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Pétale Auction #3

Break Me Not

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I was broken, chewed up, and spit out by my ex-husband.

I waited like a good mother until my daughter left for college to finalize things, but he still went berserk.

Now, forced to rebuild my life, I have only one option left.

Selling myself to the highest bidder.

For once, I let myself feel a spark of excitement. Let myself have the kind of night I'd always fantasized about.

Until I realized she was my daughter's best friend.

Completely transformed, I didn't recognize her.

But she knew me.

And she'd planned for this.

One night. That's all it was ever supposed to be.

And what a good girl she was.

But it was only supposed to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Then my ex decides to take matters into his own hands, and she's the only person I can rely on.

She says she can save me.

The real question is...

Will I let her, even if it means giving in to the forbidden?

334 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 28, 2026

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About the author

Eden Emory

15 books1,132 followers
Also writes under Elle Mae.

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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for tane'a.
767 reviews183 followers
August 24, 2026
what a fun read!! a quick, smutty good time with a wild plot?? count me in

this is definitely one of my new favs from eden and i’m more than excited for the next book if that ending was anything to go off of
Profile Image for Jess.
556 reviews45 followers
August 25, 2026
This book was just SO GOOD!!!!

After loving Hurt Me Not I was very excited for Jax's story especially since it is a best friend's mom romance. I love an angsty taboo romance and this is a trope I want to see more of in sapphic romances.

Overall, I really appreciated how Jax was so into Liz and how they had really great chemistry. I appreciated how Liz got to explore her sexuality (not in terms of queerness but kink etc.) and how she it felt natural for her to explore this part of herself with Jax. We also got to see how they worked outside of the bedroom and how much they cared about each other and overall had this deep connection.

I also loved how Emory showed Liz and had her grow throughout the novel. Especially when dealing with her ex and with her daughter Claire. I liked how the conflict with Claire, Liz, and Jax, was handled but wasn't too over the top or too dismissive. With Liz we just overall see her become more confident in herself and I love it so much!

I am a big Eden Emory/Elle Mae fan and she keeps proving to me that with each book her writing and story telling get better. I am LOVING the Petale Auction series and so excited to see what's next!
Profile Image for Unpopmary.
408 reviews46 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 23, 2026
3.5 ⭐

I was ridiculously excited to pick this one up because... best friend's mother trope? Say less. I needed to read it immediately. And honestly, I had a great time flying through it because it's such a fast read. That being said, while I definitely enjoyed myself, I don't think it stands out quite as much as the author's previous books. Outside of the spicy scenes, I found myself wishing there had been more emphasis on the characters' individual journeys, and the subplot involving Liz's ex-husband never reached the potential I thought it had.

One thing this book absolutely gets right is its cast. Liz quickly grew on me. My heart genuinely went out to her because her ex-husband had already put her through so much, yet he continued making her life difficult long after their relationship had ended. I also adored the relationship she shared with Claire. Their bond felt incredibly genuine, and it was obvious how much Liz had sacrificed to give her daughter the best life possible. Because of that, seeing Liz finally allow herself to pursue her own happiness was really rewarding. I was also pleasantly surprised by Claire's reaction to her best friend dating her mom. I was fully expecting that situation to explode into unnecessary drama, but instead she handled everything with so much maturity that I ended up admiring her even more.

Jax was equally easy to love. She might look intimidating at first, but underneath that exterior she's such a sweetheart. Getting little glimpses into her childhood helped me understand her so much better, but the relationship that touched me the most was the one she shared with her mother. As someone who has experienced having a relative with Alzheimer's, those scenes hit especially close to home. The author handled that reality with so much compassion that I couldn't help but empathize with everything Jax was going through. If I had one tiny complaint, it would be that I expected to see more of her friendships outside the romance. Since Emerson is brought up so often, I kept waiting for her to make a proper appearance, but that never really happened.

I also think I would've connected with the story even more if the characters had experienced stronger personal growth. While the romance gave both Liz and Jax room to grow, I was hoping to see more of who they were outside of their relationship. Their individual arcs had so much potential, but I never felt they were explored as deeply as they could've been.

I will say, though, that I adored the slower emotional progression. The physical attraction happens fairly early, but the feelings take their time developing, which made the relationship feel much more balanced than in some of the author's previous books. My only struggle was understanding why Jax was so devoted to Liz from the very beginning. She was willing to go to extraordinary lengths to protect her almost immediately, and while I eventually understood why she fell so hard, I wish we'd gotten a little more backstory or a few flashbacks to help sell those feelings. Without that, the one-sided attraction leaned a bit too close to insta-love for me. Something else I really enjoyed was how Jax's need to feel wanted shaped the intimate side of their relationship. It was such a refreshing change from the more familiar top-and-bottom dynamic you usually see in romances.

The epilogue and bonus chapter, however, left me craving a more meaningful ending. I expected a bigger time jump and was hoping to see Liz and Jax further along in their relationship. Instead, it mostly gave us another spicy scene. Don't get me wrong, the chemistry between them was great throughout the novel, but considering how many intimate moments were already included, I would've much rather seen where life took them after everything they'd been through with Trevor.

The subplot surrounding Liz's ex-husband also started off incredibly strong, which made it a little disappointing when it gradually faded into the background. I kept waiting for that storyline to become more central because it added so much tension early on, but it mostly resurfaced whenever the plot needed it rather than remaining a consistent presence.

Overall, I still had a fun time with this one. It has an entertaining cast, plenty of chemistry, and some seriously good spice. Even if it didn't become one of my favorites by the author, I'd still recommend it to anyone looking for a quick, steamy romance, anyone who loves an age gap, or readers who want to revisit this universe and catch up with characters from previous books.

I received an advanced copy of this book via the author's Patreon in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for clari..
499 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 12, 2026
nothing hurts more than your most anticipated book of the year being a let down. i was so obsessed with the idea of a mommy dom and her butch sub, but the execution just didn't do it for me. this author is pretty consistent for me in terms of when i know i'm going to like a book and that's around the 25%-30% mark. i knew this wasn't going to get better a little before that and i really hate to say that it didn't.

the more i thought about this, the less i could like a lot of different details about this. despite the main characters making sense with their dynamic and thinking they were a good match, i wasn't completely sold on them. i found myself liking their scenes together only a handful of times.

i wanted more from them as individuals outside of their relationship especially with jax. she felt solely as liz's partner than she did a woman with her own successful business where dropping millions wasn't an issue for her. she runs her own security company and is learning lessons that would be taught in security 101 if such a class existed and that's putting it kindly. she takes on high worth clients, a few of them being characters we've met in the club pétale series, and she's making mistakes that someone who's never worked in security would. she's, quite honestly, terrible at her job.

despite that, her job as security is important to the storyline and it has the same problem that the rest of the storyline has of only resurfacing when there's space made for it rather than being worked alongside the romance. while the romance remains consistent, the conflict outside of the characters doesn't. this possibly could've worked had it been a haunting, back of the mind thought, but that wasn't ever the case.

this could've really benefited from being a couple chapters longer to tie the loose ends up better. the last couple chapters felt really rushed and a lot of details were left out. both of the epilogues felt more like a regular chapter rather than glimpsing into what the characters' lives look like after some time post everything.

i will say, though i didn't expect this at all, i did like the critisms of generative ai, how it's being used in their world, and it being used against the characters. however, in contrast to this, there is one detail that continues to bother me and that being the 'why didn't you tell me?' conversation. the response felt really icky to me and it's not discussed much more than this conversation which i didn't like considering how problematic of a response that is.

thank you to the author for the arc via her patreon.
Profile Image for Kate.
59 reviews16 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 23, 2026
OK. I thought Don't Leave Me would forever be my favorite Eden Emory book, but y'all… Break Me Not is giving it a solid run for its money.

Starting off with Sloan and Ax purchasing art for Club Pètale from Liz, and Sloan rushing her down to the auction. God, I love Sloan and Lillian.

Jax buying her best friend's mom and them having a wild night together at the club was amazing. Chef’s kiss, perfection. Mommy domme Liz really takes control and uses Jax.

The whole story though, guys, it was amazing. They weren't just acting like horny teenagers, well… Liz wasn't. Jax was beyond gone for Liz from the get.

I love how Eden writes drama into her stories in a way that doesn't feel forced. Liz’s ex-husband, who is an absolute garbage human, was a great vehicle for the story. His behavior slowly getting more unhinged as the story progressed was both fascinating and horrifying.

The way Liz tries to be the bigger person and keep things platonic with Jax at first was refreshing. Yeah, they had the night at the club. True, the chemistry was off the charts. But she wanted to be a good mom to Claire, even to the detriment of her own feelings.

If you love reading dark romance with a healthy dose of spice and drama, check out Break Me Not and the rest of the Pètale Auction series!
Profile Image for Meaghan Mutispaugh.
68 reviews2 followers
August 30, 2026
This book is the 3rd book in the Petale Auction Series. The two FMC’s are Liz and Jax. Liz is Claire’s mother and Jax is Claire’s best friend. Liz runs an art gallery and she sells paintings to a local sex club. While doing business there one day the owners convince her to put herself up for auction to make even more money. She agrees and Jax purchases her for millions! They have one spicy night together at the club. Later on as their paths cross Jax helps to protect Liz from her crazy ex, who is also Claire’s father.
This book is very spicy and fast paced. I did not read the other two books in the series so this could also be read as a standalone book. I love how Claire wants nothing more than for her mom to be happy because most kids would lose their mind if that were their mom. Check your trigger warnings prior to reading as there is domestic violence talked about past and current in this book. This is a forbidden romance, daughter’s best friend, age gap, sex club book. Overall this was very enjoyable and I would recommend for anyone who likes dark romance!
Thank you Goodgirls PR for an ARC of this book!
Profile Image for Megan.
115 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 15, 2026
This is latest addition to the Club Pétale series and quickly became my favorite, I absolutely gobbled it up. Liz and Jax were such a sweet pairing, with a quick connection, and were clearly perfect for each other as they complemented each other so well.

I loved all the character in this book and the cameos from characters from other books were really fun as well. Jax is a soft masc, which I love, so I fell hard for her, she presents as more intimidating and rough but she just a softie and I enjoyed both sides of her. Liz quickly grew on me and my heart went out to her due to her past and her ability to make a success of herself despite it all. Her relationship with her daughter Claire was also super sweet and supportive.

I haven't even mentioned the spice! And oh boy, was it hot! I really enjoyed Jax and Liz's dynamic! I have never thought much of a 'mommy' kink, but I really enjoyed it.

I am so excited for what comes next in this series, this was such a good read!
Profile Image for Britt.
10 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 23, 2026
Take the hot, billionaire masc and make her devoted and loyal, the kind that will grovel just to please you, and you’ll find Jax.

Then, grab a strong, hard-working woman and break her down, bit by bit, until all you have left is a lost soul who thrives on putting herself down and you’ll come face to face with Liz.

Now, throw them together for one night at Club Pètale that changes things for both of them and watch how their lives unravel before Emory ties them back together with a nice pretty bow.

I devoured this book. Which is always a shock for me, as I tend to be a really slow reader. Jax easily stole my heart, while Liz had me wanting to just hug her the entire time.

Emory never disappoints with her HEAs, even when the love is forbidden.
Profile Image for Kaija.
1,630 reviews28 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 22, 2026
Gah! I love this this book!
I already want to reread it! And I need a copy for my shelf!
I’m obsessed with Jax and Liz! It’s steamy and so so good! I got obsessed with mystery but don’t get me wrong it’s so steamy and so so good!
Jax is Liz’s daughters best friend and after buying a night with her at the auction Jax ends up needing to help with Liz’s security though of course they can’t stay away from each other for long.
I love the way when her daughter found out she was more upset that it was kept secret then that they were together but she accepts them and they stay together!

✨Billionaire
✨Single Mom
✨Age Gap
✨Forced Proximity
✨BDSM

Huge thanks to Good Girls PR for the ARC!!
Profile Image for Kimberlyyyreads.
1,354 reviews92 followers
August 26, 2026
Give me Sapphics with Mommy issues and I'm literally yours.

Eden Emory ate down with this book.

Jax and Liz perfectly compliment one another. I'm also a sucker for an age gap romance and guys this is a best friends mom romance which was FR the cherry on top. The final conflict doesn't resort into a third act break up which I was so relieved for.

This is a dark romance so I suggest looking at trigger warnings before deciding to read, there's a toxic shitty ex, who harrases one of the main characters and does a lot of violent things. Fear not because he gets what is coming to him.

I cannot wait to read the next book in the series, I have my predictions about who it'll be about but we'll wait and see!
Profile Image for Duck.
209 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
August 27, 2026
Received this ARC from Good Girls PR for an honest review....

Give me a Femme DOM & a Submissive Masc ANY.FREAKIN'.DAY.
As someone WITHOUT mommy issues & that is a mother, reading "Mommy" during spicy scenes made me just a little uncomfy. 😅😂
With that being said - I ATE THIS BOOK UPPPPPPPPP.
I do not care. I do not care. I DO NOT CAREEEEEE. It was soooo good.
As someone that has also gone through having an abusive ex, I appreciate how honest these moments were.

I still can not believe that Eden is a Indie Author....everything she writes is SO GOOD.
HANDS DOWN, she's an auto buy author for me. 10/10 Recommend EVERYTHING she writes.
Profile Image for Shay Bowers .
5 reviews
Review of advance copy
August 16, 2026
ARC REVIEW

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes: Age Gap / Best Friend's Mom / BDSM Club Auction / Femme x Soft Masc
Vibe: "I came for the $2M auction bid, but I stayed for Jax being an absolute devoted softie for her mommy domme." 🔥

The chemistry between Liz and Jax was electric, and they balanced each other perfectly. Jax had me hooked with her tough exterior and softie interior, while Liz was resilient, lovable, and so easy to root for.

And the spice? Whew. I absolutely loved the mommy dynamic 😭🔥 With the amazing chemistry, fun cameos, and scorching spice, this was such a fantastic read!
Profile Image for Jacklyn Benavente.
4 reviews
August 29, 2026
Read this book through an early release E-arc copy!!!

This book was an overall easy read. It definitely had steamy scenes and touches upon the mommy/baby dynamic I love. The main characters Liz and Jax both are great well written characters. The story was great to follow along with. I think my favorite part is that they threw in a side quest of sorts with bringing in the ex husband with his issues against Liz.

Overall, this was a good story. Due to this read, I’m definitely going to start reading more of Eden Emory’s books.
Profile Image for josie .
12 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 2, 2026
I absolutely devoured this, I love the newest edition to the Club Pétale universe. Liz and Jax felt like a match made in heaven and even with the miscommunication it was clear that they’re the perfect complement for each other. I also loved that there was so many characters from the past that showed back up and how much community is built around the Club.

Thank you to the author for the ARC!
100 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 4, 2026
I got to read this as an ARC, and this is my honest review. Another great Club Petele addition from Eden Emory. Really loved the mommy angle and the fact that the masc was the submissive. Their chemistry was great, and so was the spice. The alzheimers rep made me cry, but it was so well done. Can't wait for the next installment!
Profile Image for Alyssa Grimes.
918 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 17, 2026
Always happy to go back to club petale and Liz and Jax did not disappoint! Liz is a 42 year old divorcee with a grown daughter- and her daughters best friend purchased her at the auction bc she has wanted her for years:) now I love me a mom domme and Liz was just that and Jax submits so beautifully! They will have you frothing at the mouth, they’re too good!
82 reviews
Review of advance copy
August 27, 2026
So happy I received this book before its release date. I paid for the foil cover which is stunning. This is the third instalment of Club Petalé and it is a spicy read like the others with a decent storyline. I read this book within 48 hours and I do recommend however, this one wasn't as enjoyable as the first 2.
Profile Image for Sasha.
82 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 27, 2026
I received this as a pre-release from the author

This has probably been my favourite Club Petalé book since Ax and Nyx's story that was the very first book in the series

If the dynamic of Liz and Jax is your thing its a spicy fun read and they are pretty cute together.

I'm definitely curious for the next book, I have my guesses who it might be about but we will see
Profile Image for Brynn Adams.
10 reviews
August 29, 2026
WOW. This book was worth the wait. I absolutely loved Liz and Jax’s dynamic. Definitely my favorite book of Eden Emory’s. The spice was spicing 🤭 I just read it on my kindle and immediately going to place an order for a physical book!
Profile Image for Srhx.
190 reviews
August 30, 2026
Masc sub x femdom - I can’t vibe with it. I wish I could but the “handsome” mixed with the baby girl? And the whole Mommy thing? Eeeeee. Not for me.
I did however love the mention of ax, Nyx, Sloan etc.
14 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 3, 2026
HOT HOT HOT as always. Love these characters and the story! I already can’t wait until the next book in the series!!
200 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 19, 2026
I enjoyed this book, but also can't wait to see what happens next in this world.
15 reviews
August 31, 2026
break me please

Fun fast read. Not as spicy as other books in the series but an interesting plot. Was cool to read about a femme dom for once.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews