒🏒 when she wrote this. Sis are you cool? Bri and Bronx got me asking if I’m ok. This is the most insane book that I’ve read this year but it is so good. Quanney is the only sane person in the whole book lol. I don’t even know how to write a review for it because wth. All I can tell you is you are about to be in for a wild but extremely entertaining ride. Sis I love this series that you are building and I can’t wait for the other siblings stories. Let me get to book 2 so I can question my sanity some more.
Whew this is the second series that I’ve read by the author and Lord she went deep into the basement of he🏒🏒 when she wrote this. Sis are you cool? Bri and Bronx got me asking if I’m ok. This is the most insane book that I’ve read this year but it is so good. Quanney is the only sane person in the whole book lol. I don’t even know how to write a review for it because wth. All I can tell you is you are about to be in for a wild but extremely entertaining ride. Sis I love this series that you are building and I can’t wait for the other siblings stories. Let me get to book 2 so I can question my sanity some more.
December 15, 2025
Beautifully Crafted
This book had me at the first page. Bronx Mobs character is beautifully complex. He has trauma as well as Bri and the love is created from that trauma. It’s a love that is so beautifully reckless. It makes you want a part of that love for yourself because it’s raw, blunt and intentional. The character of Bri takes you to a place of wanting the best for her but also knowing the best for her is Bronx. I can’t wait for the next book on them to come out. I am definitely emotionally invested.
This book had me at the first page. Bronx Mobs character is beautifully complex. He has trauma as well as Bri and the love is created from that trauma. It’s a love that is so beautifully reckless. It makes you want a part of that love for yourself because it’s raw, blunt and intentional. The character of Bri takes you to a place of wanting the best for her but also knowing the best for her is Bronx. I can’t wait for the next book on them to come out. I am definitely emotionally invested.
October 24, 2025
A real crazy ride
I literally cannot wait until part 2. Bronx and Bre were made for each other crazy and crazier lmao. Now dealing with Bronx is no easy pill because he’s got voices in his head and they’re all telling him to do something different. The only thing I wish was that Bree was a little bit more calmer to be his peace a little more because I feel like he might calm down just a little. Overall, I can’t wait for the next ride of crazy.
I literally cannot wait until part 2. Bronx and Bre were made for each other crazy and crazier lmao. Now dealing with Bronx is no easy pill because he’s got voices in his head and they’re all telling him to do something different. The only thing I wish was that Bree was a little bit more calmer to be his peace a little more because I feel like he might calm down just a little. Overall, I can’t wait for the next ride of crazy.
December 24, 2025
A Whole Lot of Trauma
This book jumped right into trauma from the first chapter to the last. When it started, I thought it was going to be a great read, but somewhere in the middle I got caught in a repetitive, unnecessary loop. I felt like the plot could have been better, but instead I watched the two main characters teeter totter between sanity and severe mental health issues. I ended this book with no intention of moving to the next part.
This book jumped right into trauma from the first chapter to the last. When it started, I thought it was going to be a great read, but somewhere in the middle I got caught in a repetitive, unnecessary loop. I felt like the plot could have been better, but instead I watched the two main characters teeter totter between sanity and severe mental health issues. I ended this book with no intention of moving to the next part.
December 30, 2025
3.75⭐️
This book was A LOT!!! Bri and Bronx had so much going on and really didn’t need to be together but then they needed each other to survive!
There was a lot of SA by family members in this book, and a lot of talk of people sleeping through families!
Bronx Mob Family had a lot going on as well, especially between the siblings! Initially I said I didn’t know if I would continue with this series but I definitely want to find out what happens since it ends on a cliffhanger!
This book was A LOT!!! Bri and Bronx had so much going on and really didn’t need to be together but then they needed each other to survive!
There was a lot of SA by family members in this book, and a lot of talk of people sleeping through families!
Bronx Mob Family had a lot going on as well, especially between the siblings! Initially I said I didn’t know if I would continue with this series but I definitely want to find out what happens since it ends on a cliffhanger!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2026
Wild
This book had me laugh and on the edge of my seat.
Bri and Bronx have gone through ao much. They love each other through the pain. I hope they make it through it.
They do need help.
It was so much going on throughout the book. The issues that were dealt with were enough to throw in the towel. It was too much for one person to deal with.
I look forward to the next book and see where the couple ends up .
This book had me laugh and on the edge of my seat.
Bri and Bronx have gone through ao much. They love each other through the pain. I hope they make it through it.
They do need help.
It was so much going on throughout the book. The issues that were dealt with were enough to throw in the towel. It was too much for one person to deal with.
I look forward to the next book and see where the couple ends up .
May 14, 2026
Whew, talk about toxic love
Bri and Bronx are the true definition of toxic love with a little trauma sprinkled in. While they are both chaotic it's clear Brianna needs therapy because she is beyond broken. Her insecurities keep getting in the way of her allowing Bronx to love her. Reading the type of environment she lives in makes sense as to why she is the way she is. I'm hoping she and Bronx get to finally have peace and heal because they deserve it.
Bri and Bronx are the true definition of toxic love with a little trauma sprinkled in. While they are both chaotic it's clear Brianna needs therapy because she is beyond broken. Her insecurities keep getting in the way of her allowing Bronx to love her. Reading the type of environment she lives in makes sense as to why she is the way she is. I'm hoping she and Bronx get to finally have peace and heal because they deserve it.
April 25, 2026
These two are crazy!
This was sooooo good! The drama was top tier and I swear I have never met two MCs who are so perfect for each other but they are so toxic and caught up in their own traumas and mental health issues. Their family members be on some crazy sick nonsense - especially Brooklyn. I cannot wait to see how this story unfolds in book 2!
This was sooooo good! The drama was top tier and I swear I have never met two MCs who are so perfect for each other but they are so toxic and caught up in their own traumas and mental health issues. Their family members be on some crazy sick nonsense - especially Brooklyn. I cannot wait to see how this story unfolds in book 2!
May 3, 2026
yesssss
Whew this story has everything you need to not want to put it down. Child hood trauma, trama bonds, BDE, drama, and action. Who knew a man with schizophrenia and a girl with bipolar disorder would be soul mates!
Ps I can’t stand nobody in this book. I was cursing every other page!
Whew this story has everything you need to not want to put it down. Child hood trauma, trama bonds, BDE, drama, and action. Who knew a man with schizophrenia and a girl with bipolar disorder would be soul mates!
Ps I can’t stand nobody in this book. I was cursing every other page!
October 25, 2025
Mental Illness
Wow all over the place. I’m so confused. I’m praying for the author she must have been going through it while writing this book. I still don’t really know what’s going on. Or what the storyline is other than their trauma bond.
Wow all over the place. I’m so confused. I’m praying for the author she must have been going through it while writing this book. I still don’t really know what’s going on. Or what the storyline is other than their trauma bond.
November 11, 2025
A must read!!!!!
This was one of the BEST books I’ve read in a while! I really enjoyed how Reese took you on a ride and explained everything so perfectly to make you feel like, you were really there. I loved the concept and I honestly can’t wait for more to come!!!
This was one of the BEST books I’ve read in a while! I really enjoyed how Reese took you on a ride and explained everything so perfectly to make you feel like, you were really there. I loved the concept and I honestly can’t wait for more to come!!!
November 11, 2025
Bronx is really crazy and Bri was matching this crazy because who goes to the funeral of someone u the reason behind his death..he deserved it. The double incest was horrible 😐. Looking forward to the next part.
May 22, 2026
Whew !!!!
This was a wild ride from start to finish, Bronx was crazy and wasn’t scared of anything but he loved his self some Bri. This was book was messy and drama filled. I definitely enjoyed it and will be reading book 2.
This was a wild ride from start to finish, Bronx was crazy and wasn’t scared of anything but he loved his self some Bri. This was book was messy and drama filled. I definitely enjoyed it and will be reading book 2.
October 20, 2025
💕💕💕
All I can say is I'm in love. This is one of the best stories I've come across this year. Bronx is everything 😍😍😍. I'm so ready for the next one.
All I can say is I'm in love. This is one of the best stories I've come across this year. Bronx is everything 😍😍😍. I'm so ready for the next one.
October 24, 2025
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Omg you did that good from the beginning til the end can’t wait for pt2 a must read leaves you want I’m more
Omg you did that good from the beginning til the end can’t wait for pt2 a must read leaves you want I’m more
October 27, 2025
okay
To be honest the story has something but between the bad dialogue and the rush plot it fell flat. K
To be honest the story has something but between the bad dialogue and the rush plot it fell flat. K
October 30, 2025
I went into this book completely blind…. that’s on me. It was raw, gritty, and toxic, but I couldn’t put it down. I’ll definitely be back for book two.
January 12, 2026
So much was happening, both of the MCs have issues almost dnfed. I might read the next book whenever that comes out, maybe
March 5, 2026
Toxic
I like their toxic love. I love a mean MMC and Bronx is just that. Mental health aside but whew everybody is horrible. Equal opportunity trash.
I like their toxic love. I love a mean MMC and Bronx is just that. Mental health aside but whew everybody is horrible. Equal opportunity trash.
May 24, 2026
I understood there would be trauma but DAMN… it was too much for me. Someone will like it so I say read for yourself and go from there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews