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Dante's Infernal #3
Breaking Drake
I hated him from the moment I saw him, and I loved him from the first note I heard him play...
-
Drake
Sterling Crane is my idol, my inspiration, and my rival—and I'm determined to be the one who brings him to his knees.
He has other ideas, of course, and I keep going back for more.
I'm horrified when the news breaks that the bands we manage are merging, and we're all going to share a home like one big happy family. Horrified because I hate Sterling more than anything in this world—and because I know I'm not going to be able to stay away from him.
He's a god amongst men, and the worst part is, he knows it.
Am I ever going to stop worshiping him?
-
Sterling
I've made a few enemies over the years, but Drake Weiss is number one by a long shot.
Making Drake squirm—whether it's in the context of our rivalry, or in my dungeon—is arguably my favorite pastime. When I find out we're merging my collapsing band with Dante's Infernal, it seems like the perfect opportunity to torment him.
It soon becomes clear I'm the one who's being tormented, though. Being around him is bringing back all kinds of memories and nostalgia, and it's driving me crazy. They say there's a thin line between love and hate, and I'm starting to believe it.
Are we doomed to dance around our shared destiny for eternity?
Or will Drake bare his soul to me as he's bared his body so many times?
Breaking Drake is an enemies-to-lovers novel packed with angst and fluff, love and hate, and plenty of heat. While this second-chance romance focuses on Drake and Sterling, two men whose rivalry runs as deep as the music in their veins, this is the third book out of four, and situations and characters from the first two factor in heavily. It's recommended that you read the Dante's Infernal series in order, even though each book is technically a standalone. Breaking Drake tackles some darker themes--please see the inside cover for content details.
-
Drake
Sterling Crane is my idol, my inspiration, and my rival—and I'm determined to be the one who brings him to his knees.
He has other ideas, of course, and I keep going back for more.
I'm horrified when the news breaks that the bands we manage are merging, and we're all going to share a home like one big happy family. Horrified because I hate Sterling more than anything in this world—and because I know I'm not going to be able to stay away from him.
He's a god amongst men, and the worst part is, he knows it.
Am I ever going to stop worshiping him?
-
Sterling
I've made a few enemies over the years, but Drake Weiss is number one by a long shot.
Making Drake squirm—whether it's in the context of our rivalry, or in my dungeon—is arguably my favorite pastime. When I find out we're merging my collapsing band with Dante's Infernal, it seems like the perfect opportunity to torment him.
It soon becomes clear I'm the one who's being tormented, though. Being around him is bringing back all kinds of memories and nostalgia, and it's driving me crazy. They say there's a thin line between love and hate, and I'm starting to believe it.
Are we doomed to dance around our shared destiny for eternity?
Or will Drake bare his soul to me as he's bared his body so many times?
Breaking Drake is an enemies-to-lovers novel packed with angst and fluff, love and hate, and plenty of heat. While this second-chance romance focuses on Drake and Sterling, two men whose rivalry runs as deep as the music in their veins, this is the third book out of four, and situations and characters from the first two factor in heavily. It's recommended that you read the Dante's Infernal series in order, even though each book is technically a standalone. Breaking Drake tackles some darker themes--please see the inside cover for content details.
Kindle Edition
First published February 20, 2021
47 people are currently reading
238 people want to read
About the author
Joel Abernathy
47 books1,282 followersJoel Abernathy, also writing as L.C. Davis, is a trans author of MM romance. He enjoys writing dark and emotional romance about men loving men in all genres.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
February 22, 2021
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
This is my favorite in the series for sure.
Sterling and Drake were prefect to each other and i enjoyed their back and forth immensely!
What I Loved...
- The Characters:
Drake has intrigued me from the beginning and I knew his story would be such a joy to read. He's such a paradox... Dominant and assertive in all aspects of his life, but craves pain and submission in bed.
Sterling, who was introduced in book 2, has been on again, off again with Drake since they were teenagers. he wants to break Drake, to possess him, to destroy him and then put him back together. Sterling knows that was he feels for Drake is love and he shows it the only way he knows how.
- The Plot...
It revolves around Sterling and Drake finding they way towards each other. They are gunning for the same position and promotion and they keep clashing in and out of the bedroom.
The Romance..
Although unorthodox, these men are romantic in their own way. Make no mistake, you won't find any lovey-dovey talk and gestures, but they do show their care for each other in other ways.
The Steam...
Needless to say, its HAWT! I also appreciated the fact that even though these men aren't together in every sense of the word for most of the book, we don't see them getting it on with other people. That's always a bonus!
The HEA...
It was so THEM, and so perfect for the overall mood of the book. I was smiling through the whole epilogue and it was one of my favorite chapters in the whole book.
Niggles...
- The flashbacks got a bit confusing at the beginning, so I would have rather had them in the beginning of the book... as a sort of preface or prologue.
- I would have loved more time to see them together as a couple... like on a date or something. That would have made their relationship progression that much better.
This is my favorite in the series for sure.
Sterling and Drake were prefect to each other and i enjoyed their back and forth immensely!
What I Loved...
- The Characters:
Drake has intrigued me from the beginning and I knew his story would be such a joy to read. He's such a paradox... Dominant and assertive in all aspects of his life, but craves pain and submission in bed.
Sterling, who was introduced in book 2, has been on again, off again with Drake since they were teenagers. he wants to break Drake, to possess him, to destroy him and then put him back together. Sterling knows that was he feels for Drake is love and he shows it the only way he knows how.
- The Plot...
It revolves around Sterling and Drake finding they way towards each other. They are gunning for the same position and promotion and they keep clashing in and out of the bedroom.
The Romance..
Although unorthodox, these men are romantic in their own way. Make no mistake, you won't find any lovey-dovey talk and gestures, but they do show their care for each other in other ways.
The Steam...
Needless to say, its HAWT! I also appreciated the fact that even though these men aren't together in every sense of the word for most of the book, we don't see them getting it on with other people. That's always a bonus!
The HEA...
It was so THEM, and so perfect for the overall mood of the book. I was smiling through the whole epilogue and it was one of my favorite chapters in the whole book.
Niggles...
- The flashbacks got a bit confusing at the beginning, so I would have rather had them in the beginning of the book... as a sort of preface or prologue.
- I would have loved more time to see them together as a couple... like on a date or something. That would have made their relationship progression that much better.
February 22, 2021
I’ve been waiting for this book, and it was just as addicting to read this book as it was to read the first two books in the series!! There were some moments that I kind of question, and the ending was a bit disappointing, but overall, this was a decent book with Drake and Sterling.
This book is NOT a standalone since the characters are introduced in the previous books and the relationships between the other couples makes much more sense read in order.
The author does provide some really thorough trigger warnings at the start of the book but I will add that blackmail is a huge part of this book as well. TWs from the author: Drake uses drugs, and rehab is not a theme in this book, so some readers may consider that an unresolved issue. Sterling is very dominant, and the “encounters” between the two men tend to be rough, especially in Sterling’s dungeon (however, Drake is never injured). There is also mention of past parental and relationship abuse, such as an older ex grooming a young man and having a child with him. (The abusers are not in the picture anymore.)
We’ve met Drake as a competent, but sometimes distant, manager of Dante’s Infernal in the previous books. Drake is Dante’s father and Drake’s biggest rival is a man named Sterling at an opposing music label. We find out the exact type of relationship Drake and Sterling have had throughout the years, and it’s a doozy.
I’m usually not a fan of time jumps between chapters of the characters past and the present. But surprisingly, it works here. We learn more about the relationship between Sterling and Drake, as the sadist Dom and masochistic sub and how they came to know each other even years before their kinks came into the picture. The timeline, unfortunately, does get confusing if you try to piece it together because it’s not clear when everything takes place or how much time has passed, past or present.
One thing missing for me is the reason really behind their bickering and animosity for one another. Is it just because of Sterling’s competitiveness and his hate that Drake gave it all up when they were younger? Is it because Drake always saw Sterling as being one step ahead and having it all? The “enemies” part of this “enemies to lovers” is too vague to me to really FEEL the reasons of why they hate each other unfortunately.
I will say that I did like all the sexy scenes and all the moments when Drake and Sterling are just in the same room with one another. But is it enough to save the plot holes and the plot itself? I would say, not really. And that’s really unfortunate, because I love the characters but it just feels like something is missing from this story.
There weren’t any big angst moments, but it still felt a bit surface level of feelings. Like, we know Drake’s drinking and cocaine use doesn’t get addressed at all, but what’s Sterling’s feelings on that? Just all a part of being in the business? We see it being addressed with Dante but with Drake it’s just not a big thing because he’s a high functioning alcoholic ready to kill his liver? Their angst towards one another never felt real for me, the confessions and love declarations, while sweet, never did either.
A side note that while there’s moments and hints of some BDSM, a lot in this book is on the tamer side so there’s not really any heavy BDSM scenes as some readers might expect. Condoms, even while they knowingly fuck other people, is apparently not a thing in this book.
One of the biggest things that bothered me in this story is that there’s really no women in this story. There was a potential for one when the news that Sterling’s label was merging with Drake’s and Sterling had a band with a woman in it who was lovely (we met her briefly in the last book) but she’s very conveniently out of the picture in this book.
The only other woman mentioned is Dante’s mother, who is Drake’s ex and who was his manager once upon a time. It’s been a hot minute since I read the previous books, so if this was mentioned before, I’ve long forgotten. But this woman groomed Drake at a very, very young age (since he was TEN), got pregnant and had Dante when Drake was SIXTEEN and she was THIRTY. She’s a sexual predator and I’m glad she’s not in the picture at all. But even here, Drake’s relationship with her is sidestepped most of the book even though everyone around him tries to address it and point blank told him that he was sexually abused as a child.
It’s sad that there’s basically no female characters in these books and the ones who ARE mentioned is between an ex-bandmate, Drake’s alcoholic and abusive mother, and Drake’s sexually abusive ex.
Moments I did like in this book are the times with the band and meeting the new bandmates, Saint and Danny, who will presumably be the fourth book in this series. We’ve met them before and while I do like Danny, I’m not a big fan of Saint just yet. So, it’ll be interesting to read his book, I guess.
The ending felt extremely rushed to me and I don’t like the new direction the band is going, even though I guess I technically understand it? For that particular character’s sake at least. It just feels sad to me though so for the sake of the band, I didn’t love that decision.
This book was a quick read and I loved returning to this world and seeing all the band members again. There definitely could’ve been more depth to the story, but I still look forward to reading the next book when it comes out.
This book is NOT a standalone since the characters are introduced in the previous books and the relationships between the other couples makes much more sense read in order.
The author does provide some really thorough trigger warnings at the start of the book but I will add that blackmail is a huge part of this book as well. TWs from the author: Drake uses drugs, and rehab is not a theme in this book, so some readers may consider that an unresolved issue. Sterling is very dominant, and the “encounters” between the two men tend to be rough, especially in Sterling’s dungeon (however, Drake is never injured). There is also mention of past parental and relationship abuse, such as an older ex grooming a young man and having a child with him. (The abusers are not in the picture anymore.)
We’ve met Drake as a competent, but sometimes distant, manager of Dante’s Infernal in the previous books. Drake is Dante’s father and Drake’s biggest rival is a man named Sterling at an opposing music label. We find out the exact type of relationship Drake and Sterling have had throughout the years, and it’s a doozy.
I’m usually not a fan of time jumps between chapters of the characters past and the present. But surprisingly, it works here. We learn more about the relationship between Sterling and Drake, as the sadist Dom and masochistic sub and how they came to know each other even years before their kinks came into the picture. The timeline, unfortunately, does get confusing if you try to piece it together because it’s not clear when everything takes place or how much time has passed, past or present.
One thing missing for me is the reason really behind their bickering and animosity for one another. Is it just because of Sterling’s competitiveness and his hate that Drake gave it all up when they were younger? Is it because Drake always saw Sterling as being one step ahead and having it all? The “enemies” part of this “enemies to lovers” is too vague to me to really FEEL the reasons of why they hate each other unfortunately.
I will say that I did like all the sexy scenes and all the moments when Drake and Sterling are just in the same room with one another. But is it enough to save the plot holes and the plot itself? I would say, not really. And that’s really unfortunate, because I love the characters but it just feels like something is missing from this story.
There weren’t any big angst moments, but it still felt a bit surface level of feelings. Like, we know Drake’s drinking and cocaine use doesn’t get addressed at all, but what’s Sterling’s feelings on that? Just all a part of being in the business? We see it being addressed with Dante but with Drake it’s just not a big thing because he’s a high functioning alcoholic ready to kill his liver? Their angst towards one another never felt real for me, the confessions and love declarations, while sweet, never did either.
A side note that while there’s moments and hints of some BDSM, a lot in this book is on the tamer side so there’s not really any heavy BDSM scenes as some readers might expect. Condoms, even while they knowingly fuck other people, is apparently not a thing in this book.
One of the biggest things that bothered me in this story is that there’s really no women in this story. There was a potential for one when the news that Sterling’s label was merging with Drake’s and Sterling had a band with a woman in it who was lovely (we met her briefly in the last book) but she’s very conveniently out of the picture in this book.
The only other woman mentioned is Dante’s mother, who is Drake’s ex and who was his manager once upon a time. It’s been a hot minute since I read the previous books, so if this was mentioned before, I’ve long forgotten. But this woman groomed Drake at a very, very young age (since he was TEN), got pregnant and had Dante when Drake was SIXTEEN and she was THIRTY. She’s a sexual predator and I’m glad she’s not in the picture at all. But even here, Drake’s relationship with her is sidestepped most of the book even though everyone around him tries to address it and point blank told him that he was sexually abused as a child.
It’s sad that there’s basically no female characters in these books and the ones who ARE mentioned is between an ex-bandmate, Drake’s alcoholic and abusive mother, and Drake’s sexually abusive ex.
Moments I did like in this book are the times with the band and meeting the new bandmates, Saint and Danny, who will presumably be the fourth book in this series. We’ve met them before and while I do like Danny, I’m not a big fan of Saint just yet. So, it’ll be interesting to read his book, I guess.
The ending felt extremely rushed to me and I don’t like the new direction the band is going, even though I guess I technically understand it? For that particular character’s sake at least. It just feels sad to me though so for the sake of the band, I didn’t love that decision.
This book was a quick read and I loved returning to this world and seeing all the band members again. There definitely could’ve been more depth to the story, but I still look forward to reading the next book when it comes out.
February 25, 2021
This MM romance has a really intriguing “enemies to lovers/second chance” undertone & I absolutely enjoyed reading it. This book can be read as a standalone but I would suggest reading this series in order to get the maximum enjoyment of the underlining story. The continuation of the storyline from “Taming Dante #1” & “Collaring Chaz #2” into this one “Breaking Drake #3” is smooth & flawless & covers two opposing men (Sterling Crane) & (Drake Weiss), both of these characters are well-developed with unique personalities that are perfectly flawed but they continue to develop throughout the storyline. There is good support from the secondary characters.
There is: band rivalry, friendship, rivalry, drama, intrigue, suspense, deceit, devastating memories, strange attractions, attempted manipulations, blackmail, distrust, jealousy, domination/submission, emotional turmoil, devious intentions, complications, determination, vengeful feelings, affection, steamy scenes, contentment, love & a well-deserved satisfying conclusion. I look forward to the future books from this author series with great anticipation & would recommend this book.
There is: band rivalry, friendship, rivalry, drama, intrigue, suspense, deceit, devastating memories, strange attractions, attempted manipulations, blackmail, distrust, jealousy, domination/submission, emotional turmoil, devious intentions, complications, determination, vengeful feelings, affection, steamy scenes, contentment, love & a well-deserved satisfying conclusion. I look forward to the future books from this author series with great anticipation & would recommend this book.
June 16, 2022
Definitely not for everyone and yet... we have more than enough tame and normal romance books, why not have also more of the... other.
I was never quite sure how much I enjoyed Abernathy's books - it tested my understanding of myself, my tastes and kept posing that question of when enough is enough and where really is my line.
Breaking Drake is, just like most of his books, raw... crude, dirty. It's intense and not exactly for the faint-hearted or those who like them sweet and clear. Basically, hope this is not too big of spoiler, they pretty much fight and "hate" each other while also having these feelings under the surface so once they get together even though they were together several times, you are surprised but also not and it feels rushed but also too late.
Sometimes, it was too much, sometimes, it was just right. What you need is at least some liking for kink, tolerance for straying and patience for drama. Sounds fun?
I also should not completely discard the circumstances but overall, I am going to read more so saying I don't recommend this might be a bit... hypocritical.
But *dramatic voice* you have been warned!
I was never quite sure how much I enjoyed Abernathy's books - it tested my understanding of myself, my tastes and kept posing that question of when enough is enough and where really is my line.
Breaking Drake is, just like most of his books, raw... crude, dirty. It's intense and not exactly for the faint-hearted or those who like them sweet and clear. Basically, hope this is not too big of spoiler, they pretty much fight and "hate" each other while also having these feelings under the surface so once they get together even though they were together several times, you are surprised but also not and it feels rushed but also too late.
Sometimes, it was too much, sometimes, it was just right. What you need is at least some liking for kink, tolerance for straying and patience for drama. Sounds fun?
I also should not completely discard the circumstances but overall, I am going to read more so saying I don't recommend this might be a bit... hypocritical.
But *dramatic voice* you have been warned!
December 28, 2021
3.8
Note: I put off writing the reviews since January. I'm slowly catching up. So my memory will vary according to how long ago I read it and how impactful it was.
I don't remember the details but even after a quick read of the synopsis I instantly remembered the overall plot. This means I personally liked it a bit more than the average book.
I also only made two 'negative' notes (which means I was more focused reading).
1. Being the third book in a series, and not having read the first two, I'd have preferred if the other characters where re-introduced through actions and not as a list of names
2. And, as usual, I would have appreciated it and enjoyed it more if it was a book separate from the others. It really pulls me from the story when the other books feature all the other characters who happens to be queer too. As I said in other reviews, it's not that it's impossible, it's that they do it in so many series that it's difficult not to see it just as a way to have more ready-to-go characters to write more books about.
Note: I put off writing the reviews since January. I'm slowly catching up. So my memory will vary according to how long ago I read it and how impactful it was.
I don't remember the details but even after a quick read of the synopsis I instantly remembered the overall plot. This means I personally liked it a bit more than the average book.
I also only made two 'negative' notes (which means I was more focused reading).
1. Being the third book in a series, and not having read the first two, I'd have preferred if the other characters where re-introduced through actions and not as a list of names
2. And, as usual, I would have appreciated it and enjoyed it more if it was a book separate from the others. It really pulls me from the story when the other books feature all the other characters who happens to be queer too. As I said in other reviews, it's not that it's impossible, it's that they do it in so many series that it's difficult not to see it just as a way to have more ready-to-go characters to write more books about.
February 22, 2021
As usual, Joel Abernathy did not disappoint, because this was gritty, clever and heart-warming.
The chemistry between Drake and Sterling was unbelievable, sparks that flew whenever they were around each other. Whether they preferred to call it hate before they admitted it was passion, the tension between them was so intense and palpable that I could feel it from the pages. They both felt so real, flawed, dynamic and layered. Both had significant backstories that had my heart brake in sympathy.
So, this wasn't an easy read, but I expected nothing less from this author. It was the perfect combination of angst, moments of pure pleasure and the kind of raw romance that hurst before giving you happiness.
The chemistry between Drake and Sterling was unbelievable, sparks that flew whenever they were around each other. Whether they preferred to call it hate before they admitted it was passion, the tension between them was so intense and palpable that I could feel it from the pages. They both felt so real, flawed, dynamic and layered. Both had significant backstories that had my heart brake in sympathy.
So, this wasn't an easy read, but I expected nothing less from this author. It was the perfect combination of angst, moments of pure pleasure and the kind of raw romance that hurst before giving you happiness.
March 15, 2021
3,5 stars.
February 22, 2021
One of my biggest pet peeves with books billed as enemies-to-lovers, is that too often, only one of the MC’s actually feels antipathy toward the other. In so many cases, one party either is oblivious to the other, or is secretly in love with the other, and doesn’t want the rivalry in the first place. While this can be an enjoyable read, it isn’t really what I’m craving in a good enemies-to-lovers trope.
This book blew my expectations out of the water. Drake and Stirling truly loathed one another throughout much of their acquaintance. Each man was insanely attracted to the other, and they often couldn’t keep away from each other, but the high emotion and fear of being weak in front of the other was strong in both characters.
I loved that neither man really changed throughout this whole story. They grew older, and they grew in a bit of empathy, but the Drake that we met in Dante’s book is the same man who ended this book. He’s gotten a little better at being a father, but still not a stellar example. Stirling is just as selfish and aggressive as ever, and yet, they fit each other perfectly, and I love seeing what Drake and Stirling can do when working together.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
This book blew my expectations out of the water. Drake and Stirling truly loathed one another throughout much of their acquaintance. Each man was insanely attracted to the other, and they often couldn’t keep away from each other, but the high emotion and fear of being weak in front of the other was strong in both characters.
I loved that neither man really changed throughout this whole story. They grew older, and they grew in a bit of empathy, but the Drake that we met in Dante’s book is the same man who ended this book. He’s gotten a little better at being a father, but still not a stellar example. Stirling is just as selfish and aggressive as ever, and yet, they fit each other perfectly, and I love seeing what Drake and Stirling can do when working together.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
January 16, 2023
The proposal scene in this book has to be my favourite, and it fits Drake and Sterling perfectly:-
I crept up behind him, so when he turned around, I enjoyed the look of shock on his face at finding me right there.
"What are you—?" He broke off, and the look of dread came into his eyes as I sank down on one knee.
I had been debating whether or not to take the formal step for a while, but in the end, thinking about how much it would piss him off made the decision for me. The look of rage on his face was not a disappointment.
"Don't you fucking dare."
"What, taking over the music industry and sharing office space is fine, but making it official is off-limits?" I asked dryly, slipping a small black box out of my pocket. He stared at me as I opened the box to reveal the platinum band within. I had kept it simple, but there were still enough diamonds along the band to ruffle his feathers. Most engagement rings were symbols of love, and this one was no exception. If it also happened to serve as a reminder that I'd beat him to the punch every time he looked at his hand, so be it.
"Isn't it bad enough I'm stuck running this place with you?" he scoffed. "The lawyers have already written up all the contracts. Do you have any idea how much time it's going to take to rewrite everything to factor marriage in?"
My smile widened. God, I loved this man. "So that's a yes?"
He rolled his eyes. "Just get up. You look pathetic, and you know how off-putting I find submission."
I laughed, coming back to my feet. I took him into my arms and pulled him in to crush my lips against his, kissing him until he gave up struggling. Eventually, his lips parted to accept mine, and when I finally pulled away, his eyes were glazed.
"So that's a yes, then?" I taunted again, taking his left hand in mine. His brows furrowed as I slipped the ring onto his finger, but he didn’t stop me.
"We’re getting a prenup."
"Naturally."
"I'm not changing my name, so don't even get that idea into your head."
"I wouldn't dream of it."
He heaved a sigh, like he was struggling with the decision he had already come to as he examined the ring on his finger. “Is this even real? I’m having it appraised.”
“Your jeweler, or mine?”
He rolled his eyes. “Fine. If these turn out to be real diamonds, I’ll marry you.” "You're such a romantic," I said dryly.
"Shut up and fuck me already," he muttered
I crept up behind him, so when he turned around, I enjoyed the look of shock on his face at finding me right there.
"What are you—?" He broke off, and the look of dread came into his eyes as I sank down on one knee.
I had been debating whether or not to take the formal step for a while, but in the end, thinking about how much it would piss him off made the decision for me. The look of rage on his face was not a disappointment.
"Don't you fucking dare."
"What, taking over the music industry and sharing office space is fine, but making it official is off-limits?" I asked dryly, slipping a small black box out of my pocket. He stared at me as I opened the box to reveal the platinum band within. I had kept it simple, but there were still enough diamonds along the band to ruffle his feathers. Most engagement rings were symbols of love, and this one was no exception. If it also happened to serve as a reminder that I'd beat him to the punch every time he looked at his hand, so be it.
"Isn't it bad enough I'm stuck running this place with you?" he scoffed. "The lawyers have already written up all the contracts. Do you have any idea how much time it's going to take to rewrite everything to factor marriage in?"
My smile widened. God, I loved this man. "So that's a yes?"
He rolled his eyes. "Just get up. You look pathetic, and you know how off-putting I find submission."
I laughed, coming back to my feet. I took him into my arms and pulled him in to crush my lips against his, kissing him until he gave up struggling. Eventually, his lips parted to accept mine, and when I finally pulled away, his eyes were glazed.
"So that's a yes, then?" I taunted again, taking his left hand in mine. His brows furrowed as I slipped the ring onto his finger, but he didn’t stop me.
"We’re getting a prenup."
"Naturally."
"I'm not changing my name, so don't even get that idea into your head."
"I wouldn't dream of it."
He heaved a sigh, like he was struggling with the decision he had already come to as he examined the ring on his finger. “Is this even real? I’m having it appraised.”
“Your jeweler, or mine?”
He rolled his eyes. “Fine. If these turn out to be real diamonds, I’ll marry you.” "You're such a romantic," I said dryly.
"Shut up and fuck me already," he muttered
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2022
I have loved this series so far, and I wanted to love this one too - but it left me wanting more and not in the right way.
We have met Drake and Sterling through the previous two books and it's hard not to be intrigued by them. Alpha males who *hate* each other and make no bones about it. This book peels back the layers, but not enough for me to be fully invested in their story.
Here's what I gathered from the book.
When circumstances force the two men to have to put up with each other, sparks fly and they have to decide which is stronger- their love or their hate. I read this book quickly and will happily read the next book in the series!
We have met Drake and Sterling through the previous two books and it's hard not to be intrigued by them. Alpha males who *hate* each other and make no bones about it. This book peels back the layers, but not enough for me to be fully invested in their story.
Here's what I gathered from the book.
When circumstances force the two men to have to put up with each other, sparks fly and they have to decide which is stronger- their love or their hate. I read this book quickly and will happily read the next book in the series!
February 21, 2021
Breaking Drake Book 3 in Dantes Infernal series by Joel Abernathy, it has the drugs, sex, and rock & roll as the first two books but this time the heat is between the Managers Drake and Sterling as they try to bring 2 bands together and find a way to work together. These 2 MCs have a long history of love/hate relationship, of one up men ship, I love the push and pull between them the problem I had was with the jumping back and forth from present to past to explain some of the dynamic in the relationship, also the information about the relationship between Drake and Emily bothered me being we are talking child sexual abuse and leaving a 16 year old to be the sole caregiver for a new born I mean in what modern country would this be allowed even with wealth. I do love the characters in the book and how even with their issues they were able to find their HEA in the end.
this was an ARC and an honest review
this was an ARC and an honest review
September 8, 2022
I wanted to hate this sooo much... But I didn't. I have a Stockholm syndrome relationship with this series with it's perfectly imperfect cast of characters. That's the only explanation why I keep reading this. The gang is so dysfunctional they are weirdly functional if that makes sense. It didn't turn me into a sobbing mess like Collaring Chaz, and it wasn't a dnf like Taming Dante; but some passages cut me deep. I ended up feeling genuinely bad for Drake. Sometimes I wanted to throw my phone across the room. I hated Sterling so much because he was so fucked up, but I kind of like him? I loved the closure Dante finally got here. And I'll be reading the next one. Otherwise I won't be able to sleep at night wondering what I missed about their world.
Read
March 6, 2021An okay start and its great to get back into Dante's Infernal and the gang.
The beginning starts of with time jumps to and froing the story of Drake's life so far. Sterling's start does the same...until the book is at present time. I'm not a fan of time jumps into books. But Drake and Sterling have enough fire and chemistry to set the book on fire. I got glued to the story at whichever time frame but then it'd do a jump again.
A great enemies to lovers and second chance romance. Dominance play and BDSM scenes.
At the merging of the two bands Drake definitely didnt like what was happening. Yah I didnt like Dave and the story progresses.
This maybe not for me but I'm going to let you decide.
1999, Drake was a violinist for the past 16 years but had an enemy, Sterling who he'd hated.
Now Drake worked with Dante's Infernal at the studios and had a son.
The beginning starts of with time jumps to and froing the story of Drake's life so far. Sterling's start does the same...until the book is at present time. I'm not a fan of time jumps into books. But Drake and Sterling have enough fire and chemistry to set the book on fire. I got glued to the story at whichever time frame but then it'd do a jump again.
A great enemies to lovers and second chance romance. Dominance play and BDSM scenes.
At the merging of the two bands Drake definitely didnt like what was happening. Yah I didnt like Dave and the story progresses.
This maybe not for me but I'm going to let you decide.
1999, Drake was a violinist for the past 16 years but had an enemy, Sterling who he'd hated.
Now Drake worked with Dante's Infernal at the studios and had a son.
September 24, 2025
📚 Libro: Breaking Drake
✍️ Autora: Joel Abernathy
📖 Serie: Dante’s Infernal – Libro 3
📄 Páginas: 243
📱 Formato: Digital
💫 Género: M/M Romance
⭐ Calificación: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)
Opinión
De los tres libros de la saga, este ha sido el más aburrido. Siento que el autor se estancó, porque dentro de la gama del erotismo se limita únicamente al sadomasoquismo, repitiendo la misma fórmula de los dos primeros libros. Eso no solo me pareció repetitivo y tedioso, sino que también me quitó las ganas de continuar la saga, ya que el siguiente título sigue la misma línea.
Tampoco conecté con la pareja protagonista: el enemies to lovers estuvo mal planteado y los personajes me parecieron tan unilaterales que nada de lo que decían lograba transmitirme algo coherente.
Definitivamente, una de mis peores lecturas del año.
✍️ Autora: Joel Abernathy
📖 Serie: Dante’s Infernal – Libro 3
📄 Páginas: 243
📱 Formato: Digital
💫 Género: M/M Romance
⭐ Calificación: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)
Opinión
De los tres libros de la saga, este ha sido el más aburrido. Siento que el autor se estancó, porque dentro de la gama del erotismo se limita únicamente al sadomasoquismo, repitiendo la misma fórmula de los dos primeros libros. Eso no solo me pareció repetitivo y tedioso, sino que también me quitó las ganas de continuar la saga, ya que el siguiente título sigue la misma línea.
Tampoco conecté con la pareja protagonista: el enemies to lovers estuvo mal planteado y los personajes me parecieron tan unilaterales que nada de lo que decían lograba transmitirme algo coherente.
Definitivamente, una de mis peores lecturas del año.
February 21, 2021
Thank you for the ARC read, I voluntarily give this book an honest review. With chapters of the past you learn more about Drake, of the rivalry between Drake and Sterling, after all it didn't just start when they became famous manager's. When Sterling firm merged with Drake's they are both given the task to make a superband with Dante's inferno and the two remaining members of Sterling's team at a new Home base called the Hive. Tension is high between the two men as the past and present collided. Present Drake is still impossible to tame, but Sterling is up for the fight. Between the industry, Sterling and the band its know wonder Drake needs an out-lit, Wow just Hot as Sin, the scenes between Drake and Sterling as their kinker side erupted. I just love the boys and their daddy/handlers.
February 25, 2021
I haven't read the previous books so I can't attest to these men's previous character but Dante and Sterling were both egomaniacal and destructive but it seemed to bring out the best of them. I loved how much Dante was trying to improve and be a good father all while questioning his descions. Sterling was very trying and manipulative under a umbrella of caring and when stuff hits the fan, he should duck and cover. I do admire how consistent he was with his agenda but he was flawed but someone you can get behind. Dante was glorious in his indignation and contempt but underneath it all he was just wanting someone to love him despite his bluster. Sizzling chemistry and scorching action along with some righteous revenge, this book was amazing and so worthwhile.
February 25, 2021
Thank you for the ARC read, I voluntarily give this book an honest review. With chapters of the past you learn more about Drake, of the rivalry between Drake and Sterling, after all it didn't just start when they became famous manager's. When Sterling firm merged with Drake's they are both given the task to make a superband with Dante's inferno and the two remaining members of Sterling's team at a new Home base called the Hive. Tension is high between the two men as the past and present collided. Present Drake is still impossible to tame, but Sterling is up for the fight. Between the industry, Sterling and the band its know wonder Drake needs an out-lit, Wow just Hot as Sin, the scenes between Drake and Sterling as their kinker side erupted. I just love the boys and their daddy/handlers.
May 27, 2021
The hits keep coming!
Drake and Sterling's story has it all. Now, we get to see the reason why Drake was living his life through his son Dante. Drake was an extremely talented musician in his own right. But, his career was cut short by a predatorial older woman. I won't give away how it happened, but I will say my heart went out to Drake. His life wasn't easy during his youth. Boy, do I forgive the man for how he raised Dante. Sterling and Drake's relationship is deep and we get their full past and present story that blows the reader's mind. All I can say is, WILD! Also, lets not forget the band. They are still a bunch of talented characters with lots of mischief going on. I highly recommend this series . Be prepared to be thoroughly entertained. Enjoy!🎵
Drake and Sterling's story has it all. Now, we get to see the reason why Drake was living his life through his son Dante. Drake was an extremely talented musician in his own right. But, his career was cut short by a predatorial older woman. I won't give away how it happened, but I will say my heart went out to Drake. His life wasn't easy during his youth. Boy, do I forgive the man for how he raised Dante. Sterling and Drake's relationship is deep and we get their full past and present story that blows the reader's mind. All I can say is, WILD! Also, lets not forget the band. They are still a bunch of talented characters with lots of mischief going on. I highly recommend this series . Be prepared to be thoroughly entertained. Enjoy!🎵
March 30, 2021
This is a story about rivals and ambition. Sterling is a violinist in a very prominent conservatory. Drake is the younger student violinist who idolizes Sterling but yet wants to exceed him. As karma goes Drake ends up being a father at age 16 and quits to take care of his son. Sterling quits years later to become an agent for musicians. Drake also ends up in that line of work due to his son Dante’s band. Even though Sterling and Drake profess hate for each other, beneath the anger there is love. This is part 3 of a series that follow the band members lives and show they are more a family than a band.
May 27, 2021
It so weird after reading the other band stories. I enjoyed this one a lot.
Drake was never portrayed as anything more than a hard nose no shit taking manager for the band the who!e time. Never really knew his story. Sterling was introduced a little throughout the series but you never got to see anything but a snake. The back story coming out on these two was very cool. A good way with the flash backs. The harrowing and heartache of these two coming of age. The Animosity between them from the beginning and then learning what the driving factor that set the whole thing in motion.great ending for this series on this band.
Drake was never portrayed as anything more than a hard nose no shit taking manager for the band the who!e time. Never really knew his story. Sterling was introduced a little throughout the series but you never got to see anything but a snake. The back story coming out on these two was very cool. A good way with the flash backs. The harrowing and heartache of these two coming of age. The Animosity between them from the beginning and then learning what the driving factor that set the whole thing in motion.great ending for this series on this band.
October 1, 2021
Come THRUUUUUUU!!!!!!
OK! OK! Not going to lie I almost wasn't going to listen to Breaking Drake because of the hissy fit I had about Collaring Chaz..
I am glad I changed my mind and went on ahead and did listen because BABY!!!!! When I say the narrator Alexander Cendeesse (Sterling) acted a whole fool on here.... He UNDERSTOOD THE ASSIGNMENT!!! I'm used to him almost narrating submissive types of roles but in this one he was more dominant. And this book was definitely a pain kink kinda book so there was a double whammy if you are familiar with Alexander! I was very pleased!! Good job!
The story line was beautiful not wanting to give anything away. More or less long loss love type story line. Very eventful. 😍
OK! OK! Not going to lie I almost wasn't going to listen to Breaking Drake because of the hissy fit I had about Collaring Chaz..
I am glad I changed my mind and went on ahead and did listen because BABY!!!!! When I say the narrator Alexander Cendeesse (Sterling) acted a whole fool on here.... He UNDERSTOOD THE ASSIGNMENT!!! I'm used to him almost narrating submissive types of roles but in this one he was more dominant. And this book was definitely a pain kink kinda book so there was a double whammy if you are familiar with Alexander! I was very pleased!! Good job!
The story line was beautiful not wanting to give anything away. More or less long loss love type story line. Very eventful. 😍
February 21, 2021
Wow! I have really enjoyed reading Dante's Inferno series by Joel Abernathy, it has been an interesting all consuming journey reading about the ups and downs of a rock bands rise to fame. I have to admit Drake was my least favorite character but after reading his story I have to admit I changed my mind. As I started this to read this book it took a life of it's own drawing me into the drama of why Drake is who he is, wrapping me up in the story so deeply that when I finished it with a satisfied sigh he had won me over to his side, just loved it.
March 23, 2021
if you read the other 2 books these 2 MCs will feel like antiheroes, although Drake got more of a redemption arc than Sterling. Somehow it still...works? IDK, you love to hate them and they're kinda unapologetically not nice, but in that way they're meant for each other. I don't love how the whole Emily and Drake thing was skirted around but never really properly addressed. All in all, not bad. Better than Chaz's story, for sure. (Tentatively) looking forward to Saint's story and really hoping it won't be too similar to Chaz and Raf's story
June 14, 2021
Drake ended up transitioning from a villain to a slightly more sympathetic character over the previous two books in this series, so I found myself curious as to how he'd end up with his own happily ever after. He's a bit...prickly, after all. It turns out Sterling is more than a match for him, and even when these men are still very much "enemies," the thinly veiled care they feel for each other still shines through. Snark is a valid love language, and Abernathy highlights that well in this sexy, fun romance.
April 30, 2022
This turned out better than expected. Most of the book frustrated me in a weirdly good way. I hated the relationship between Drake and Sterling - the cruelty, the one-up-manship, the imbalance and the desperation to win at all costs. And yet it was somewhat intriguing in a voyeuristic kinda way. I applaud Drake's efforts at becoming a father to Dante and I really liked knowing the background of his early days as a father and all he sacrificed. The last few chapters warmed my heart and David's farewell was the cherry on the cake. All in all a much better read than I thought it would be.
February 20, 2021
I loved the first two books in this series, but this one is by far my favorite. The main characters are dysfunctional, horrible men, but by the end of the book you can't help but love them. It flows really well, and I read it in one sitting. I'm hoping Danny and Saint get their book. This is a series I don't want to end. I do wish more of Drake and Sterling's earlier relationship would have been fleshed out a little more, but the book was fantastic without it.
February 21, 2021
Reading this book is like solving a jigsaw puzzle - the story and the relationship between MCs starts out fragmented and a bit chaotic, but moving down a dual timeline (with clearly marked flashbacks), we get a gritty, raw and emotional picture of two men who gravitate towards one another despite everything and everyone.
The book was a bit of an acquired taste and the narration style took some getting used to, but it was a very enjoyable experience! I haven't read a book like this one before.
The book was a bit of an acquired taste and the narration style took some getting used to, but it was a very enjoyable experience! I haven't read a book like this one before.
February 25, 2021
i loved this book ,there so much going on Drake had a hard life then he meets Emily and she become his friend than mentor then manager then lover,,, he is only 16 when he gets Emily pregnant ,that night he finds out is the same night he thinks he has to prove better than a fellow violin player Sterling,,,, move 18 years later they meet again but all the competing starts up something different in these two .i read this book for this author for my honest opinion
March 2, 2021
This is a well written book with strong characters in Drake and Sterling. The author does a great job developing their story and pulled me in with the journey he takes them on. It's an emotional read with an enemies to lovers romance. He moves the story fluidly with his detailed and descriptive scenes and delivers a great read. Loved it!!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
March 20, 2021
I enjoyed both characters, they were flawed and both had an ego the size of mars but together I loved their interaction and ultimately their romance. I liked that we got a deeper understanding of both characters and how they ticked. The story was good and entertaining with sizzling interludes. Well written as always and liked the whole dynamic with all the characters. Good read.
I received this book by the author and this is my honest opinion
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