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Manhattan Mafia #3
Break Me
It was always Sarah. And she was always mine.
I woke up in a nightmare. I woke up alone.
There was a reason I never let myself have feelings before. Emotions make you stupid. They make you miscalculate.
If someone gave me the choice, I’d do it all over again.
Only this time, I’d stop everyone who ever looked at the woman I love before they had the chance to hurt her.
But since that’s not an option, I’ll just have to stay alive long enough to find her.
And together, we’ll break the whole world for what they’ve done.
***
Break Me is the third book in the filthy, heart-pounding Manhattan Mafia trilogy.
I woke up in a nightmare. I woke up alone.
There was a reason I never let myself have feelings before. Emotions make you stupid. They make you miscalculate.
If someone gave me the choice, I’d do it all over again.
Only this time, I’d stop everyone who ever looked at the woman I love before they had the chance to hurt her.
But since that’s not an option, I’ll just have to stay alive long enough to find her.
And together, we’ll break the whole world for what they’ve done.
***
Break Me is the third book in the filthy, heart-pounding Manhattan Mafia trilogy.
296 pages, ebook
Published January 1, 2021
230 people are currently reading
714 people want to read
About the author
C.D. Reiss
112 books9,641 followersCD Reiss is a New York Times bestselling author. She still has to chop wood and carry water, which was buried in the fine print. Her lawyer is working it out with God but in the meantime, if you call and she doesn't pick up she's at the well hauling buckets.
Born in New York City, she moved to Hollywood, California to get her master's degree in screenwriting from USC. In case you want to know, that went nowhere but it did give her a big enough ego to write novels.
She's frequently referred to as the Shakespeare of Smut which is flattering but hasn't ever gotten her out of chopping a single cord of wood.
If you meet her in person, you should call her Christine.
***NONE OF MY BOOKS ARE SAFE***
Born in New York City, she moved to Hollywood, California to get her master's degree in screenwriting from USC. In case you want to know, that went nowhere but it did give her a big enough ego to write novels.
She's frequently referred to as the Shakespeare of Smut which is flattering but hasn't ever gotten her out of chopping a single cord of wood.
If you meet her in person, you should call her Christine.
***NONE OF MY BOOKS ARE SAFE***
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
November 4, 2022
Were you been waiting for The Manhatten Mafia series by C.D. Reiss to be complete? Then wait no more and get ready to run to your favorite retailer because Break Me, the 3rd and final book in Dario Lucari and Sarah Colonia's tumultuous romance is here for you! Their story is a heartstopping rollercoaster that will take fans on a ride filled with unpredictable twists and turns on the way to their HEA, but so worth every minute of getting there.
Sarah is all innocent beauty and light while Dario's had to live on the dark side for as long as he can remember. Sarah craves Dario's smoldering hot, forbidden and extremely addictive 'expectations', despite what the daughters of The Colonia have been taught to think. Both are curious, intelligent and have done what they've had to do to survive in the environments they've been brought up in. Their worlds collided spectacularly in Take Me, came to understand each other in Make Me as Sarah found her own voice and wasn't afraid to use it. The tools Dario gave her to navigate in the real world, outside the control of her archaic family come into play in Break Me. Here, her hidden strengths are put to the test and she lays it all on the line for Dario, even if it could break them both while trying.
My heart was pounding through most of these chapters, wondering- would they both come out of this situation in one piece or too many pieces to go on? Can a life after The Colonia be possible for Sarah and Dario or is danger and violence all they'll ever have? If you love Mafia romance with flawed chartacters that aren't exactly as they seem on the surface and a story that'll will grab you by the throat and never let go, start with Take Me and explore this this dark world, brought straight to you from the masterful, twisted mind of C. D. Reiss. I loved this series which also includes cameos from a few well loved characters from the connected DiLustro Arrangement series- exciting, suspenseful and now, recommended!
I received an early copy of this book to read and review. My thoughts and opinions are my own and freely given.
Sarah is all innocent beauty and light while Dario's had to live on the dark side for as long as he can remember. Sarah craves Dario's smoldering hot, forbidden and extremely addictive 'expectations', despite what the daughters of The Colonia have been taught to think. Both are curious, intelligent and have done what they've had to do to survive in the environments they've been brought up in. Their worlds collided spectacularly in Take Me, came to understand each other in Make Me as Sarah found her own voice and wasn't afraid to use it. The tools Dario gave her to navigate in the real world, outside the control of her archaic family come into play in Break Me. Here, her hidden strengths are put to the test and she lays it all on the line for Dario, even if it could break them both while trying.
My heart was pounding through most of these chapters, wondering- would they both come out of this situation in one piece or too many pieces to go on? Can a life after The Colonia be possible for Sarah and Dario or is danger and violence all they'll ever have? If you love Mafia romance with flawed chartacters that aren't exactly as they seem on the surface and a story that'll will grab you by the throat and never let go, start with Take Me and explore this this dark world, brought straight to you from the masterful, twisted mind of C. D. Reiss. I loved this series which also includes cameos from a few well loved characters from the connected DiLustro Arrangement series- exciting, suspenseful and now, recommended!
I received an early copy of this book to read and review. My thoughts and opinions are my own and freely given.
October 29, 2022
Break Me is the final chapter of Sarah and Dario's journey and boy did CD Reiss end on a bang.
After being left on a bit of a cliffhanger with book two, this one picks up right where we left off and really shows how much Sarah has grown from the beginning of her union with Dario.
Sarah belongs to a family that wants to keep her subdued and under their rule. Dario wanted to give Sarah freedom and have her learning how to live a life on her own, just in case.
At the beginning of this trilogy, I was not completely on board with Dario. The way he infiltrated Sarah's life and took/stole her as a wife had me already on his bad side. But Sarah was so naive and I couldn't stand behind a weak heroine. But this is a mafia book where we see the good, bad and ugly and this was definitely the case in their relationship and how it came full circle.
Break Me starts with the ultimate in the race against time. It's a chase and matter of life and death and finding who you will align with and prove your loyalty to. I loved seeing Sarah come into her own and putting her newfound gifts to good use. She used her smarts and was able to show where her loyalty lied while showing her strength. This was all done while Dario had to take a step back and let her shine. This was Sarah's book until the end and then we got to see the real man Dario was and what he was doing behind the scenes.
I loved this whole mafia journey for Sarah and Dario and how their lives came full circle. It's dark and intense, but still filled with moments of gentle love in the midst of the bloody lives they lived. And that epilogue? Proves that these two will make sacrifices for one another for their HEA.
After being left on a bit of a cliffhanger with book two, this one picks up right where we left off and really shows how much Sarah has grown from the beginning of her union with Dario.
Sarah belongs to a family that wants to keep her subdued and under their rule. Dario wanted to give Sarah freedom and have her learning how to live a life on her own, just in case.
At the beginning of this trilogy, I was not completely on board with Dario. The way he infiltrated Sarah's life and took/stole her as a wife had me already on his bad side. But Sarah was so naive and I couldn't stand behind a weak heroine. But this is a mafia book where we see the good, bad and ugly and this was definitely the case in their relationship and how it came full circle.
Break Me starts with the ultimate in the race against time. It's a chase and matter of life and death and finding who you will align with and prove your loyalty to. I loved seeing Sarah come into her own and putting her newfound gifts to good use. She used her smarts and was able to show where her loyalty lied while showing her strength. This was all done while Dario had to take a step back and let her shine. This was Sarah's book until the end and then we got to see the real man Dario was and what he was doing behind the scenes.
I loved this whole mafia journey for Sarah and Dario and how their lives came full circle. It's dark and intense, but still filled with moments of gentle love in the midst of the bloody lives they lived. And that epilogue? Proves that these two will make sacrifices for one another for their HEA.
July 31, 2025
The final book in this trilogy and good lord I’m glad the stress is over.
Dario is in the hands of the enemy, and now we have to see if he’s taught Sarah enough that she can survive on her own. Our fate is in her hands now…..
The angst level is still there, but not as much as the first two books. My issue with this one is that it took too damn long. We didn’t need this book. Dario is held captive for the entire time, which was frustrating. We don’t get anywhere close to their HEA until the epilogue. That was great, BTW, but still – too much time with them separated.
It’s still a good book – and a good trilogy – I just wish we had more of them being happy. Also, I wish there hadn’t been so many people that died.
OH – there are some stories that aren’t resolved because they’re spinning into their own books. I don’t plan on reading them.
Dario is in the hands of the enemy, and now we have to see if he’s taught Sarah enough that she can survive on her own. Our fate is in her hands now…..
The angst level is still there, but not as much as the first two books. My issue with this one is that it took too damn long. We didn’t need this book. Dario is held captive for the entire time, which was frustrating. We don’t get anywhere close to their HEA until the epilogue. That was great, BTW, but still – too much time with them separated.
It’s still a good book – and a good trilogy – I just wish we had more of them being happy. Also, I wish there hadn’t been so many people that died.
OH – there are some stories that aren’t resolved because they’re spinning into their own books. I don’t plan on reading them.
Want to read
October 15, 2020October 14, 2020
I've Thought This Over...
Used All My Thoughts and Insights...
Two Books Down...
One More To Go...
This Could Be The Crossroads...
The Time When Push Comes To Shove...
SIDE NOTE
Push Comes To Shove, Hmmm...
He Liked To Do That, I Think...
Used What He Had And Made Her Beg...
The Push, The Shove...
The Heat, The Pain...
BUT I DIGRESS
They All May Have Thought...
The Time Had Arrived...
They Assumed The Norm...
She Wouldn't Be Strong...
Yet How Could They Realize...
By What She Had Experienced...
She Would Be Laughing...
Because, No Matter The Outcome...
She Would State...
No One Could...
Break Me- March 23, 2021
Take Me
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Make Me
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Break Me
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
I've Thought This Over...
Used All My Thoughts and Insights...
Two Books Down...
One More To Go...
This Could Be The Crossroads...
The Time When Push Comes To Shove...
SIDE NOTE
Push Comes To Shove, Hmmm...
He Liked To Do That, I Think...
Used What He Had And Made Her Beg...
The Push, The Shove...
The Heat, The Pain...
BUT I DIGRESS
They All May Have Thought...
The Time Had Arrived...
They Assumed The Norm...
She Wouldn't Be Strong...
Yet How Could They Realize...
By What She Had Experienced...
She Would Be Laughing...
Because, No Matter The Outcome...
She Would State...
No One Could...
Break Me- March 23, 2021
Take Mehttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Make Me https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Break Mehttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
October 30, 2022
You need to feel sorry for my husband. Not only was he my captive audience and had to put up with me reading quotes from this book, but worse than that, I don’t know if he can ever measure up to Dario Lucari in my head or my heart.
Dario. Dario. Dario. He’s perfect from the tops of his mangled ears to the bottom of his feet. He fucks like he was bred solely to copulate.
I got to the end of Break Me, and it did actually break me. I couldn’t get over it and I wasn’t happy with CD Reiss. When a book character you have seen suffer is taken away, even if they aren’t the main character, it hurts. I was soooooo mad. She should have saved him!
As much as I liked Break Me, I felt like I hadn’t appreciated its majesty. Cliff hangers are my cat nip. I love them. I love how they leave me heartracingly breathless. At the end of Take Me - I was shocked. At the end of Make Me, I was inconsolable and desperate. After finishing Break Me, I decided I needed to revisit the parts to get the sum of the whole. As a body of work, the three books read back to back are stunning.
CD Reiss really is a master of words. Dario and Sarah live lives that I could never live in and never imagine living in. This is the beauty of books. I’ve been in a mafia world in Manhattan and yet, I’ve never been to America. I’ve learnt about women being hollowed and heroes who save them and free them.
I fell in love with a book character and his love for his Prima.
Dario. Dario. Dario. He’s perfect from the tops of his mangled ears to the bottom of his feet. He fucks like he was bred solely to copulate.
I got to the end of Break Me, and it did actually break me. I couldn’t get over it and I wasn’t happy with CD Reiss. When a book character you have seen suffer is taken away, even if they aren’t the main character, it hurts. I was soooooo mad. She should have saved him!
As much as I liked Break Me, I felt like I hadn’t appreciated its majesty. Cliff hangers are my cat nip. I love them. I love how they leave me heartracingly breathless. At the end of Take Me - I was shocked. At the end of Make Me, I was inconsolable and desperate. After finishing Break Me, I decided I needed to revisit the parts to get the sum of the whole. As a body of work, the three books read back to back are stunning.
CD Reiss really is a master of words. Dario and Sarah live lives that I could never live in and never imagine living in. This is the beauty of books. I’ve been in a mafia world in Manhattan and yet, I’ve never been to America. I’ve learnt about women being hollowed and heroes who save them and free them.
I fell in love with a book character and his love for his Prima.
October 29, 2022
CD Reiss is the queen of tension. It bubbles up organically and the next thing you know it's boiling hot. The way Dario and Sarah were ready to set themselves on fire to save the other was breathtaking and swoony and all the things you crave in a dark romance. To call it a thrill ride is an understatement. My heart was pounding out of my chest and Reiss' foot never came off the gas emotionally. Sarah had so much swagger and the way Dario loved her enough to let her find it was just *chef kiss*.
Dario is just . . . I'm speechless. I love a bad ass hero who defies labels. And Reiss gives us a Mafia boss who's the opposite of toxic masculinity. It's brilliant 👏
The plot drivers are just so brutal. Mayhem. Betrayal. Subjugation. Degradation. Sacrifice. But somehow, through all that darkness, the musicality of the prose still drips off of the page. "Hope is a poison, but regret is a fucking shredder." My brain is still humming and craving more of the world of Manhattan Mafia.
#TopReadof2022
Dario is just . . . I'm speechless. I love a bad ass hero who defies labels. And Reiss gives us a Mafia boss who's the opposite of toxic masculinity. It's brilliant 👏
The plot drivers are just so brutal. Mayhem. Betrayal. Subjugation. Degradation. Sacrifice. But somehow, through all that darkness, the musicality of the prose still drips off of the page. "Hope is a poison, but regret is a fucking shredder." My brain is still humming and craving more of the world of Manhattan Mafia.
#TopReadof2022
November 4, 2022
The last book Make Me end on a bang, a huge cliffhanger. I been dangling in the wind since that last book. However, Break me do not disappoint, it start right where Make me left off at and YES it is the worst case scenario possible. Dario would go to the ends of the earth to protect his wife but with his brother on the line will he sacrifice her for him???
Dario gave Sarah freedom to learn and live her life, he wanted to give her the world. Life lesson just in case he didn't make it out of this war. But it was too soon she need more lessons but Sarah was fierce how they kept her submission who knows.
The greatest race against time, It's a matter of life and death and finding who you will align with and prove your loyalty to. The Colonia wanted Sarah right back where she started and wanted the allegiance that they were promised before Dario stole Sarah. But Sarah was coming into her own and putting her newfound gifts to good use. Sarah used her wits and her new found strengths to show where her loyalty lied. All done while Dario got a first hand seat of her clearness and had no choice but to take a step back and let her shine. Although Dario was trapped and beaten he was a mastermind in his own way and you got to watch as it all unfolded.
As usual CD Reiss delivers my one click author but in this case an ARC love Dario & Sarah!!!
Dario gave Sarah freedom to learn and live her life, he wanted to give her the world. Life lesson just in case he didn't make it out of this war. But it was too soon she need more lessons but Sarah was fierce how they kept her submission who knows.
The greatest race against time, It's a matter of life and death and finding who you will align with and prove your loyalty to. The Colonia wanted Sarah right back where she started and wanted the allegiance that they were promised before Dario stole Sarah. But Sarah was coming into her own and putting her newfound gifts to good use. Sarah used her wits and her new found strengths to show where her loyalty lied. All done while Dario got a first hand seat of her clearness and had no choice but to take a step back and let her shine. Although Dario was trapped and beaten he was a mastermind in his own way and you got to watch as it all unfolded.
As usual CD Reiss delivers my one click author but in this case an ARC love Dario & Sarah!!!
October 21, 2022
Loved it. Sarah and Dario are separated and circumstances are dire. But this was a perfect chance for Sarah to show her strengths. She's come so far and she's so fierce. And fiercely loyal. And Dario is a humbled man by her love. The intensity in these books makes me want CD Reiss to write a billion mafia books. There's steam somehow in this, even in their current predicament, and it's good. Also,the epilogue had a lightness that was needed after this crazy journey.
November 13, 2022
Book three was all consuming and what Dario and Sarah have gone through creates for an epic conclusion. This book once again had me questioning who was on who's side and who to trust while hoping things can work out for Dario and Sarah. Her growth and where she started compared to the woman she became is mind boggling and all with the determination from Dario.
October 28, 2022
I can’t tell you how much I was looking forward to
Break Me,
and it’s here! Picking up from the nail-biting cliffhanger in
Make Me,
Reiss has made sure the suspense in Sarah and Dario’s story continues at a pace that will keep Mafia in Manhattan Trilogy readers hooked. Of course, her storytelling prose never fails to stand out, especially in the banter between her characters.
Sarah has learnt when to push forward and take a step back—bide time and follow instinct. It was as if Reiss had switched Sarah and Dario’s roles, her becoming his saviour, him in need of saving. Circumstance exposes Dario’s weaknesses and Sarah’s strengths, and the woman he’d die for is something else when you see her in action.
Of course, it wouldn’t be Reiss if she hadn’t woven in a nail-biting plot twist or two, but what I enjoyed most was observing how her protagonists read each other’s unspoken words. I caught my breath when their trust wavered for a flash; however, Sarah demonstrated that she was unstoppable in her quest to free themselves and others from the clutches of evil. If you’ve read the two previous books, you’ll know where I’m going.
Reiss wrote just enough steaminess to keep these lovebirds’ chemistry simmering. Something I appreciate since I give more importance to the tension-building rather than the hot scenes. Also, it felt like I was listening to some of the secondary characters’ accents, which I love. I did find some of the internal dialogue a teensy-weensy repetitive, but that didn’t hinder me from lapping up the book.
The question is whether they’ll be able to find their much-deserved happy ending. Lovers of dark romantic thrillers, rather than spoil this rollercoaster of a ride for you just go in blind and enjoy. Cannot wait for Reiss’ next offering—Mafia Kingdom, coming in Spring 2023. Bravo for another edge-of-your-seat trilogy!
Sarah has learnt when to push forward and take a step back—bide time and follow instinct. It was as if Reiss had switched Sarah and Dario’s roles, her becoming his saviour, him in need of saving. Circumstance exposes Dario’s weaknesses and Sarah’s strengths, and the woman he’d die for is something else when you see her in action.
Of course, it wouldn’t be Reiss if she hadn’t woven in a nail-biting plot twist or two, but what I enjoyed most was observing how her protagonists read each other’s unspoken words. I caught my breath when their trust wavered for a flash; however, Sarah demonstrated that she was unstoppable in her quest to free themselves and others from the clutches of evil. If you’ve read the two previous books, you’ll know where I’m going.
Reiss wrote just enough steaminess to keep these lovebirds’ chemistry simmering. Something I appreciate since I give more importance to the tension-building rather than the hot scenes. Also, it felt like I was listening to some of the secondary characters’ accents, which I love. I did find some of the internal dialogue a teensy-weensy repetitive, but that didn’t hinder me from lapping up the book.
The question is whether they’ll be able to find their much-deserved happy ending. Lovers of dark romantic thrillers, rather than spoil this rollercoaster of a ride for you just go in blind and enjoy. Cannot wait for Reiss’ next offering—Mafia Kingdom, coming in Spring 2023. Bravo for another edge-of-your-seat trilogy!
November 8, 2022
Overall Grade: 4.5 ⭐️
Tropes: arranged marriage; kidnapped bride; mafia romance; innocent heroine; anti-hero
Break Me, the final book of her Manhattan Mafia trilogy, has finally seen the light of day, and it is a blockbuster ending to this trilogy. Leaning into her strengths, Break Me is everything you expect of Reiss; non-stop action; spice to the nth degree; and a happy ending for her sordid characters that reminds you of the redeemability of even the darkest of characters.
Break Me picks up where the cliffhanger of Make Me left off. Dario is in a problematic situation, and Sarah is intent on saving the day. This is what I love about CD Reiss and her version of mafia romance. The strongest character of her stories is usually the heroine. Reiss takes the misogyny of mafia romances and interrogates it before upending it through grafting power into her female characters, namely Sarah in this story. She crafts a spectrum of characters from the sheep of these worlds to the ones who abuse power and need threshing. She wraps a story such as Break Me in a fabrication. You believe it’s all about the spice and action when, in reality, she’s seeking to break the molds of the genres for which she writes. It’s why I’ll continue to read her stories because Reiss gifts you with the challenge: to see more than the norm for romance.
Break Me wraps up the Manhattan Mafia trilogy well, and it promises more mafia romance from her. At the heart of her romances, there is always a consideration: ignorance keeps people trapped, so how do we move beyond our ignorance to enlightenment? I wouldn’t miss CD Reiss’s stories for anything. And quite frankly, you shouldn’t either.
Tropes: arranged marriage; kidnapped bride; mafia romance; innocent heroine; anti-hero
Break Me, the final book of her Manhattan Mafia trilogy, has finally seen the light of day, and it is a blockbuster ending to this trilogy. Leaning into her strengths, Break Me is everything you expect of Reiss; non-stop action; spice to the nth degree; and a happy ending for her sordid characters that reminds you of the redeemability of even the darkest of characters.
Break Me picks up where the cliffhanger of Make Me left off. Dario is in a problematic situation, and Sarah is intent on saving the day. This is what I love about CD Reiss and her version of mafia romance. The strongest character of her stories is usually the heroine. Reiss takes the misogyny of mafia romances and interrogates it before upending it through grafting power into her female characters, namely Sarah in this story. She crafts a spectrum of characters from the sheep of these worlds to the ones who abuse power and need threshing. She wraps a story such as Break Me in a fabrication. You believe it’s all about the spice and action when, in reality, she’s seeking to break the molds of the genres for which she writes. It’s why I’ll continue to read her stories because Reiss gifts you with the challenge: to see more than the norm for romance.
Break Me wraps up the Manhattan Mafia trilogy well, and it promises more mafia romance from her. At the heart of her romances, there is always a consideration: ignorance keeps people trapped, so how do we move beyond our ignorance to enlightenment? I wouldn’t miss CD Reiss’s stories for anything. And quite frankly, you shouldn’t either.
October 26, 2022
I have been patiently waiting for the final book in the “Manhattan Mafia” trilogy and I was not disappointed. “Break Me” is an action packed and plot twisted mafia romance and I was captivated by Dario and Sarah.
The story picks up right where it left off at in “Make Me” with the complicated relationship that Sarah and Dario have. Since it’s a mafia romance, their relationship is anything but normal but it is hot. And Sarah’s family is back in the picture and not happy about Dario or her relationship with him.
I absolutely loved how much Sarah grew in these three books. She went from a shy and sheltered mafia princess to a confident woman who would stand up for herself, her king and her kingdom. Dario is someone I wanted to hate at one point but I couldn’t help fall for him after finishing all three books. Sarah’s family wanted her to clip her wings and keep her sheltered. Dario wanted her to fly and enjoy life. Their romance is dark and intense but it’s spicy and sizzling hot. The journey they took to their HEA wasn’t easy but it was worth it. I loved the epilogue and it was the perfect way to wrap up the trilogy.
The story picks up right where it left off at in “Make Me” with the complicated relationship that Sarah and Dario have. Since it’s a mafia romance, their relationship is anything but normal but it is hot. And Sarah’s family is back in the picture and not happy about Dario or her relationship with him.
I absolutely loved how much Sarah grew in these three books. She went from a shy and sheltered mafia princess to a confident woman who would stand up for herself, her king and her kingdom. Dario is someone I wanted to hate at one point but I couldn’t help fall for him after finishing all three books. Sarah’s family wanted her to clip her wings and keep her sheltered. Dario wanted her to fly and enjoy life. Their romance is dark and intense but it’s spicy and sizzling hot. The journey they took to their HEA wasn’t easy but it was worth it. I loved the epilogue and it was the perfect way to wrap up the trilogy.
August 26, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.2 exciting stars
What a ride! 🎢
The final book in this trilogy had me on the edge of my seat. Sarah finds herself right back where she started—including another engagement to Sergio Agosti. (Side note: I couldn’t stand Sergio 😅, but I did love his endless stream of pet names for her. Every scene with him brought a new one, and I couldn’t help but grin.)
I won’t spoil the twists, because this one is best experienced firsthand. Just know I devoured it, cover to cover. 📖🔥 There are some real tear-jerking moments, 💔 so have tissues handy, but it all wraps up with an epilogue and a solid HEA. 💖
A thrilling, emotional finish to a trilogy that kept me hooked from start to finish.
What a ride! 🎢
The final book in this trilogy had me on the edge of my seat. Sarah finds herself right back where she started—including another engagement to Sergio Agosti. (Side note: I couldn’t stand Sergio 😅, but I did love his endless stream of pet names for her. Every scene with him brought a new one, and I couldn’t help but grin.)
I won’t spoil the twists, because this one is best experienced firsthand. Just know I devoured it, cover to cover. 📖🔥 There are some real tear-jerking moments, 💔 so have tissues handy, but it all wraps up with an epilogue and a solid HEA. 💖
A thrilling, emotional finish to a trilogy that kept me hooked from start to finish.
November 1, 2022
Sara may have been forced into a marriage with Darius but that is no longer the case. Now that he is in jeopardy, she must use all the skills he taught her and show him how strong she really so that they can find their way back to each other.
Darius is always used to having the power and control and now he finds himself in a very different position. He has trusted Sara with his heart and now he must trust her with his life.
The characters are captivating as Darius allows Sara to be the woman she was always meant to be as they take us on an action-packed adventure that is filled with surprises and an epic love that will captivate you from beginning to end.
Darius is always used to having the power and control and now he finds himself in a very different position. He has trusted Sara with his heart and now he must trust her with his life.
The characters are captivating as Darius allows Sara to be the woman she was always meant to be as they take us on an action-packed adventure that is filled with surprises and an epic love that will captivate you from beginning to end.
October 29, 2022
Break Me is the final book in the Manhattan Mafia trilogy and what a freaking ride this trilogy has been!!!
After the way Make Me ended I couldn't wait for Break Me and I was not disappointed. The entire time I was on the edge of my seat not knowing how Dario and Sarah could possibly get out of this situation. Sarah proved herself to be quite the badass. One thing was for sure, no matter what was going to happen, they were never going to anyone else their love was that strong.
After the way Make Me ended I couldn't wait for Break Me and I was not disappointed. The entire time I was on the edge of my seat not knowing how Dario and Sarah could possibly get out of this situation. Sarah proved herself to be quite the badass. One thing was for sure, no matter what was going to happen, they were never going to anyone else their love was that strong.
November 1, 2022
There were so many twists and turns, as well as some surprises in this final installment of Sarah and Dario’s story. Sarah has grown so much - she is definitely not the timid girl that accepts everyone’s words as truth. She is fierce and will do what she has to do to help her man. And Dario, I just can’t say enough about his courage and strength, and his commitment to his cause. Truly enjoyable, with potential hints as to what else Christine is brewing up for her NY world.
November 21, 2022
This story had so much going on and my heart Neil for Sarah to have to make crazy decisions and lies to her brother, but love conquers all with Dario. Her brother angered me off many times throughout this story as I felt he needed to trust Sarah more.
I loved Dario and his love for Sarah. What he had to endure to be with her as painful ti listen too.
I loved this trilogy and Dario and Sarah. Loved the ending for this couple.
Narrators did a fantastic job telling this story.
I loved Dario and his love for Sarah. What he had to endure to be with her as painful ti listen too.
I loved this trilogy and Dario and Sarah. Loved the ending for this couple.
Narrators did a fantastic job telling this story.
November 12, 2022
After that cliffhanger in book 2 in this one we come full circle. But here it’s more Sarah than Dario that we read more on and it shows her growth and strength. It shows how much she can do and regardless of how things started with her and Dario she shows how much she actually loves him and her loyalty to him. Some secrets were revealed and you start understanding what Dario was hiding and the reasons why. He did what needed to be done to protect Sarah. We do get a glimpse of Violetta and Santino and how they help Sarah out. It was a great ending.
December 12, 2022
3.5-stars.
November 4, 2022
Wow! Dario & Sarah’s Dark Mafia Romance Comes To A Conclusion In The Final Installment Of This Angsty Trilogy. Their Story Is A Roller Coaster Ride Filled With Twists & Turns You Won’t See Coming. Dario Doesn’t Claim To Be A Good Man, But Sarah Awakens Something In Him That Died Years Ago. For Her, He Is Ready To Give Up Everything, But The Colonia Are Determined To Make Him Pay For His Crimes Against Them. The Couple Faces Their Biggest Challenge Yet As All Dario Has Worked For Is At Risk.
ABOUT THE MANHATTAN MAFIA SERIES:
This is book two of the Manhattan Mafia trilogy. It is Dario and Sarah’s story.
The Manhattan Mafia includes:
1. Take Me
2. Make Me
3. Break Me
This series is a spinoff of The DiLustro Arrangement, a mafia trilogy that follows Santino and Violetta DiLustro’s story.
The DiLustro Arrangement includes:
1. Mafia Bride
2. Mafia King
3. Mafia Queen
FROM TAKE ME, BOOK 1:
The story opens in Autumn. Dario last saw Santino and Violetta in August. They had come to an agreement that allows Dario to borrow some of their men. Using the Cavallo men – Vito and Gennaro – will help Dario to implement his plan for the Colonia without detection.
The Colonia left the old country and settled in New York over two hundred years ago, but they live in the shadows. They are ghosts – they live outside of the law. Technically, they don’t exist.
Sarah Colonia, twenty-one, is ready for her wedding day. It was nearly a year ago that her father had taken her to Armistice Night. The annual event brings together the most important families of the underworld for an evening where differences are put aside. That was a momentous night for both Sarah and for the Colonia. It was the first time that the Colonia had been in attendance, and it was a public statement of the ultra-secretive organization’s intention to come out of the shadows. That Sarah accompanied her father to the event was a statement as well. Her father, Peter Colonia, was looking to form a strategic alliance with another family to help bring his people public. That led to Sarah’s betrothal to Sergio Agosti. Their marriage will be a political union.
Being a Colonia means that Sarah has been sheltered. While she was raised to be obedient, her brother Massimo likes breaking all the rules. He can get away with it, but if Sarah missteps, she gets a correction. Massimo is anxious for Sarah’s wedding day so that he can move up in the family. With Sarah married, he will officially be named successor to his father, Peter Colonia, on the next Armistice Night. Sarah will miss her little brother.
She faces a lot of unknowns in her married life. Her own mother, Mary Ballardo-Colonia, died years ago, but Sarah has been instructed on what to expect on her wedding night. She knows little of the world, however. Her days are spent with other Colonia women, cooking and keeping her father’s home. She has never been in public without an escort. Neither has she been to a store or a restaurant. Her entire life has revolved around her own people and Precious Blood, their church. But an outside wedding won’t bring the groom into the Colonia. It will cast Sarah out. Life as she knows it is over.
Dario Lucari, cold and calculating, has spent his life preparing to take down the Colonia. He has patiently accumulated the wealth needed to fund his operations, and after years of tireless work, he is about to take that first important step in his grand plan for revenge. His mother never deserved the death the Colonia dished out, and he won’t rest until their criminal organization is destroyed. They have no idea who he is or what motivates him, so they won’t see him coming. The first step in his plan involves humiliating Peter on his daughter’s wedding day. Sarah represents all that Dario detests, and bringing her to her knees will give him a sick sense of satisfaction. Dario has a few rules for the Colonia princess. Rule one: no questions. Rule two: obey. Rule three: give complete answers. Rule four: be loyal. Rule five: she belongs only to Dario.
Dario’s little slave was taught to obey, so he counts on her obedience as he furthers his plans. Little does he realize Sarah is about to turn his world upside down. As he uses her to advance his plans, the Colonia try to get their own justice. The book ends in an angsty cliffhanger.
The story is well-written and plot-driven. It is complex and layered. There are some circular conversations that occasionally get confusing or drag, but otherwise, it is a good read. The story is written in first person. The POV alternates between Dario and Sarah. I rate this book 4.5 stars.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
FROM MAKE ME, BOOK 2:
As book one closed, Dario and Sarah knew they had something real despite their rocky beginning. Nico was still secretly embedded with the Colonia, playing lookout for Dario. Nico was determined to stay and help finish the job, but Oria was panicked about his safety. The original plan was to send Sarah away, so when Dario continued to delay, Oria finally took matters into her own hands. Willa showed up at her request, causing chaos just when the Colonia zeroed in on their location. When Sarah discovered that Dario was legally married to Willa, she began to question everything she thought she knew.
As this book opens, weeks have passed since Sarah was kidnapped. Dario meets with Massimo to appease Sarah’s request for peace. It goes against everything he has worked for since age thirteen, but Sarah has changed him in the twelve days that have passed since Willa returned from the island.
At that time, Dario and Sarah had relocated to a safe house outside of the city center. There they might have found refuge from the outside, but with Sarah’s trust shattered, they had much to overcome. Willa wanted to stick to the plan and take Sarah away, and Oria still wanted Nico back. Dario had work to do to finally bring the Colonia down, and their destruction was necessary not just because of his quest for vengeance, but because Sarah would never be safe until that happened. Meanwhile, Sarah was a fish out of water. She understood little about the modern world, and it was clear that she would never be safe in the world – with or without Dario – until she learned the ropes.
When the Colonia finally clear out of Dario’s building in the city, they leave a warning for Dario, heightening his concern for Sarah’s safety. He finds himself in unchartered waters as his feelings begin to overstep his sense of control. Things get ugly, and Sarah cannot be protected from the truth. She wants a happy ending with Dario. She wants peace. And she begins to sense her own power to make things happen. The story ends with a gut-clenching twist as everything turns upside down.
The story is well-written and plot-driven. It is complex and layered. The story is written in first person. The POV alternates between Dario and Sarah. I rate this book 4.5 stars.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
IN THIS BOOK:
As book two closed, everything had changed. Dario’s people had relocated to safe houses after the Colonia uncovered their location in Manhattan. Dario and Willa had begun giving Sarah a crash course in living on the outside, but there was still much to learn. For Sarah’s safety, Dario made the momentous decision to withdraw from his quest for revenge against the Colonia. He had not abandoned the current mission, though. He also took steps to leave Connor in charge of the cause, setting him up with enough money to finish the job. But when their new location was compromised, things got rushed. Dario decided to follow through with their current plan and to pull Nico out. When things went wrong, Sarah found herself making a deal with Massimo.
As this book opens, about a month or so has passed since Sarah’s kidnapping. Dario is held prisoner by the Colonia. Sarah has made a deal with her brother in a desperate attempt to save Dario’s life. There are certain rules that the Colonia follow that have spared Dario thus far, but keeping him alive might be beyond Massimo’s capability. He makes no promises, but Sarah is desperate enough to return despite the danger to herself. The Colonia don’t like traitors or outsiders, and if they catch on that she cares for her kidnapper, there will be severe consequences. The only thing helping her is that she is the first daughter – a Colonia princess – and even that doesn’t guarantee her long-term safety among her own people.
The political struggle inside the Colonia is the backdrop as the power shifts from Dario to Sarah in this story. Sarah returns to her home after several weeks of living on the outside, and her eyes have been opened to the lies she was raised to believe. Her only ally is her younger brother Massimo, who is probably nineteen here. He has always been a bit of a rebel, a troublemaker, and he is hardly prepared to step up as the organization’s leader. He doesn’t like a lot about the Colonia, but he also still believes many of their lies. Meanwhile, Sarah’s betrothed, Sergio Agosti, hasn’t given up on his political aspirations. He had counted on the marriage with Sarah to bring him into the Colonia in a leadership capacity. Despite the failed union, he has not given up. If he has his way, neither Dario nor Sarah will be safe. The couple’s faith in one another is tested as they tread uncertain waters. Neither is free or safe, but only Sarah has the power to save them. They face incredible challenges, but the couple earns a very happy ending.
Watch for the next installment in the Mafia Bride/Manhattan Mafia world! Mafia Kingdom will be a standalone. Perhaps it is Connor’s story – or maybe even Massimo’s. Either way, I would expect to see Dario’s work continued, although it might logically shift to rescuing those that the Colonia trafficked.
Wow! Dario and Sarah’s dark mafia romance comes to a conclusion in the final installment of this angsty trilogy. Dario doesn’t claim to be a good man, but Sarah awakens something in him that died years ago. For her, he is ready to give up everything, but the Colonia are determined to make him pay for his crimes against them. The couple faces their biggest challenge yet as all Dario has worked for is at risk.
Dario and Sarah’s love for one another is transformative. Sarah might change Dario, but his world changes her, too. She tests her own power in her desperate attempt to save them both. Sarah is naïve in many ways, but she is also astute and quick to learn. She is driven, undaunted by the unknown.
Two issues merit mention. First, there are a few confusing passages. There is also an occasional situation that is a little too convenient, making it feel inauthentic.
Dario and Sarah’s story is a roller coaster ride filled with twists and turns you won’t see coming. The story is well-written and plot-driven. It is complex and layered. The story is written in first person. The POV alternates between Dario and Sarah. I rate this book 4.5 stars.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
ABOUT THE MANHATTAN MAFIA SERIES:
This is book two of the Manhattan Mafia trilogy. It is Dario and Sarah’s story.
The Manhattan Mafia includes:
1. Take Me
2. Make Me
3. Break Me
This series is a spinoff of The DiLustro Arrangement, a mafia trilogy that follows Santino and Violetta DiLustro’s story.
The DiLustro Arrangement includes:
1. Mafia Bride
2. Mafia King
3. Mafia Queen
FROM TAKE ME, BOOK 1:
The story opens in Autumn. Dario last saw Santino and Violetta in August. They had come to an agreement that allows Dario to borrow some of their men. Using the Cavallo men – Vito and Gennaro – will help Dario to implement his plan for the Colonia without detection.
The Colonia left the old country and settled in New York over two hundred years ago, but they live in the shadows. They are ghosts – they live outside of the law. Technically, they don’t exist.
Sarah Colonia, twenty-one, is ready for her wedding day. It was nearly a year ago that her father had taken her to Armistice Night. The annual event brings together the most important families of the underworld for an evening where differences are put aside. That was a momentous night for both Sarah and for the Colonia. It was the first time that the Colonia had been in attendance, and it was a public statement of the ultra-secretive organization’s intention to come out of the shadows. That Sarah accompanied her father to the event was a statement as well. Her father, Peter Colonia, was looking to form a strategic alliance with another family to help bring his people public. That led to Sarah’s betrothal to Sergio Agosti. Their marriage will be a political union.
Being a Colonia means that Sarah has been sheltered. While she was raised to be obedient, her brother Massimo likes breaking all the rules. He can get away with it, but if Sarah missteps, she gets a correction. Massimo is anxious for Sarah’s wedding day so that he can move up in the family. With Sarah married, he will officially be named successor to his father, Peter Colonia, on the next Armistice Night. Sarah will miss her little brother.
She faces a lot of unknowns in her married life. Her own mother, Mary Ballardo-Colonia, died years ago, but Sarah has been instructed on what to expect on her wedding night. She knows little of the world, however. Her days are spent with other Colonia women, cooking and keeping her father’s home. She has never been in public without an escort. Neither has she been to a store or a restaurant. Her entire life has revolved around her own people and Precious Blood, their church. But an outside wedding won’t bring the groom into the Colonia. It will cast Sarah out. Life as she knows it is over.
Dario Lucari, cold and calculating, has spent his life preparing to take down the Colonia. He has patiently accumulated the wealth needed to fund his operations, and after years of tireless work, he is about to take that first important step in his grand plan for revenge. His mother never deserved the death the Colonia dished out, and he won’t rest until their criminal organization is destroyed. They have no idea who he is or what motivates him, so they won’t see him coming. The first step in his plan involves humiliating Peter on his daughter’s wedding day. Sarah represents all that Dario detests, and bringing her to her knees will give him a sick sense of satisfaction. Dario has a few rules for the Colonia princess. Rule one: no questions. Rule two: obey. Rule three: give complete answers. Rule four: be loyal. Rule five: she belongs only to Dario.
Dario’s little slave was taught to obey, so he counts on her obedience as he furthers his plans. Little does he realize Sarah is about to turn his world upside down. As he uses her to advance his plans, the Colonia try to get their own justice. The book ends in an angsty cliffhanger.
The story is well-written and plot-driven. It is complex and layered. There are some circular conversations that occasionally get confusing or drag, but otherwise, it is a good read. The story is written in first person. The POV alternates between Dario and Sarah. I rate this book 4.5 stars.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
FROM MAKE ME, BOOK 2:
As book one closed, Dario and Sarah knew they had something real despite their rocky beginning. Nico was still secretly embedded with the Colonia, playing lookout for Dario. Nico was determined to stay and help finish the job, but Oria was panicked about his safety. The original plan was to send Sarah away, so when Dario continued to delay, Oria finally took matters into her own hands. Willa showed up at her request, causing chaos just when the Colonia zeroed in on their location. When Sarah discovered that Dario was legally married to Willa, she began to question everything she thought she knew.
As this book opens, weeks have passed since Sarah was kidnapped. Dario meets with Massimo to appease Sarah’s request for peace. It goes against everything he has worked for since age thirteen, but Sarah has changed him in the twelve days that have passed since Willa returned from the island.
At that time, Dario and Sarah had relocated to a safe house outside of the city center. There they might have found refuge from the outside, but with Sarah’s trust shattered, they had much to overcome. Willa wanted to stick to the plan and take Sarah away, and Oria still wanted Nico back. Dario had work to do to finally bring the Colonia down, and their destruction was necessary not just because of his quest for vengeance, but because Sarah would never be safe until that happened. Meanwhile, Sarah was a fish out of water. She understood little about the modern world, and it was clear that she would never be safe in the world – with or without Dario – until she learned the ropes.
When the Colonia finally clear out of Dario’s building in the city, they leave a warning for Dario, heightening his concern for Sarah’s safety. He finds himself in unchartered waters as his feelings begin to overstep his sense of control. Things get ugly, and Sarah cannot be protected from the truth. She wants a happy ending with Dario. She wants peace. And she begins to sense her own power to make things happen. The story ends with a gut-clenching twist as everything turns upside down.
The story is well-written and plot-driven. It is complex and layered. The story is written in first person. The POV alternates between Dario and Sarah. I rate this book 4.5 stars.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
IN THIS BOOK:
As book two closed, everything had changed. Dario’s people had relocated to safe houses after the Colonia uncovered their location in Manhattan. Dario and Willa had begun giving Sarah a crash course in living on the outside, but there was still much to learn. For Sarah’s safety, Dario made the momentous decision to withdraw from his quest for revenge against the Colonia. He had not abandoned the current mission, though. He also took steps to leave Connor in charge of the cause, setting him up with enough money to finish the job. But when their new location was compromised, things got rushed. Dario decided to follow through with their current plan and to pull Nico out. When things went wrong, Sarah found herself making a deal with Massimo.
As this book opens, about a month or so has passed since Sarah’s kidnapping. Dario is held prisoner by the Colonia. Sarah has made a deal with her brother in a desperate attempt to save Dario’s life. There are certain rules that the Colonia follow that have spared Dario thus far, but keeping him alive might be beyond Massimo’s capability. He makes no promises, but Sarah is desperate enough to return despite the danger to herself. The Colonia don’t like traitors or outsiders, and if they catch on that she cares for her kidnapper, there will be severe consequences. The only thing helping her is that she is the first daughter – a Colonia princess – and even that doesn’t guarantee her long-term safety among her own people.
The political struggle inside the Colonia is the backdrop as the power shifts from Dario to Sarah in this story. Sarah returns to her home after several weeks of living on the outside, and her eyes have been opened to the lies she was raised to believe. Her only ally is her younger brother Massimo, who is probably nineteen here. He has always been a bit of a rebel, a troublemaker, and he is hardly prepared to step up as the organization’s leader. He doesn’t like a lot about the Colonia, but he also still believes many of their lies. Meanwhile, Sarah’s betrothed, Sergio Agosti, hasn’t given up on his political aspirations. He had counted on the marriage with Sarah to bring him into the Colonia in a leadership capacity. Despite the failed union, he has not given up. If he has his way, neither Dario nor Sarah will be safe. The couple’s faith in one another is tested as they tread uncertain waters. Neither is free or safe, but only Sarah has the power to save them. They face incredible challenges, but the couple earns a very happy ending.
Watch for the next installment in the Mafia Bride/Manhattan Mafia world! Mafia Kingdom will be a standalone. Perhaps it is Connor’s story – or maybe even Massimo’s. Either way, I would expect to see Dario’s work continued, although it might logically shift to rescuing those that the Colonia trafficked.
Wow! Dario and Sarah’s dark mafia romance comes to a conclusion in the final installment of this angsty trilogy. Dario doesn’t claim to be a good man, but Sarah awakens something in him that died years ago. For her, he is ready to give up everything, but the Colonia are determined to make him pay for his crimes against them. The couple faces their biggest challenge yet as all Dario has worked for is at risk.
Dario and Sarah’s love for one another is transformative. Sarah might change Dario, but his world changes her, too. She tests her own power in her desperate attempt to save them both. Sarah is naïve in many ways, but she is also astute and quick to learn. She is driven, undaunted by the unknown.
Two issues merit mention. First, there are a few confusing passages. There is also an occasional situation that is a little too convenient, making it feel inauthentic.
Dario and Sarah’s story is a roller coaster ride filled with twists and turns you won’t see coming. The story is well-written and plot-driven. It is complex and layered. The story is written in first person. The POV alternates between Dario and Sarah. I rate this book 4.5 stars.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 23, 2022
This final book in Dario and Sarah's trilogy is INTENSE. They are separated but not, each fighting and trying to remain strong while trying to bring down the Colonia. Sarah in particular shows a lot of growth and strength in this one. There's a lot of emotion in this finale and I stayed up until after 4am finishing it. I'll be thinking about it as I'm trying to drift off to sleep tonight. I'll probably be having Mafia dreams lol
October 21, 2022
This is not an easy book to read and neither is it a book that you can skim. It is dark, sad, and complex and reading it without really reading it will cause the reader to miss so much. At times it made me angry at the the way the Colonia women are treated and it is very timely given what is happening in Iran. The lengths that Sarah and Dario are prepared to go to to save the other is testimony to their love. There are some sad parts, not everyone survives, and some steamy scenes and some that will make your blood boil but the ending makes it all, worthwhile.
November 6, 2022
OMG!! BREAK ME was AMAZING! Break Me was pure Mafia Kindle crack! This book is the twist worthy conclusion of Dario and Sarah’s story that we waited for with baited breath from the moment we experienced that cliffhanger from the previous book—what a ride! Reading this kick-ass story had me speechless. This dark and suspenseful Mafia romance is packed with lots of action, murder, mystery, twists and turns. This story is an emotional rollercoaster as we ride every high and hit the withdrawal symptoms that the characters endures. I was consumed with every word and didn’t come up for air! Dario and Sarah were perfect for each other—they were sexy, provocative, and so intense. They were ready to do whatever it took to protect one another. Despite Sarah being naive, she is smart and a quick learner. Soon, Sarah gets a backbone and she is a force to be reckoned with. But with Dario still set on an unwavering quest for vengeance against Sarah’s father, Sarah is now a pawn caught in the crosshairs. But will Sarah’s father and other Mafias say nothing because all’s fair in love and war? Will her father retaliate for revenge despite Sarah being married to Dario? Will this put Sarah’s life in jeopardy? What happens when you find out the truth isn’t always what it seems? Well, find out what happens when all is revealed and the masks that they hold in place slips off. The road to Dario and Sarah’s happiness seems wrought with heartache, secrets, lies, danger, murder, and family drama. C.D. Reiss delivered a powerful, addictive, intriguing, and all-consuming dark Mafia romantic story that will lure you into the wee hours. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
November 3, 2022
The final book in this series Manhattan Mafia was everything I expected, but not much I could predict. Sarah and Dario find themselves with the Colonia. They were walking a tightrope to protect each other and the 27 women who had escaped from the Colonia with Dario’s help. Sarah’s brother Massimo was struggling with ruling his father’s empire and learning its’ secrets. Because he still had to walk his own tightrope with Sarah’s promised husband trying to take over, he isn’t as supportive of Sarah as she had hoped. There is great deal of drama and bargaining and leaving old perceptions behind. I could not have predicted all the twists and turns the story took to reach the ending and that kept me engaged. It was the perfect conclusion to this three-part love story. There are still so many issues left unresolved that I know the overall Mafia story will continue. I’m looking forward to the next installment. I am voluntarily leaving this review after reading an advanced complementary copy of this book.
November 5, 2022
A rise of a mafia queen, who will run the show!
Sarah was a naive girl, sheltered doing what she was told. After Dario took her, he showed no mercy in destroying her. Well in her destruction and rise she has become a queen. Right from the beginning I knew we were in a different story, Sarah became in control of her actions. Dario, this time captured was sitting on the sidelines as Sarah made her plans. I loved Sarah growth and time to shine, she made decision and took actions that were hard. In the end were choices she wanted. Back in the at home with her Massimo, Sarah is no longer the timid heroine looking to do everything right. She has become a new person and it shows to everyone, she speaks for herself. While in Make Me we go an insight in how dark and tortured the Colonial can go, it never sunk in until the end when the biggest secret is revealed! Dario and Sarah's connection after everything truly spoke how well they new each other, when lies and truths were mixed.
Ahh I absolutely loved the ending, it was strong and forceful and tied up every loose end!
Sarah was a naive girl, sheltered doing what she was told. After Dario took her, he showed no mercy in destroying her. Well in her destruction and rise she has become a queen. Right from the beginning I knew we were in a different story, Sarah became in control of her actions. Dario, this time captured was sitting on the sidelines as Sarah made her plans. I loved Sarah growth and time to shine, she made decision and took actions that were hard. In the end were choices she wanted. Back in the at home with her Massimo, Sarah is no longer the timid heroine looking to do everything right. She has become a new person and it shows to everyone, she speaks for herself. While in Make Me we go an insight in how dark and tortured the Colonial can go, it never sunk in until the end when the biggest secret is revealed! Dario and Sarah's connection after everything truly spoke how well they new each other, when lies and truths were mixed.
Ahh I absolutely loved the ending, it was strong and forceful and tied up every loose end!
February 27, 2023
The final installment of the Manhattan Mafia trilogy begins with Dario in the clutches of the Colonia, while Sarah is left to come to his rescue. Now undercover in a world she was ripped from, she’s an outsider looking in and is finally able to see the dull scope of how truly barbaric her upbringing was.
Attempting to navigate a game she’s barely prepared for in hopes of saving her love, Sarah is a force and an absolute bright spot in this book. Although we’ve seen Sarah grow leaps and bounds from her introduction, I love how CD kept her a little bit unsure at all times and gave her a genuine sense of being in over her head. It was super realistic and really endearing.
And although I overall struggled with this whole trilogy once the plot of this book gets going in the second half of this book and as the race against time begins, this was simply unputdownable. The conclusion of Dario and Sarah’s fight towards a happily ever after was ultimately super satisfying. I am glad pushed through.
October 30, 2022
Break Me is the final book in the Manhattan Mafia series. It starts where the book 2 cliffhanger left off. This time Sarah needs to save Dario and she uses the things that he taught her. She has to go back to her old world but it's a risk she must take. They are both willing to give up their own lives to save the other. I have to say, this was not my favorite CD Reiss series but that did not matter. You just buckle up and go for the ride. You can breath again after it's over. Dario is a fierce, determined man who will do what he has to do to save and protect the Colonia woman. Sarah is his weakness. He teaches her to come out of the shelter she was raised in, knowing he may have to let her go for her to be free. Sarah goes from hating the man who stole her from her family and the life that she knew to deep devotion and love for the man who freed her. A lot of questions are answered and secrets revealed for the end of this series.
November 2, 2022
We pick up where we left off with Sarah's father dead in the hands of Dario her husband and Da rio a prisoner of the Colonia's. She comes up with an idea to save her husband that can be deadly for both of them or save them both. She stills act like she is the first daughter, but some of her people see her has a traitor and would like nothing better for Dario to die and she could marry her bethrothen Sergio and peace would return to their world. Their story is dark, intense and will take you on a roller coaster ride for which you have to hang on or else. Dario's struggle to stay alive to save his wife is a primal need for him to protect her. This is a world where men are violent, crude and women are properties to be kept from knowledge and the outside world. What Dario did is save women from this nightmare and brought them to the light, can he joint them with Sarah? I volunteered to review this nail biting, spellbinding story.
June 3, 2023
This is the third book in the trilogy. It picks up where book two ends. Sarah has learned a lot in the short time she has been away from her family but not enough to survive without Dario.
Dario had a meeting with Sarah’s brother Massimo to talk about giving Sarah back to the family. While at this meeting Sarah’s family had captured Nico who is Dario’s brother. Dario offered himself up if they let Nico go. A gun fight broke out and Dario was hit and captured. While this was going on Sarah was at home by herself when Massimo came looking for her. After she shot Massimo, she was taken back to the family to be given to Sergio, the man she as to marry before Dario took her. Will she get her happy ending?
I really enjoyed these books and loved how Sarah came into herself once she was away from the family she was raised in. Dario was a good match for her and allowed her to experience life to the fullest. CD knows how to make you fall in love with the characters.
Dario had a meeting with Sarah’s brother Massimo to talk about giving Sarah back to the family. While at this meeting Sarah’s family had captured Nico who is Dario’s brother. Dario offered himself up if they let Nico go. A gun fight broke out and Dario was hit and captured. While this was going on Sarah was at home by herself when Massimo came looking for her. After she shot Massimo, she was taken back to the family to be given to Sergio, the man she as to marry before Dario took her. Will she get her happy ending?
I really enjoyed these books and loved how Sarah came into herself once she was away from the family she was raised in. Dario was a good match for her and allowed her to experience life to the fullest. CD knows how to make you fall in love with the characters.
November 1, 2022
First of all, is it just me or it was as if one can visualize what BK was like in 80s or 90s the more one reads into the world of the Manhattan Mafia Trilogy? Even the tone of speech passed the vibe check of how regulars in a mom and pop shops converse in NYC. That's just an observation, and I'm laying it out here just to say how it was such an experience reading this trilogy was. Anyhoo... Words are not enough to describe how it felt seeing the world through Dario and Sarah's lenses. The secret language they have for themselves and the brilliance of their minds combined will keep you flipping one page after another. This last part is packed from start to finish, that blinking is not an option and now that it has ended on a beautiful portrait of Dario and Sarah's dream, one could wish there's more. Thank you for this wonderful story.
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