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Breaking Raelynn
A phoenix must burn before being reborn from the ashes.For Raelynns entire life she only knew how to handle one thing. Pain. It was the only way she was able to stay grounded in life. From her home life to her intimate relationships she’d been underestimated and walked over her entire life.
That is until her ex-boyfriend tries to kill her.
Follow Raelynn on a journey of self-discovery while escaping from years of trauma at the hands of an abusive manipulator while falling into the hands of another man.
Daxton wants nothing more than to bring Raelynn's darkest fantasies to life, but will they both survive her ex’s need for revenge?
This is part one of a two part duet. Please read content warnings before proceeding.
That is until her ex-boyfriend tries to kill her.
Follow Raelynn on a journey of self-discovery while escaping from years of trauma at the hands of an abusive manipulator while falling into the hands of another man.
Daxton wants nothing more than to bring Raelynn's darkest fantasies to life, but will they both survive her ex’s need for revenge?
This is part one of a two part duet. Please read content warnings before proceeding.
- GenresDark Romance
576 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 26, 2025
4 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 3, 2025
She wasn't kidding about there not being a happy ending. phew 🙄 its a great story though. Im excited for book 2. I need some more info on the sexy therapist 🤣
November 16, 2025
"She was a burning flame and I was a moth, intent on getting closer to her even if it meant destroying myself in the process."
ahhhhh! This book had me hooked from the first chapter! Raelynn is so relatable on so many levels. Her story resonates deep in your core. I was her biggest cheerleader from page 1.. and I LOVED her sarcastic dark sense of humor! I love the journal entries in-between chapters! Really adds to the depth of the story allowing you to see pieces of the past and put the puzzle pieces together. 🚩🚩🚩
Daxton!!!!! We need more of him in real life!!! Just saying!!! I can't love his character enough. I fully support the vigilante 🖤
I loved Kendi and Thelma and the different dynamics they brought to the table. The friendship ♥️♥️ There are plenty of loveable characters in this and then there are a couple that you're going to loathe... And hope that justice gets served. The writing when it comes to certain characters! To be able to have that ignorance, arrogance, lack of self awareness, victim blaming, narcissistic behavior just seep from the pages... Rage. I felt rage.. all the rage 😂 if you've ever dealt with someone like Craig then you know.
I love love the authors writing style throughout this entire thing. Everything flowed so smoothly and the details really allowed for great visualization which really allowed the story to dig its way into your soul. Felt like I was a fly on the wall just watching everything. It's very well balanced going back and forth with the characters. Right when I was like ok I need a break from seeing red it switches back to characters I love 🫶
Safe to say this author has made it to my ✔️I will read everything this author writes✔️ list 🖤 I devoured this!
This book is heavy at times, gets pretty dark, gets deep, and comes with a ton of triggers. I will say there were a couple on the list that I usually am a hard pass for (like I immediately see red and am filled with rage) but decided to give it a go anyways and for me.. I'm so happy I did. (Not saying anyone should overlook anything.....!) your mental health matters so review them before diving in.
I'm hoping hoping we don't have to wait too long for the next one... 🥹 my heart is breaking and I need the conclusion now please!!! 😳🤯😂 Where it leaves off is just GASP!
Tropes to love
✔️He falls first
✔️Strong FMC
✔️Obsessed/ morally grey MMC
✔️Stalker (not MMC)
✔️Murder
✔️Healing journey
✔️Revenge
✔️No HEA for book 1
✔️Check TW
✔️Feminine rage
Thank you for my ARC! I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
ahhhhh! This book had me hooked from the first chapter! Raelynn is so relatable on so many levels. Her story resonates deep in your core. I was her biggest cheerleader from page 1.. and I LOVED her sarcastic dark sense of humor! I love the journal entries in-between chapters! Really adds to the depth of the story allowing you to see pieces of the past and put the puzzle pieces together. 🚩🚩🚩
Daxton!!!!! We need more of him in real life!!! Just saying!!! I can't love his character enough. I fully support the vigilante 🖤
I loved Kendi and Thelma and the different dynamics they brought to the table. The friendship ♥️♥️ There are plenty of loveable characters in this and then there are a couple that you're going to loathe... And hope that justice gets served. The writing when it comes to certain characters! To be able to have that ignorance, arrogance, lack of self awareness, victim blaming, narcissistic behavior just seep from the pages... Rage. I felt rage.. all the rage 😂 if you've ever dealt with someone like Craig then you know.
I love love the authors writing style throughout this entire thing. Everything flowed so smoothly and the details really allowed for great visualization which really allowed the story to dig its way into your soul. Felt like I was a fly on the wall just watching everything. It's very well balanced going back and forth with the characters. Right when I was like ok I need a break from seeing red it switches back to characters I love 🫶
Safe to say this author has made it to my ✔️I will read everything this author writes✔️ list 🖤 I devoured this!
This book is heavy at times, gets pretty dark, gets deep, and comes with a ton of triggers. I will say there were a couple on the list that I usually am a hard pass for (like I immediately see red and am filled with rage) but decided to give it a go anyways and for me.. I'm so happy I did. (Not saying anyone should overlook anything.....!) your mental health matters so review them before diving in.
I'm hoping hoping we don't have to wait too long for the next one... 🥹 my heart is breaking and I need the conclusion now please!!! 😳🤯😂 Where it leaves off is just GASP!
Tropes to love
✔️He falls first
✔️Strong FMC
✔️Obsessed/ morally grey MMC
✔️Stalker (not MMC)
✔️Murder
✔️Healing journey
✔️Revenge
✔️No HEA for book 1
✔️Check TW
✔️Feminine rage
Thank you for my ARC! I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
December 7, 2025
Soooooooo….. I was really anxious to finish this so it took me longer to read than I anticipated. I knew this story didn’t have a happy ending BUT what I was expecting to happen did not happen. And now I’m shook. AND NOW I NEED THE NEXT ONE. This was so so SO good!!! If you read dark romance, this is a MUST read!!!! 🖤
January 10, 2026
Literally speechless at how this ended!! 🥲 very detailed throughout the whole book and when you hit that half way mark you literally can’t put it down!! It’s a must read 100%, patiently waiting on that second book to be released
November 9, 2025
I was hooked from chapter 1. I devoured this book in 2 days. What a fantastic, dark adventure this book was. I could relate with Raelynn a lot,from the books she reads, her love for animals, her dark sarcastic humor, and more of the darker stuff. I loved the aspect of the diary entries before the chapters began, giving you a little bit of information at a time. I couldn't wait to turn the page to unravel her life, just as much as Daxton. Speaking of Daxton, a gorgeous morally grey therapist devoting himself to you..yes please. I wish I had a therapist like him, I absolutely would never miss a session! Fast developed relationship, no slow burn with them. Great spicy scenes, humor and darkness in this book. Chapter 25 had me kicking my feet with excitement. The writing was fantastic, I could picture every room and character with the elaborate descriptions. The side characters were amazing, and I love Raelynn and Kendi's dynamic. The ending, tho...ahh. I am highly anticipating the next book because the cliffhanger is a doosy.
I believe a lot of people will be able to resignate with this story and not relate to everything, but relate to something within. This book touches on A LOT of topics uncomfortable for most people, so please read the trigger warnings. I personally love me a not so happy ending in a story (guilty pleasure). Can't wait for book two! Thank you Sylvia Dark for sharing this story.
I believe a lot of people will be able to resignate with this story and not relate to everything, but relate to something within. This book touches on A LOT of topics uncomfortable for most people, so please read the trigger warnings. I personally love me a not so happy ending in a story (guilty pleasure). Can't wait for book two! Thank you Sylvia Dark for sharing this story.
December 10, 2025
4.5 Stars
WARNING... SPOILERS:
Definitely check the trigger warning list before starting! Also, this book does not have a happy ending. 😭💔
For me it was a slow pace start, which it made it a little difficult for me to read. I found myself wishing for just a bit more gradual build-up to the main characters’ relationship, as it felt very quick, though still enjoyable. Once I picked up this book, I did not want to put it down and was always intrigued on what was going to happen next.
I love the mental health and mental hospital aspect of the book. I really love Rae and Kendi’s friendship that developed. The character depth for Raelynn was great🤌 I felt like I was going through this with her, her journey is both heartbreaking and empowering. I found myself relating to her in many ways and I feel like a lot of others will too. Absolutely loved the journal entries, slowly giving us more and more of her backstory. I really enjoyed that, instead of learning about her past in therapy sessions. I would have also liked more backstory with Daxton as well though. I’m glad Sylvia didn’t shy away from the heavy topics, and thought she did a great job with them. Also, Raelynn's use of journaling to write about revenge and what she thought of doing to those who harmed her and her friend… That really stuck with me and I could very much relate. I loved the intensity and depth brought to Craig’s moments (while he’s horrible and evil) they felt vivid and emotionally charged. I wish there had been a bit more detail and feeling in Raelynn and Daxton’s encounters together too, as they felt slightly rushed in comparison.
Overall, it’s a beautiful story that I really enjoyed. NGL, Riley broke me though… 😭💔 I’m very excited to read book 2 and I’d definitely recommend it to fans of dark romance.
WARNING... SPOILERS:
Definitely check the trigger warning list before starting! Also, this book does not have a happy ending. 😭💔
For me it was a slow pace start, which it made it a little difficult for me to read. I found myself wishing for just a bit more gradual build-up to the main characters’ relationship, as it felt very quick, though still enjoyable. Once I picked up this book, I did not want to put it down and was always intrigued on what was going to happen next.
I love the mental health and mental hospital aspect of the book. I really love Rae and Kendi’s friendship that developed. The character depth for Raelynn was great🤌 I felt like I was going through this with her, her journey is both heartbreaking and empowering. I found myself relating to her in many ways and I feel like a lot of others will too. Absolutely loved the journal entries, slowly giving us more and more of her backstory. I really enjoyed that, instead of learning about her past in therapy sessions. I would have also liked more backstory with Daxton as well though. I’m glad Sylvia didn’t shy away from the heavy topics, and thought she did a great job with them. Also, Raelynn's use of journaling to write about revenge and what she thought of doing to those who harmed her and her friend… That really stuck with me and I could very much relate. I loved the intensity and depth brought to Craig’s moments (while he’s horrible and evil) they felt vivid and emotionally charged. I wish there had been a bit more detail and feeling in Raelynn and Daxton’s encounters together too, as they felt slightly rushed in comparison.
Overall, it’s a beautiful story that I really enjoyed. NGL, Riley broke me though… 😭💔 I’m very excited to read book 2 and I’d definitely recommend it to fans of dark romance.
November 24, 2025
Breaking Raelynn might not be for everyone but it was perfect for me. As always, read the triggers!
The characters are very believable and you can see yourself in Raelynn so much as you go through the book. Sylvia writes not only an amazing dark romance style book but one that is believable and is happening to women out there. Even the getting revenge part.
I love the journal entries we get throughout the book. I was blessed to read this back in the early phases and to see how much it changed and grew when I became an ARC reader is amazing.
I definitely recommend this book
Tropes to love
✔️He falls first
✔️Strong FMC
✔️Obsessed/ morally grey MMC
✔️Stalker (not MMC)
✔️Murder
✔️Healing journey
✔️Revenge
✔️No HEA for book 1
✔️Check TW
✔️Feminine rage
The characters are very believable and you can see yourself in Raelynn so much as you go through the book. Sylvia writes not only an amazing dark romance style book but one that is believable and is happening to women out there. Even the getting revenge part.
I love the journal entries we get throughout the book. I was blessed to read this back in the early phases and to see how much it changed and grew when I became an ARC reader is amazing.
I definitely recommend this book
Tropes to love
✔️He falls first
✔️Strong FMC
✔️Obsessed/ morally grey MMC
✔️Stalker (not MMC)
✔️Murder
✔️Healing journey
✔️Revenge
✔️No HEA for book 1
✔️Check TW
✔️Feminine rage
December 2, 2025
This book was amazing. Taboo romance with a therapist/patient. Stalker creepy ex boyfriend. But check your triggers!
Thank you Sylvia Dark for my copy of this book!
So why 4 instead of 5 stars? For me it was because while the book held my interest from the beginning, it was slower paced until 50% of the way through give or take. Sylvia was very thorough when it came to the mental hospital, portrayal of mental health, and everything that went into the story.
However in doing so, it left the beginning of the book a bit tedious to read. But man oh man when it started to pick up I didnt want to put it down. It does leave you on a cliff hanger and not a happy one at that. Be prepared!
Thank you Sylvia Dark for my copy of this book!
So why 4 instead of 5 stars? For me it was because while the book held my interest from the beginning, it was slower paced until 50% of the way through give or take. Sylvia was very thorough when it came to the mental hospital, portrayal of mental health, and everything that went into the story.
However in doing so, it left the beginning of the book a bit tedious to read. But man oh man when it started to pick up I didnt want to put it down. It does leave you on a cliff hanger and not a happy one at that. Be prepared!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews