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Nova may have met the man of her dreams, but he’s not the one she’s been promised to.

Five years ago, I made a deal with the devil. My father. A ruler in this city who wields his power with an iron fist. He raised me for one purpose and one purpose only.

To marry a man he chose.

No exceptions. No alternate options. And no ability to choose.

in exchange for my eager submission when the time came, he offered me five years of total freedom to do as I pleased.

I jumped at the chance to experience that kind of life. Now my time is up.

Tomorrow, the man I promised to marry will arrive and everything I’ve built will come crumbling down. He expects my willing submission and rightfully so. It is what I have vowed.

My heart however…

After weeks of secret nights and promises not to get attached, I don’t want to walk away. When he learns the truth, however, I’ll have no other choice.

I slept with the enemy and enemies never forgive or forget.

My name is Catherine Novaline Cullotta and I am about to be sacrificed to the mob.

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First published June 29, 2021

25 people are currently reading
119 people want to read

About the author

E.M. Gayle

55 books783 followers
E.M. Gayle is the contemporary romance pen name for NY Times bestselling paranormal romance author Eliza Gayle, who finds it impossible to stick with one genre when there are so many more to explore.

As E.M. she writes steamy, breath taking and often intense emotional romance. She is best known for her Purgatory Club series, which is inspired by a goth and fetish show she used to attend when living in North Carolina.

When not writing, she spends most of her free time reading, watching way too much HGTV, riding her Vespa, or sitting in a dark theater watching the latest action packed or funny movies.

Want even more information and access? Join my Facebook group at:

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Latest Release: BROKEN SAINT
Coming Soon: FALLEN ANGEL
Current WIP: Fallen Angel

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5 stars
66 (58%)
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23 (20%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Profile Image for Carla .
1,676 reviews545 followers
September 12, 2021
I loved this book. This story was so great, the characters were perfect!
It’s worth the reading!
Profile Image for QuinnReads.
3,764 reviews215 followers
July 5, 2021
Absolutely LOVE!

I LOVE THIS WORLD and the characters! E.M. Gayle has created a world that she continues to build off of and I can't get enough!

In this first half of the duet that tells Nova's story, along with the stories of her secret Dom and her fiance from her arranged marriage, we see many of the facets that make up this enigma of a woman. She's mostly strong but sometimes weak. She's fierce. She's smart and naive, trusting more than she realizes - even if she doesn't outright share who she is and what's in her past.

Rock Reed has frequently appeared in the books in this world but now we get a chance to really see him and it's fantastic! When he's not laying claim to Nova, this hot dominant man is hunting criminals, including those tied to Nova's past and present but he doesn't always color inside the lines. 😏👊💥

'That dark edge to his voice I really liked. It was the first sign I got that he was about to lose control. And I really liked it when he lost control. I always reaped the benefits.' --Catherine Novaline "Nova" Cullotta


Last, but certainly not least, is the wildcard, Ronin Kavanaugh. He's dark, dangerous, and seems to have more secrets than Nova. This is not the bad boy you think about taking home to meet the family but tying him down in other ways holds a TON of appeal!

I am rooting for Rock but secretly hoping for a triad. Oh, Nova would have so much fun with those two working together to keep her in line! 😉🔥🔥💥🎉💚

Oh, and let us not forget that cliffhanger! I really can't wait to see what Eliza throws at us next with Fallen Angel.

I mentioned that this is part of an existing world. Many characters from the other books make an appearance in this duet. Even so, you don't need to read the earlier books but you will need to read both books in this duet. Yes, I'm just that confident in book two. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for benevolent bastard.
530 reviews300 followers
October 28, 2021
“Seriously, I had no business getting attached to anyone and especially not a man whose name I still didn’t even know. And yet...
Dammit.
I was headed for deep trouble.”

SOMEONE COME SAVE ME! I finally had free time and there wasn’t going to be any other option than getting buried in this book! So good!
Profile Image for Dar.
4,577 reviews94 followers
June 27, 2021
When Mafia intersects with Feds in a romance, well, that’s one of the best tropes! Add in an MC background on the fringes, and I’m all a-twitter over here. Oh, and an arranged marriage having an unexpected fiancé show up, throwing another wrench into everything, well, that was simply awesome. And added a hint of future stories with said unexpected fiancé. Of course all of this has a BDSM layer of dominance and submission blanketing it all, adding up to a story that had me flipping pages, panting at scenes, and right there with Nova as she tried to figure out what was going on. That cliffhanger of an ending though, that was pure gold <3
Profile Image for Kimberly.
1,219 reviews
June 30, 2021
Come along for a ride of a lifetime. Nova, excited daughter of a mobster, Rock a Federal Agent seeking his prey and the mysterious fiance come to collect his brides prise. Full of danger, shocking revelations, and diamonds in the wind. I love this story and the intensity of the storyline keeps you on the edge of your seat. I can't wait for the conclusion.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
8,951 reviews64 followers
July 1, 2021
Nova finds her self caught between two words the criminal woth her father using her as a pawn for an arrainged marriage to Ronin, and Rock a FBI agent on the hunt for blood diamonds. When Rock and Nova meet they both ha e their secrets yet when Ronin turns up it brings a lot to light but will Nova ever get a HEA worh the man she loves or with the man she's been given too? This book ends on a cliff hanger. Well written with a great engaging story and well developed characters. Filled woth suspense, drama, action, twists desires and more! Cant wait for part 2!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sua.
627 reviews
June 28, 2021
Raw, dirty, and oh so good is what this book is all about! I love the chemistry between Rock and Nova they pretty much melted the pages in this book. Throw in Nova’s fiancé Ronin and it’s a total party between all the drama and suspense that is happening around these three. Really looking forward to the next book to see how they end up.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,788 reviews15 followers
July 1, 2021
This well written story is full of suspense, mystery, danger, secrets and drama.

Throw in hot steamy sex and what more could you ask for?

A great read

Cant wait to find out what happens next.

I received an author’s copy and have left an honest review
Profile Image for Cheryl   Graham-Petit.
4,124 reviews26 followers
June 28, 2021
This mafia book has it all! Suspense, mystery, a great storyline that keeps you turning the pages, off-the-chart chemistry, secrets, and so much more.

I volunteered to review an advance reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for NanaX8.
2,517 reviews66 followers
June 26, 2021
Holy guacamole😳😯...a game of cat and mouse between so many factions leaves you on the edge, wondering who, how, what and when. And when the chemistry you share with the one you hope you can trust bites you on the butt you're left wondering where to turn. What a freaking mind game...loved and and cannot wait for the conclusion. ❤❤❤❤❤
Profile Image for Christine.
10.8k reviews34 followers
July 6, 2021
Arc review I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Wow fantastic story 10 stars can't wait for the next part. Catherine cullotta on her 18 th birthday goes against her father a crime boss and he disowns her and she becomes nova . now she is with Rockford reed Federal agent but she doesn't know really who he is but now her father is also back to collect .
Profile Image for Carol 27.
1,095 reviews
July 3, 2021
With her father’s deal soon to expire, we find Nova trying desperately to find something worthy enough to entice him into re-negotiating their terms. Failure isn’t an option. How would she possibly give up her freedom and the lifestyle she’s worked hard to build? To willingly submit to the whims of a stranger – one, no doubt with expectations similar to those of her father.

I enjoyed Nova’s determination and feistiness. She was not submissive by nature, but willingly so in the bedroom with the right partner. Enter Rock, a blend of bad boy/good guy with a particular interest in her and specific demands on her body. He was secretive – no names, no questions – and a frequent, nocturnal visitor. Suddenly there’s Ronin, who’s also interested in her, but for very different reasons. There’s not an ounce of goodness in him however – he’s 100% bad. I enjoyed Nova’s interactions with both men, as she quickly found herself pulled between the two.

The story is quite suspenseful with plenty of drama and angst, some violence, duplicity, and secrets along with several explicit encounters. After this ending, I’m curious to see who will come out on top after the dust finally settles. I’m looking forward to Fallen Angel for the conclusion to this duet.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tammy.
9,119 reviews50 followers
July 8, 2021
Nova made a deal with her father, that she could have five years of freedom if she agreed to marry the man, he chooses for her. The only problem is that she has fallen for another. Fast-paced read with loads of drama, suspense and sizzling chemistry. Looking forward to the second book in this duet. I loved it!
Profile Image for Amy Miller.
3,832 reviews34 followers
July 16, 2021
Interesting filled with some drama and some pretty amazing characters. Look forward to reading more!
11.7k reviews48 followers
July 14, 2021
Her life is one big complication that is about to get a whole lot more complicated...

Broken Saint is the first book in the Broken Saint Duet and it is a book that will take you on a ride and not let up. Be warned that it does end with a cliffhanger so if you don't like those then pass this by, but only until the second book is released and then make sure you come back and get them both. This is a Mafia story that has it all from arranged marriage, BDSM, suspense, drama overload, mystery, sizzling hot chemistry, family,. expectations, commitments and a lot more. Life is complicated for Catherine "Nova" Cullottta as she is the daughter of of a powerful Mafia Don who expects her to marry to benefit the family. She may have been able to get out of it so far, which has led to her having a no-name and no expectations affair with a man named Rock. But this arrangement is far more complicated that she knows as Rock is really a FBI Agent who is really looking for information on some blood diamonds. Things then get even more complicated when her intended Ronin, who dear old daddy picked out for her, shows up to claim her. But she has developed real feelings for Rock along he way and he for her in return. Yep her live is more than a little complicated and it is about to get a whole lot more.
I have to say that I found myself hoping that Nova would choose Rock and then later on Ronin and then back and forth I ping-ponged. I am now thinking that she should not have to choose between them and instead she should get rid of dear ole daddy, which would really make her life a lot less complicated. I enjoyed this fast-paced and very entertaining book. I am looking forward to the second book to see what happens next between Nova, Rock and Ronin.

I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
Profile Image for Dee.
5,103 reviews58 followers
July 21, 2021
The addition starts with the book cover….yeah…yeah…yeah don’t judge a book by its cover they say ….well we all do it and this one here it is the scratch to your itch or better yet the filling to your oreos! Speaking of filling…..wait, that’s for later. Within the first chapters you get the panoramic view of whom you’re dealing with!
Bad boy….check
Bod boy’s crazy brother/friend…check
Bad boy’s Kryptonie…check ….check and check
By the time you’ve figured out who is who and what is what, you’re already hooked, and you may as well give up the fight and prepare yourself for an all-nighter!
This is book is part of the Broken Saint Duet why just read one when you can start at the beginning and keep reading through the series it won’t be a waste of time. Let me start off by saying I HATE CLIFFHANGERS…..Now that I have gotten that out of the way let’s get started 😊. A marriage has been arranged for Catherine the daughter of one of the most powerful mafia don who has informed she will marry for the family (basically she has not choice or say in anything pertaining to her life). She decides to have an affair (no name/numbers) with a sexy as all get out guy who happens to know who she is the daughter of a don. Rock the sexy as all get out (no name/number) guy is a FBI agent wanting information about blood diamonds. We all know when fate steps in there is only one way to go her way so the chemistry is intense and the magnetic pull can’t be ignored. What happens when emotional bonds weren’t on the menu, and attachments certainly weren’t supposed to form. When her intended husband (the one daddy picked) shows up to claim her will Rock allow it especially now that love has reared her beautiful head and throws in yet another wrench into the works?
3,197 reviews
July 1, 2021
What a simply splendid start to this wonderful series, totally captivating reading
This was a simply splendid read and I know that like me you will be totally blown away and also totally riveted by this wonderful story, I hate giving away the plot to other readers and so will tell you about the book without giving away the plot to this wonderful book.
It seemed that five years ago there had been a deal made with her father and the ruler of the city that wielded an iron fist taking on anything and anyone who he believed might cross him or his business, she did not realise at the time that her father had one very important job in mind for her.
Catherine Cullotta had made a deal with her father; he was the devil and she knew that once the five years came to an end, she was then too turn herself over so that as agreed her silence and compliance would be given to the man her father had sold her too.
She just had not realised how quickly the five years of freedom would pass whilst she had lived her life as fully as she could outside the control of her father, now the day has come for her to meet the man she is to spend her future with and she knows she has no choice.
A bargain is a bargain.
This is a wonderful read and I assure you that once you begin reading you will be like myself and read this in one sitting, then you will be left looking forward to the next book in this series.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
46 reviews4 followers
September 20, 2021
Broken Saint is the first book in the duet. This book has a little bit of everything in it. It is a Mafia arranged marriage dark romance . Catherine's father is the Don and he rules with an iron fist, he informs her that she will marry the person of his choosing and she doesn't have a say in the matter, she is just expected to obey. Catherine makes a deal with her father that she will follow thru with his deal but in 5 years. She meets a man named Rock and begins a no names affair with him, however he is aware of who she actually is. Rock is actually an FBI agent who is seeking information about some blood diamonds. There are a lot of secrets, drama, suspense, some BDSM and some very hot chemistry. Ronin, the man her father has chosen for her to marry shows up to claim her and the drama ensues. Catherine has started to develop real feelings for Rock, but are those feelings returned? This books does end on a cliffhanger, but don't worry Fallen Angel has already been released.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,631 reviews13 followers
July 7, 2021
From the first sentence to the last, you know the shoe is going to drop - soon, on the next page, no the next ... I wanted to rush through this book to find out how it ends - but be prepared, the end is just a new beginning of more suspense to come in the second part of the duet as even more players enter the fray. Because of the adrenaline that kept me on the edge of my chair I would classify this as more of a suspense novel than a romance but the scenes between Rock and Nova are very hot and what started as just an anonymous affair is slowly turning into love, for both of them. I always like to get both POVs and the mix here is great for understanding the emotions of all the key players. Good thing the next part is scheduled for publication in August so the wait isn't too long!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,727 reviews42 followers
July 9, 2021
This is book one of a duet in The Broken Saint Series and it is Nova's story. There are so many twists and turns in this book that it has your head spinning and it is full of action. This story takes you in right from the first page and keeps your attention until the last one and I couldn't put it down as it kept you on the edge of your seat wondering what else would happen and omg what a cliff hanger ending and I can't wait to read the conclusion to this duet. E M Gayle is an amazing author and writer and she certainly knows how to weave a story that is so addictive. I definitely recommend you read this book but remember that you will need to read the next book to complete this story but it will definitely be worth it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,397 reviews9 followers
July 11, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this story. From the very beginning I was rooting for Rock and Nova, but then Ronin came along and I liked him too. As of now, I'm not sure who I would pick for Nova, maybe she could get both. The story was very dark and exciting and had me turning the pages until I was completely done. Nova is a strong and smart daughter of a cruel mob boss who was arranged to marry Ronin. She hates this idea and doesn't understand the electricity she feels when she is around him because there is no way she could want to be with him, especially since she is in love with her lover, Rock. Rock is keeping his own secrets from her though. The way this book ended as me eagerly anticipating the release of the next book. Such an amazing story!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Dawn .
567 reviews6 followers
July 12, 2021
Nova manages to postpone her initial requirement from her father to marry to benefit the family. Her time is up. In the meantime she has managed to acquire the one asset everyone is looking for. She initially begins a no-names/no questions arrangement with Rock. However, they have grown to mean more to each other. She may even be in love. Ronin shows up as her new intended. Nova tries to negotiate herself out of the marriage. However, everything comes to a boil one night and nobody's heart comes out unscathed. This is a great read. I got to the end and needed more. It definitely ends with a cliff hanger. I can't wait for the next book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,659 reviews9 followers
June 27, 2021
Great start to this series.

Rock sees Nova in a bar in her regular daily routine. Nova is a fashion designer now. The attraction is off the charts. They have an ongoing fling with no names, only Rock knows who she really is (Catherine). She made a deal with her father five years ago, but her time is coming to an end. Their feelings are heightening for each other. Enters Ronin in the picture; her fiancé in a pre-arranged marriage. This story reads like a puzzle. It’s refreshing to not know everything. I liked finding out the pieces as I read. It’s full of steam with mystery added. Leaves you with; Uh, what’s going to happen in the next book.
Profile Image for Darcy.
1,713 reviews9 followers
July 1, 2021
Great start to a series with dominant men of the FBI and feuding Mafia families. At the center, is Catherine Cullotta, aka Nova, who the men use as a pawn in their plans. Her father cares nothing for her except as a bargaining chip. The arranged marriage planned for her with Ronin is to bring two powerful families together. Rock and the FBI are looking for missing blood diamonds.

I loved the two men in Nova’s life, Rock and Ronin. Both desire Nova, but she has trust issues with both. Throughout the book, I couldn’t help but feel for Nova as her life is an illusion as she fights for her freedom to live her life. I can’t wait for the continuation to see who she chooses.
5,951 reviews30 followers
July 12, 2021
Wow what a great start to this book by E.M. Gayle. Nova (Catherine Cullotta) comes from a crime family, she was raised as a pawn for her father to use in his favour, his empire and the empire of the other crime family that has a male figurehead to marry. Nova was told after her five years of freedom she is to submit and be submissive to her husband that her father chooses without arguing. Now Nova had two men that she had feelings for, both dominant alpha males could she be lucky enough that one of the men is her future husband.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
203 reviews2 followers
July 12, 2021
Wow what a great start to this book by E.M. Gayle. Nova (Catherine Cullotta) comes from a crime family, she was raised as a pawn for her father to use in his favour, his empire and the empire of the other crime family that has a male figurehead to marry. Nova was told after her five years of freedom she is to submit and be submissive to her husband that her father chooses without arguing. Now Nova had two men that she had feelings for, both dominant alpha males could she be lucky enough that one of the men is her future husband.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,330 reviews27 followers
July 17, 2021
I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review. By the end of the first book in the Broken Saint Duet, I was torn between the men. Nova is a mafia princess that is promised to one by her ruthless father. She has fallen for the other and the needs he fills. There are so many secrets along with twists and turns. Rock and Ronin both have good and bad qualities. Nova finds herself stuck between obligations, rebellion and two men. I am looking forward to Fallen Angel and learning how he story ends

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jo-Ann Forrest.
2,959 reviews25 followers
August 31, 2021
So many twist and turns are the core of this captivating story.This dark mafia tale of Nova, Rock and Ronin will take you for a spin that you never saw coming. Nova is the mafia donès daughter and her father arranged a marriage to make his family more powerful. Rock, her secret lover and FBI agent is looking for some information on blood diamonds and the you have Ronin her intended. All work together and you can't help yourself but to like all of them. There is so many plots going that you will want to scream. However, in the next installment of this story we should all our questions answered or so we hope. I volunteered to review this story.
1,955 reviews
June 28, 2021
Secrets abound in this story, and little by little they are revealed but not everything is clear, we have to wait for Fallen Angel to find out. It was fun to meet the gang at the Sinclair again and to see the relationship Nova has with them after hearing about her in previous books. It is hard to imagine a father treating his daughter in such a callous manner but it happens more than we imagine. Even though Ronin is evil he does save Nova from serious harm from Luca, but for how long. So much to discover and now with that cliffhanger, even more. A great read!
Profile Image for LeMiliere.
2,907 reviews20 followers
July 17, 2021
Broken Saint is the first of two books by E.M. Gayle telling the story of Rock, Ronin, and Nova. All three of these characters are so well-drawn and interesting she’s the daughter of a high-level kingpin who has made a deal with her father - what that deal is I'm not telling. She and Rock have an ongoing relationship but once he discovers her ties to Ronin well.......

I loved the plotline it has so much suspense and drama as well as lots of secrets and intrigue but be warned as it's the first of a duo it leaves us all hanging and waiting for book two!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews

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