Breaking Down My Walls

Sistas #4

by Anne Marie Citro

Breaking Down My Walls

After the torment of her childhood, Taya believes in love for everyone … except herself. Some things can’t be untaught.
Beautiful and tough, yet the most private woman anyone has ever met, Taya knows everyone has a past, yet she doesn’t share hers. Her past must remain behind her for her sanity and so the only man she has ever loved will move on with someone who hasn’t been destroyed by those who were supposed to protect her.
Then a threat has her past storming back in and taking over.

After looking into the big, baby blue eyes of the deranged little orphan who was dragged, kicking and screaming, into his home, Levi is determined to be the boy who will teach Taya that not every offered hand will betray her.
Playful and gorgeous, Levi’s first passion is the girl who consumes his heart. His second is serving his country, following in his father’s footsteps. When Levi is deployed overseas, he encourages Taya to spread her wings and pursue her dreams, hoping she will come back to her roots and the man who is waiting for her.
Levi is mistaken.

Taya can’t change who she is and has built a life for herself far away from the only man she will ever love.
Can Levi convince Taya their relationship is worth the fight? Can he force her to overcome her fears and let him in completely? Can Levi prove his love is the freedom she has been searching for?
Levi allowed Taya to control their relationship in the past, but now things have changed. He is taking control back, with or without her consent.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

457 pages, Paperback

Published December 2, 2017

About the author

Anne Marie Citro grew born and raised in the greater Toronto area of Ontario, Canada. She grew up in a large, loving family. Anne Marie is married to a very patient man. He is the love of her life. They have four very cool sons, and the girls they brought into their family that have become daughters of her heart. She has been blessed enough to finally have a beautiful granddaughter after four sons. She has her own personal gaggle of girlfriends, who enrich her life on a daily basis and make her laugh. Caesar Friday is her favourite day of the week. Caesars with the girls and date night with her hubby. She works with special-needs teenagers, that have taught her how to appreciate life and see it through gentler eyes. Anne Marie was encouraged by her husband to follow her lifelong dream to write. She loves the characters that take over imagination and haunts her dreams. She loves the arts and she has tried her hand at painting, wood sculpting, chainsaw carving, wood burning, metal and wire sculptures. Yes, her husband is a very patient man! Anne Marie is an avid reader and enjoys about three books per week. But nothing makes her happier then riding on the back of her husband's Harley and throwing her arms out and feeling the wind race by. Anne Marie and her husband take a few weeks every year to travel to spectacular destination around the world. Anne Marie is excited and can't wait to see what the next chapter holds for her life.

Reviews

[Nerdy Dirty & Flirty · Rating 5 out of 5]

-Lynzi, 5 stars

Gah! I honestly don’t think I could fall more in love with this author and these stories/characters than I already have. Which I know isn’t true, because with every story I read I fall a little more. These girls, their lives, and the men they fall in love with are all so amazingly different and unique.

Taya has found a home in Toronto with her Caesar buddies. Which is a good thing, because she hasn’t had a home or felt at home for a really long time. She lost her home when she lost her mama and dada. She lost her world when she was ripped away from the only one she knew. She lost her innocence when she was thrown into the home of a monster. She lost her sanity when she had to face more than one monster on a daily basis. Then she was given a chance to see light again. She was rescued from her hell, but came out of it a different person. No longer the carefree little girl she was, she couldn’t embrace her freedom as a good thing. Until she met Levi. When no one else could get through to her, Levi did. For some reason, the little boy with the one dimple was able to help her see through her darkness and make her somewhat of a normal person. Even though she would never be normal again. Levi is the only person she has every loved, but can never have. She deserves normal, happy, which is something she can never give him.

Levi has been in love with Taya since the day his dad brought her into their home. His dad was assigned to rescue her and bring her home to protect her. Levi knew as soon as he laid eyes on the scared little girl, with the blue eyes, who was curled into a ball and wouldn’t stop crying, he would spend the rest of his life protecting her and watching out for her. He also knew he would spend his life loving her and trying to make her happy. Seeing her cry and hurt is the one thing that brings him to his knees. He knew she went through some rough stuff before she got to his house, but didn’t know exactly what. He didn’t think it would be enough to keep them apart. Nor will he let it. He’s let her have control of if they had a relationship or not, but he’s taking over. As a Navy Seal, sitting back and letting someone else have control isn’t something he’s good with. He doesn’t like that she has built a life without him, and he will input him self into it, whether she likes it or not.

Taya’s story is the one I have been waiting for. I’m so glad I didn’t have to wait till the END of the series to get it. Taya was the mysterious one. The one who didn’t really let anyone know anything about her life or her past. So of course I wanted to know. Its no longer a mystery why she kept to herself and didn’t talk about it, and I can completely understand it. It absolutely sucked. It was horrendous, and I could not imagine someone going through that.

I did not think her story would be anything like it was. I definitely didn’t think it would be so hard. So dark. She went through HELL, but came out of it. All thanks to one cute little Daniels boy.

Levi and Taya together were so funny. His whole family threw me for a loop. Their dynamic was so different than any other family I have ever read about. It was rather interesting. So learning about Taya growing up with them, and seeing her interact with them as an adult, was funny. She was always trying to get a mouth shot. 😉 Read the book and you will know exactly what I’m talking about.

This whole series has found a special place in my heart. I want some Caesar Buddies like these ladies and gents. Friends like that and the loyalty and love that they have for each other, is something that blows my mind and amazes me all at the same time. These guys are just so amazeballs. I can’t wait to have more of them. I wish I could jump into another one right now. I hate having to wait. ☹ But beings I love them so much, waiting I shall!! Until next time… ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

[Pegboard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by Peggy Jo Wipf for Readers' Favorite

As the fourth book in the Sista’s series, Breaking Down My Walls reveals the secrets behind Taya’s defensive behavior. Anne Marie Citro brings us Levi, the only one that could reach the broken girl who was rescued from her abusive father. As the youngest teenage boy in his family, he knew what it was like to be pushed around. Taya was rescued from her violent paternal family when she was just ten. As a half breed, she was considered an infidel in this Muslim family and treated poorly. The cruelty she experienced left her psychologically scarred for years, which kept her from tolerating any physical touch. Levi was determined to help her so she could experience love the way everyone else did, even if that meant touching tender scars.

Reading Breaking Down My Walls by Anne Marie Citro is like looking into a person’s soul. You feel the heartbeat of Taya’s love for Levi. Your pulse accelerates when her mother is found and confronted by her estranged husband. You will weep when you experience the forgiveness, acceptance, and healing along with Taya. You will cringe as Levi must work at tearing down Taya’s walls, no matter how painful it is to both of them. This well written novel will surprise you with the depth and attention with which Anne Marie Citro painted the characters. This book would not be suitable for those under eighteen as it is quite graphic in areas. I laughed, cried, and was anxious through Taya’s trials, loving Breaking Down My Walls from start to finish.

[Kimmie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my freaking gods, what a book! I cannot say it enough.
I love Anne Marie's books. The woman just has a way with
words like no other. The stories are so well-written and
thought out. They are sad, endearing, and insightful and dam
funny.

This is our Ceaser buddy Taya's story. Be prepared, tissues
in hand. It starts of so sad and I was so mad I wanted to kill
someone. Taya has been through a hell like no one should.
Especially not a child. But thank you for Levi, and who could
forget Poo. I loved this man and how he was sweet and
tough it made for a great mix. They meet as kids and secretly
loved each other. But when they are thrown back together it
is finally time he let her know. And I felt so bad for them,
having to get past her affliction. And Then Edward shows up
and sticks a foot in it. It was not good but funny as hell. Oh
and wait till you get to the chapter about Evenrude’s if you
don't lose it I would be surprised. No drinks during this
chapter, I promises good advice as I spewed mine all over
my tablet. I never laughed so much in my life. And you will
love biketoberfest weddings after this book I promise.

Now before I ruin this for you I will leave off here. I hope you
enjoy this book as much as I did. If you do like this book,
please consider leaving a review. The Authors really like it
when you do; they value your opinions too

[C. Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked how quick and smooth this read was. There is enough going on to keep my attention and to provide a getaway from all things reality.

The chemistry between the two characters was outstanding and their growth in their relationship and as people was wonderful to watch unfold.

Anne Marie Citro really shows her writing skills when it comes to setting the scenes. She brings life to the world and characters she has created.

[Micheal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Goodreads for the ARC and Anne Marie Citro for signing my copy! Taya's story as a child was so heartbreaking and horrible, I literally had tears in my eyes reading however I could not put the novel down because I wanted to know more about Taya's story and how Levi Daniels (a Navy Seal) was going to get her through her anxieties. All I can say is WOW! Taya is such an incredibly strong woman inside and out and a fighter, not only for herself but for the ones she loves most. This novel was a sad, heartbreaking, funny, loyal, heroic, romantic, intense read! I LOVED IT!

[Enza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book!!! It is very easy to read and follow the storyline. I do not like to read but when I do the story has to keep me interested the whole time. All of Anne Marie Citro's books do that for me.

[Csimplot Simplot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!!!

[Wall-to-wall books - wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow what a rough start this girl had. The book certainly tugs at the old heartstrings. I loved seeing the blossoming of the relationship between Taya and Levi. Right from the very beginning Levi had a wonderful way with her. This was so sweet to read about. He was so gentle with her, patient, kind and loving.

And then they grew up - and their relationship changed and grew. It just killed me that Taya was so stubborn (I mean I get it, I know why, she was seriously hurt), Levi was so good for her and she couldn't see what was right in front of her. This story was not only about Taya and how she lived with her past, her pain and the memories but also Levi and how he grew and how he learned about love and how its a give and take - and sometimes giving in a little, taking a step back is the best plan. The whole time he never gave up on her awwwww!

Great character development! The author really drew a clear picture of their personalities. And actually the whole family, Taya's new family, was all pretty cool. they were rough around the edges, but still a great family and they loved her.

A lot of surprises and twits in this book and a very nice ending!

I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from RABT book tours - Thank You!!

[R.K. Emery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anne Marie Citro has characterization down to a science. Her characters really run the show and make the story so fun to read about.

This was a very emotional read that kept me engaged the entire way through. There were surprises along the way that definitely shocked me. Anything but predictable.

Great pacing and a well written storyline. I look forward to reading more from Citro in the future.

[Mauaqui · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sista’s 1-3 were better

Good but not great. Levi and Taya’s story had many twist and turns but I was not emotionally involved as her 3 previous Sista books.

[Kristin Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very powerful book. The struggle Taya lived with daily since witnesses so many horrors as a child was gut-wrenching. Levi was the sweetest. Though he knew how certain things set Taya back, he was unwavering in his commitment to push her past her boundaries and accept things people take for granted every day. Levi was by far the best character while Taya had the biggest character arc.

We also see previous characters come into this book. I lmao at Edward and Liam's cameo appearance.

Many life lessons in this book. And Citro is the sweetest person ever!

[Lynzi Nguyen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed for Nerdy Dirty & Flirty