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Fall or Break #2
Breaking
Alternate cover edition
Original isbn: 1619226634
isbn13: 9781619226630
Archer Hart is on the move before the man he’s just killed is found. When a bullet whizzes past his ear, he realizes hunter is now hunted. So much for his retirement plans. Someone wants him dead and all he can do is keep running.
Downed by a hit and run driver, barrister Conrad Black is certain the ‘accident’ was deliberate but he has no proof or support. In recovery, struggling to work out of partial paralysis, he has plenty of time to wonder who regrets not striking him harder. At this point, running anywhere is a distant dream.
The confidence, determination and stamina of two alphas males will mean little if neither is willing to bend—seize the love offered—and work together to understand why they’re suddenly both marked men. Not easy for either when Archer has broken the law in the worst possible way and Conrad is the law.
Original isbn: 1619226634
isbn13: 9781619226630
Archer Hart is on the move before the man he’s just killed is found. When a bullet whizzes past his ear, he realizes hunter is now hunted. So much for his retirement plans. Someone wants him dead and all he can do is keep running.
Downed by a hit and run driver, barrister Conrad Black is certain the ‘accident’ was deliberate but he has no proof or support. In recovery, struggling to work out of partial paralysis, he has plenty of time to wonder who regrets not striking him harder. At this point, running anywhere is a distant dream.
The confidence, determination and stamina of two alphas males will mean little if neither is willing to bend—seize the love offered—and work together to understand why they’re suddenly both marked men. Not easy for either when Archer has broken the law in the worst possible way and Conrad is the law.
ebook
First published July 28, 2015
57 people are currently reading
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About the author
Barbara Elsborg
100 books1,677 followersBarbara Elsborg lives in Kent in the south of England. She always wanted to be a spy, but having confessed to everyone without them even resorting to torture, she decided it was not for her. Volcanology scorched her feet. A morbid fear of sharks put paid to marine biology. So instead, she spent several years successfully selling cyanide.
After dragging up two rotten, ungrateful children and frustrating her sexy, devoted, wonderful husband (who can now stop twisting her arm) she finally has time to conduct an affair with an electrifying plugged-in male, her laptop.
Her books feature quirky heroines and bad boys, and she hopes they are as much fun to read as they are to write.
After dragging up two rotten, ungrateful children and frustrating her sexy, devoted, wonderful husband (who can now stop twisting her arm) she finally has time to conduct an affair with an electrifying plugged-in male, her laptop.
Her books feature quirky heroines and bad boys, and she hopes they are as much fun to read as they are to write.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 201 reviews
April 26, 2016
4 Stars.
Archer....likes to be on top
Conrad....likes to be on top
A fight for dominance that was just delicious....
I honestly don't know why i waited so long to read this.
Conrad was introduced in book one and I didn't particularly like him in that one.Although this is a series this can definitely be read on it's own.
Conrad is a Lawyer,always used to being in control.He's recovering from a hit and run which he believes wasn't an accident.His injuries are quite severe and he's struggling both emotionally and physically to get his life back on track.
I was so excited when I found out the setting for the first half was in an area of England I live in and places I've visited numerous times.I could perfectly picture the cottage in Northumberland he was staying in.
Archer is a hit man.After an attempt was made on his life in his latest assignment he decides to try and walk away from that side of his life.
He also wants complete control in and out of the bedroom.He doesn't stay in one place for too long and ends up in the village Conrad is staying in.
He gets in trouble surfing and it's Conrad who saves him...
There's a strong attraction between them and even though it might be intsa lust it's definitely not a fluffy story.
What happens when two dominant males get together and fight for control....
My,God....these two were so unbelievably hot together.The sex is raw and desperate...just how I like my men to be.....add in Archer's dirty mouth and I was more than happy.
Along side their relationship there's plenty of action as the mystery about who's after them both unfolds.
If you like your M/M books dirty I would highly recommend.....
Archer....likes to be on top
Conrad....likes to be on top
A fight for dominance that was just delicious....
I honestly don't know why i waited so long to read this.
Conrad was introduced in book one and I didn't particularly like him in that one.Although this is a series this can definitely be read on it's own.
Conrad is a Lawyer,always used to being in control.He's recovering from a hit and run which he believes wasn't an accident.His injuries are quite severe and he's struggling both emotionally and physically to get his life back on track.
I was so excited when I found out the setting for the first half was in an area of England I live in and places I've visited numerous times.I could perfectly picture the cottage in Northumberland he was staying in.
Archer is a hit man.After an attempt was made on his life in his latest assignment he decides to try and walk away from that side of his life.
He also wants complete control in and out of the bedroom.He doesn't stay in one place for too long and ends up in the village Conrad is staying in.
He gets in trouble surfing and it's Conrad who saves him...
There's a strong attraction between them and even though it might be intsa lust it's definitely not a fluffy story.
What happens when two dominant males get together and fight for control....
My,God....these two were so unbelievably hot together.The sex is raw and desperate...just how I like my men to be.....add in Archer's dirty mouth and I was more than happy.
Along side their relationship there's plenty of action as the mystery about who's after them both unfolds.
If you like your M/M books dirty I would highly recommend.....
May 15, 2015
~4.5~
This is an intense, emotional read with much angst and loads of steam.
The overarching theme of Breaking is that of hurt/comfort. Both MCs are damaged, cracked, broken. Both are closed up so tight, they can barely breathe.
I hated and loved Conrad Black in Falling, the first book in the Fall or Break series. I learned more about Conrad here, and I can see why his relationship with Malachi didn't work.
Conrad needs someone to push back, to challenge him; he needs someone who will make him beg.
Malachi's sweetness and easygoing nature are a perfect match for Harper, but not a good fit for Conrad.
Archer is an enigma, a challenge, a hitman with a conscience and a hard, kinky edge.
Conrad saves Archer ... more than once. But Archer saves Conrad too.
Their relationship does not come easily. Both men are scared and aloof. They talk round and round. Archer has never trusted, never cared enough to stay.
When we first reconnect with Conrad, he is in a hospital bed and . Conrad knows what happened to him was no accident. Someone wants Conrad dead.
Someone is after Archer too. His last job didn't go as planned, and he's quitting the lucrative but dangerous hitman-for-hire business ... hopefully in one piece.
The plot involves two men on the run, revenge, arms dealers, secret service agents, brokers, secret identities, guns, lies, torture, violence, Georgian gangsters, and a castle under attack (siege?).
I liked the first 65 percent and the last 6 percent of the book a great deal, but somewhere in between, the double-crossing and layers of bad guys upon (possibly) good guys upon REALLY bad guys who are not what they seem, and .... What?
Never mind the miraculous healing ... must be the bionic sperm. Hey, I choose to believe that. Don't fuck with it, mmmk?
But the sex was hellaciously HAWT, and the chemistry and play for dominance between Archer and Conrad positively sizzled.
Deefur the dog (get it?) stole the show, and I dug the romantic, secluded (for a while at least) cottage on the beach where the men first connected.
The dual POV really worked for me as well. I liked digging deep into Conrad and Archer's thoughts and motivations.
Plus, there's humour. Who knew serious, always-in-control Conrad could be so damn funny?
Definitely recommended for a gripping, dirty ride with some true emotional payoff at the end.
I hope there's another book in this series!
Updated to add: COVER PERFECTION! Love that dark, broody look. Delicious!
Conrad's story!
This will be the first M/M book I read where one of the MCs has the same name as my son. Obviously, I love the name, but I'm not sure how I feel about that.
This is an intense, emotional read with much angst and loads of steam.
This mouth-bruising, air-stealing, mind-fucking kiss was like no kiss he'd ever had or ever given. It deprived every cell in his body of oxygen, and flooded them with lust.
The overarching theme of Breaking is that of hurt/comfort. Both MCs are damaged, cracked, broken. Both are closed up so tight, they can barely breathe.
I hated and loved Conrad Black in Falling, the first book in the Fall or Break series. I learned more about Conrad here, and I can see why his relationship with Malachi didn't work.
Conrad needs someone to push back, to challenge him; he needs someone who will make him beg.
Conrad wanted him, even though he knew he'd never keep him, wanted him even though he knew he was dangerous, wanted him because he made him feel alive.
Malachi's sweetness and easygoing nature are a perfect match for Harper, but not a good fit for Conrad.
Archer is an enigma, a challenge, a hitman with a conscience and a hard, kinky edge.
"You do know the more you fight, the better I like it? The way you smell, taste, and feel when you're aroused like this --it all turns me on. Fear, anger, lust."
Conrad saves Archer ... more than once. But Archer saves Conrad too.
Their relationship does not come easily. Both men are scared and aloof. They talk round and round. Archer has never trusted, never cared enough to stay.
When we first reconnect with Conrad, he is in a hospital bed and . Conrad knows what happened to him was no accident. Someone wants Conrad dead.
Someone is after Archer too. His last job didn't go as planned, and he's quitting the lucrative but dangerous hitman-for-hire business ... hopefully in one piece.
The plot involves two men on the run, revenge, arms dealers, secret service agents, brokers, secret identities, guns, lies, torture, violence, Georgian gangsters, and a castle under attack (siege?).
I liked the first 65 percent and the last 6 percent of the book a great deal, but somewhere in between, the double-crossing and layers of bad guys upon (possibly) good guys upon REALLY bad guys who are not what they seem, and .... What?
Never mind the miraculous healing ... must be the bionic sperm. Hey, I choose to believe that. Don't fuck with it, mmmk?
But the sex was hellaciously HAWT, and the chemistry and play for dominance between Archer and Conrad positively sizzled.
Deefur the dog (get it?) stole the show, and I dug the romantic, secluded (for a while at least) cottage on the beach where the men first connected.
The dual POV really worked for me as well. I liked digging deep into Conrad and Archer's thoughts and motivations.
Plus, there's humour. Who knew serious, always-in-control Conrad could be so damn funny?
Definitely recommended for a gripping, dirty ride with some true emotional payoff at the end.
"Harder," Conrad gasped. "All of you."
"You're my anchor," Archer whispered in his ear. "You keep me safe."
I hope there's another book in this series!
Updated to add: COVER PERFECTION! Love that dark, broody look. Delicious!
Conrad's story!
This will be the first M/M book I read where one of the MCs has the same name as my son. Obviously, I love the name, but I'm not sure how I feel about that.
August 24, 2015
4 Stars
What is it about an MM romance by Barbara Elsborg that just does it for me? Every. Single. Time. I'm pretty sure it's the perfect combination of incredibly erotic sex scenes with a dry wit, snark, and humor along with some suspense that all adds up to be exactly what I need it to be. If you've read Falling, then you'll definitely remember Conrad as the intense, assholish but not without feeling and atonement ex of Malichai. And if you haven't read that yet, no worries, because you can easily read this one as a standalone. Though I'd still recommend you read Falling first, not only because it's a great book, but it'll give you a background (albeit a small one) to Conrad that you'll appreciate here.
If you enjoy your MM with two very distinctly ALPHA males, this is not a book that you'll want to miss. That was quite possibly one of my favorite parts about this. The fact that both the MCs are very much alpha and have a power struggle on who will bottom. Damn but it was delicious. But beyond that, Barbara Elsborg has once again managed to deliver and emotional and erotic story about two very broken people that find strength in each other and heal.
While recovering from an injury that almost paralyzed him and may not have been quite the accident that everyone else believed it to be. he's sequesters himself to a house on the lake to go through the physical therapy he needs to finally gain his strength back. The last thing he expects to do is save a random drowning surfer.
But Archer Hart is the furthest things from a surfer you can get. Lethal and running from a threat from his life while trying to figure out who targeted him, the last thing he expects is for a man that can barely walk to rescue him from the water. He also never expected to feel the intense connection to Conrad considering they couldn't be more wrong for each other.
This was so much more than just a romance. The suspense element was just as entertaining to read. If I had any doubt about Conrad in the first book, this one manage to truly humanize him. While you get a few hints as to what truly runs beneath his cool exterior, you truly get to the bottom of it here.
I absolutely loved Conrad and Archer together. The chemistry between them was sizzling, and that delicious power struggle about who gets to top? Ugh. I couldn't get enough of it.
Barbara Elsborg has become an auto-buy author for me and this book is a perfect example of why. I only hope that there may be more books in this series, but if I'm being honest, it doesn't even matter because whatever this woman writes, I'll read. Without a doubt.
ARC courtesy of publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
For more reviews visit
His present was a lie and he didn't know what his future held. One moment it seemed possible and the next a distant dream. His biggest worry was that if he stopped running, he'd die.
What is it about an MM romance by Barbara Elsborg that just does it for me? Every. Single. Time. I'm pretty sure it's the perfect combination of incredibly erotic sex scenes with a dry wit, snark, and humor along with some suspense that all adds up to be exactly what I need it to be. If you've read Falling, then you'll definitely remember Conrad as the intense, assholish but not without feeling and atonement ex of Malichai. And if you haven't read that yet, no worries, because you can easily read this one as a standalone. Though I'd still recommend you read Falling first, not only because it's a great book, but it'll give you a background (albeit a small one) to Conrad that you'll appreciate here.
If you enjoy your MM with two very distinctly ALPHA males, this is not a book that you'll want to miss. That was quite possibly one of my favorite parts about this. The fact that both the MCs are very much alpha and have a power struggle on who will bottom. Damn but it was delicious. But beyond that, Barbara Elsborg has once again managed to deliver and emotional and erotic story about two very broken people that find strength in each other and heal.
While recovering from an injury that almost paralyzed him and may not have been quite the accident that everyone else believed it to be. he's sequesters himself to a house on the lake to go through the physical therapy he needs to finally gain his strength back. The last thing he expects to do is save a random drowning surfer.
But Archer Hart is the furthest things from a surfer you can get. Lethal and running from a threat from his life while trying to figure out who targeted him, the last thing he expects is for a man that can barely walk to rescue him from the water. He also never expected to feel the intense connection to Conrad considering they couldn't be more wrong for each other.
This was so much more than just a romance. The suspense element was just as entertaining to read. If I had any doubt about Conrad in the first book, this one manage to truly humanize him. While you get a few hints as to what truly runs beneath his cool exterior, you truly get to the bottom of it here.
I absolutely loved Conrad and Archer together. The chemistry between them was sizzling, and that delicious power struggle about who gets to top? Ugh. I couldn't get enough of it.
Barbara Elsborg has become an auto-buy author for me and this book is a perfect example of why. I only hope that there may be more books in this series, but if I'm being honest, it doesn't even matter because whatever this woman writes, I'll read. Without a doubt.
ARC courtesy of publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
For more reviews visit
November 3, 2015
Romantic suspense isn't really my thing, but DAMN, Barbara Elsborg makes it work! This book was funny, sexy, and well written- what more could you ask!?
I loved the first in the series, Falling, but this had a TOTALLY different vibe. It was much grittier and less humorous, though I was surprised as how funny this one was at times, considering what a hard-ass Conrad appeared to be in book 1.
I think if you are reading "hit man" types of stories, you have to suspend reality a little bit. I mean, I get that most of these things aren't likely to happen in real life, and I'm just fine with that. I still love the idea of the bad boy, super-controlled hit-man falling for a guy. Archer was a perfect match to challenge and push Conrad's buttons. Another toppy top, Archer was a lean, mean, sexy fighting machine. Purrrrr.
I loved how these guys fed off each other and grew to trust each other steadily over time. This is NOT insta-love, baby. This a sloooow burn, hurt/comfort book that makes the MCs WORK for their happily ever after. Both men have been burned badly in the past, both have childhood trauma's that they are still working through, and both aren't used to compromising for anyone. I really enjoyed seeing the guys struggle through all of their obstacles slowly over time.
The plot was a little bananas, and veered a little towards confusing for me at times. I sort of zoned out at a few parts, and I'm not sure how these guys bounced back from so many staggering injuries so quickly. However, despite a few flaws, this book was a very enjoyable, sexy, action-packed read.
Keep on writing these awesome stories, Barbara Elsborg, and keep your IMPECCABLE sense of humor. We love you for it!
*Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
I loved the first in the series, Falling, but this had a TOTALLY different vibe. It was much grittier and less humorous, though I was surprised as how funny this one was at times, considering what a hard-ass Conrad appeared to be in book 1.
I think if you are reading "hit man" types of stories, you have to suspend reality a little bit. I mean, I get that most of these things aren't likely to happen in real life, and I'm just fine with that. I still love the idea of the bad boy, super-controlled hit-man falling for a guy. Archer was a perfect match to challenge and push Conrad's buttons. Another toppy top, Archer was a lean, mean, sexy fighting machine. Purrrrr.
I loved how these guys fed off each other and grew to trust each other steadily over time. This is NOT insta-love, baby. This a sloooow burn, hurt/comfort book that makes the MCs WORK for their happily ever after. Both men have been burned badly in the past, both have childhood trauma's that they are still working through, and both aren't used to compromising for anyone. I really enjoyed seeing the guys struggle through all of their obstacles slowly over time.
The plot was a little bananas, and veered a little towards confusing for me at times. I sort of zoned out at a few parts, and I'm not sure how these guys bounced back from so many staggering injuries so quickly. However, despite a few flaws, this book was a very enjoyable, sexy, action-packed read.
Keep on writing these awesome stories, Barbara Elsborg, and keep your IMPECCABLE sense of humor. We love you for it!
*Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
July 30, 2015
4.5 Stars!
Another BE winner! She's quickly become one of my favorite authors, whether it be MF or MM.
This one was a great addition to the series.
I was concerned I might not like Conrad, after my experience with him in Falling.
I liked him just fine!
And what's better than one alpha male???? TWO ALPHA MALES!
These two fighting over who would top....
It also made for some great laughs!
And there was plenty of nail biting, cover your eyes suspense to keep me on my toes!
Now....who's book will be next????
Another BE winner! She's quickly become one of my favorite authors, whether it be MF or MM.
This one was a great addition to the series.
I was concerned I might not like Conrad, after my experience with him in Falling.
I liked him just fine!
And what's better than one alpha male???? TWO ALPHA MALES!
These two fighting over who would top....
It also made for some great laughs!
And there was plenty of nail biting, cover your eyes suspense to keep me on my toes!
Now....who's book will be next????
September 4, 2015
Written August 6, 2015
3.8 Stars - British M/M action with romantic hot love
I really enjoyed (like loved..) the first book Falling (4.3 stars), and some other M/M romances by Barbara Elsborg, so I was sure this would be a fun and interesting read.
A lot of action, sweet moments and a two who wants to "drive".... And I relly enjoyed this. It wasn't as heartbreaking touching or giggling funny as the first book in this Fall or Break series (great name) but it was another well done typical Ms Elsborg's romance. I like this style, I enjoy thrilling suspense parts and I kind of need this kind of characters (imagine rock-hard, smart and dominant males) now and then (between sweeter stories).
A good one. I'm happy.
*********************************************************
Somewhere along the coast of England
Breaking is about two strangers. Two scared, injured, damaged strong men with heartbreaking gloomy hearts. Two lonely souls, Conrad Black, a injured barrister who spend time in a beach-house to recover from a hit-and-run “accident”, and Archer Hart, a former MI6 / Secret Intelligence Service assassin, first meet when Archer is wave surfing and gets in trouble. Conrad throws his crutches aside to pull the stranger to safety.
These men both want to hide from the eyes of others, by completely different reasons. ~ Some mystery, two unrelated murder attempts, a secluded beach house, two exclusively tops and a small very happy dog called Deefor.
Of course isn't everything believable here. Tough, hard, manly, strong "top" guys who learn to like "new" things. A bunch of nasty villains and a lot of blood. Agents, spies, several complicated crime cases, shattering life surprises, sadly injured male souls and bitter memories of lost love. — This IS like a pretty good action mystery movie with some (gay steaming hot) romance parts. ...and maybe was it the caring dog Deefor who stole my heart.
Just enjoy and don't miss to read the first (great) book in this series. Looking forward to next story. Will it be about Sev?
*********************************************************
I LIKE - these British "speedy" M/M every time
******
Our —Sofia, Are/Ra, Therese, Irina, Otila and I— chat.
3.8 Stars - British M/M action with romantic hot love
I really enjoyed (like loved..) the first book Falling (4.3 stars), and some other M/M romances by Barbara Elsborg, so I was sure this would be a fun and interesting read.
A lot of action, sweet moments and a two who wants to "drive".... And I relly enjoyed this. It wasn't as heartbreaking touching or giggling funny as the first book in this Fall or Break series (great name) but it was another well done typical Ms Elsborg's romance. I like this style, I enjoy thrilling suspense parts and I kind of need this kind of characters (imagine rock-hard, smart and dominant males) now and then (between sweeter stories).
A good one. I'm happy.
*********************************************************
Somewhere along the coast of England
Breaking is about two strangers. Two scared, injured, damaged strong men with heartbreaking gloomy hearts. Two lonely souls, Conrad Black, a injured barrister who spend time in a beach-house to recover from a hit-and-run “accident”, and Archer Hart, a former MI6 / Secret Intelligence Service assassin, first meet when Archer is wave surfing and gets in trouble. Conrad throws his crutches aside to pull the stranger to safety.
These men both want to hide from the eyes of others, by completely different reasons. ~ Some mystery, two unrelated murder attempts, a secluded beach house, two exclusively tops and a small very happy dog called Deefor.
”I’ve run ever since I was a kid. From children’s homes, from boys out to beat me up, from guys trying to fuck me. I’ve always wondered if that’s why I never seem to be able to settle anywhere. An intuition that I’m safer when I’m on the move.”
Of course isn't everything believable here. Tough, hard, manly, strong "top" guys who learn to like "new" things. A bunch of nasty villains and a lot of blood. Agents, spies, several complicated crime cases, shattering life surprises, sadly injured male souls and bitter memories of lost love. — This IS like a pretty good action mystery movie with some (gay steaming hot) romance parts. ...and maybe was it the caring dog Deefor who stole my heart.
Just enjoy and don't miss to read the first (great) book in this series. Looking forward to next story. Will it be about Sev?
‘Archer rubbed his palm with his thumb and Conrad melted. Who knew that holding hands could turn him on like this?’
*********************************************************
I LIKE - these British "speedy" M/M every time
******
Our —Sofia, Are/Ra, Therese, Irina, Otila and I— chat.
July 30, 2015
***5 Dangerously Amazing StArS***
Straight away your snared into the snipers range....and then bingo....Elsborg has you confidently in sight.
Target Identified...then BOoM!!!!
Archer Hart
Yep, all out action right from the start....I knew I was going to enjoy this read. In fact I LoVeD it right from the get go.
Whole'd Up, fed Up, fucked Up, grumpy as hell Conrad Black is convalescing in a remote cottage near the beach, when he see's a stranger get into trouble.
Conrad Black
I loved the push and pull, the clash, the battle of will's that these two had going on....it was frickin hot TWO alpha males fighting for dominance. RAWR!!!
Until resistance waived.
Both standing at different end's of the law.
As some of you know I**L*O*V*E*D***F*A*L*L*I*N*G*
Well, Breaking is just as good, if not BETTER....if that's even possible!!
Conrad and Archer's story....has ozzles of action....secret service, hitmen and all the MALARKIE....YOU'LL LOVE IT!!
A special thank you to the author for ARC in return for honest review.
Straight away your snared into the snipers range....and then bingo....Elsborg has you confidently in sight.
Target Identified...then BOoM!!!!
Archer Hart
Yep, all out action right from the start....I knew I was going to enjoy this read. In fact I LoVeD it right from the get go.
Whole'd Up, fed Up, fucked Up, grumpy as hell Conrad Black is convalescing in a remote cottage near the beach, when he see's a stranger get into trouble.
Conrad Black
I loved the push and pull, the clash, the battle of will's that these two had going on....it was frickin hot TWO alpha males fighting for dominance. RAWR!!!
Until resistance waived.
Both standing at different end's of the law.
As some of you know I**L*O*V*E*D***F*A*L*L*I*N*G*
Well, Breaking is just as good, if not BETTER....if that's even possible!!
Conrad and Archer's story....has ozzles of action....secret service, hitmen and all the MALARKIE....YOU'LL LOVE IT!!
A special thank you to the author for ARC in return for honest review.
August 4, 2015
First, let me say that I did actually like this story, while mysteries typically leave me snoring in my seat.
I do have to admit that I enjoyed book 1 a bit more than this one, though.
My issues with the story were the following:
-- I had to suspend reality a bit when both Conrad and Archer were being hunted. By two different groups. A bit far-fetched in my book.What I loved:
-- Also, Archer's totally random connection with ? Yes, again with the necessity to suspend reality.
-- Conrad seemed to lose his gritty, dominant edge, from pretty much the moment that his legs went flying to northward. He was bordering on being a mouthy sub from then on.
-- While I think the first book had just as many sex scenes as the first book, they somehow felt more gratuitous in this book.
-- The sex scenes were *rarely* face-to-face, which screams more of domination than of caring to me.
-- Deefor. He was straight-up awesome and not just a prop.One thing that I'd hoped to see, but didn't, was that Conrad would apologize to Malachi for his 7 years of being distant and controlling. And to tell Malachi that he had indeed truly loved him, even if he'd been too closed off to admit it to anyone other than himself.
-- Both rescue scenes, where Conrad saves Archer's life.“You stood in front of me,” Archer said. “Tried to protect me.”-- Conrad's snarkiness. He had some damn good comebacks and one liners that made me laugh a lot.
“My feet were stuck. I was frozen in terror,” Conrad said.“Shut your eyes and don’t move,” Conrad said.-- That, even though it was his first instinct, Archer never actually . At least not in the conventional sense.
“I’m not allowed to move?”
Conrad laughed. “Just while I go and get a couple of things.”
“What things?” Archer forced out.
“A fifteen-inch dildo, penis plug, cock ring, ball stretcher and ice cream.”
Every muscle in his body tensed. “You’re joking, right?”
“We don’t have any ice cream.”Archer had been saying goodbye to him since the moment they’d met. All Conrad had to do was let go of the rope.
This story was both action and sex-packed and I did enjoy it, despite my niggles listed above.
4 solid flip-floppy *legs-to-Jesus-okay-now-your-turn* stars for book 2 in the series.
March 11, 2022
THIS BOOK HAD MY NAME WRITTEN ALL OVER IT!!!
And it kept its promise in every sense. Well, maybe not in EVERY sense since the editing was godawful and made me scratch my head multiple times, but the rest...?
Two hot alpha males? Tortured hero vibes? Scorchin' sex? Suspense galore?
Check. Check. CHECK. Aaaaand CHECK.
Not to forget my kind of humor. 😉
And it kept its promise in every sense. Well, maybe not in EVERY sense since the editing was godawful and made me scratch my head multiple times, but the rest...?
Two hot alpha males? Tortured hero vibes? Scorchin' sex? Suspense galore?
Check. Check. CHECK. Aaaaand CHECK.
Not to forget my kind of humor. 😉
August 18, 2017
This was a wonderful story, and it was quite different from the usual type I read. I usually go for a couple where one is definitely the bold one and the other more laid-back. But in this story, both the characters, Conrad and Archer, were so strong-willed and fierce, and it was doubly thrilling reading about how one would cede control for a while to the other and then vice versa.
The give and take, the doubts and extreme trust, the moments when they were in danger and when they were safe, all these contradictions made the story a much deeper read than I had expected. The subplot of the reasons behind the attacks on both of them was an engaging part, keeping me on edge until the very end.
This story wrung out multiple emotions from me: love for Deefor, enthusiasm for Conrad and the way he adapted to his physical shortcomings and insecurity while Archer was being closed off, anxiety for Archer and about his safety, depression for the way the author spun the ending, and then finally happiness for the characters' HEA.
There was a lot of confusion when too many actions were happening together, but I ended up enjoying it a far sight more in spite of my reservations about reading a story featuring two alphas.
The give and take, the doubts and extreme trust, the moments when they were in danger and when they were safe, all these contradictions made the story a much deeper read than I had expected. The subplot of the reasons behind the attacks on both of them was an engaging part, keeping me on edge until the very end.
This story wrung out multiple emotions from me: love for Deefor, enthusiasm for Conrad and the way he adapted to his physical shortcomings and insecurity while Archer was being closed off, anxiety for Archer and about his safety, depression for the way the author spun the ending, and then finally happiness for the characters' HEA.
There was a lot of confusion when too many actions were happening together, but I ended up enjoying it a far sight more in spite of my reservations about reading a story featuring two alphas.
October 24, 2015
I was anxious to get my hands on Conrad's book and I was not disappointed one little bit. I loved it. I enjoyed this SO much more then the first book.
I thought Con was such an ass in the first book and I wasn't sure how I would feel about him in his own book. Then again just the little bit we got of him in the first book totally had me intrigued on wanting to know what this person was all about. And I am so pleasantly surprised to be surprised on how his character turned out. I adore him. He was not as complicated or angry as I thought he would be. He was funny and caring and heroic. And in the end he just needed someone to push him out of his comfort zone and love him. Enter Archer.
Archer's past is a heartbreaking tale. My heart ached for this man. He has spent the majority of his life alone and being lonely that I just wanted to crawl in the book and friend him and give him a hug. Archer is someone who is in desperate need for someone to tear down his walls and shower him with love. Enter Conrad.
These two together was explosive. They fought each other right down to the last second before they came together in sparks of passion. They were hot together. There is nothing hotter than two Alpha's colliding and fighting for top position. Literally. LOL ;P
Another surprise was the humor in the book. I wasn't expecting Conrad to be as witty as he was. He was cracking little jokes and he was so fucking adorable with Deefor. The banter between him, the dog, and Archer had me busting out laughing. I was so set on him being a dark character. I love that I was wrong.
The book starts right off with some action that really doesn't let up. It's not overly done but it was intense and kept me on the edge of my seat because I honestly had no idea where the story was going or how it would end. There were some nice twists throughout the book. I seldom find books I have a hard time putting down. Amazingly this was definitely one of them. I felt like I was right there on the pages with these characters. I love when that happens.
This is a completely different kind of read from the first book. I didn't expect it to be and I'm so pleased that it was. Those who haven't read the first book can read this one without feeling lost. It is it's own story and only one character from the first book makes an appearance and it's short lived.
I'll be giving this the re-read treatment in the future and adding it to my Fav-list.
April 28, 2015
4.5 I thought I lost all faith in Contemp Romance stars!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ah Ah Ah! Thank you Samhain Publishing via Netgalley for a copy of this E-Arc. Ah Ah Ah!
I dont know what it is about this book that I freaking loved so much. Maybe it's because it had all the things I love in a Contemp Romance
Hitmen
Hot Dirty sex
2 Alpha males
Sarcasm
a Dog.
Sarcasm
Hot Dirty Sex
In book 1 Conrad intrigued me and I couldn't wait to get my hands on his story. As soon as I saw the cover I stalked Netgalley everyday. Every.Single.Day
And then I saw it and did this stupid dance and whooped and hollered. And then I thought, imagine I get denied! LOL
That wasn't a good thought! At ALL! But Samhain hasn't let me down yet and I don't know if they realize how thankful I am once I get those emails that say "you're approved" :)
I started this book and I didn't want to put it down. Sure there is drama on every page, but I enjoyed it.
It was a good seemless mindfuck. Easy to follow.
There was a part in this book that made me realize. Whoa! Whoa! This is like fate!!!!
So Ms Elsborg, thank you for bringing me back to contemp romance with a twist.
Mare~Slitsread
Ah Ah Ah! Thank you Samhain Publishing via Netgalley for a copy of this E-Arc. Ah Ah Ah!
I dont know what it is about this book that I freaking loved so much. Maybe it's because it had all the things I love in a Contemp Romance
Hitmen
Hot Dirty sex
2 Alpha males
Sarcasm
a Dog.
Sarcasm
Hot Dirty Sex
In book 1 Conrad intrigued me and I couldn't wait to get my hands on his story. As soon as I saw the cover I stalked Netgalley everyday. Every.Single.Day
And then I saw it and did this stupid dance and whooped and hollered. And then I thought, imagine I get denied! LOL
That wasn't a good thought! At ALL! But Samhain hasn't let me down yet and I don't know if they realize how thankful I am once I get those emails that say "you're approved" :)
I started this book and I didn't want to put it down. Sure there is drama on every page, but I enjoyed it.
It was a good seemless mindfuck. Easy to follow.
There was a part in this book that made me realize. Whoa! Whoa! This is like fate!!!!
So Ms Elsborg, thank you for bringing me back to contemp romance with a twist.
Mare~Slitsread
June 15, 2015
2.5 stars
When I read Falling, the first book in Elsborg's "Fall and Break" series, one secondary character stood out. Conrad Black was written as sort of a 'villain' but the complexity of his character made him very intriguing for me as a reader and I wanted so much to read HIS story. I was very excited when I read news that "Breaking" would indeed feature Conrad. When I saw the book being offered for review at Netgalley, I didn't even think twice.
Unfortunately, this book disappointed me in so many level ... but most prominently, the way Conrad was written. The Conrad in this book was very different than the Conrad I knew from book #1. I felt like he suffered from a characterization surgery. Gone was his complexity. Gone was the contradictory of dominant, rather manipulative, but kind (in his own way) man that I was intrigued upon. Instead, I felt that Conrad's dominance was reduced somewhat because his love interest was another dominant man. An assassin named Archer Hart. And the relationship between these two dominant men, especially when sex was involved, became a fight to see who was the weaker between the two, who would be willing to submit to another.
When the story started, Conrad suffered from physical injury that forced him to take six-months leave from his job. He was hit by a car, he was temporarily paralyzed and he needed to undergo physiotherapy to restore his strength and movement. This already didn't sit well with me because I saw it as a means to make Conrad physically weaker than Archer. WHY? Why couldn't Conrad be in all of his glory, as a successful and ruthless barrister, who could butt-head with Archer anytime he wanted. If this was meant to make the story more emotional -- it failed to deliver. It didn't have the same emotional connection like in book #1.
There was a mystery in between the romance; as both Archer and Conrad found out that there were men planning to kill them. This didn't really pick up until about last third of the book, and probably the reason why I forced myself to read it until the very end.
Bottom line, I found the characters bland and the sex scenes were way too much for my liking. Oh, there was plenty of sex in book #1 too, but somehow I felt all of those was quite important. In here though, it felt gratuitous. I only liked Archer's dog, Deefor. The dog stole all the spotlight as he had more personality that these two men combined.
Most likely this would be my last of Elsborg because I could see that "Falling" was a one hit wonder for me. As always, my opinion is my own. If you love Elsborg's previous works, I think you will enjoy it.
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
When I read Falling, the first book in Elsborg's "Fall and Break" series, one secondary character stood out. Conrad Black was written as sort of a 'villain' but the complexity of his character made him very intriguing for me as a reader and I wanted so much to read HIS story. I was very excited when I read news that "Breaking" would indeed feature Conrad. When I saw the book being offered for review at Netgalley, I didn't even think twice.
Unfortunately, this book disappointed me in so many level ... but most prominently, the way Conrad was written. The Conrad in this book was very different than the Conrad I knew from book #1. I felt like he suffered from a characterization surgery. Gone was his complexity. Gone was the contradictory of dominant, rather manipulative, but kind (in his own way) man that I was intrigued upon. Instead, I felt that Conrad's dominance was reduced somewhat because his love interest was another dominant man. An assassin named Archer Hart. And the relationship between these two dominant men, especially when sex was involved, became a fight to see who was the weaker between the two, who would be willing to submit to another.
When the story started, Conrad suffered from physical injury that forced him to take six-months leave from his job. He was hit by a car, he was temporarily paralyzed and he needed to undergo physiotherapy to restore his strength and movement. This already didn't sit well with me because I saw it as a means to make Conrad physically weaker than Archer. WHY? Why couldn't Conrad be in all of his glory, as a successful and ruthless barrister, who could butt-head with Archer anytime he wanted. If this was meant to make the story more emotional -- it failed to deliver. It didn't have the same emotional connection like in book #1.
There was a mystery in between the romance; as both Archer and Conrad found out that there were men planning to kill them. This didn't really pick up until about last third of the book, and probably the reason why I forced myself to read it until the very end.
Bottom line, I found the characters bland and the sex scenes were way too much for my liking. Oh, there was plenty of sex in book #1 too, but somehow I felt all of those was quite important. In here though, it felt gratuitous. I only liked Archer's dog, Deefor. The dog stole all the spotlight as he had more personality that these two men combined.
Most likely this would be my last of Elsborg because I could see that "Falling" was a one hit wonder for me. As always, my opinion is my own. If you love Elsborg's previous works, I think you will enjoy it.
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
August 16, 2017
.... well, it IS voting day over here...;)
Two alpha males : the Hitman with scruples and the noble Barrister. I absolutely LOVED this story but couldn’t get past the fact that Conrad and Archer meeting in a tiny little place like Seahouses (population less than 2,000) when neither of them are even from that area, was as likely to happen as me winning the National Lottery (I don’t do it), and yes, I KNOW this is fiction but even so, my rating has dropped from 5 stars to 4.5 I’m afraid.
Conrad, yes THAT Conrad, Malachi’s old lover, is in hospital, badly injured by a hit and run driver, and he tries to tell the police that the driver deliberately mounted the pavement and drove the car at him in an attempt to kill him, but they think he’s bonkers, and don’t seriously investigate his accusation as there are no witnesses. His estranged father visits him in hospital, realises that his son is badly injured and attempts to repair the rift between them. His fluffy airhead of a mother also visits with her new younger American husband, and he can’t get rid of her soon enough. Malachi visits and Conrad realises just what it is he’s lost.... He eventually goes to Seahouses in Northumberland to recuperate, staying in a house on the beach at Shennan Sands.
Archer meanwhile, is in Paris taking out an arms dealer as per the contract he’s been given when someone actually tries to take HIM out as well..Archer catches the guy and after questioning him (and there may have been a few stray shots involved), retrieves a photo of himself from the guy’s pocket. As no-one other than Archer’s broker Phoenix is supposed to know where he is, and the other hitman won’t talk, Archer decides to come back to the UK to find out what’s going on, doing what comes naturally to spies and spooks and taking a very circuitous route.
How they meet, how a dangerous game of cat and mouse with their respective would-be murderers (for yes, Conrad was right about his hit and run driver) eventually plays out, I’ll leave for you to discover. Treachery, betrayal, violence, hot SMOKIN' hot sex, two alpha males who won’t bottom for ANYONE..but discover they like it, all this AND more are in this story.
I loved all the characters, Deefor (yes, the dog), Conrad’s father and the butler Michaels. I adored Conrad’s sense of humour and his brand of sarcasm had me in stitches (the references to his play room and the games he played with Malachi, and yes, if you look closely you’ll find clues to several of the author’s other books, two of which I've definitely read), and Archer gives as good as he gets..but what I liked best was the obvious and palpable sizzling chemistry between the two… two guys used to having only themselves to rely on and not looking forward to a lonely future, but can they trust each other enough to get past that?? Enjoy this read, I CERTAINLY did!!
Thanks to Samhain for the ARC via Netgalley.
July 31, 2021
3.25
“shoulda liked it more”
stars
TW: killing, sexual abuse, dubious consent, depression
“I’ve been waiting a long time for someone to trust, for me to allow myself to trust. Not just that. I was waiting until I was loved. Until I loved.”
At its heart, Breaking is a story about trust—and the process by which two emotionally damaged men with trust issues break down their walls so that they learn to trust and find love. This is also a story about the betrayal of trust for the love of lucre. Although this romantic suspense features a slew of ingredients that would ordinarily entrance me—good writing, complex characters, grumpy alpha heroes, steamy sex—something still fell tangibly short. I was never fully invested in the story, its characters, let alone the outcome. And yet the book has enough strengths so I can see its appeal. But I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s start with the essentials.
As It Happens
Archer Hart is a hitman who walked away from MI6 after several years of service. The book opens with Archer carrying out a hit job on an arms dealer; the arms dealer dies yet things go awry when Archer himself is shot. What follows is a game of cat and mouse as Archer tries to figure out who is out to kill him and as he goes on the run to evade the killers. While on the run, he ends up in the same remote beach village where Conrad is. Conrad Black is a high-powered barrister from London. He is left partially paralyzed when a car deliberately runs him down. Depressed, alone, and unable to work, Conrad leaves London to rehab at an isolated beach house. While still unable to walk and using crutches, he rescues Archer who is knocked off his surfboard into the sea.
Our Grumpy Alphas
Conrad is from a privileged background; his father is an earl and he has the courtesy title of viscount. A hyper-competent barrister, he serves on both the prosecuting and defense sides. By his own admission, he is selfish and controlling, which is why his ex-boyfriend of seven years dumped him. Yet Conrad is a well-adjusted and sympathetic character in comparison to Archer. Even Archer’s dog (Deefor) switches allegiance to Conrad after a couple of days in his care.
Archer was orphaned at a young age and grew up in the foster care system. Cold, calculating, and opportunistic, he is exactly what you would imagine an assassin to be. Paranoid and manipulative, he uses multiple identities and is an accomplished liar. Given his line of work, it’s unsurprising that he has major trust issues. He doesn’t allow himself to get emotionally entangled and views relationships as a liability. This is Archer in a nutshell:
“I have no friends. I can trust no one. I haven’t heard my real name spoken in fifteen years and the truth is, I’m unlikely to survive long enough to see my next birthday.”
The Good Stuff
Our main characters have fully fleshed backgrounds, which explain who they are today. They are alphas and tops and neither wants to submit to the other. Their pasts go a long way to understanding why they are the way are. There is an especially moving scene when Archer and Conrad are about to have sex for the first time and Conrad resists frantically. Archer asks him why he is so afraid of bottoming. A poignant conversation ensues where they both reveal being sexually abused at the age of eleven, Conrad by his teacher at boarding school and Archer by care workers while in foster care. Bottoming brings back traumatic memories of the powerlessness they felt as abused children, while topping allows them to reverse this dynamic.
Conrad’s and Archer’s battle of wills over who is going to bottom is fascinating to observe. Archer makes it clear from the very beginning that he will be the top. And he is turned on by sexual partners who resist and struggle. Even though Conrad puts up strong resistance, there is a part of him that wants to submit to Archer. Seeing the process by which both these alphas evolve, eventually relinquish their fear, and choose to submit is a beautiful thing.
“I’ve let you break down my walls. I’ve made myself come to terms with what I’m capable of. I know how much you wanted to fuck me but it had to work both ways, I had to want you to fuck me too.”
Their insta-lust is tempered by the kind of emotional development typically offered in slow burn romances. This sounds like a gross contradiction, right? Although the attraction between Conrad and Archer is instantaneous—to the point that it borders on to the ridiculous—their relationship develops in a believable way. They are both wary of each other at first, but gradually open up to each other because of the unique circumstances they find themselves in. As trust slowly builds, their sexual attraction morphs into something deeper and lasting.
The steam-o-meter is high enough to satisfy any smut lover and there is enough variety to keep it interesting. Yet there is one constant irritant. They crack a lot of bad jokes every time they have sex. Which makes me wonder, is this really a thing? Do some people have comedic interludes during sex?
“Conrad could feel the faint wash of air over his groin as Archer exhaled and his cock twitched. “Feel me blow?”, Archer asked. “Yeah, Moby Dick.” Archer laughed. “You’re a funny guy.”
What Didn’t Work
The pacing. The first quarter of the book was slow-going and choppy. Archer starts us off with a bang with some fast-paced action. But poor Conrad gets stuck with the decidedly less sexy role of the recuperating, partially paralyzed invalid. While it is understandable why Conrad's part is slower paced, the number of pages devoted to ruminating and despair (over the hit-and-run and being dumped by his ex-boyfriend) could have been reduced by several pages. This section of the book before the couple meets is excruciatingly slow.
The suspense element. The mystery surrounding the killers targeting Archer and Conrad is convoluted and not that interesting. Basically, you have shadowy arm dealers. Who happen to be from Georgia, since you know, this is veritable thug land! Then there’s a gang leader who is out for revenge. And of course, you need MI6 to round things off. If you’re going to have a romance/suspense combo, then you better commit to ensuring both elements make sense and live up to expectations.
I kept having to force my attention back to the book. Now I admit that my brain was a tad fried while reading this, but that alone doesn’t explain the struggle. The tiredness can’t really account for my lack of enthusiasm since I’ve been exhausted plenty of times yet plowed through a book. My reviews are strongly affected by the sheer enjoyment I derive from the reading experience, and this experience was decidely lacklustre.
The humor. Boy was it awkward and pervasive to boot! Conrad’s and Archer’s attempts to be witty were an utter failure.
TW: killing, sexual abuse, dubious consent, depression
“I’ve been waiting a long time for someone to trust, for me to allow myself to trust. Not just that. I was waiting until I was loved. Until I loved.”
At its heart, Breaking is a story about trust—and the process by which two emotionally damaged men with trust issues break down their walls so that they learn to trust and find love. This is also a story about the betrayal of trust for the love of lucre. Although this romantic suspense features a slew of ingredients that would ordinarily entrance me—good writing, complex characters, grumpy alpha heroes, steamy sex—something still fell tangibly short. I was never fully invested in the story, its characters, let alone the outcome. And yet the book has enough strengths so I can see its appeal. But I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s start with the essentials.
As It Happens
Archer Hart is a hitman who walked away from MI6 after several years of service. The book opens with Archer carrying out a hit job on an arms dealer; the arms dealer dies yet things go awry when Archer himself is shot. What follows is a game of cat and mouse as Archer tries to figure out who is out to kill him and as he goes on the run to evade the killers. While on the run, he ends up in the same remote beach village where Conrad is. Conrad Black is a high-powered barrister from London. He is left partially paralyzed when a car deliberately runs him down. Depressed, alone, and unable to work, Conrad leaves London to rehab at an isolated beach house. While still unable to walk and using crutches, he rescues Archer who is knocked off his surfboard into the sea.
Our Grumpy Alphas
Conrad is from a privileged background; his father is an earl and he has the courtesy title of viscount. A hyper-competent barrister, he serves on both the prosecuting and defense sides. By his own admission, he is selfish and controlling, which is why his ex-boyfriend of seven years dumped him. Yet Conrad is a well-adjusted and sympathetic character in comparison to Archer. Even Archer’s dog (Deefor) switches allegiance to Conrad after a couple of days in his care.
Archer was orphaned at a young age and grew up in the foster care system. Cold, calculating, and opportunistic, he is exactly what you would imagine an assassin to be. Paranoid and manipulative, he uses multiple identities and is an accomplished liar. Given his line of work, it’s unsurprising that he has major trust issues. He doesn’t allow himself to get emotionally entangled and views relationships as a liability. This is Archer in a nutshell:
“I have no friends. I can trust no one. I haven’t heard my real name spoken in fifteen years and the truth is, I’m unlikely to survive long enough to see my next birthday.”
The Good Stuff
Our main characters have fully fleshed backgrounds, which explain who they are today. They are alphas and tops and neither wants to submit to the other. Their pasts go a long way to understanding why they are the way are. There is an especially moving scene when Archer and Conrad are about to have sex for the first time and Conrad resists frantically. Archer asks him why he is so afraid of bottoming. A poignant conversation ensues where they both reveal being sexually abused at the age of eleven, Conrad by his teacher at boarding school and Archer by care workers while in foster care. Bottoming brings back traumatic memories of the powerlessness they felt as abused children, while topping allows them to reverse this dynamic.
Conrad’s and Archer’s battle of wills over who is going to bottom is fascinating to observe. Archer makes it clear from the very beginning that he will be the top. And he is turned on by sexual partners who resist and struggle. Even though Conrad puts up strong resistance, there is a part of him that wants to submit to Archer. Seeing the process by which both these alphas evolve, eventually relinquish their fear, and choose to submit is a beautiful thing.
“I’ve let you break down my walls. I’ve made myself come to terms with what I’m capable of. I know how much you wanted to fuck me but it had to work both ways, I had to want you to fuck me too.”
Their insta-lust is tempered by the kind of emotional development typically offered in slow burn romances. This sounds like a gross contradiction, right? Although the attraction between Conrad and Archer is instantaneous—to the point that it borders on to the ridiculous—their relationship develops in a believable way. They are both wary of each other at first, but gradually open up to each other because of the unique circumstances they find themselves in. As trust slowly builds, their sexual attraction morphs into something deeper and lasting.
The steam-o-meter is high enough to satisfy any smut lover and there is enough variety to keep it interesting. Yet there is one constant irritant. They crack a lot of bad jokes every time they have sex. Which makes me wonder, is this really a thing? Do some people have comedic interludes during sex?
“Conrad could feel the faint wash of air over his groin as Archer exhaled and his cock twitched. “Feel me blow?”, Archer asked. “Yeah, Moby Dick.” Archer laughed. “You’re a funny guy.”
What Didn’t Work
The pacing. The first quarter of the book was slow-going and choppy. Archer starts us off with a bang with some fast-paced action. But poor Conrad gets stuck with the decidedly less sexy role of the recuperating, partially paralyzed invalid. While it is understandable why Conrad's part is slower paced, the number of pages devoted to ruminating and despair (over the hit-and-run and being dumped by his ex-boyfriend) could have been reduced by several pages. This section of the book before the couple meets is excruciatingly slow.
The suspense element. The mystery surrounding the killers targeting Archer and Conrad is convoluted and not that interesting. Basically, you have shadowy arm dealers. Who happen to be from Georgia, since you know, this is veritable thug land! Then there’s a gang leader who is out for revenge. And of course, you need MI6 to round things off. If you’re going to have a romance/suspense combo, then you better commit to ensuring both elements make sense and live up to expectations.
I kept having to force my attention back to the book. Now I admit that my brain was a tad fried while reading this, but that alone doesn’t explain the struggle. The tiredness can’t really account for my lack of enthusiasm since I’ve been exhausted plenty of times yet plowed through a book. My reviews are strongly affected by the sheer enjoyment I derive from the reading experience, and this experience was decidely lacklustre.
The humor. Boy was it awkward and pervasive to boot! Conrad’s and Archer’s attempts to be witty were an utter failure.
May 31, 2022
DNF at 28%
A hitman narrowly escapes a forced retirement through a bullet in the head and now he needs to find out who wants him dead and why, without a single person he can trust. A barrister is recovering from a devastating injury after a hit and run and nobody believed him when he said it wasn’t an accident.
It’s difficult to imagine how a book with this premise could be boring, but this one managed, at least so far. It took me 3 days to read as much as I have and it was because I kept finding other things to do, since I felt no motivation to get back to this story.
Boredom is curable, though, you just have to wait until the plot picks up and, with this premise, it should be a given that it will. So, I stuck with it.
I stuck with it when it turned out that the hitman is stupid enough
The romance/relationship didn’t start with the best of premises either, since they looked at each other and started lusting for each other, And then, without talking about it, they both just knew that the other was an alpha (their word), a dominant, who of course wouldn’t want to bottom—because god forbid a dominant man with his super-masculinity might actually enjoy taking it up the ass and not consider it something to be ashamed of—so where would that leave them if they ever had sex? Can you feel the suspense or, like me, you couldn’t care less?
Fast forward to the first time they have sex and what until then had only been boring, since these two have no chemistry at all, started to bother me.
I don’t want to get all preachy and throw a tantrum because of dubious consent. Everybody who’s known me for a while knows I’ve read and liked way worse than this, but if I have to read about MCs with a rapey mindset and an unhealthy dynamic, I need them to have a personality and good enough characterizations to make it worth it. As it is, these two are only boring and I couldn’t care less about their power dynamic or their lives.
A hitman narrowly escapes a forced retirement through a bullet in the head and now he needs to find out who wants him dead and why, without a single person he can trust. A barrister is recovering from a devastating injury after a hit and run and nobody believed him when he said it wasn’t an accident.
It’s difficult to imagine how a book with this premise could be boring, but this one managed, at least so far. It took me 3 days to read as much as I have and it was because I kept finding other things to do, since I felt no motivation to get back to this story.
Boredom is curable, though, you just have to wait until the plot picks up and, with this premise, it should be a given that it will. So, I stuck with it.
I stuck with it when it turned out that the hitman is stupid enough
The romance/relationship didn’t start with the best of premises either, since they looked at each other and started lusting for each other, And then, without talking about it, they both just knew that the other was an alpha (their word), a dominant, who of course wouldn’t want to bottom—because god forbid a dominant man with his super-masculinity might actually enjoy taking it up the ass and not consider it something to be ashamed of—so where would that leave them if they ever had sex? Can you feel the suspense or, like me, you couldn’t care less?
Fast forward to the first time they have sex and what until then had only been boring, since these two have no chemistry at all, started to bother me.
I don’t want to get all preachy and throw a tantrum because of dubious consent. Everybody who’s known me for a while knows I’ve read and liked way worse than this, but if I have to read about MCs with a rapey mindset and an unhealthy dynamic, I need them to have a personality and good enough characterizations to make it worth it. As it is, these two are only boring and I couldn’t care less about their power dynamic or their lives.
May 16, 2015
~ Arc provided via Netgalley in exchange for honest review ~
Yessssss!!! It's Conrad Black, baby! :D
Update (April 14th, 2015)
Just saw the cover...*Q*
This review is posted on Way Too Hot Books.
The 2nd installment in Fall or Break series by B. Elsborg was another winner for me when it comes to mm contemporary romances. I fell hard for Malachi's and Harper's story in Falling (Fall or Break, #1) where we also had met one of the protagonists of this book- Conrad Black whom I strongly disliked almost til' the very ending when he, after some major twist, became my favorite secondary character and I had high hopes that the next book in the series will be his.
We get to see a totally another side of Conrad in this book and learn more about his background. We knew him as this arrogant, closed off person who doesn't let anybody in, but now we also get to see the man behind the cold front he put up and find out the reasons why. And the guy who makes it all happen is Archer Hart, a secret SIS assassin on the run. The only problem is that they are too much alike. Both of them are alpha males who want the other to give in first, but when feelings get involved that becomes only a question of time.
I think that the author created a perfect match for Conrad in Archer. They've been running from relationships all their lives and now it's the first time when they want to be caught, but first they'll have to survive while on the run from people who want them dead. The story was action-packed, suspenseful, fun, emotional and steamy and I've enjoyed it a lot. Special bonuses were the adorable puppy Deefor, lots of sexy banter and tension.
All in all Breaking didn't disappoint. I hope the author will keep more books coming. Whose book would I like to read next? Hm, maybe Sev's? Yeah, I vote for Sev.
Highly recommended to every mm romance fan!
Yessssss!!! It's Conrad Black, baby! :D
Update (April 14th, 2015)
Just saw the cover...*Q*
This review is posted on Way Too Hot Books.
The 2nd installment in Fall or Break series by B. Elsborg was another winner for me when it comes to mm contemporary romances. I fell hard for Malachi's and Harper's story in Falling (Fall or Break, #1) where we also had met one of the protagonists of this book- Conrad Black whom I strongly disliked almost til' the very ending when he, after some major twist, became my favorite secondary character and I had high hopes that the next book in the series will be his.
We get to see a totally another side of Conrad in this book and learn more about his background. We knew him as this arrogant, closed off person who doesn't let anybody in, but now we also get to see the man behind the cold front he put up and find out the reasons why. And the guy who makes it all happen is Archer Hart, a secret SIS assassin on the run. The only problem is that they are too much alike. Both of them are alpha males who want the other to give in first, but when feelings get involved that becomes only a question of time.
I think that the author created a perfect match for Conrad in Archer. They've been running from relationships all their lives and now it's the first time when they want to be caught, but first they'll have to survive while on the run from people who want them dead. The story was action-packed, suspenseful, fun, emotional and steamy and I've enjoyed it a lot. Special bonuses were the adorable puppy Deefor, lots of sexy banter and tension.
All in all Breaking didn't disappoint. I hope the author will keep more books coming. Whose book would I like to read next? Hm, maybe Sev's? Yeah, I vote for Sev.
Highly recommended to every mm romance fan!
September 2, 2016
This one just wasn’t for me unfortunately. I hate to compare it to Falling, since the stories are so completely different, but this one ended up deep in Falling’s shadow. Where Falling was gritty, emotional, gripping and felt real, Breaking was just a bit cheesy and full of clichés imo.
Once I started my eye rolling, I just couldn’t give Breaking a chance.
My favorite character in this book was Sev (sorry Deefor). He was nicely mysterious with an interesting job, and I wish he would have had a bigger part (maybe as Archer's love interest, ahem)...
Thank you Sofia, Are, and Ingela for listening to some of my rantings:-)
Once I started my eye rolling, I just couldn’t give Breaking a chance.
My favorite character in this book was Sev (sorry Deefor). He was nicely mysterious with an interesting job, and I wish he would have had a bigger part (maybe as Archer's love interest, ahem)...
Thank you Sofia, Are, and Ingela for listening to some of my rantings:-)
June 22, 2017
Imagine that deep voice over you hear during movie trailers.
And that's what this was. A dramatic action, romantic thriller of amovie book that entertainingly showed the struggle between two large and in charge, controlling males.
If you're hesitant to read this because of the depressing, painful angst from Falling - have no fear with this sequel. This was such a sweet, delicious reward for all the emotional suffering endured from the first book! It's got a fabulous setup and took a path that surprised me and thrilled me and made me turn page after page.
Loner Archer - scarred and removed from feeling, he hasn't wanted to rely on anyone. He's too scared to actually feel something, afraid to hope for something worth living for.
Lonely Conrad - hesitant to show emotion or need or vulnerability. He's always putting on a strong front, when really, he only wants to be cared for.
The very circumstance these two find themselves in, makes them suspect one another, and problems with trust run rampant. However there's always a "but" - pun maybe intended?
Many points to how Elsborg sets the stage for the immediate, powerful UST that builds and builds and builds. These guys had great verbal foreplay, as they fight for the upper hand and rack up points on the proverbial scorecard. What they don't realize is that they're obviously the perfect match and the missing piece in each other's lives - representing security, belonging, and of course love.
Duh.
Thanks to Meags, Sofia, Ingela, Therese, Irina for the BR!!
"There would only be one winner in a battle for dominance."
"Two dominant personalities. Neither of them willing to give way to the other."
"It would come down to how much they wanted it… battling with reasons to stay or go."
And that's what this was. A dramatic action, romantic thriller of a
If you're hesitant to read this because of the depressing, painful angst from Falling - have no fear with this sequel. This was such a sweet, delicious reward for all the emotional suffering endured from the first book! It's got a fabulous setup and took a path that surprised me and thrilled me and made me turn page after page.
Loner Archer - scarred and removed from feeling, he hasn't wanted to rely on anyone. He's too scared to actually feel something, afraid to hope for something worth living for.
Lonely Conrad - hesitant to show emotion or need or vulnerability. He's always putting on a strong front, when really, he only wants to be cared for.
The very circumstance these two find themselves in, makes them suspect one another, and problems with trust run rampant. However there's always a "but" - pun maybe intended?
Many points to how Elsborg sets the stage for the immediate, powerful UST that builds and builds and builds. These guys had great verbal foreplay, as they fight for the upper hand and rack up points on the proverbial scorecard. What they don't realize is that they're obviously the perfect match and the missing piece in each other's lives - representing security, belonging, and of course love.
Duh.
Thanks to Meags, Sofia, Ingela, Therese, Irina for the BR!!
January 24, 2016
What a fantastic read! Barbara Elsborg got be totally hooked and I fell in love with her amazing characters. The pace was breathtaking and I wasn't able to put this book down!
Breaking is definitly a book with lots of dark and angsty moments, but it is also incredibily heartwarming, intense and emotional. It basically has everything I want in my m/m books!
I love reading crime/mystery books and the mystery was very well done in this one! The suspense level was very high and I really tried to figure everything out, but the plot was super clever and it took me a while to get behind everything. Very well done!
I made the experience that m/m books with a great mystery are often lacking in the romance department, but this isn't the case for Breaking. Archer and Conrad are two very hot alpha males and the sex scenes were very hot. I loved the dynamics between these two and the way they were trying to make their relationship work was amazing!
And the humor of the author just got to me! I kept laughing with the characters and I will definitly pick up the first book in this series. Contrad mentioned Malachi a lot and I got super curious to read his story!
Breaking is a very intense hurt/comfort story! I can only recommend it to everyone who likes to read about broken characters and the way they are still able to fight for love.
Breaking is definitly a book with lots of dark and angsty moments, but it is also incredibily heartwarming, intense and emotional. It basically has everything I want in my m/m books!
I love reading crime/mystery books and the mystery was very well done in this one! The suspense level was very high and I really tried to figure everything out, but the plot was super clever and it took me a while to get behind everything. Very well done!
I made the experience that m/m books with a great mystery are often lacking in the romance department, but this isn't the case for Breaking. Archer and Conrad are two very hot alpha males and the sex scenes were very hot. I loved the dynamics between these two and the way they were trying to make their relationship work was amazing!
Conrad wanted him, even though he knew he'd never keep him, wanted him even though he knew he was dangerous, wanted him because he made him feel alive.
And the humor of the author just got to me! I kept laughing with the characters and I will definitly pick up the first book in this series. Contrad mentioned Malachi a lot and I got super curious to read his story!
Breaking is a very intense hurt/comfort story! I can only recommend it to everyone who likes to read about broken characters and the way they are still able to fight for love.
October 5, 2024
✰ 3.5 stars ✰
“We’re both broken but we can mend each other.”
What happens when like meets like.
It breaks.
But what happens when they're already broken?
They rebuild.
Okay, well that was corny af, but it still rings very true! 😅 For when you put two people together who are not at all other traumatic past and the painful memories that had hindered Conrad and Archer Hart from finally finding the person who understood and connected them best - was what their fateful and opportune meeting led them to. One destined rescue by a cripple who in turn brought in someone who would touch and heal the parts of him that he did not even realize needed to be saved.
“Not a good idea to want something so much. You never got it or if you did, you didn’t get to keep it for long and it hurt when you lost it.”
From their first encounter to the tense banter, to their equally electric banter, charged with such intense and tense heat, each aching to be the one to have the other yield to. 'His type but also not his type', heightened by their caustic, but so very smooth and never subtle remarks that showed just how eager and desperate they were for each other, but neither refusing to budge from being the victor. It was a lot! 😆 But, Barbara Elsborg has such a keen sense of banter that it just flows and integrates you into the setting, as well as the character's own personal dynamics. How she builds upon their own respective conflicts and has them converge in one point, while playing on such heightened sexual energy.
Dark and edgy, sardonic and coy, hitman on the run, a loner by nature, Archer - 'a bastard with a heart' - was everything Conrad saw in himself; and that's made him ache to want him 'even though he knew he was dangerous, wanted him because he made him feel alive.' 🙃 Conrad, who's secluded himself from his law practice as he enters the final stages of his healing process after a blinding car accident that left him so wounded that even the last traces of his limping leg is a bitter reminder of how close he came to death. And yet, Archer seems like the perfect remedy to his ailment - a balm to his lonely heart - one that his rough and tough exterior
It's definitely one of the most erotic of her novels. Phew! 🫠🫠 Like I've read plenty and this really turned up the heat! ❤️🔥❤️🔥 'When I want something, I’m focused on getting it.' No Jonty similarities - I kept waiting for it to happen, but thankfully, it didn't! 😌 Their chemistry was scorching! And she still managed to deliver the angst, too - how even with them thirsting for each other - there was still a palpable feeling that they would lose it. And it showed its colors in the most unsuspecting and unforgiving ways.
There's a fine line between feeling uncomfortable when the boundaries are being tested and the restraints being pushed about which of these two controlled obsessives do come out on top. Because essentially the core nature of their relationship in the first half was to see who would be the top alpha - big dog - the man who wins over. 😳 It is a battle of wit and whims and nerves and buns of steel; but just as much as Archer and Conrad recognized in each other how alike they were, they also saw how much they needed each other, too. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
“What do I have to do to make you see that I’m yours?”
It is very difficult to point out just how much was consensual flirting and forces to toe the distinction between being acceptable or not; at times, I did feel that the situation was veering off to one that would be unsettling. 😕 But, Conrad's own limited physicality's, as well as his innate desire to yield himself to someone as domineering, confident, fearless - qualities akin to that of himself as an imposing barrister - is what made them just work. Archer was not subtle in voicing how much he was going to have Conrad eventually give in - 'he wanted to break his resistance, feel him break, wanted Conrad to want him as much as Archer wanted him' - even though, it irked him beyond reason that he was the one who would fall first. 🥺
They shared similarities, but for different reasons and that's why they were so fiercely drawn towards each other. 'I've broken the law in the worst possible way. You are the law.' And I always appreciate how Elsborg - it's always an instant attraction, but it takes time for that attraction to play out. 🥲 And here, it was in spades; and it took time and patience and ultimate trust and the point of being complete vulnerable to allow either of them to lower their guard and their hearts for another. And they brought out those strengths in each other. 🩶🤍
Stubbornly adamant about not giving into temptation - seen as a weakness to care for another. 'Conrad was adrift, marooned, tumbling with no tether, but that was okay because Archer was with him—his lifeline.' Even though the odds were not in their favor and too much was at stake, with their lives in dangers - it was that final confrontation that made them finally stop running from themselves and finally face each other - together.
“There could be another explanation.”
“For what?” Conrad asked. Why my world has turned into a movie?”
Exactly! 😩 I could have lived without all the action and suspense that sorta took me out of it! But, the fact that it does start off with thirty-seven-year-old Archer realizing that living life dangerously was catching up to him, I should have mentally prepared myself for some mischief and mayhem to unfold. It did take up the majority of the later half, where I would have liked to see more development and interaction between the two, but I guess it was the necessary and probably only conclusive way in which Archer could tie his future to Conrad - just not in the way that I thought it would. 🤧
But, long story short, ah, if only! 😔 I did enjoy this, but I still felt like the slight push for submitting was a little difficult for me - maybe because I'm so reluctantly stubborn, myself - and the action/suspense was a bit woah. But, Conrad really earned his own from the not-so likeable persona he had with Malachi. His growth, his happiness, his ability to skillfully maneuver his way through obstacles, while sporting a limp, the subtle dry possessive humor between the two, the over-aching way in which Archer accepted that his heart was weak for Conrad - and lost without him - those were definitely the selling points that remind me why Elsborg is an author I don't mind taking a chance with, time and time again. 🫶🏻👏🏻
And gotta love Deefor. He was the glue that held them together, the resilience that tested their loyalty and their patience, the battle cry that roused them to be vulnerable and not hide their attraction.
Okay, now I'm just pushing it. 🥰
“We’re both broken but we can mend each other.”
What happens when like meets like.
It breaks.
But what happens when they're already broken?
They rebuild.
Okay, well that was corny af, but it still rings very true! 😅 For when you put two people together who are not at all other traumatic past and the painful memories that had hindered Conrad and Archer Hart from finally finding the person who understood and connected them best - was what their fateful and opportune meeting led them to. One destined rescue by a cripple who in turn brought in someone who would touch and heal the parts of him that he did not even realize needed to be saved.
“Not a good idea to want something so much. You never got it or if you did, you didn’t get to keep it for long and it hurt when you lost it.”
From their first encounter to the tense banter, to their equally electric banter, charged with such intense and tense heat, each aching to be the one to have the other yield to. 'His type but also not his type', heightened by their caustic, but so very smooth and never subtle remarks that showed just how eager and desperate they were for each other, but neither refusing to budge from being the victor. It was a lot! 😆 But, Barbara Elsborg has such a keen sense of banter that it just flows and integrates you into the setting, as well as the character's own personal dynamics. How she builds upon their own respective conflicts and has them converge in one point, while playing on such heightened sexual energy.
Dark and edgy, sardonic and coy, hitman on the run, a loner by nature, Archer - 'a bastard with a heart' - was everything Conrad saw in himself; and that's made him ache to want him 'even though he knew he was dangerous, wanted him because he made him feel alive.' 🙃 Conrad, who's secluded himself from his law practice as he enters the final stages of his healing process after a blinding car accident that left him so wounded that even the last traces of his limping leg is a bitter reminder of how close he came to death. And yet, Archer seems like the perfect remedy to his ailment - a balm to his lonely heart - one that his rough and tough exterior
It's definitely one of the most erotic of her novels. Phew! 🫠🫠 Like I've read plenty and this really turned up the heat! ❤️🔥❤️🔥 'When I want something, I’m focused on getting it.' No Jonty similarities - I kept waiting for it to happen, but thankfully, it didn't! 😌 Their chemistry was scorching! And she still managed to deliver the angst, too - how even with them thirsting for each other - there was still a palpable feeling that they would lose it. And it showed its colors in the most unsuspecting and unforgiving ways.
There's a fine line between feeling uncomfortable when the boundaries are being tested and the restraints being pushed about which of these two controlled obsessives do come out on top. Because essentially the core nature of their relationship in the first half was to see who would be the top alpha - big dog - the man who wins over. 😳 It is a battle of wit and whims and nerves and buns of steel; but just as much as Archer and Conrad recognized in each other how alike they were, they also saw how much they needed each other, too. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
“What do I have to do to make you see that I’m yours?”
It is very difficult to point out just how much was consensual flirting and forces to toe the distinction between being acceptable or not; at times, I did feel that the situation was veering off to one that would be unsettling. 😕 But, Conrad's own limited physicality's, as well as his innate desire to yield himself to someone as domineering, confident, fearless - qualities akin to that of himself as an imposing barrister - is what made them just work. Archer was not subtle in voicing how much he was going to have Conrad eventually give in - 'he wanted to break his resistance, feel him break, wanted Conrad to want him as much as Archer wanted him' - even though, it irked him beyond reason that he was the one who would fall first. 🥺
They shared similarities, but for different reasons and that's why they were so fiercely drawn towards each other. 'I've broken the law in the worst possible way. You are the law.' And I always appreciate how Elsborg - it's always an instant attraction, but it takes time for that attraction to play out. 🥲 And here, it was in spades; and it took time and patience and ultimate trust and the point of being complete vulnerable to allow either of them to lower their guard and their hearts for another. And they brought out those strengths in each other. 🩶🤍
Stubbornly adamant about not giving into temptation - seen as a weakness to care for another. 'Conrad was adrift, marooned, tumbling with no tether, but that was okay because Archer was with him—his lifeline.' Even though the odds were not in their favor and too much was at stake, with their lives in dangers - it was that final confrontation that made them finally stop running from themselves and finally face each other - together.
“There could be another explanation.”
“For what?” Conrad asked. Why my world has turned into a movie?”
Exactly! 😩 I could have lived without all the action and suspense that sorta took me out of it! But, the fact that it does start off with thirty-seven-year-old Archer realizing that living life dangerously was catching up to him, I should have mentally prepared myself for some mischief and mayhem to unfold. It did take up the majority of the later half, where I would have liked to see more development and interaction between the two, but I guess it was the necessary and probably only conclusive way in which Archer could tie his future to Conrad - just not in the way that I thought it would. 🤧
But, long story short, ah, if only! 😔 I did enjoy this, but I still felt like the slight push for submitting was a little difficult for me - maybe because I'm so reluctantly stubborn, myself - and the action/suspense was a bit woah. But, Conrad really earned his own from the not-so likeable persona he had with Malachi. His growth, his happiness, his ability to skillfully maneuver his way through obstacles, while sporting a limp, the subtle dry possessive humor between the two, the over-aching way in which Archer accepted that his heart was weak for Conrad - and lost without him - those were definitely the selling points that remind me why Elsborg is an author I don't mind taking a chance with, time and time again. 🫶🏻👏🏻
And gotta love Deefor. He was the glue that held them together, the resilience that tested their loyalty and their patience, the battle cry that roused them to be vulnerable and not hide their attraction.
Okay, now I'm just pushing it. 🥰
December 31, 2021
2 stars ⭐️ Sad to say, this book just wasn't for me. I took a freaking long time to finish this story. I thought there wasn't even an end to this story.
I have to say that I'm not a fan of where one of the MCs has a serious love and it has been broken up when we get into the story. Here, Conrad has been in seven years relationship, and when we read the first chapter, he was still thinking about his ex. It's annoying, and I don't know how not to think about it in here.
Especially, I didn't connect to MCs, and I didn't feel their great love. I never liked reading sex between Conrad and Archer too.
I have to say that I'm not a fan of where one of the MCs has a serious love and it has been broken up when we get into the story. Here, Conrad has been in seven years relationship, and when we read the first chapter, he was still thinking about his ex. It's annoying, and I don't know how not to think about it in here.
Especially, I didn't connect to MCs, and I didn't feel their great love. I never liked reading sex between Conrad and Archer too.
August 23, 2015
Read with friends Monday 17 August here
May 8, 2016
Conrad and Archer.... Two hot alpha's with a capital A.
They fight and fight not giving in until one does and then it's just a matter of time.
Conrad is recovering from a broken back and saves Archer who almost drowns.
Much contra contra agents story (for me not really necessary, I flew through it) But the main course is their connection and the way they grow to each other. Hot hot hot.....
They fight and fight not giving in until one does and then it's just a matter of time.
Conrad is recovering from a broken back and saves Archer who almost drowns.
Much contra contra agents story (for me not really necessary, I flew through it) But the main course is their connection and the way they grow to each other. Hot hot hot.....
August 10, 2015
3.5 stars, rounded up
I was very surprised by how much I enjoyed 'Breaking'. I didn't care for the preceding book in this series, Falling, at all. I ended up DNFing halfway in, because of the unbelievable plot and insta-love. Apparently an assassin gone rogue and a grumpy barrister fighting off multiple bad guys was more to my taste.
The action in this book was very fast-paced, and kept me on the edge of my seat. From the first page of the book, we see how Archer and Conrad's lives have become drastically more dangerous. And when they meet, their dangers collide to make a clusterfuck. Readers are treated to a home invasion, a game of cat-and-mouse in a public railway station, a besieged castle in the middle of a snowstorm, and a desperate rescue mission. The plot may have become a bit too complicated at times, but I enjoyed the hell out of it.
I enjoyed the romance too. Both Conrad and Archer are a bit broken inside, keeping themselves tightly closed to any emotion or affection. I liked seeing how the two chip away at each other's armour, offering comfort and understanding. While the two do fall for each other fast, I wouldn't call it insta-love. And I liked that Conrad had doubts about Archer's morality, given his profession as an assassin. One of the things that annoyed me to no end, and was very unbelievable, in book 1 was Malachi believing in Harper's innocence right of the bat, on nothing more than his word. An average person would be much more cautious than that.
The sex. So. Damn. Hot. Many reviewers have noted that Conrad's change in character wasn't entirely believable, but I didn't get far enough in book 1 for that to be a problem for me. And, frankly, an alpha top finding out that he's a big ol' bottom is music to my ears.
Overall, I enjoyed 'Breaking' a lot. It's got some great action scenes, a heart-grabbing romance, and some hella hot sex. Recommended for folks who enjoy assassin/crime-world MM. 'Breaking' can be read as a stand-alone.
I was very surprised by how much I enjoyed 'Breaking'. I didn't care for the preceding book in this series, Falling, at all. I ended up DNFing halfway in, because of the unbelievable plot and insta-love. Apparently an assassin gone rogue and a grumpy barrister fighting off multiple bad guys was more to my taste.
The action in this book was very fast-paced, and kept me on the edge of my seat. From the first page of the book, we see how Archer and Conrad's lives have become drastically more dangerous. And when they meet, their dangers collide to make a clusterfuck. Readers are treated to a home invasion, a game of cat-and-mouse in a public railway station, a besieged castle in the middle of a snowstorm, and a desperate rescue mission. The plot may have become a bit too complicated at times, but I enjoyed the hell out of it.
I enjoyed the romance too. Both Conrad and Archer are a bit broken inside, keeping themselves tightly closed to any emotion or affection. I liked seeing how the two chip away at each other's armour, offering comfort and understanding. While the two do fall for each other fast, I wouldn't call it insta-love. And I liked that Conrad had doubts about Archer's morality, given his profession as an assassin. One of the things that annoyed me to no end, and was very unbelievable, in book 1 was Malachi believing in Harper's innocence right of the bat, on nothing more than his word. An average person would be much more cautious than that.
The sex. So. Damn. Hot. Many reviewers have noted that Conrad's change in character wasn't entirely believable, but I didn't get far enough in book 1 for that to be a problem for me. And, frankly, an alpha top finding out that he's a big ol' bottom is music to my ears.
Overall, I enjoyed 'Breaking' a lot. It's got some great action scenes, a heart-grabbing romance, and some hella hot sex. Recommended for folks who enjoy assassin/crime-world MM. 'Breaking' can be read as a stand-alone.
February 23, 2016
4.5 Stars
The Bourne Identity meets Zero at the Bone meets Grosse Pointe Blank.
If you liked any (or all) of those books/movies, then it’s a pretty safe bet you will love this one, too. Lord knows I did!
My enjoyment of this book came as quite a (pleasant) surprise to me. You see, I wasn’t the biggest fan of this stories predecessor, Falling – it was the angstiest angst that ever angst. I had a major love/hate relationship with that book, where here, I am all about the love.
This story is suspenseful and fast-paced, with a classic “on the run/hunted” plot-line.
The two leads, Conrad and Archer, are equally delicious, complex characters. The personal dynamic between the two is brilliant – both men are dominant alpha males, both used to getting what they want, how they want it. The attraction between the two is immediate and fierce. Their battle for dominance is perfectly executed and their constant push and pull leads to hotter than hot results in the bedroom (and the bathroom, and the stables, and the public restrooms, and on the beach – seriously, UNF)!
Sure, there were a few questionable moments within the plot, which had me thinking, “Well, that was convenient” or “What are the odds of that happening?” – But I brushed these little qualms aside, because in general I was being thoroughly entertained, and that’s more important to me than how believably based in reality a story is.
I’m so glad I decided to give this sequel a go. It’s just made my week!
The Bourne Identity meets Zero at the Bone meets Grosse Pointe Blank.
If you liked any (or all) of those books/movies, then it’s a pretty safe bet you will love this one, too. Lord knows I did!
My enjoyment of this book came as quite a (pleasant) surprise to me. You see, I wasn’t the biggest fan of this stories predecessor, Falling – it was the angstiest angst that ever angst. I had a major love/hate relationship with that book, where here, I am all about the love.
This story is suspenseful and fast-paced, with a classic “on the run/hunted” plot-line.
The two leads, Conrad and Archer, are equally delicious, complex characters. The personal dynamic between the two is brilliant – both men are dominant alpha males, both used to getting what they want, how they want it. The attraction between the two is immediate and fierce. Their battle for dominance is perfectly executed and their constant push and pull leads to hotter than hot results in the bedroom (and the bathroom, and the stables, and the public restrooms, and on the beach – seriously, UNF)!
Sure, there were a few questionable moments within the plot, which had me thinking, “Well, that was convenient” or “What are the odds of that happening?” – But I brushed these little qualms aside, because in general I was being thoroughly entertained, and that’s more important to me than how believably based in reality a story is.
I’m so glad I decided to give this sequel a go. It’s just made my week!
July 12, 2015
4.5
Wow this is some hot alpha v alpha action. Like incendiary.
I had mixed feelings for Conrad going into this read, what he did to Malachi in the first book was despicable. I oddly understood why he did it but still. Bad things happen to him here and because I’m not a good person I actually really enjoyed that he started this book with his defenses down. It helped me to move beyond my first impressions of his character and see that the facade he showed to the world was cracked and he’s as vulnerable as the next person.
Archer is alpha, alpha, alpha but the chinks in his armor that are revealed along the way are delightful and I relished each and every discovery.
These two men clash in all the best ways. How DO two uber controlling men let down their guard with each other? I can only say read it to find out because it is utterly delicious. This is a smart, fast moving story with fantastic little twists peppered throughout that kept me guessing right up to the end. These are two kindred spirits that were lucky enough to find each other. I really loved that.
This is book 2 in a series and there are mention of the characters from the previous and a brief cameo but you could easily read this as standalone. The first does offer another layer but not required reading IMO (it’s a damn good read as well though).
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Wow this is some hot alpha v alpha action. Like incendiary.
I had mixed feelings for Conrad going into this read, what he did to Malachi in the first book was despicable. I oddly understood why he did it but still. Bad things happen to him here and because I’m not a good person I actually really enjoyed that he started this book with his defenses down. It helped me to move beyond my first impressions of his character and see that the facade he showed to the world was cracked and he’s as vulnerable as the next person.
Archer is alpha, alpha, alpha but the chinks in his armor that are revealed along the way are delightful and I relished each and every discovery.
These two men clash in all the best ways. How DO two uber controlling men let down their guard with each other? I can only say read it to find out because it is utterly delicious. This is a smart, fast moving story with fantastic little twists peppered throughout that kept me guessing right up to the end. These are two kindred spirits that were lucky enough to find each other. I really loved that.
This is book 2 in a series and there are mention of the characters from the previous and a brief cameo but you could easily read this as standalone. The first does offer another layer but not required reading IMO (it’s a damn good read as well though).
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
August 22, 2020
Sooooo... not entirely sure how I feel about this book. It could have been a higher rating, but the execution was lacking. Let me count the ways.
+ It has 2 alpha males
- They spend too much time overthinking who tops or bottoms (NO MAN THINKS THAT WAY pretty damn sure!).
+ One of them is a tortured hero, my fave hero
- his mysteriousness went by the wayside when he started gabbing as much as an old biddy. NO MAN TALKS ABOUT THEIR FEELINGS THAT MUCH!!
+ It's got mystery and suspense
- But the plot was waaaayyyyy too convoluted. Just one thing after another happening that all ended up jumbled together and I just didn't care any more.
I contrast this with Aleksandr Voinov's Soldiers
and it's like night and day the intensity, the real-ness, the push and pull between 2 alphas.
So I'm being generous giving this 3 stars.
+ It has 2 alpha males
- They spend too much time overthinking who tops or bottoms (NO MAN THINKS THAT WAY pretty damn sure!).
+ One of them is a tortured hero, my fave hero
- his mysteriousness went by the wayside when he started gabbing as much as an old biddy. NO MAN TALKS ABOUT THEIR FEELINGS THAT MUCH!!
+ It's got mystery and suspense
- But the plot was waaaayyyyy too convoluted. Just one thing after another happening that all ended up jumbled together and I just didn't care any more.
I contrast this with Aleksandr Voinov's Soldiers
and it's like night and day the intensity, the real-ness, the push and pull between 2 alphas.So I'm being generous giving this 3 stars.
August 24, 2015
4.25 Stars
Sometimes real life gets in the way and it takes a little longer to get through a book, in this case it turned out to be a treat extending my time with a crazy and hot couple of sexy guys. I skimmed several reviews before I started this so I had Lisa's awesome images of Conrad and Archer in my minds eye, her Conrad...he was such a perfect selection...YUM!! This was a crazy and somewhat out there tale of assassins, conspiracy plots, escapes and ultimately love. Definitely a ride, I loved it!!
Sometimes real life gets in the way and it takes a little longer to get through a book, in this case it turned out to be a treat extending my time with a crazy and hot couple of sexy guys. I skimmed several reviews before I started this so I had Lisa's awesome images of Conrad and Archer in my minds eye, her Conrad...he was such a perfect selection...YUM!! This was a crazy and somewhat out there tale of assassins, conspiracy plots, escapes and ultimately love. Definitely a ride, I loved it!!
August 1, 2015
I am so tooooooorn about reviewing this book and hoped that sleeping on it would help.
Here's the deal:
This is an interesting book, even though I'm not a big fan of mafia/arms dealer/assassin books, so I'm probably not the target reader. I wavered between being enthralled by the plot and really switching off at some moments.
It's well written, the MC's are also quite interesting. I even accept the fact that the Conrad we knew before had undergone significant character changes due to the physical injuries he had sustained and I felt that was a plausible explanation.
The power play of two tops didn't really do it to me and I'm not a big fan of "I want to stick my willy up your bum, I know you don't want that but the more you resist and fight me the hotter it makes me" vibe. I understand that it was supposed to be the physical representation on emotional submission but I found myself rolling my eyes.
I preferred the previous book in the series Falling, it was much more gritty, raw and angsty, which I rated 4 stars. Having said that, I can't really rate this one significantly less.
This was a 3,5 star read and I'm rounding up.
Here's the deal:
This is an interesting book, even though I'm not a big fan of mafia/arms dealer/assassin books, so I'm probably not the target reader. I wavered between being enthralled by the plot and really switching off at some moments.
It's well written, the MC's are also quite interesting. I even accept the fact that the Conrad we knew before had undergone significant character changes due to the physical injuries he had sustained and I felt that was a plausible explanation.
The power play of two tops didn't really do it to me and I'm not a big fan of "I want to stick my willy up your bum, I know you don't want that but the more you resist and fight me the hotter it makes me" vibe. I understand that it was supposed to be the physical representation on emotional submission but I found myself rolling my eyes.
I preferred the previous book in the series Falling, it was much more gritty, raw and angsty, which I rated 4 stars. Having said that, I can't really rate this one significantly less.
This was a 3,5 star read and I'm rounding up.
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