I, Jacob DiFranco, have lived my entire life by the laws of The Family — until Aurora Bruno, the illegitimate daughter of one of the elders, enters my life.
Loving her feels like stepping onto thin ice. If I let my guard down, I could lose more of her, and that would be worse than death itself. After an unthinkable accident places us in a precarious position, I am ordered to cut ties with her and fulfill my promise to marry her sister. Her safety and that of The Family lie within me; I have to be the one to pull back.
I must decide whether to honor a blood oath or fight a system that buries anyone who resists. Torn between duty and a woman who awakens the man I thought dead, I must face lies, betrayal, and The Family’s darkest rites to save the only person I can’t afford to lose.
This is a ruthless, addictive novel about domination, devotion, and what happens when family law turns to murder.
Devoted Demise picked up exactly where Broken or Buried left off and somehow managed to make me even more obsessed with Rorie and Jake. From the very first chapter, I was completely locked in, desperate to know what would happen next and already dreading reaching the final page.
The heartbreak in this story hit hard. Every revelation, every twist, and every unanswered question had me craving more. The mystery kept me hooked the entire time, but it was the devotion between Rorie and Jake that truly stole the show. Their connection is intense, consuming, and unforgettable. Through every obstacle, their loyalty to each other felt so real that I couldn’t help but feel every emotion right alongside them.
This book gave me everything I wanted heartache, tension, mystery, and a romance that refuses to let go. And that ending was everything that I needed! Thank you, Andrea! I am ready for Rocky’s book ASAP!!!!
This book had me hooked from the very first chapter and somehow managed to keep raising the stakes all the way to the end. Between mafia politics, family betrayals, forbidden love, shocking revelations, and impossible choices, there was never a moment where I felt bored.
Aurora’s journey completely consumed me. Watching her navigate a world she never should have been pulled into while being caught between duty, loyalty, and love was heartbreaking at times. Every decision seemed impossible, and the consequences of those choices rippled throughout the entire story.
The love triangle had me STRESSED. I found myself constantly torn between what I wanted to happen and what I thought would happen. Both relationships carried so much emotional weight, making every interaction feel significant. The tension, longing, jealousy, and heartbreak were written so well that I felt every single moment.
The family dynamics were one of my favorite parts of the book. Secrets, rivalries, loyalty, power struggles, and generations of history created an atmosphere where danger was always lurking beneath the surface. Every reveal seemed to uncover another layer of deception, and the twist had me shook.
There were so many standout moments throughout the story: shocking confrontations, deadly consequences, long-buried secrets coming to light, unexpected alliances, heartbreaking losses, and revelations that completely changed how I viewed certain characters. Just when I thought I knew where the story was heading, another twist would send everything in a different direction.
The book was absolute chaos in the best way possible. Family wars escalated, truths were finally exposed, relationships were tested, and several moments had me genuinely worried about how things could possibly be resolved. I was completely glued to the pages.
What I loved most was that beneath all the drama, violence, and high-stakes conflict was a story about love, forgiveness, healing, and finding where you truly belong.
The ending was everything I wanted. The emotional payoff felt earned, the epilogue was beautiful, and the time jump gave readers the chance to see these characters finally find the happily ever after they fought so hard for.
And that tease at the end?
I immediately need Rocky’s story.
If you love mafia romance, family sagas, forbidden love, emotional angst, shocking twists, and characters who will put your heart through the wringer before giving you an HEA. You need this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Devoted Demise which is Part 2 of Broken or Buried...was everything I wanted in a sequel and more. I absolutely loved this book from beginning to end. The tension, the drama, the romance, and the constant emotional pull had me completely hooked.
Jacob DiFranco is still torn between his loyalty to The Family and the undeniable love he has for Aurora, and watching that internal battle unfold was both heartbreaking and addicting. No matter how hard they tried to stay away from each other, the connection between them was impossible to ignore. Their chemistry was intense, emotional, and impossible not to root for.
This book constantly kept me on edge, making me desperate to know what would happen next — especially with the plan to overthrow the current head of The Family. Every chapter added more suspense and emotion, and I couldn’t stop turning the pages.
Aurora definitely frustrated me at times, especially with the choices she made involving Rocky because it felt so out of character for her, but at the same time, I understood her struggle. She was caught in an emotional tug-of-war between two very different men, and that conflict felt realistic and raw.
What I loved most was how perfectly this second book tied everything together. It delivered the emotional payoff I was hoping for and turned what could have been a devastating love story into a truly satisfying ending. And knowing there’s more to come from The Family universe makes me even more excited for future books.
Devoted Demise is an emotional, addictive conclusion to the DiFranco Duet that had me completely invested from beginning to end. Andrea Huston puts Jacob and Aurora through the wringer, and I felt every ounce of their heartbreak, longing, and impossible choices.
This book grabbed me early and refused to let go. There were multiple moments that genuinely shocked me, including one twist I never saw coming, and several scenes that left me emotionally wrecked. The push and pull between duty, family loyalty, and love creates a constant tension that kept me turning pages long past bedtime.
Jacob remains one of the highlights of this series. Beneath all the mafia expectations and family obligations is a man who loves deeply, and watching him fight for what matters most was both frustrating and rewarding. Aurora continues to be a heroine worth rooting for, even when the odds seem stacked against her.
While there were a few pacing issues where some sections felt drawn out while others moved very quickly, they never took away from the emotional impact of the story. The chemistry is intense, the stakes are high, and the emotional roller coaster feels very real.
If you enjoy mafia romance filled with forbidden love, family drama, emotional angst, and characters willing to risk everything for each other, this duet is worth picking up.
Thank you to Andrea Huston and The SPACE Network for the opportunity to read this book early.
Devoted Demise by Åndrea Huston completely consumed me from beginning to end. This book was dark, emotional, addictive, and absolutely impossible to put down. Jacob and Aurora’s story only gets more intense as secrets unravel, loyalties crumble, and the danger surrounding them closes in from every angle.
Jacob is the perfect morally gray MMC — ruthless, possessive, protective, and willing to burn everything down for the woman he loves. Aurora’s growth throughout the story was incredible to watch. She’s strong even in her most vulnerable moments, and the chemistry between them was explosive. Every interaction felt heavy with tension, devotion, and heartbreak.
The secret society and mafia-family dynamics added so much depth to the story. The twists genuinely shocked me, and the emotional moments hit hard. One minute I was swooning, the next I was stressed, angry, or completely heartbroken. This book had me feeling EVERYTHING.
If you love dark college romance, secret societies, forbidden love, morally gray men, emotional damage, and high-stakes obsession, you need this book immediately. Åndrea Huston knows exactly how to pull readers into a story and refuse to let go.
An unforgettable conclusion to The DiFranco Duet that left me wrecked in the best way possible.
Andrea never lets us down with her writing and giving us her best! This book picks up where book 1 left off.
There were so many times reading this I wanted to throw my kindle I got so mad and so many What did I just read moments. As we get further engrossed into Jacob and Auroras journey, we are even more obsessed with them.
Lines get crossed and secrets are everywhere and nobody knows who is telling the truth or just saying what you want to hear. When “The Family” tells you who you can be with and have already had your marriage arranged and you have no say in it, but your heart belongs to someone else, you learn to fight back and fight for who your heart truly belongs to.
Jacob might be a little rough around the edges but his love and devotion to Aurora never falters and he spends most of his days fighting for her and trying to keep her safe, but Enzo has other plans and is determined to keep them apart. But what will happen when they start to push back against “The Father” of “The Family”?
This book will keep you on your toes and the adrenaline flowing strong! I am absolutely loving this series!
Talk about an action packed conclusion to Jake and Aurora's story!! I cannot put this book down because of the wild ride that Åndrea Huston takes you on. Jake and Rorie are perfect for each other but The Family, especially a certain member of The Family... Doesn't agree. Talk about tension and angst and downright jealousy from both MCs, and I was here for it all!! I'm sad to see this couple story come to an end but I absolutely loved the ending. 🥰🥰
Tropes: - Morally Gray MMC's - Pósséssívè/Óbséssívé MC's - Secret Society - Dark Romance - Émótíóñál DAMAGE - Touch Her & ☠️ - Extreme Angst/Tension
TW's: - PTSD - Àlcóhôl & drüg use - Éxplícít Séxüâl Scenes - Non Con - Dominant Alpha - Arranged marriage - Secret Society - Love triangle - Gúñ Víóléñce - Unaliving - Súícídé - Gróômíñg
The book gave me pure edge of the seat experience... my heart was in my mouth from start to finish. I did not like Jacob DiFranco as much in book 1 but this DiFranco is a new man... I couldn't recognise him, I'm sure he felt uncomfortable in his new skin. The man struggled between his loyalty for the family and the girl he was head over heels in love with. He has only been loyal to her from the start. Aurora on the other hand knows that she only wants Jake and wants to be no part of the family. I understand her need to step away from the whole family but it merely breaks me see her Jake so much. I thought Rocky was the one who was hurt the most in the process. The game at play was very interesting as it unraveled itself. I have loved this book and I think you will too!
Andrea: Here’s a nice mafia romance. Andrea five pages later: 🔪 Me: Oh. Andrea ten pages later: 🔪🔪 Me: OH. Andrea twenty pages later: 🔪🔪🔪 Me: Respectfully, what the actual hell?
Jacob and Aurora had me kicking my feet one minute and staring into the void the next. The plot twists plot-twisted. The chaos was chaotic. The emotional damage was emotionally damaging.
Every time I thought I knew where this story was going, Andrea grabbed me by the throat and said, “Try again.”
Jacob and Aurora consumed my entire personality. The tension, the loyalty, the sacrifices, the heartbreak, the absolute feral devotion… I was unwell.
Andrea Huston did it again! What a fantastic book. This book was even better than the first book. I love the way the story of Jake and Aurora transforms as the story goes on . I read it in 3 hours. I literally could not stop once I started it. It picks up right either the first book left off. This book has more action than the first book and will keep you hooked as you read. There is tension, jealousy, and threats. The family is still agonist J and A being together and is forcing them to continue with the arrange marriages. Jake does not give up. He is deeply in love with Aurora as she is with him, and although they face several challenges, I love how the book comes full circle in the end.
4+ Stars ⭐⭐⭐🌟 DEVOTED DEMISE evokes a wide range of feelings, creating a rollercoaster of emotions. The contentious push-and-pull between Jacob and Aurora, which results in her heartfelt frustration and pain, provides a level of high drama in itself. Add in the subplot’s intense conflict, its dark outcomes, and the potential for less than a happy ending, and you’ll be kept engrossed in this tale from beginning to end. The two parts of this story, with their intriguing narratives and well-crafted characterizations, deliver a thoroughly captivating and darkly portrayed romance that you will find disturbingly enjoyable.
Devoted Demise picks up right after Broken or Buried.
I can not get enough of Rorie and Jake! Did Jake piss me off a lot? Yes. Does Rorie deserve "better"? Also yes. Did I still want them to have a HEA? Absolutely!
Let's keep in mind this is a fictional story.
Yes, their relationship is extremely toxic.
I would never want a anyone I know in this type of relationship but it is perfect for the plot. Andrea Huston did an amazing job with their relationship.
All of the characters in this book had so much depth and were very well written. I thoroughly enjoyed this duet and will now read everything Huston has written.
Thank you to the author and S.P.A.C.E. for the ARC!
I wanted to read the conclusion of Jake and Rorie’s (Aurora) to see how it would end.
There are no longer similarities with another series the story is completely different and continues to be well written.
There is emotional angst for Rorie as she finds herself having to pretend she’s not with Jake and keep their relationship secret.
It’s heartbreaking to read what happened and Jake’s behaviour and betrayal. I was happy that it was resolved and they had their HEA but I honestly think Jake needed to grovel more and was frustrated with him.
I absolutely felt for Rocky and what happened to him in this book. I can’t wait to read his book.
I read an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
OMG, Andrea outdid herself on this one when I tell you, I was on the edge of my seat multiple times screaming and yelling at the story. I know so need her to write some more mafia Romance this was just chef’s kiss. I can’t wait to continue reading in this universe and reading more about Rocky. I have already fell in love with that man when I tell you you get pulled in and the story does not let you go from start to finish. It is absolutely amazing. I give this absolutely five stars. If I could get a bit more like always I would I cannot wait to get the physical copy of this book to add to my collection.
Such a good book. Jacob has been added to my list of book boyfriends. Jacob trying to navigate his feels for Aurora something that he has never had to do in his life. Aurora made me mad at times in this book and in the decision she made. I love their relationship and how much they need each other. This book definitely had a lot more emotions and so many secrets that are being revealed. The twist and turns this book had was absolutely amazing. The ending was perfect.
The wrap-up for Jake and Aurora's story. I genuinely enjoyed this duet. I just hate miscommunication and they becomes a lot of their story.
The family rules everything, and as their world come crashing down around them Jake and Aurora have to figure out how to navigate their love for each other while engaged to other people.
If you're looking for a dark, college, organized crime book this one is for you!
If you love Mafia Romance as much as me you have to read this Duet...
It has Tension and Drama in abundance. The undeniable chemistry and connection between the MCs is palpable. Loved the family dynamics, the secrets, the betrayals the suspense. This book has more twists and turns than a country road in Ireland and I adored every second!
This Duet will break your heart into a million pieces and glue you back together again in the most beautiful way!
What a wild ride this whole book was! Book 2 was a perfect continuation of book 1. She had me bamboozled a few times. Jake & Rorie's story is full of a toxic, all consuming, obsessive love. Jake almost lost me but quickly made up for it in the end. The introduction of Rocky??!? 10/10. I really enjoyed this duet and look forward to more of the Forbidden Forma series.
I love dark romance and this was so good. Aurora and Jacob’s relationship is the real deal. And when he’s forced by mafia family matters to cut ties with her, it’s devastating. But their emotional bond is unbreakable. And I love how devoted and obsessed they are with each other. This is a fantastic forbidden love story and one you should definitely read.
Ok so this is book 2 in the duet. This one was rough. Jake and Rorie go through a lot in this book. You will be screaming No No No! But then your heart hurts for Rocky. You have to read it to find out who he is. Everything happens for a reason, but I think I need therapy after this one. So good and the ending, yeah you are gonna love it
This was an emotional book. I cried, I swooned it was amazing. It kept me guessing the whole time and once I started I couldn’t stop. Book 1 was amazing and book 2 didn’t disappoint. I was sad to see it end.
As with her other books, Andrea wraps you up with the characters and root for their success and happiness! Each time you expect something to happen, there’s a twist. Be sure to read the DiFranco Duet!
This was book 2 and 😍 I couldn’t have imagined a better book for the duet. Honestly was all over and even more in obsession over Jacob!!! You will absolutely love this and read it the second you finish book 1! This is honestly in my top 3 duets I’ve read this year!!
I loved this continuation of Jake and Rorie’s story! You have an arranged marriage, a crazy sister, The Family who has some crazy rules, and a man is the cause of the craziness. Jake is supposed to stay away from Rorie who was engaged to Barry. Read book one to see what happened to him. Now she’s engaged to none other than Jake’s cousin. Can Rorie possibly love and marry him? The pull Jake and Rorie’s have toward each other is undeniable. Their chemistry regardless of everything going on, is so strong. I disliked how they were treated. I kept hollering just let them be together. Not only did they have to sneak around, they had to do other things to not tip The Family off and get caught. What did they have to do? Will their plan work or are they doomed to have a happy ending? Will The Family ever change their rules? Wait til you find out! The ending will definitely have you breathing a sigh of relief.
4.5 ⭐️ This was an emotional read that had me hooked from the first book. This book had me up late at night turning the pages wanting to know what happens next. I loved this from start to finish it was a good read and did not disappoint
Absolutely loved everything about this roller coaster of a book! Rocky was my absolute favorite character and I can't wait to see more of him! Amazing job!!!