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Beneventi Family #1
Brutal & Raw
He wanted everything. He could have my nothings too.
My whole life, I've been running, living just under the radar. The day I arrived on the East Coast, looking for a new start, I found an end instead. One careless night landed me in the hands of a dark mafia boss, who wanted nothing more than to render me a number—to eviscerate my identity with his brutal mind game.
327.
That’s what he called me. That’s all I was to him.
At least at first, before Breaker Beneventi told me all his family secrets, trickled his way into my heart, and then ordered my death. He set me free, knowing the butcher would find me.
Now, I'm the girl who escaped. The one with the power to destroy his organization. And he's relentlessly searching for Lyla Vaughn all over the country, spilling the blood of innocents and losing his control.
But he's not going to find me. Because that's not my name.
From Bestselling author Sonya Jesus comes "Brutal and Raw" a psychological thriller romance full of plot twists, interwoven with dark mafia romance.
Disclaimer: Breaker's world is not suitable for all audiences! Venture only if you like thrills in the dark and have a night light.
My whole life, I've been running, living just under the radar. The day I arrived on the East Coast, looking for a new start, I found an end instead. One careless night landed me in the hands of a dark mafia boss, who wanted nothing more than to render me a number—to eviscerate my identity with his brutal mind game.
327.
That’s what he called me. That’s all I was to him.
At least at first, before Breaker Beneventi told me all his family secrets, trickled his way into my heart, and then ordered my death. He set me free, knowing the butcher would find me.
Now, I'm the girl who escaped. The one with the power to destroy his organization. And he's relentlessly searching for Lyla Vaughn all over the country, spilling the blood of innocents and losing his control.
But he's not going to find me. Because that's not my name.
From Bestselling author Sonya Jesus comes "Brutal and Raw" a psychological thriller romance full of plot twists, interwoven with dark mafia romance.
Disclaimer: Breaker's world is not suitable for all audiences! Venture only if you like thrills in the dark and have a night light.
323 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 23, 2020
128 people are currently reading
239 people want to read
About the author
Sonya Jesus
38 books1,114 followersUSA Today & International Bestselling Author of Romantic Suspense, Thrillers, & Dark Romance books.
Don't be fooled by the positive, unicorn-loving, bubbly nerd. Sonya writes about dark hearts, soul-crushing moments, and the in-between of moral code. In books, she spares no one from the emotional rollercoaster and the gut-wrenching turns, but in real life, she's all about the bounce—about embracing the change, using the hard parts of life to spring back up, and not giving up when things get tough.
Sonya's a sucker for romance, practically inhales books in her free time like they're oxygen, and nurtures an addiction to criminal psychology. Yes, she watches True Crime as a hobby. Forever a student at heart, Sonya enjoys adding degrees, accolades, and certificates to her roster, and is affectionately referred to as Dr. Paige Turner by her peers.
Her family insists she's smart, but they must not see her lose her phone at least twice a week, try to open the front door with the car fob, or toot brain farts on the daily. Luckily, they also think she's funny. But that's just one of the reasons why she loves her big Portuguese family, rose-colored glasses and all.
Don't be fooled by the positive, unicorn-loving, bubbly nerd. Sonya writes about dark hearts, soul-crushing moments, and the in-between of moral code. In books, she spares no one from the emotional rollercoaster and the gut-wrenching turns, but in real life, she's all about the bounce—about embracing the change, using the hard parts of life to spring back up, and not giving up when things get tough.
Sonya's a sucker for romance, practically inhales books in her free time like they're oxygen, and nurtures an addiction to criminal psychology. Yes, she watches True Crime as a hobby. Forever a student at heart, Sonya enjoys adding degrees, accolades, and certificates to her roster, and is affectionately referred to as Dr. Paige Turner by her peers.
Her family insists she's smart, but they must not see her lose her phone at least twice a week, try to open the front door with the car fob, or toot brain farts on the daily. Luckily, they also think she's funny. But that's just one of the reasons why she loves her big Portuguese family, rose-colored glasses and all.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
January 12, 2020
Holy SHIT!! If I could give thus book more than 5 stars I would!
Another outstanding dark read by Sonya Jesus. You know from the first page that you won’t be able to put it down.
You meet 327. Yes that’s a number not a name, she is on the run from the butcher. And from him. Breaker.
After having her life spiral out of control 327 finds herself in the worst place on Earth, a mafia farm. Where women are trafficked to satisfy the rich or the ones willing to turn a blind eye to it. But breaker seems different, he opens up to her but when she gets too close he has to get rid of her.
Breaker. Sigh. You want to hate, you really do, but you find yourself justifying his actions because somehow you can see he has a good side, the good side that 327 sees too.
Like with any dark Mafia read you have a bad guy and by god! He is the WORST. I won’t name him because it will ruin it, also you find yourself trying to guess who is who, and if they are bad or good or both! Total mind blown.
I can’t wait for the next book, although this ends on a good point, mafia never NEVER stay good for long!
Another outstanding dark read by Sonya Jesus. You know from the first page that you won’t be able to put it down.
You meet 327. Yes that’s a number not a name, she is on the run from the butcher. And from him. Breaker.
After having her life spiral out of control 327 finds herself in the worst place on Earth, a mafia farm. Where women are trafficked to satisfy the rich or the ones willing to turn a blind eye to it. But breaker seems different, he opens up to her but when she gets too close he has to get rid of her.
Breaker. Sigh. You want to hate, you really do, but you find yourself justifying his actions because somehow you can see he has a good side, the good side that 327 sees too.
Like with any dark Mafia read you have a bad guy and by god! He is the WORST. I won’t name him because it will ruin it, also you find yourself trying to guess who is who, and if they are bad or good or both! Total mind blown.
I can’t wait for the next book, although this ends on a good point, mafia never NEVER stay good for long!
May 15, 2021
Wow. This is some Gone Girl mixed with Black Swan and Queen of the South mixed in lol. When is the movie???
Deliciously dark and well-written. A chilling psychological thriller. There was no compromising characters or holding out on their true instincts. If you're expecting sweet, this isn't it. It's brutal on emotions and will rub your heart raw like nothing else you've ever read. At least for me. From the freakin prologue my heart was pounding and it didn't stop until the very last page.
Addie and 327. The courage and friendship between them is beautiful. Insta-attachment for me. 327 escapes and is suffering from ptsd, the anxiety she feels -you feel it. I wanted to cry with her, and just when i had to go to sleep, she 'painted the walls' and i cheered!
Strength... comes after the breaking point. And omg i was so happy with the twist
Deliciously dark and well-written. A chilling psychological thriller. There was no compromising characters or holding out on their true instincts. If you're expecting sweet, this isn't it. It's brutal on emotions and will rub your heart raw like nothing else you've ever read. At least for me. From the freakin prologue my heart was pounding and it didn't stop until the very last page.
Addie and 327. The courage and friendship between them is beautiful. Insta-attachment for me. 327 escapes and is suffering from ptsd, the anxiety she feels -you feel it. I wanted to cry with her, and just when i had to go to sleep, she 'painted the walls' and i cheered!
Strength... comes after the breaking point. And omg i was so happy with the twist
February 7, 2020
Not quite sure just how to rate this one, it was certainly different and unique with that whole farm concept but it was just really difficult to get my head around the whole shocking and dehumanising scenario.
I went into this fairly blind and if I'm honest if I'd know just quite what I was getting myself into with this I think it would have been a hard pass from me.
This was filled with things that stretched my boundaries way past what I was comfortable with.
So this is dark romance, not that I thought it was really a romance, in my opinion, this is more dark suspense there was very little romance here at all dark or otherwise.
Its told in a very unique way it's almost like a continuation of an ongoing story after the fact.
I think the author has done it this way to remove you from the overall horror of 327's captivity telling you through a series of flashbacks to try and remove you and lessen the overall impact, trying to forge a sense of connection but also a sense of detachment with the anti-hero Breaker.
Newsflash this didn't work for me I just couldn't remove myself from the atrocity's being committed here.
327 is completely dehumanised in this and while I found her strength and overall resilience admirable her love for Breaker was just so hard to comprehend not because she loves a monster but because I don't think that monster did anything that would actually make her feel that way towards him.
I mean throughout this all he did was lie to himself and attempt to get rid of the thing he perceives as his weakness.
This was all to stop his own personal feelings and emotions it was all about him he was just so selfish and weak-willed.
He definitely didn’t come across as a leader or someone to follow, he ruled by fear alone.
I actively disliked Breaker throughout this, I like a good psycho as much as the next girl but I struggled to find anything even slightly redeemable in Breaker at all, even at the end when he admits his feelings towards 327 theirs still no apology nothing from him at all.
So this did leave us with some slight questions which I imagine will be revealed further in this series. nothing major just some slight loose ends.
I did enjoy this to a point but I struggled with the content and as such my rating reflects this.
I won't be proceeding any further in this series as though excellently written this one was not quite for me.
So, unfortunately, this is the end of the road for me folks.
If you like your reads dark this may be a fit, I like dark but struggled a lot here.
I voluntary reviewed a copy of Brutal & Raw (Beneventi Family, #1).
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
January 26, 2020
So I admit I love dark romance so was really looking forward to this one. Whilst the plot was really good I can’t say I felt too connected to any of the main characters. I didn’t think Breaker was alpha enough in his role as a leader. At times he came across as really weak especially in how he was with Magdalena. I also really couldn’t understand how h could love Breaker so much with what he did to her and what he allowed to happen to other women. I just couldn’t relate to her and to be honest I found her pathetic and to easy to make excuse for him all in the name of love! I think she was strong though with how she handled everything else just not when it came to him. I also am not happy about the whole loving h and the being randy for ow scenario I just find personally it detracts me from feeling that his love can be genuine or consistent if he finds it that easy to be able to sleep with another woman. All in all a good plot but not relatable characters for me so I don’t know if I will read the next one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2020
Get ready to meet the darkness that is Breaker Beneventi .
This story is so dark and delicious, it will have your heart racing and your skin crawling .
Breaker is what Costa Beneventi made him, cruel and unforgiving. When truths come to light we see how cruel and unforgiving he can be .
She is 327, she has a name , but on the farm she is 327 .
Even after her escape her sleep is full of nightmares, and her days are full of watching her back .
This book has so many twists and turns it will keep you on your toes .
Sonya knows how to mess with your head with her dark exquisite words .
This story is a must read
This story is so dark and delicious, it will have your heart racing and your skin crawling .
Breaker is what Costa Beneventi made him, cruel and unforgiving. When truths come to light we see how cruel and unforgiving he can be .
She is 327, she has a name , but on the farm she is 327 .
Even after her escape her sleep is full of nightmares, and her days are full of watching her back .
This book has so many twists and turns it will keep you on your toes .
Sonya knows how to mess with your head with her dark exquisite words .
This story is a must read
January 17, 2020
What a story. A story that disgusted and terrified me, a story that shook me to my bones. A story that grabbed me and insisted that I devour every suspenseful and horrendous experience that 327 endured.
We get to meet the cruel darkness that is Breaker Beneventi. He’s frightening, confusing and scary in his unpredictability. And his weakness is 327
She doesn’t truly know her hold on Breaker. Even after her escape from the farm she still hasn’t slept properly, she has nightmares and her days are spent looking over her shoulder.
The story is packed with deceiving and cruel characters, the twists and turns are a plenty and the suspense is very intense. Certainly not a story for everyone, but a dark lovers dream.
I highly recommend this exciting book!
We get to meet the cruel darkness that is Breaker Beneventi. He’s frightening, confusing and scary in his unpredictability. And his weakness is 327
She doesn’t truly know her hold on Breaker. Even after her escape from the farm she still hasn’t slept properly, she has nightmares and her days are spent looking over her shoulder.
The story is packed with deceiving and cruel characters, the twists and turns are a plenty and the suspense is very intense. Certainly not a story for everyone, but a dark lovers dream.
I highly recommend this exciting book!
January 24, 2020
5 Stars
Wow!! This book certainly lives up to the title- Brutal & Raw!!! This latest offering from Sonya Jesus is a dark, gripping, and intense ride. The action starts right from the beginning, and drags you into the story kicking and screaming. So many times I wanted to shut the book and turn away from the bloody and violent details, but the story is so compelling I really needed to know how everything turns out.
The characters are fully realised individuals, with their own personalities, depth, and flaws. There is definitely a love/hate relationship with them, for me- the MC’s really messed with my emotions as I really felt for 327 and everything she endured. I wanted to hate Breaker and did at times, but my heart broke for how he became the brutal man he is. He is such a complicated mix and that is what both drew me to him and repulsed me at the same time. Then there are the supporting characters, who got as much development as the MC’s. Sonya Jesus unleashes the monsters as there are some totally despicable psycho’s to be found between these pages!
This book is not for the feint of heart- there are gruesome and shocking developments that will twist your heart, turn your stomach, and leave you reeling! So, consider yourself warned!!!
This is definitely a series I have to follow- so bring on Book #2!!
Thank you, Sonya Jesus!
Wow!! This book certainly lives up to the title- Brutal & Raw!!! This latest offering from Sonya Jesus is a dark, gripping, and intense ride. The action starts right from the beginning, and drags you into the story kicking and screaming. So many times I wanted to shut the book and turn away from the bloody and violent details, but the story is so compelling I really needed to know how everything turns out.
The characters are fully realised individuals, with their own personalities, depth, and flaws. There is definitely a love/hate relationship with them, for me- the MC’s really messed with my emotions as I really felt for 327 and everything she endured. I wanted to hate Breaker and did at times, but my heart broke for how he became the brutal man he is. He is such a complicated mix and that is what both drew me to him and repulsed me at the same time. Then there are the supporting characters, who got as much development as the MC’s. Sonya Jesus unleashes the monsters as there are some totally despicable psycho’s to be found between these pages!
This book is not for the feint of heart- there are gruesome and shocking developments that will twist your heart, turn your stomach, and leave you reeling! So, consider yourself warned!!!
This is definitely a series I have to follow- so bring on Book #2!!
Thank you, Sonya Jesus!
January 14, 2020
BRUTAL AND RAW brings the definition of secrets and family drama to depths you can't even fathom.
It came full throttle right from the first sentence and took me on a white-knuckled ride. The twists, trust issues that will form, jaw-dropping moments and family drama are just some of what you will encounter.
327 has a bucket full of secrets and even though she tried to not, her connection to Breaker is not as simple as you think when you read the blurb. Breaker is evil but the questions are how and why? Get ready to have a mind blowing experience.
This one is DARK, messed up and twisted into the point of shocking the reader with the possibilities of people like this might actually even exist.
The romeven side might surprise the reader too. Fans of dark, suspense and action that twists more and more as you are in it's grip will love this one hard.
There is a cliff. It's got me hooked and I need my fix. I received an ARC for an honest and voluntarily review.
It came full throttle right from the first sentence and took me on a white-knuckled ride. The twists, trust issues that will form, jaw-dropping moments and family drama are just some of what you will encounter.
327 has a bucket full of secrets and even though she tried to not, her connection to Breaker is not as simple as you think when you read the blurb. Breaker is evil but the questions are how and why? Get ready to have a mind blowing experience.
This one is DARK, messed up and twisted into the point of shocking the reader with the possibilities of people like this might actually even exist.
The romeven side might surprise the reader too. Fans of dark, suspense and action that twists more and more as you are in it's grip will love this one hard.
There is a cliff. It's got me hooked and I need my fix. I received an ARC for an honest and voluntarily review.
January 15, 2020
A mind blowing dark mafia story. An intense, gripping page turner that'll leave you wanting more. So twisted you won't see what's coming. A masterpiece in itself. You won't want to miss this book. I highly recommend reading.
January 16, 2020
I haven't read something this good, this well thought out, and this intense in awhile. Yeah, it was dark, but I LOVE DARK ROMANCE. The psychological aspect is so well researched and spot on! Damn i was impressed.
Breaker is badd ass! This is all about a new boss who is coming to terms with his new life and his new feelings. Breaker doesn't love, anyone. Or rather he thinks he doesn't. I loved his journey. I love when villains get a soul and having read this author's other books, i know this is the calm b4 the storm. Holy hotness, I can't wait.
It was emotional and I loved 327. It had raw emotion, it was beautifully written, and I had a hard time putting this book down. This author is all about the plot twists and they were phenomenal. I thought the women in this book were strong as hell. Kelsie... addie... crazy mags. 327 was what alot of people go through, and yeah. Some women fall in love with monsters.
Breaker is badd ass! This is all about a new boss who is coming to terms with his new life and his new feelings. Breaker doesn't love, anyone. Or rather he thinks he doesn't. I loved his journey. I love when villains get a soul and having read this author's other books, i know this is the calm b4 the storm. Holy hotness, I can't wait.
It was emotional and I loved 327. It had raw emotion, it was beautifully written, and I had a hard time putting this book down. This author is all about the plot twists and they were phenomenal. I thought the women in this book were strong as hell. Kelsie... addie... crazy mags. 327 was what alot of people go through, and yeah. Some women fall in love with monsters.
January 10, 2020
Oh my god this book will have you going crazy trying to figure out what happens next! Sonya is a mastermind with messing with emotions. I didnt know how I felt about Breaker, she made me hate him.... or did I? She made me crazy in the best way. I loved 327, I understood why she felt the way she did and why. This is such an amazing demented story, a must read for someone who likes dark twisted characters and the one strong enough to survive it!
Currently reading
December 3, 2020Follow the progress and check in for some sneak peeks into this darker series.
Ps. If you love villains, you just might hate falling for Breaker Beneventi.
Ps. If you love villains, you just might hate falling for Breaker Beneventi.
February 5, 2020
Brutal & Raw: Mafia Romance & Psychological Thriller (Beneventi Family Book 1) by Sonya Jesus
5 ++++++++ Stars
Oh my word!! WOW!! Not sure where to start with this review….
This is my second book by this author and I’m completely blown away, like sitting here trying to figure out what I just read. I have to confess that when I was at the very beginning I was a bit worried because I was more than a little confused as to what was happening, but that lasted about 5 minutes and then I was so fully immersed in this story that putting it down physically hurt...then at 5% left I closed the book and immediately went to see if the second was out yet because I was scared to death to finish it, I didn’t want to finish it! In looking for the second (which to my sadness is not out yet) I found the novella that came out last year..I quickly purchased that and will be starting that the second I’m done with this review.
No book I’ve ever read has matched a title more than this book! My mind is still all jacked up, there are so many moving parts of this story that take your emotions, squeezes the life out of them then twists them up and has you questioning so many things about how you feel about certain characters in this book. Then add in the twists and turns that have you spinning like a top and I’m telling you right now I feel completely raw.
I’m not even going to attempt to sum up this storyline...the author’s blurb is enough. I am going to attempt to convince anyone that loves to read to buy this book. I’d say buy the novella and this one even if I haven’t read the novella yet, I knew without a doubt I had to have it. Some of the content of this story was completely cringe worthy but that didn’t stop me from becoming completely invested in these characters.
I will be the first in line to buy the next book and will be stalking or I mean following this author everywhere waiting for news on the next!
As I mentioned above..Completely blown away with this authors writing style and the way she made me feel the emotions described.
PHENOMENAL!!
5 ++++++++ Stars
Oh my word!! WOW!! Not sure where to start with this review….
This is my second book by this author and I’m completely blown away, like sitting here trying to figure out what I just read. I have to confess that when I was at the very beginning I was a bit worried because I was more than a little confused as to what was happening, but that lasted about 5 minutes and then I was so fully immersed in this story that putting it down physically hurt...then at 5% left I closed the book and immediately went to see if the second was out yet because I was scared to death to finish it, I didn’t want to finish it! In looking for the second (which to my sadness is not out yet) I found the novella that came out last year..I quickly purchased that and will be starting that the second I’m done with this review.
No book I’ve ever read has matched a title more than this book! My mind is still all jacked up, there are so many moving parts of this story that take your emotions, squeezes the life out of them then twists them up and has you questioning so many things about how you feel about certain characters in this book. Then add in the twists and turns that have you spinning like a top and I’m telling you right now I feel completely raw.
I’m not even going to attempt to sum up this storyline...the author’s blurb is enough. I am going to attempt to convince anyone that loves to read to buy this book. I’d say buy the novella and this one even if I haven’t read the novella yet, I knew without a doubt I had to have it. Some of the content of this story was completely cringe worthy but that didn’t stop me from becoming completely invested in these characters.
I will be the first in line to buy the next book and will be stalking or I mean following this author everywhere waiting for news on the next!
As I mentioned above..Completely blown away with this authors writing style and the way she made me feel the emotions described.
PHENOMENAL!!
January 19, 2020
Left me with a feeling of umm, what did I just read? Debra @ Janise’s Jivin’ Book Blog
How this book made me feel is complicated! As is the story in its darkness, tragedy, and complicated love.
Our characters are all “bad” in some way. It is not an easy story to read or even fully understand as you are filled with drama and not a full grasp of who these people are with, too and for each other. It is not a simple, cut and dried story.
One of the best things about it is you don’t have it easy. You are left with what happens next and wow these people need some good therapy! I found myself stuck in it after a few pages as I needed to know what was going to happen next to each of the characters.
I can’t wait to see what comes next for the Beneventi family!
How this book made me feel is complicated! As is the story in its darkness, tragedy, and complicated love.
Our characters are all “bad” in some way. It is not an easy story to read or even fully understand as you are filled with drama and not a full grasp of who these people are with, too and for each other. It is not a simple, cut and dried story.
One of the best things about it is you don’t have it easy. You are left with what happens next and wow these people need some good therapy! I found myself stuck in it after a few pages as I needed to know what was going to happen next to each of the characters.
I can’t wait to see what comes next for the Beneventi family!
April 11, 2020
You know the kind of book you want to squeeze in reading at stop lights? This is that book. I didn’t of course because we have gone no where but I did read it like a fiend while walking up and down the road while my kids played outside. It’s action packed with twist and turns. I felt like biting my nails, crying, and screaming at this book. This is my first book by this author and I’m eager to get into more of her books. This was an amazingly engrossing book! I did receive an advance copy for free but in no way affected my choice of review
January 25, 2020
Brutal & Raw is book one in the Beneventi Family series by Sonya Jesus. Jesus spins a master tale about a woman horribly abused and yet drawn to her captor. This is a complex human tableau with psychological grit, nail-biting horror, and dark romance. A highly compelling story that pulls you in and holds you captive. I couldn’t put it down.
April 2, 2020
This was a great story. It was well written and fast paced. The chemistry between the characters was sizzling hot. This book has everything you need to keep you turning pages hot sexy men, steamy scenes and some conflict thrown in. I cannot wait for what this author writes next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 7, 2020
Never read a book as heavily loaded as this book before. So intense and dark.
The kidnapping of 327, the choices she has to make and always goes for the less worse of the worst. But is it less worse when you fall in love with your kidnapper? Must face all the gory atrocities to save your own life? And then she is released, but is she also free? Frightful moments keep coming back in her head, not a day without panic attacks. And the realization that you can't forget the man who did all this to you, you still see something good in him.
Such a bizarre turn in the end. When you think the story ends there is a cliffhanger !!
I would like to give the book 327 stars !! Highly recommended for people with a strong stomach
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The kidnapping of 327, the choices she has to make and always goes for the less worse of the worst. But is it less worse when you fall in love with your kidnapper? Must face all the gory atrocities to save your own life? And then she is released, but is she also free? Frightful moments keep coming back in her head, not a day without panic attacks. And the realization that you can't forget the man who did all this to you, you still see something good in him.
Such a bizarre turn in the end. When you think the story ends there is a cliffhanger !!
I would like to give the book 327 stars !! Highly recommended for people with a strong stomach
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 11, 2020
4 stars
I'm not even sure what I just read. It was more horror than romance. Yet, I couldn't look away. It reminded me how I felt watching the movie Hostel the first time. Even as it pushed my limits, I still have to give the author credit for creating a unique, alley disturbing, story.
I'm not even sure what I just read. It was more horror than romance. Yet, I couldn't look away. It reminded me how I felt watching the movie Hostel the first time. Even as it pushed my limits, I still have to give the author credit for creating a unique, alley disturbing, story.
January 23, 2020
Ok... I don’t know how I feel about it.
March 27, 2020
This is a very dark read and I loved every second of it. This is brilliant and has left me longing for book 2.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 3, 2022
Brutal and Raw (Beneventi Family #1) is a very dark novel in the Beneventi family mafia world. A chilling psychological thriller intricately weaved into this mafia world. The writing style is captivating and the writing is eloquent. The title fits the story perfectly as it is totally brutal. Intriging prologue begins the obsession with turning the pages. Twists at everyturn, shocking and unexpected. Characters are compelling and fully fleshed out. The plot will have you wanting this turned into a movie. How it ends, brings more questions and desire to read the next novel in the series. Sweetly dark, icing on the cake ending.
February 28, 2020
Holy Sh!t... I have just finished this beauty. My first by Sonya Jesus.
I remember reading the blurb and thinking GOT TO READ THIS! Read it I did... devoured is more like it.
‘BRUTAL & RAW’ is a DARK Mafia, psychological thriller. It IS brutal & raw but for a dark book I’d expect nothing less. This book is gripping. I’ve never read anything like it in storyline before.
Absolutely SUPERB!!!!
I remember reading the blurb and thinking GOT TO READ THIS! Read it I did... devoured is more like it.
‘BRUTAL & RAW’ is a DARK Mafia, psychological thriller. It IS brutal & raw but for a dark book I’d expect nothing less. This book is gripping. I’ve never read anything like it in storyline before.
Absolutely SUPERB!!!!
April 15, 2020
Wow! The title of this book is so accurate! It’s brutal, raw, twisted, and very dark.
She hasn’t used her birth name in years. She hasn’t been an honest woman or the law-abiding citizen that one would think she is when looking at her. She looks so innocent and a woman that lives the straight and narrow, but she had to do what was needed to survive and it wasn’t always on the up and up. Now she finds herself in the most danger that she has ever been in and she is no longer called by a name but is referred to by a number. One fateful day she finds herself in a situation where she believes to be her lucky day. Little does she know that she’ll never be free or safe, no matter where she hides.
He took over the family business, by literally taking the position. He can’t let anyone know the secrets that have been hidden in his family or his life will be in danger, and not only his, but the two people who are closest to him as well. He has so many secrets in his life. He doesn’t trust anyone, not even his blood. The day he sees #327 his life starts changing and he still tries to hide things. She brings out a side of him that he never knew existed and it could get them both killed. He can’t let anyone know that side of him and #327 has a hard time with the two sides that she sees of Breaker Beneventi. He’s a monster, but he’s her monster.
This book was so dark and brutal, and it gave me some dark dreams, but I loved it. It was raw, dark, twisted, and oh so good to read. I can’t wait for the next book in the series so that I can find out what will happen. The intrigue of whether these characters will get out of danger and find a way to move on with their lives and have a semi normal life is strong. For as dark and dangerous as Breaker is, his inner battle with himself about his feelings for Lyla (Mercy; 327) have given a deeper look into who he is and if he is human. If you like dark, brutal, twisted stories, then you really need to one-click this one and read it. It’ll pull you in and leave you exhausted but it’s well worth it. I give this book a 5-star review and can’t wait for more of the Beneventi Family. This was my first book by Sonya Jesus, but I bought Thirty-One Kisses right after I read this one so that I could read Kelsey’s story.
She hasn’t used her birth name in years. She hasn’t been an honest woman or the law-abiding citizen that one would think she is when looking at her. She looks so innocent and a woman that lives the straight and narrow, but she had to do what was needed to survive and it wasn’t always on the up and up. Now she finds herself in the most danger that she has ever been in and she is no longer called by a name but is referred to by a number. One fateful day she finds herself in a situation where she believes to be her lucky day. Little does she know that she’ll never be free or safe, no matter where she hides.
He took over the family business, by literally taking the position. He can’t let anyone know the secrets that have been hidden in his family or his life will be in danger, and not only his, but the two people who are closest to him as well. He has so many secrets in his life. He doesn’t trust anyone, not even his blood. The day he sees #327 his life starts changing and he still tries to hide things. She brings out a side of him that he never knew existed and it could get them both killed. He can’t let anyone know that side of him and #327 has a hard time with the two sides that she sees of Breaker Beneventi. He’s a monster, but he’s her monster.
This book was so dark and brutal, and it gave me some dark dreams, but I loved it. It was raw, dark, twisted, and oh so good to read. I can’t wait for the next book in the series so that I can find out what will happen. The intrigue of whether these characters will get out of danger and find a way to move on with their lives and have a semi normal life is strong. For as dark and dangerous as Breaker is, his inner battle with himself about his feelings for Lyla (Mercy; 327) have given a deeper look into who he is and if he is human. If you like dark, brutal, twisted stories, then you really need to one-click this one and read it. It’ll pull you in and leave you exhausted but it’s well worth it. I give this book a 5-star review and can’t wait for more of the Beneventi Family. This was my first book by Sonya Jesus, but I bought Thirty-One Kisses right after I read this one so that I could read Kelsey’s story.
January 23, 2020
Definitely plays on the darker side of man's insanity
Holy Ch it!
I was not sure what I expected going in but it sure wasn't the yummy darkness I discovered.
I will never look at gourmet pet feed the same again, I just wanted to share that.
The overall story idea was ... Wow
The Farm was a new concept for me, in the romance genre anyway, and I must say it changed the overall topography and added a bit more to the story line
We go back and forth a bit from present to past as the author builds the world and provides us with a bit of foundation to better understand the Who's and What's. I did wish there was a bit more detail. At times I felt a touch lost as to the why's. I am hoping as this series moves forward that is something that will be corrected.
The collection of characters?
Again Wow.
Each was so unique and truly molded to fit their part (almost, I had a problem with the main male lead)
Breaker, for me, lacked the spine to be a leader. I felt like he was lacking control I would expect from his position and he drank like a fish instead of manning up.
327 was a lost soul. She had the right idea most of the time but her follow-through was sorely lacking.
Butcher may have been my favorite character just for his insanity
I am looking forward to seeing how some of the breadcrumbs that were tossed about play out for our cast in future episodes
With all this scrumptious darkness laid out like a feast before me, you might ask why I do not feel fully satisfied.
It was missing something - for me anyway, I just could not connect with the characters on the level I would have liked.
It may have been Breaker himself that threw me - Could have just been me -I don't know.
I do however know I will be moving forward in this series because I need to know.
Holy Ch it!
I was not sure what I expected going in but it sure wasn't the yummy darkness I discovered.
I will never look at gourmet pet feed the same again, I just wanted to share that.
The overall story idea was ... Wow
The Farm was a new concept for me, in the romance genre anyway, and I must say it changed the overall topography and added a bit more to the story line
We go back and forth a bit from present to past as the author builds the world and provides us with a bit of foundation to better understand the Who's and What's. I did wish there was a bit more detail. At times I felt a touch lost as to the why's. I am hoping as this series moves forward that is something that will be corrected.
The collection of characters?
Again Wow.
Each was so unique and truly molded to fit their part (almost, I had a problem with the main male lead)
Breaker, for me, lacked the spine to be a leader. I felt like he was lacking control I would expect from his position and he drank like a fish instead of manning up.
327 was a lost soul. She had the right idea most of the time but her follow-through was sorely lacking.
Butcher may have been my favorite character just for his insanity
I am looking forward to seeing how some of the breadcrumbs that were tossed about play out for our cast in future episodes
With all this scrumptious darkness laid out like a feast before me, you might ask why I do not feel fully satisfied.
It was missing something - for me anyway, I just could not connect with the characters on the level I would have liked.
It may have been Breaker himself that threw me - Could have just been me -I don't know.
I do however know I will be moving forward in this series because I need to know.
February 13, 2020
Brutal & Raw: (Beneventi Family Book 1) by Sonya Jesus
5 of 5 Stars
Wow, I was literally hooked from page one until I turned the last page of this psychological mafia romance thriller. This was a fast paced attention grabbing book by Sonya Jesus which I could not put down. The story centres around the Beneventi Family, a dark, powerful and dangerous mafia family. We are introduced to a female known only as 327, “327. That’s what he called me. That’s all I was to him”. Breaker Beneventi a handsome, powerful but extremely dangerous man with a dark side and a damaged soul takes a liking to 327 and tells her his secrets, secrets which could bring down his whole organisation if she ever gets free of him. Having ordered her death she is let go. However 327, knows this is just another twisted way of Breaker trying to control her with fear, knowing that he will be sending the ‘Butcher’ after her. Breaker searches everywhere for the, on the run Lyla Vaughn, but is that who she really is? No spoilers, you just have to read this book.
This is more a suspenseful psychological thriller than a romance, any romance there is has an underlying dark essence. The book is packed full of great characters, even if you don’t and can’t like them, such as the main alpha character, Breaker. It has an action packed storyline which had me holding my breathe in anticipation in parts and it is full of plot twists which keep you guessing so it’s definitely not a predictable read. Jesus is so detailed in her writing that the dark, twisted and dangerous world of the Beneventi family and the mafia as a whole is bought to life. “Breaker's world is not light-hearted”, and I would say this book is not for the faint hearted either.
A great read which will have you up reading all night, I recommend it and I am looking forward to further books in the Beneventi Family series.
5 of 5 Stars
Wow, I was literally hooked from page one until I turned the last page of this psychological mafia romance thriller. This was a fast paced attention grabbing book by Sonya Jesus which I could not put down. The story centres around the Beneventi Family, a dark, powerful and dangerous mafia family. We are introduced to a female known only as 327, “327. That’s what he called me. That’s all I was to him”. Breaker Beneventi a handsome, powerful but extremely dangerous man with a dark side and a damaged soul takes a liking to 327 and tells her his secrets, secrets which could bring down his whole organisation if she ever gets free of him. Having ordered her death she is let go. However 327, knows this is just another twisted way of Breaker trying to control her with fear, knowing that he will be sending the ‘Butcher’ after her. Breaker searches everywhere for the, on the run Lyla Vaughn, but is that who she really is? No spoilers, you just have to read this book.
This is more a suspenseful psychological thriller than a romance, any romance there is has an underlying dark essence. The book is packed full of great characters, even if you don’t and can’t like them, such as the main alpha character, Breaker. It has an action packed storyline which had me holding my breathe in anticipation in parts and it is full of plot twists which keep you guessing so it’s definitely not a predictable read. Jesus is so detailed in her writing that the dark, twisted and dangerous world of the Beneventi family and the mafia as a whole is bought to life. “Breaker's world is not light-hearted”, and I would say this book is not for the faint hearted either.
A great read which will have you up reading all night, I recommend it and I am looking forward to further books in the Beneventi Family series.
January 27, 2020
WOW! BRUTAL, RAW AND GRUESOME - AMAZING!
OMG! This is one gruesome, gritty and very dark story. Definitely not for the faint of heart! If you don't enjoy reading about very dark and depraved subjects - this book is not for you. This amazing author throws us down a rabbit hole made for the highly depraved and twisted. She takes us on a very intense and dark roller coaster ride that's not made for the weak! Buckle up this one gets twisty!
This story about 327 and Breaker had me mesmerized and utterly captivated. I was caught in the claws of 327's horrific experiences and couldn't look away! For her to go through what she does and still be strong and fierce is amazing in its self. 327 is brave and she tries very hard not let them or her situation break her!
The utterly cruel and dark Breaker has a weakness and that is 327. Breaker is unpredictable, cunning and cruel. His decisions and choices are frightening and nerve-racking and kept me on the edge of my seat with his volatility. But Breaker's world is changing all due to his emotions and decisions about 327.
Each character has their own unique story to tell and I hope that we get to delve further into their minds to read how and why they became who they are. They all fascinated me from Scar, The Butcher to Breaker and his family. I could not get enough of their cruelness, depravity and the darkness that is seeping from their souls!
This story is packed with conniving and utterly cruel characters that will make you scream and rage at their gruesome and twisted antics. So many twists and turns throughout with a whole lot of suspense to keep you enthralled and utterly entertained. I highly recommend this exciting book!
OMG! This is one gruesome, gritty and very dark story. Definitely not for the faint of heart! If you don't enjoy reading about very dark and depraved subjects - this book is not for you. This amazing author throws us down a rabbit hole made for the highly depraved and twisted. She takes us on a very intense and dark roller coaster ride that's not made for the weak! Buckle up this one gets twisty!
This story about 327 and Breaker had me mesmerized and utterly captivated. I was caught in the claws of 327's horrific experiences and couldn't look away! For her to go through what she does and still be strong and fierce is amazing in its self. 327 is brave and she tries very hard not let them or her situation break her!
The utterly cruel and dark Breaker has a weakness and that is 327. Breaker is unpredictable, cunning and cruel. His decisions and choices are frightening and nerve-racking and kept me on the edge of my seat with his volatility. But Breaker's world is changing all due to his emotions and decisions about 327.
Each character has their own unique story to tell and I hope that we get to delve further into their minds to read how and why they became who they are. They all fascinated me from Scar, The Butcher to Breaker and his family. I could not get enough of their cruelness, depravity and the darkness that is seeping from their souls!
This story is packed with conniving and utterly cruel characters that will make you scream and rage at their gruesome and twisted antics. So many twists and turns throughout with a whole lot of suspense to keep you enthralled and utterly entertained. I highly recommend this exciting book!
January 25, 2020
Brutal and Raw is not a read for the meek.
‘Dark’ doesn’t even begin to describe this story. It’s gross and gory and evil and so twisted, I believed someone lied and there was no way this is a romance.
But I kept reading. (What does that say about me?)
Breaker Beneventi is the new head of his Mafia family. There may be crime families that deal in drugs, prostitution, and extortion… but this isn’t one of those families. His family’s enterprise is evil… and has a human cost. This is how “Lyla Vaughn” aka 327 becomes one of his latest captives.
The story alternates between Breaker and Lyla’s POV, but regardless, I still found myself stopping mid-scene and asking myself, “What am I reading?”
And I kept reading.
There are no good guys in this story. Kidnappers, assassins, and butchers, oh my! I felt a few pangs of empathy here and there, but they were gone by the end of the scene.
What this story does have is two strong lead characters who truly are the sum of their experiences, and none of those experiences were good. Despite being the captive twice, Lyla has a core strength opposite of the weakness in Breaker, but neither of them considers themselves redeemable. They could be right. This isn’t your typical “Stockholm syndrome” romance.
The plot twists and reveals were like WHOA! Thought I had things figured out but NOPE! And no way was I ready for that ending.
Strong writing and well-developed characters helped to make this a one-sitting read for me. Will I read the next book? Don’t know—not sure if my heart can take it! However, I definitely recommend this read!
Enjoy!
‘Dark’ doesn’t even begin to describe this story. It’s gross and gory and evil and so twisted, I believed someone lied and there was no way this is a romance.
But I kept reading. (What does that say about me?)
Breaker Beneventi is the new head of his Mafia family. There may be crime families that deal in drugs, prostitution, and extortion… but this isn’t one of those families. His family’s enterprise is evil… and has a human cost. This is how “Lyla Vaughn” aka 327 becomes one of his latest captives.
The story alternates between Breaker and Lyla’s POV, but regardless, I still found myself stopping mid-scene and asking myself, “What am I reading?”
And I kept reading.
There are no good guys in this story. Kidnappers, assassins, and butchers, oh my! I felt a few pangs of empathy here and there, but they were gone by the end of the scene.
What this story does have is two strong lead characters who truly are the sum of their experiences, and none of those experiences were good. Despite being the captive twice, Lyla has a core strength opposite of the weakness in Breaker, but neither of them considers themselves redeemable. They could be right. This isn’t your typical “Stockholm syndrome” romance.
The plot twists and reveals were like WHOA! Thought I had things figured out but NOPE! And no way was I ready for that ending.
Strong writing and well-developed characters helped to make this a one-sitting read for me. Will I read the next book? Don’t know—not sure if my heart can take it! However, I definitely recommend this read!
Enjoy!
January 18, 2020
Brutal & Raw is the first book in the Beneventi family series by Sonya Jesus and boy is it a dark read. Told from the point of view of main characters Lyla Vaughn, also know as number 327 and Breaker Beneventi. Lyla is caught up in a trafficking ring and catches the eye of Breaker who starts to develop feelings for her, but this is definitely a game of cat and mouse and Breaker can’t be seen as having feelings or having a favourite. We see this story develop from Lyla’s escape from not only break but also the Butcher (psycho) as well as how she got caught in the web and the horrific things that happen to her.
This is certainly a dark story so be aware that this might not be the story for you and it can be quite graphic and horrific in places. There are a lot of twists and turns in this story which leaves you guessing and it ends on a cliff-hanger. There is a lot of family drama, past experience drama and the story isn’t as simple as you think it is going to be. The bad guy certainly is a bad guy and one that you don’t see much redemption for and don’t necessarily agree with his treatment of female characters…but I guess that is also the point of the book.
This is definitely a darker read then I would normally read but it could totally be your thing. Be warned that there could be some triggering moments for other readers and should definitely be read by mature readers.
ARC received for a fair, honest and sometimes long review 😊
More of my reviews can be found on my blog: https://thehotmesslibrary.blogspot.com
This is certainly a dark story so be aware that this might not be the story for you and it can be quite graphic and horrific in places. There are a lot of twists and turns in this story which leaves you guessing and it ends on a cliff-hanger. There is a lot of family drama, past experience drama and the story isn’t as simple as you think it is going to be. The bad guy certainly is a bad guy and one that you don’t see much redemption for and don’t necessarily agree with his treatment of female characters…but I guess that is also the point of the book.
This is definitely a darker read then I would normally read but it could totally be your thing. Be warned that there could be some triggering moments for other readers and should definitely be read by mature readers.
ARC received for a fair, honest and sometimes long review 😊
More of my reviews can be found on my blog: https://thehotmesslibrary.blogspot.com
February 20, 2020
Brutal & Raw was a great very dark 5 star read and book one in the Beneventi Family.
All I can say is this title was perfect for this story, it was brutal and raw and I loved it! I was pulled in right from the beginning.
She was known as 327, they never called them by their names because they didn’t want to humanize them. But there was something about 327 that drew Breaker in, he spent time with her specifically and told her things about the family. Knowing that she was getting too close to him and he was feeling things he shouldn’t Breaker had Butcher do his thing, BUT she got away. She wasn’t supposed to get away and now she knows things that could destroy his family.
Now she’s on the run and afraid he will find her, BUT the name he has isn’t really who she is. Trying to find her is bringing up more questions than answers. The longer it takes to find her the bigger the risk. Who is this woman that has captured his attention? Will Breaker find her before she tells anyone about the family secrets and destroys him?
Overall this is a very dark mafia read that could have big triggers for some. There were some scenes that had me cringing and pushing my boundaries to a new level. I loved hating Breaker but there was a little part of me that felt for the man. He is as dangerous as they come and doesn’t hesitate to show who the boss is. 327 has seen something in Breaker as well, something that was good and called to her. The secondary characters were great. There are several shocking twists and turns. If you like dark reads than this is a MUST READ for you, it’s hard to find authors that are willing to really push the boundaries and Sonya Jesus is one of them. I can’t wait to read more from this author and series.
All I can say is this title was perfect for this story, it was brutal and raw and I loved it! I was pulled in right from the beginning.
She was known as 327, they never called them by their names because they didn’t want to humanize them. But there was something about 327 that drew Breaker in, he spent time with her specifically and told her things about the family. Knowing that she was getting too close to him and he was feeling things he shouldn’t Breaker had Butcher do his thing, BUT she got away. She wasn’t supposed to get away and now she knows things that could destroy his family.
Now she’s on the run and afraid he will find her, BUT the name he has isn’t really who she is. Trying to find her is bringing up more questions than answers. The longer it takes to find her the bigger the risk. Who is this woman that has captured his attention? Will Breaker find her before she tells anyone about the family secrets and destroys him?
Overall this is a very dark mafia read that could have big triggers for some. There were some scenes that had me cringing and pushing my boundaries to a new level. I loved hating Breaker but there was a little part of me that felt for the man. He is as dangerous as they come and doesn’t hesitate to show who the boss is. 327 has seen something in Breaker as well, something that was good and called to her. The secondary characters were great. There are several shocking twists and turns. If you like dark reads than this is a MUST READ for you, it’s hard to find authors that are willing to really push the boundaries and Sonya Jesus is one of them. I can’t wait to read more from this author and series.
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