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Before I Break #1
Bending to Break
Olivia Heart has a tragic past and a closed heart. Focusing on her fledgling career to become a lawyer she doesn’t realize a moment of kindness, eight years ago, would be the undoing of all her hard work to remain hidden. Giving away her plane ticket in an act of defiance, Olivia seals her fate to a man who sees right through her.
In the passing eight years, Luca Caruso waits in the shadows, protecting her with his anonymity, money, and four highly trained guards - repaying his debt. The repayment stalls when one guard steps out of line, forcing Luca to steal her away, to submit to a life of his blinding obsession and desire.
Olivia wrestles with her head and her heart, desiring her freedom but also the secrets from the man that stole her away in the middle of the night. Amid his desperation for her acceptance, Olivia begins to uncover his dark secrets and attempts to flee. Feeling betrayed, Luca forces Olivia to make a difficult decision.
To bend or break? The choice is hers
In the passing eight years, Luca Caruso waits in the shadows, protecting her with his anonymity, money, and four highly trained guards - repaying his debt. The repayment stalls when one guard steps out of line, forcing Luca to steal her away, to submit to a life of his blinding obsession and desire.
Olivia wrestles with her head and her heart, desiring her freedom but also the secrets from the man that stole her away in the middle of the night. Amid his desperation for her acceptance, Olivia begins to uncover his dark secrets and attempts to flee. Feeling betrayed, Luca forces Olivia to make a difficult decision.
To bend or break? The choice is hers
342 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 14, 2021
12 people are currently reading
1663 people want to read
About the author
A.L. Hartwell
4 books87 followersA. L. Hartwell lives in Nottingham, England with her wonderfully patient husband and sassy dog Lyla. From the age of fifteen, as part of an escape, she spent years writing short stories, accumulating them, and sharing them online. With a vast taste in genres, she found herself drawn to the wonderful twisty world of Dark Romance. When she discovered the freedom in writing within this genre, she delved headfirst into writing her first novel, Bending to Break.
When she’s not working or spending her time locked away in her writing cave, she’s reading, drinking tea, or obsessing over her niece and nephew.
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When she’s not working or spending her time locked away in her writing cave, she’s reading, drinking tea, or obsessing over her niece and nephew.
SIGN UP TO HER MASTERLIST FOR ALL THINGS ARCS, promotions and giveaways!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
September 12, 2021
"Looking back into her empty room at the spot we had both stood in, elation spread through my chest. Maybe we were not doomed after all." -Luca
OMG.
The book starts with such a bang, after Olivia is being kidnapped from her New York home. She's being sedated and moved to Italy by a hot, angry and criminal and!! Italian Luca.
I know I wouldn't complain, but that's just me, who'd like to be kidnapped by a hot Italian man to Italy 🙈
Moving on 😁
Any other sane person who isn't me, like Olivia, would object to this and throughout the book she fights him with a fiery spirit. I loved that even as she started falling for him she didn't give up on her values, and she examined and reexamined them, looking for holes in his story. She stood strong and I loved her for that, A LOT.
Luca..... Like I mentioned, I would've melted long time ago for this man. He was complicated and yet with simple wishes, angry and loving all at the same time. I loved him for always trying to be better for Olivia and I loooooooved when he spoke in Italian (THANK YOU ABBIE!!)
At the end though (since this is a cliffhanger so totally to be expected), all hell breaks loose.
So for now I'm dying over here and waiting (im)patiently for part 2 of their story.
Love love love this one!!!
OMG.
The book starts with such a bang, after Olivia is being kidnapped from her New York home. She's being sedated and moved to Italy by a hot, angry and criminal and!! Italian Luca.
I know I wouldn't complain, but that's just me, who'd like to be kidnapped by a hot Italian man to Italy 🙈
Moving on 😁
Any other sane person who isn't me, like Olivia, would object to this and throughout the book she fights him with a fiery spirit. I loved that even as she started falling for him she didn't give up on her values, and she examined and reexamined them, looking for holes in his story. She stood strong and I loved her for that, A LOT.
Luca..... Like I mentioned, I would've melted long time ago for this man. He was complicated and yet with simple wishes, angry and loving all at the same time. I loved him for always trying to be better for Olivia and I loooooooved when he spoke in Italian (THANK YOU ABBIE!!)
At the end though (since this is a cliffhanger so totally to be expected), all hell breaks loose.
So for now I'm dying over here and waiting (im)patiently for part 2 of their story.
Love love love this one!!!
July 29, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “In fifteen minutes, I could walk to work, have a shower, eat breakfast, but also be kidnapped, stolen, and moved without knowing it.”
What You’ll Find:
✔️Dark Romance
✔️Enemies To Lovers
✔️Alpha Hero
✔️Kidnapping
✔️Dual POV
Bending To Break is the story of Olivia and Luca. A connected past in a fleeting moment, and now danger, finds Olivia kidnapped and whisked off to another country. Under the orders of the man she showed a moment of kindness to years ago. A connection is formed. Feelings felt. Then secrets are unveiled and Olivia must make a difficult decision.
This one gave me some 365 Days vibes, especially in the beginning. It being an alpha hero, kidnapping the heroine, and whisking her away to another country. But after that initial similarity, I felt the author really put her own stamp on this story. And what a dark possessive love story it is!
“Your face, it stuck with me and that’s when this started.”
“What started?”
“My obsession for you.”
The writing sucked me in and I was able to breeze through this pretty quickly. Written in a brilliant way that everything was clear and picturesque in my mind. I did feel it was missing just a bit of depth for me. The relationship took off from kidnapped to steam a bit quick for me- this just happens to a personal dislike for me in general though- so I struggled with feeling the romance at times. It is definitely action packed, with an edge of suspense and secrets, complete with spicy lust and steam, that I think many will enjoy too! A solid story from a debut author I think has great future ahead!
“I was a butterfly and he had taken my wings.”
*This one does end with a cliffhanger and I’m curious to see if Luca can redeem himself for me in the next book. Those last few chapters were intense.
**Thank you to the author for the gifted copy for my honest review! All opinions are my own and given freely.
What You’ll Find:
✔️Dark Romance
✔️Enemies To Lovers
✔️Alpha Hero
✔️Kidnapping
✔️Dual POV
Bending To Break is the story of Olivia and Luca. A connected past in a fleeting moment, and now danger, finds Olivia kidnapped and whisked off to another country. Under the orders of the man she showed a moment of kindness to years ago. A connection is formed. Feelings felt. Then secrets are unveiled and Olivia must make a difficult decision.
This one gave me some 365 Days vibes, especially in the beginning. It being an alpha hero, kidnapping the heroine, and whisking her away to another country. But after that initial similarity, I felt the author really put her own stamp on this story. And what a dark possessive love story it is!
“Your face, it stuck with me and that’s when this started.”
“What started?”
“My obsession for you.”
The writing sucked me in and I was able to breeze through this pretty quickly. Written in a brilliant way that everything was clear and picturesque in my mind. I did feel it was missing just a bit of depth for me. The relationship took off from kidnapped to steam a bit quick for me- this just happens to a personal dislike for me in general though- so I struggled with feeling the romance at times. It is definitely action packed, with an edge of suspense and secrets, complete with spicy lust and steam, that I think many will enjoy too! A solid story from a debut author I think has great future ahead!
“I was a butterfly and he had taken my wings.”
*This one does end with a cliffhanger and I’m curious to see if Luca can redeem himself for me in the next book. Those last few chapters were intense.
**Thank you to the author for the gifted copy for my honest review! All opinions are my own and given freely.
January 10, 2022
This is A.L Hartwell’s debut novel and the first book in “before I break”. I was surprised when I saw that this was her first novel as it is amazing and seemed as if it was her 1,000th.
You hear from both of the main characters POV, Olivia and Luca’s. Each chapter is written from one of their views and it is written in 1st person. There are plenty of twists and turns for you in this novel.
Olivia Heart is a lawyer in NYC, she is originally from England, but moved to NYC around 4 years ago. Her parents died when she was young so she only has her auntie Sarah. Olivia attempts to call her as often as possible as otherwise aunt Sarah worried. Olivia is on her way home when she calls her aunt. When she enters her apartment and flips the lights on nothing happens. She tells Sarah she will call her back when she gets her power back on and heads for the fuse box, when she checks the fuses, they have all been taken out? Who would do that?
Luca Caruso is from Sicily and ever since he saw Olivia 8 years ago, he has wanted to repay her kindness by protecting her in the shadows. Until his hand is forced when he receives a threat, he has to take her and keep her safe. Luca is a jealous, possessive guy with lots of money and power. He struggles with trusting people and doesn’t know if he can trust Olivia yet with the truth.
During this novel Olivia is struggling to know who to trust and what to follow, her head or her heart. She does find Luca attractive but, why is she attracted to someone who has stolen her life and freedom from her?
Luca is trying to be patient with Olivia and is trying to give her more freedom but the threat is still alive and he can’t risk anything happening.
I throughly enjoyed this story and cannot wait for book 2 to be released. If you like a dark romance story you will love this book. This is one of the best books that I have read this year and will definitely read it again as I cannot get this book out of my head.
You hear from both of the main characters POV, Olivia and Luca’s. Each chapter is written from one of their views and it is written in 1st person. There are plenty of twists and turns for you in this novel.
Olivia Heart is a lawyer in NYC, she is originally from England, but moved to NYC around 4 years ago. Her parents died when she was young so she only has her auntie Sarah. Olivia attempts to call her as often as possible as otherwise aunt Sarah worried. Olivia is on her way home when she calls her aunt. When she enters her apartment and flips the lights on nothing happens. She tells Sarah she will call her back when she gets her power back on and heads for the fuse box, when she checks the fuses, they have all been taken out? Who would do that?
Luca Caruso is from Sicily and ever since he saw Olivia 8 years ago, he has wanted to repay her kindness by protecting her in the shadows. Until his hand is forced when he receives a threat, he has to take her and keep her safe. Luca is a jealous, possessive guy with lots of money and power. He struggles with trusting people and doesn’t know if he can trust Olivia yet with the truth.
During this novel Olivia is struggling to know who to trust and what to follow, her head or her heart. She does find Luca attractive but, why is she attracted to someone who has stolen her life and freedom from her?
Luca is trying to be patient with Olivia and is trying to give her more freedom but the threat is still alive and he can’t risk anything happening.
I throughly enjoyed this story and cannot wait for book 2 to be released. If you like a dark romance story you will love this book. This is one of the best books that I have read this year and will definitely read it again as I cannot get this book out of my head.
September 18, 2022
I could not put this book down! This is a dark romance with a 'falling in love with your kidnapper' trope. I know they are not really believable/realistic, but I actually enjoyed it! If you love enemies-to-lovers, then I think you will like this! It has a dual POV with the two MCs, and it does end in a CLIFFHANGER. 😭 This book has made me a fan of dark romances, and I can't wait to read the next book so I can get some answers! I recommend this to anyone looking for a dark romance that isn't too 'dark'!
July 24, 2021
Bending To Break is a debut novel by AL Hartwell and overall I was extremely impressed. Abbie can write exceptionally well and you are drawn into the story of Olivia and Luca from the start.
Although the subject matter is dark, alpha kidnapping the heroine, the book itself isn’t really dark. It’s very tame from some dark reads I’ve read, so if you want to venture into the darker side of romance, Bending to Break is a very good start!
This story did give me some 365 days vibes aka a brooding Italian alpha kidnapping a woman that he has become obsessed with for some years. There is background to Olivia and Luca, having met in the past. But from this chance encounter, Olivia has no idea the depths of Lucas obsession with her.
Abbie is an excellent descriptive writer too, so I could imagine scenes well in my head and it’s pure escapism. You felt the tension between Olivia and Luca and that was written well too. My only little issue is that the story does get a bit slow mid-way and I found myself needing something to happen, but it does pick up.
Bending To Break is told in duel POV. It does leave you on a cliffhanger, eeeeeeek 😱
When I want to love Luca, those feelings are thrown out the door during the last couple of chapters, I don’t know what to think - I need to know what happens lol
So a good solid 4 ⭐️ from me, well done Abbie!
Although the subject matter is dark, alpha kidnapping the heroine, the book itself isn’t really dark. It’s very tame from some dark reads I’ve read, so if you want to venture into the darker side of romance, Bending to Break is a very good start!
This story did give me some 365 days vibes aka a brooding Italian alpha kidnapping a woman that he has become obsessed with for some years. There is background to Olivia and Luca, having met in the past. But from this chance encounter, Olivia has no idea the depths of Lucas obsession with her.
Abbie is an excellent descriptive writer too, so I could imagine scenes well in my head and it’s pure escapism. You felt the tension between Olivia and Luca and that was written well too. My only little issue is that the story does get a bit slow mid-way and I found myself needing something to happen, but it does pick up.
Bending To Break is told in duel POV. It does leave you on a cliffhanger, eeeeeeek 😱
When I want to love Luca, those feelings are thrown out the door during the last couple of chapters, I don’t know what to think - I need to know what happens lol
So a good solid 4 ⭐️ from me, well done Abbie!
November 3, 2021
Olivia is a criminal lawyer. On returning home one night she is kidnapped and taken to Sicily. She has been kidnapped by Luca Caruso who has been watching her from afar for the last 8 years, but something has changed so he decides to quite literally take Olivia. Why has Luca kidnapped Olivia?
I was looking forward to this book as soon as I saw the book tour e-mail and I wasn’t disappointed. It was compulsive reading and I finished the book within 24 hours. The storyline was brilliant and well written. This isn’t just a normal romance and has so many layers to the story which is slowly revealed the more you read. Olivia is a strong character. She’s feisty, knows how to read people including Luca and is defiant. But the more time that she spends with Luca the more she starts to soften to him and her feelings become conflicted. Luca was his work cut out for him when he realises that Olivia won’t be as easy to control as he thinks. As for Luca, the description of him is just wow. Luca likes to be in control and is use to people doing what he says, but with Olivia, she takes that control away and isn’t easily persuaded by anyone. The chemistry between Luca and Olivia was off the chart and the scenes between them were steamy and intense.
Whilst reading the last few chapters I was literally holding my breath. As for that cliff hanger, I wasn’t expecting it at all and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series to see what happens next to Olivia and Luca. This is the author’s debut novel and she has done an amazing job.
A story filled with romance, suspense and intrigue.
I was looking forward to this book as soon as I saw the book tour e-mail and I wasn’t disappointed. It was compulsive reading and I finished the book within 24 hours. The storyline was brilliant and well written. This isn’t just a normal romance and has so many layers to the story which is slowly revealed the more you read. Olivia is a strong character. She’s feisty, knows how to read people including Luca and is defiant. But the more time that she spends with Luca the more she starts to soften to him and her feelings become conflicted. Luca was his work cut out for him when he realises that Olivia won’t be as easy to control as he thinks. As for Luca, the description of him is just wow. Luca likes to be in control and is use to people doing what he says, but with Olivia, she takes that control away and isn’t easily persuaded by anyone. The chemistry between Luca and Olivia was off the chart and the scenes between them were steamy and intense.
Whilst reading the last few chapters I was literally holding my breath. As for that cliff hanger, I wasn’t expecting it at all and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series to see what happens next to Olivia and Luca. This is the author’s debut novel and she has done an amazing job.
A story filled with romance, suspense and intrigue.
November 28, 2021
I received an advance review copy from BookSirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I found it hard to relate to the characters in this novel. It is a story that is full of darkness, mystery and suspense, but, for me, the author never really dragged me into the characters lives. I just felt the mystery was overdone, and became confusing at times. This book also ends on a cliff hanger, so you will need to read more before getting any type of answers that make sense.
I found it hard to relate to the characters in this novel. It is a story that is full of darkness, mystery and suspense, but, for me, the author never really dragged me into the characters lives. I just felt the mystery was overdone, and became confusing at times. This book also ends on a cliff hanger, so you will need to read more before getting any type of answers that make sense.
November 7, 2021
Thank you to @lovebookstours for gifting me this book and having me on the tour🙊
I was actually shocked at how much I ended liking this book! The first section was very fast paced and gave me 365 vibes, but then as the book progressed and the characters started to get to know each other more, my enjoyment of the book increased! I really liked Olivia who is the main girl in this book. She is so headstrong and sassy, but isn’t really a match for Luca who kidnaps her one night😅
This book does leave on a cliffhanger and I’m looking forward to jump into the next one to see where our pair ends up🙊
I was actually shocked at how much I ended liking this book! The first section was very fast paced and gave me 365 vibes, but then as the book progressed and the characters started to get to know each other more, my enjoyment of the book increased! I really liked Olivia who is the main girl in this book. She is so headstrong and sassy, but isn’t really a match for Luca who kidnaps her one night😅
This book does leave on a cliffhanger and I’m looking forward to jump into the next one to see where our pair ends up🙊
June 12, 2022
» 2'5 ★ «
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Thanks to A.L. Hartwell, Kingston Publishing Company and Books Sirens for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review <3
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⤞ Plot, narrative and structure.
The story gets off to a strong start.
Personally, I'm not a big fan of this kind of plots, the Stockholm syndrome is not to my taste (and it shouldn't be to anyone else's, but hey). The plot is quite fast-paced and light, simple to tell the truth. I found myself reading a new book, but it felt like everything in there I'd read before. It's pretty generic.
What made it level up to two stars was the ending. It wasn't something I was expecting and it surprised me. Also, the cliffhanger worked very well to turn the attention to the second book.
⤞ Characters.
ㅤㅤㅤ⁍ Olivia (♀): She is introduced to us as a girlboss, trying to make her way in New York as a young lawyer with lots of aspirations, until our mmc comes along to spoil her plans. I don't have much of a problem with her, except frustration and how annoyed I felt with her at certain points.
Still, I feel it reflects very well what the Stockholm Syndrome is as a psychological disease. Yes, it romanticizes it; because that is part of the same pathology, romanticizing the captor for certain actions and ignoring the red flags that flood the entire situation.
At least for that part, I liked how the author developed the story.
I liked how her story ended in this first book, and I hope she doesn't disappoint in the following books.
ㅤㅤㅤ⁍ Luca (♂): This guy... Anyway. It's just too much everything, too possessive, too manipulative, horrifying, no it just doesn't work as mmc.
If the author's goal was to make us detest him, well, she achieved it, he is a creepy character. There's no charisma in him. I swear, even the girl who attended to Olivia in the lingerie store entertained me more.
As a mafia boss (or whatever), he doesn't work, he doesn't have that aura of leadership that I've read about in other characters. His only personality trait is that he is OBSESSED with Olivia and has convinced himself, the crazy guy, that he must protect her.
With every dialogue he said, I liked him worse and found him more unlikeable. I don't like him and I never will.
--
Anyway, the other characters are not very important to tell the truth. If Olivia taught me anything, it's that I shouldn't be nice to just any stranger. Yes, that.
⤞ Forget your moral convictions.
Like any dark romance book, if you want to enjoy it leave behind your feminism, your commitments, your social responsibility. I did and even so, it was not to my complete liking.
Anyway, you know that there is no dispute about taste. This is just my opinion and it doesn't have to be the same as yours.
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For me, it got off on the wrong foot right from the start. I didn't like the plot that much, although I did like the conclusion of the first book. The characters, with the exception of Olive, have little (or no) development and I didn't like them either.
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Thanks to A.L. Hartwell, Kingston Publishing Company and Books Sirens for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review <3
ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ━━━━━━••✦✦••━━━━━━
⤞ Plot, narrative and structure.
The story gets off to a strong start.
Personally, I'm not a big fan of this kind of plots, the Stockholm syndrome is not to my taste (and it shouldn't be to anyone else's, but hey). The plot is quite fast-paced and light, simple to tell the truth. I found myself reading a new book, but it felt like everything in there I'd read before. It's pretty generic.
What made it level up to two stars was the ending. It wasn't something I was expecting and it surprised me. Also, the cliffhanger worked very well to turn the attention to the second book.
⤞ Characters.
ㅤㅤㅤ⁍ Olivia (♀): She is introduced to us as a girlboss, trying to make her way in New York as a young lawyer with lots of aspirations, until our mmc comes along to spoil her plans. I don't have much of a problem with her, except frustration and how annoyed I felt with her at certain points.
Still, I feel it reflects very well what the Stockholm Syndrome is as a psychological disease. Yes, it romanticizes it; because that is part of the same pathology, romanticizing the captor for certain actions and ignoring the red flags that flood the entire situation.
At least for that part, I liked how the author developed the story.
I liked how her story ended in this first book, and I hope she doesn't disappoint in the following books.
ㅤㅤㅤ⁍ Luca (♂): This guy... Anyway. It's just too much everything, too possessive, too manipulative, horrifying, no it just doesn't work as mmc.
If the author's goal was to make us detest him, well, she achieved it, he is a creepy character. There's no charisma in him. I swear, even the girl who attended to Olivia in the lingerie store entertained me more.
As a mafia boss (or whatever), he doesn't work, he doesn't have that aura of leadership that I've read about in other characters. His only personality trait is that he is OBSESSED with Olivia and has convinced himself, the crazy guy, that he must protect her.
With every dialogue he said, I liked him worse and found him more unlikeable. I don't like him and I never will.
--
Anyway, the other characters are not very important to tell the truth. If Olivia taught me anything, it's that I shouldn't be nice to just any stranger. Yes, that.
⤞ Forget your moral convictions.
Like any dark romance book, if you want to enjoy it leave behind your feminism, your commitments, your social responsibility. I did and even so, it was not to my complete liking.
Anyway, you know that there is no dispute about taste. This is just my opinion and it doesn't have to be the same as yours.
ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ━━━━━━••✦✦••━━━━━━
For me, it got off on the wrong foot right from the start. I didn't like the plot that much, although I did like the conclusion of the first book. The characters, with the exception of Olive, have little (or no) development and I didn't like them either.
November 2, 2021
Bending to Break is the amazing first book in a new series by debut author AL Hartwell involving dark romance, kidnapping and a hot Italian alpha male called Luca. If you loved 365 Days on Netflix then you’re going to love this.
Poor Olivia is kidnapped from her home in New York and taken to Italy by a handsome, brooding, caring and somewhat angry, Italian criminal and from there it heats up between them as Olivia starts to fall for him as much as she does try to ignore her feelings and fights against her attraction to her kidnapper. It transpires that Olivia and Luca have briefly met before around eight years ago and he’s been obsessing over her ever since.
The plot flows very nicely throughout the book and I really enjoyed have dual POVs as much as I adored Oliva and wanted to see how she was coping, I desperately wanted to be inside Luca’s head and see everything from his POV. I thought Abbie did a wonderful job describing everything and setting the scenes in the book, I could see everything vividly in my head as I read along and it always left me wanting more.
Is Luca a psychotic kidnapper obsessed with having someone? Or is there a darker threat behind all of this and he was forced to kidnap her to keep her safe? Will Luca and Olivia be able to overcome everything in that dang cliff hanger ending? You’ll have to read the book yourself to find out!
The only thing I didn’t like about this book? That dang cliff hanger of an ending!! Are you kidding me Abbie?! Give me the second book right now.
Poor Olivia is kidnapped from her home in New York and taken to Italy by a handsome, brooding, caring and somewhat angry, Italian criminal and from there it heats up between them as Olivia starts to fall for him as much as she does try to ignore her feelings and fights against her attraction to her kidnapper. It transpires that Olivia and Luca have briefly met before around eight years ago and he’s been obsessing over her ever since.
The plot flows very nicely throughout the book and I really enjoyed have dual POVs as much as I adored Oliva and wanted to see how she was coping, I desperately wanted to be inside Luca’s head and see everything from his POV. I thought Abbie did a wonderful job describing everything and setting the scenes in the book, I could see everything vividly in my head as I read along and it always left me wanting more.
Is Luca a psychotic kidnapper obsessed with having someone? Or is there a darker threat behind all of this and he was forced to kidnap her to keep her safe? Will Luca and Olivia be able to overcome everything in that dang cliff hanger ending? You’ll have to read the book yourself to find out!
The only thing I didn’t like about this book? That dang cliff hanger of an ending!! Are you kidding me Abbie?! Give me the second book right now.
November 1, 2021
Rate: 4.5
Let me start this review off by saying that this is one heck of a debut!
Seriously, bravo Abbie!
This story starts with Olivia being kidnapped from her house in New York by Luca, a brooding, dark, obsessive, caring and hot Italian guy. ( I mean, he can kidnap me anytime😂).
But that's just me lol.
Moving on.
Luca and Olivia first met 8 years ago. A day that Luca will never forget.
He has kept a watch over Olivia throughout the years and now that her life is danger, he has not choise but to kidnap her to protect her.
Luca and Olivia story completely consumed me. I was hooked from page one and it was so hard to put the book down. I just wanted to see where the story was heading and what was gonna happen next. I loved seeing her feelings for him changing while trying to fight them at the same time.
The story ends on a cliffhanger and I cannot wait to read book two!
Let me start this review off by saying that this is one heck of a debut!
Seriously, bravo Abbie!
This story starts with Olivia being kidnapped from her house in New York by Luca, a brooding, dark, obsessive, caring and hot Italian guy. ( I mean, he can kidnap me anytime😂).
But that's just me lol.
Moving on.
Luca and Olivia first met 8 years ago. A day that Luca will never forget.
He has kept a watch over Olivia throughout the years and now that her life is danger, he has not choise but to kidnap her to protect her.
Luca and Olivia story completely consumed me. I was hooked from page one and it was so hard to put the book down. I just wanted to see where the story was heading and what was gonna happen next. I loved seeing her feelings for him changing while trying to fight them at the same time.
The story ends on a cliffhanger and I cannot wait to read book two!
November 11, 2021
There is so much sexual tension between Olivia and Luca, I thought my Kindle was going to spark! The book started off quickly with the kidnapping, but then sort of stalled for me until the last third of it. And I understand why, completely (you can't just sleep with your abductor quite so easily), but I was impatient. Get to the Alpha Hero, already! Heads up, though, you'll soon figure out where this story is going, and yes, there is a cliffhanger.
While the subject matter is dark, I wouldn't call this a DARK romance (more suspenseful)---it's quite tamed from other books in this genre I read. However, if you want to get your ummm.... toes.... "wet," pick up this one. ;)
Thanks to love books tours and the author for a gifted copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
While the subject matter is dark, I wouldn't call this a DARK romance (more suspenseful)---it's quite tamed from other books in this genre I read. However, if you want to get your ummm.... toes.... "wet," pick up this one. ;)
Thanks to love books tours and the author for a gifted copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
July 6, 2021
6☆ just for Luca Caruso.
I loved this. Luca Caruso is completely perfect. I adored his obsessive, caring behaviour towards Olivia Heart but it took a good chunk of the book before I liked her. She was decidedly obnoxious for most of the first chunk. I was left hoping Luca would put her over his knees and spank some sense into her!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved this. Luca Caruso is completely perfect. I adored his obsessive, caring behaviour towards Olivia Heart but it took a good chunk of the book before I liked her. She was decidedly obnoxious for most of the first chunk. I was left hoping Luca would put her over his knees and spank some sense into her!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 29, 2022
Olivia has had a tragic past and because of it has built up walls around her, only focusing on her career. She crossed paths with Luca eight years ago and has been watching her since. When he feels she is in danger it takes her and doesn’t plan on letter her go. Fast-paced read with loads of drama suspense and steam. Looking forward to finding out what happens next. I loved it.
November 14, 2021
Bending To Break is A. L. Hartwell's debut novel and book #1 in the Before I Break series. It's a romantic suspense, enemies to lovers and dark romance navigated from the main characters' perspectives: Olivia and Luca's. I'm really impressed with how A. L. Hartwell executed this storyline!! I mean, I was pleasantly surprised because I did not expect the suspense to begin so early on! Ans as I continued reading, I was left with so many questions. I enjoyed the flow of events, especially when secrets slowly unravelled in front of my eyes. And the cliffhanger! My gosh! The last few pages definitely kept me on edge. Whisked away to Sicily, Italy, or more like kidnapped by our alpha hero Luca Caruso, (he can also be seen as a morally grey character) Olivia is being held against her will. She fought like hell to find a way out; to escape from her 'luxurious' prison. Hence, Olivia tried and failed to get out of the situation she is in. But she wasn't able to outrun Luca, after all, he is a very powerful and dangerous man; he has everything at his disposal. It took a while to understand Luca's actions; the reasons why he resorted to such lengths in taking/stealing Olivia. Luca had good intentions but he approached from the wrong angle. He had a lot of internal battles with himself and his control slipped when he was with Olivia; she pushed him by testing his boundaries. And he desperately tried to make Olivia see that he wasn't the enemy.
In the beginning, Luca was very evasive; not telling how he knew/met her or who he really is. And of course, Olivia didn't trust him. But she can't deny the fact she has a pull to him. There's an ever so present heated and electrifying chemistry between them. The more she fought him, Luca became more fascinated with her. He immensely enjoyed bringing out her spark/fire to the surface. And ultimately, he wants to break her; bending her to his will. But Olivia has no intention of doing so. Or so she thought. Ever since his path crossed Olivia's eight years ago, she became an obsession for him. Despite being in this complicated situation, Olivia's perspective on Luca slowly changed. All her emotions went haywire and she couldn't comprehend how the sudden shift occurred. I liked seeing their relationship evolving, especially towards the end of the book.
A crime boss and a lawyer. For the past eight years, Luca was watching and protecting Olivia from afar. Patiently waiting to set his plans into motion. Olivia is a young and driven lawyer; she's at the starting point of her career. She wants to do good in the justice system, but lately, she's questioning herself. When her firm handled a particular case where the client they represented got a "slap on the wrist" punishment, Olivia can't hack it anymore. She had enough of seeing all the injustices where the privileged and wealthy got away unscathed from the crimes they committed. And before it hits her, Olivia's life is about turn upside down.
**I received a gifted ebook copy in exchange for my honest review
In the beginning, Luca was very evasive; not telling how he knew/met her or who he really is. And of course, Olivia didn't trust him. But she can't deny the fact she has a pull to him. There's an ever so present heated and electrifying chemistry between them. The more she fought him, Luca became more fascinated with her. He immensely enjoyed bringing out her spark/fire to the surface. And ultimately, he wants to break her; bending her to his will. But Olivia has no intention of doing so. Or so she thought. Ever since his path crossed Olivia's eight years ago, she became an obsession for him. Despite being in this complicated situation, Olivia's perspective on Luca slowly changed. All her emotions went haywire and she couldn't comprehend how the sudden shift occurred. I liked seeing their relationship evolving, especially towards the end of the book.
A crime boss and a lawyer. For the past eight years, Luca was watching and protecting Olivia from afar. Patiently waiting to set his plans into motion. Olivia is a young and driven lawyer; she's at the starting point of her career. She wants to do good in the justice system, but lately, she's questioning herself. When her firm handled a particular case where the client they represented got a "slap on the wrist" punishment, Olivia can't hack it anymore. She had enough of seeing all the injustices where the privileged and wealthy got away unscathed from the crimes they committed. And before it hits her, Olivia's life is about turn upside down.
**I received a gifted ebook copy in exchange for my honest review
November 2, 2021
Fair warning, there are some major trigger warnings in this book and since it is a Dark Romance, the dark aspects play a big part in this book and it will not be for everyone.
Bending to Break follows our sassy, fledgeling lawyer MC, Olivia Heart, who has a tragic past and a closed-off heart. Having thrown herself into her career she has no idea that a moment of kindness 8 years ago would lead to the undoing of her career and would change her life forever.
Since the moment 8 years ago when Olivia’s kindness changed Luca Caruso’s life, he has waited in the shadows, watching and protecting her with his anonymity, power and money. But when one of his guards set up to protect her steps out of line, Luca has to act and steals Olivia away, forcing her to submit to a completely new life surrounded every moment by his blinding obsession and desire for her.
Olivia wrestles with her head and her heart, wishing for her freedom but at the same time wanting to know more about the man who has kidnapped her. But in his desperation for her acceptance, Luca slips up and Olivia begins to uncover his dark secrets.
Olivia and Luca are just such a polar opposite pair but the attraction between them is undeniable. The content does get very dark in parts and I know will put some people off, but as a fictional story, I found it gripping, thrilling, and deeply sensual.
It was so easy to read but hard to put down. With hot and steamy characters and plenty of enemies to lovers spice, I’m super impressed with this debut novel and while it ends on a huge cliffhanger (which I usually hate) I am desperate to know what happens and how Olivia and Luca’s story resolves itself.
CONTENT WARNINGS: Stalking, Kidnapping, Assault, Sexual Content, Toxic Relationship, Blood, Physical Abuse, Violence, Injury, Emotional Abuse, Death of a Parent
Bending to Break follows our sassy, fledgeling lawyer MC, Olivia Heart, who has a tragic past and a closed-off heart. Having thrown herself into her career she has no idea that a moment of kindness 8 years ago would lead to the undoing of her career and would change her life forever.
Since the moment 8 years ago when Olivia’s kindness changed Luca Caruso’s life, he has waited in the shadows, watching and protecting her with his anonymity, power and money. But when one of his guards set up to protect her steps out of line, Luca has to act and steals Olivia away, forcing her to submit to a completely new life surrounded every moment by his blinding obsession and desire for her.
Olivia wrestles with her head and her heart, wishing for her freedom but at the same time wanting to know more about the man who has kidnapped her. But in his desperation for her acceptance, Luca slips up and Olivia begins to uncover his dark secrets.
Olivia and Luca are just such a polar opposite pair but the attraction between them is undeniable. The content does get very dark in parts and I know will put some people off, but as a fictional story, I found it gripping, thrilling, and deeply sensual.
It was so easy to read but hard to put down. With hot and steamy characters and plenty of enemies to lovers spice, I’m super impressed with this debut novel and while it ends on a huge cliffhanger (which I usually hate) I am desperate to know what happens and how Olivia and Luca’s story resolves itself.
CONTENT WARNINGS: Stalking, Kidnapping, Assault, Sexual Content, Toxic Relationship, Blood, Physical Abuse, Violence, Injury, Emotional Abuse, Death of a Parent
September 4, 2021
*Warning ends with a cliff hanger*
Olivia Heart’s act of kindness 8 years ago changed Luca Caruso’s life. Throughout the 8 years, Luca kept watch of Olivia, stalking her, protecting her, and repaying his debt to her. Something happens and Luca is forced to kidnap her. Is it for her own protection or is it so he can indulge in his obsession and desire for her?
The story does start out slow, we are all curious to why Luca took Olivia and what she did to change his life and all of the secrecy. But because of how slow the story was, it did bore me at times. I felt like there was no connection between the two until maybe the 68% mark, I did feel Luca’s kind of awkward obsession for her though. And the book kind of went from 0 to 100 real fast. Olivia went from being terrified and confused and at times maybe hateful to desiring him and being consumed by him? It was… a bit odd I guess. I am also a bit confused what Black’s first name is, is it Martinez or is it Steven?
And although this is a dark romance, I didn’t feel like it was dark at all. Something was missing in the story and I can’t figure out what it is but maybe we will see it throughout the series. I did enjoy the smut scenes, I felt like it was very well written.
Regardless, this is still a great debut novel by A.L. Hartwell and I actually look forward to reading the next book. I hope to see some character development and to see how Luca and Olivia will come back from the cliff hanger and if their connection will actually grow.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Olivia Heart’s act of kindness 8 years ago changed Luca Caruso’s life. Throughout the 8 years, Luca kept watch of Olivia, stalking her, protecting her, and repaying his debt to her. Something happens and Luca is forced to kidnap her. Is it for her own protection or is it so he can indulge in his obsession and desire for her?
The story does start out slow, we are all curious to why Luca took Olivia and what she did to change his life and all of the secrecy. But because of how slow the story was, it did bore me at times. I felt like there was no connection between the two until maybe the 68% mark, I did feel Luca’s kind of awkward obsession for her though. And the book kind of went from 0 to 100 real fast. Olivia went from being terrified and confused and at times maybe hateful to desiring him and being consumed by him? It was… a bit odd I guess. I am also a bit confused what Black’s first name is, is it Martinez or is it Steven?
And although this is a dark romance, I didn’t feel like it was dark at all. Something was missing in the story and I can’t figure out what it is but maybe we will see it throughout the series. I did enjoy the smut scenes, I felt like it was very well written.
Regardless, this is still a great debut novel by A.L. Hartwell and I actually look forward to reading the next book. I hope to see some character development and to see how Luca and Olivia will come back from the cliff hanger and if their connection will actually grow.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 1, 2022
I hate cliffhangers just a heads up….but don’t shy away from this one. Buckle up this is one amazing wild ride there is kidnapping, heavily armed bodyguards, suspense, gorgeous, brooding alpha who get what/who he wants regardless of the manner of getting what he desires. Within the first chapters you get the panoramic view of whom you’re dealing with! Their paths cross in the most normal way a good deed gone way off track but in a good way sort of. Oliva a criminal lawyer trying to be the best attorney, she tries to treat others the way she wants to be treated and she finds herself in the clutches of a man she recalls meeting briefly so years ago. Luca sexy as all get out obsessive, caring, a man of the shadows watching out for her but we understand his reasoning and he kidnapped her to protect what she doesn’t know is that her life is in danger, and he intends to keep her safe. He takes her across the water well to another country to where she is to submit to him, but he wants to learn everything about her just her past is something she has worked to leave behind in the past, but the past has a way of coming back to haunt you and you need a Luca in your life to protect you. So, do they get along after she realizes she won’t be returning to her life in NY any time soon, will she continue to fight him and where is it all headed (did I say how much I hate being left hanging wondering what’s going to happen)?
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.
May 6, 2022
If I had read this book when I was 12 years old (and yes, I read everything I could get my hands on when I was that age) I would have loved it, a whole lot actually. And maybe it’s because I have read so many books like this one, that this book felt like a lot of books put together, haphazardly. It’s not original, and it bordered on being irksome. The plot was something I could find in ten other mafia or BDSM or contemporary romance books. It’s something I have seen dozens of times.
Luca was perfect to look at, so was Olivia- nothing new there.
The wedding they attended was so…uneventful. Completely dull. Olivia has bad blood with her grandparents and nothing happened when she met them after so many years. Nothing. Luca didn’t even try to punch the grandfather for how mean they had been to Olivia. I hate violence but at least that would have been something more interesting to read. Everything was just so..tepid.
Luca’s reasons for doing everything were so shallow, such that I couldn’t believe it. I hoped there was more to his obsession, and maybe that’s explained in the other books but I am not sure I will stick around long enough to find out. I guess obsession is reason enough to spend millions of dollars to have someone by your side, maybe?🤔
I had glimpses of how the author wanted this book to be deep and emotionally complex, but that’s all they were- glimpses.
I will probably read the second book when I am absolutely bored out of mind and I can’t find anything else remotely interesting to read.
Probably.
Luca was perfect to look at, so was Olivia- nothing new there.
The wedding they attended was so…uneventful. Completely dull. Olivia has bad blood with her grandparents and nothing happened when she met them after so many years. Nothing. Luca didn’t even try to punch the grandfather for how mean they had been to Olivia. I hate violence but at least that would have been something more interesting to read. Everything was just so..tepid.
Luca’s reasons for doing everything were so shallow, such that I couldn’t believe it. I hoped there was more to his obsession, and maybe that’s explained in the other books but I am not sure I will stick around long enough to find out. I guess obsession is reason enough to spend millions of dollars to have someone by your side, maybe?🤔
I had glimpses of how the author wanted this book to be deep and emotionally complex, but that’s all they were- glimpses.
I will probably read the second book when I am absolutely bored out of mind and I can’t find anything else remotely interesting to read.
Probably.
November 3, 2021
Oh my gosh!! The first book in the Before I Break series is Bending to Break. The reading experience was one of a kind. The heat, the steam, and the excitement were all there for me. Olivia caught my interest in the first few pages and I was eager to learn more about her. I immediately admired her beauty, intellect, and thoughtfulness. Luca is a dark, brooding, macho Italian who wants what he wants. As soon as he meets Olivia, the sparks start to fly. There are often romantic overtures, but not always. It's fun and interesting to watch Olivia and Luca interact, and they make such good chunter back and forth! It was impossible to ignore Luca. He was caring, obsessive, and he could kidnap me tie me up handcuff me anytime Ill take that. It's been eight years since Olivia did something generous for Luca that he will never forget. Keeping Olivia safe and paying off his debt has been Lucas' concern. It is impossible to stop him from kidnapping her when her life is in danger. Despite not wanting to reveal this story, I am eagerly waiting for the next book and need It as soon as possible. There is also a little twist to romance and obsession, so this book is great if you're into heat, steam, romance, or obsession. Whenever it's hot and steamy, I'm more than happy to indulge in the dark side of romance.
November 11, 2021
RECEIVED THIS FREE ARC FOR AN HONEST REVIEW! WHAT THE ACTUAL CLIFFHANGER??? Okay, so excuse me while I unscramble my brain for a minute. I'm not exactly sure how I feel about this book. I'm not even sure I could call it an actual romance but for the sex. So, apparently, the lead female, Olivia, has had a tragic past and because of it, she has managed to become introverted. What she doesn't know is that she's being watched. Creepy.. I thought the same thing. The man watching her, Luca, is the same man she came across eight years before and gave her plane ticket to. Luca is strong and silent, dark and mysterious. He's hiding something and you can tell. What bothered me was the reasons why he became obsessed with her and eventually took her from her home. I think that's what had me scratching my head for most of the book. The other thing that bugged me was the quick case of Stockholm syndrome that showed up in Olivia. Yes, she gave him hell but it wasn't long before she was going back and forth with her feelings. The author definitely has something here in this book, but I'm just not sure what it is. The story isn't bad, there's just a lot going on and there's no real focus from my standpoint. Then just when the book picks up and it starts getting ready dramatic….. BOOM…. FREAKING CLIFFHANGER. and the next book isn't even it yet. Gosh Darn it to heck.
November 14, 2021
This is part one of this series ‘a before I break novel’ also it’s a dark romance read one genre that I don’t usually read. From the get go you become to know the characters of Olivia and Luca. If you love the book series ‘you’ this is definitely the read that will suck you into every page.
The writing style was incredible the detail in every bit of ‘control’ really had me getting frustrated. The possession built into the pages was crazy. I couldn’t help how I felt about Luca, I imagined being in Olivia’s shoes and what I would do if I would accept his love or not. I loved that the book was told from different perspectives as this changed my point of view so many times spiralling back and forth.
I mean would you fall in love with someone who pretty much stalked you for 8 years then kidnaps you?
The setting of the book being in Italy was probably the best place in the world to be whisked away to. When you meet Dante your mind gets thinking about Italian men and you start to fully appreciate Luca even more in some weird way.
The only thing that let me down about this was the cliffhanger ending I cannot wait to read book two. This book was absolutely fantastic in every way. I loved it.
The writing style was incredible the detail in every bit of ‘control’ really had me getting frustrated. The possession built into the pages was crazy. I couldn’t help how I felt about Luca, I imagined being in Olivia’s shoes and what I would do if I would accept his love or not. I loved that the book was told from different perspectives as this changed my point of view so many times spiralling back and forth.
I mean would you fall in love with someone who pretty much stalked you for 8 years then kidnaps you?
The setting of the book being in Italy was probably the best place in the world to be whisked away to. When you meet Dante your mind gets thinking about Italian men and you start to fully appreciate Luca even more in some weird way.
The only thing that let me down about this was the cliffhanger ending I cannot wait to read book two. This book was absolutely fantastic in every way. I loved it.
August 27, 2021
A fleeting first encounter at an airport between Olivia Heart and Luca Caruso is quickly forgotten by Olivia but not by Luca. But when Olivia's life is put in to danger Luca can no longer sit by and watch her life from afar, he intervenes for her protection.
The 'falling in love with your kidnapper' trope is probably one of the most unrealistic but also one of my favourites. I love the enemies to lovers aspect and the angst and tension it brings. I loved how Abbie Leigh worked the tension between Olivia and Luca and how subtly Olivia's feelings started to evolve and how realistically she faught them. The gorgeous setting of Italy really brought this whole story to life, I really felt like I was there with the characters as they fought and fell in love.
This was such an impressive debut novel. I was drawn in to this story from the first page. The suspense and unknown that is weaved through made it really difficult to put this down. It ends on a mighty big cliffhanger and I cant wait for books 2! So glad I picked this one up, massive thank you to @ruthsromances for putting it on my radar.
The 'falling in love with your kidnapper' trope is probably one of the most unrealistic but also one of my favourites. I love the enemies to lovers aspect and the angst and tension it brings. I loved how Abbie Leigh worked the tension between Olivia and Luca and how subtly Olivia's feelings started to evolve and how realistically she faught them. The gorgeous setting of Italy really brought this whole story to life, I really felt like I was there with the characters as they fought and fell in love.
This was such an impressive debut novel. I was drawn in to this story from the first page. The suspense and unknown that is weaved through made it really difficult to put this down. It ends on a mighty big cliffhanger and I cant wait for books 2! So glad I picked this one up, massive thank you to @ruthsromances for putting it on my radar.
September 5, 2021
Leaving a honest review after requested a free copy from the author.
I’ve been looking for that book that an easy read (and I don’t mean it in a bad way), something that gets my attention and keeps it.
The characters woven with their intricate and REAL personalities made this so much easier to devour. Olivia, the MC, isn’t your usual ‘Oopsie! Let me lie down and take my kidnapping’ and Luca Caruso isn’t your usual ‘she’s mine and I don’t feel bad about kidnapping her’
Each character has carefully woven histories that provide a more realistic to the overused kidnapping trope. Neither of them are perfect and at times they’re down right annoying but that’s what’s so perfect. It’s an honest portrayal.
An honoury shout out is to Bones and Dante, one small gripe I had was that we don’t get to know much about these in the right book. I’m hoping that will change for the second. Especially Dante who I think could be perfect to bring light into the plot.
Trying not to spill to much I have high hopes for the second and after that cliff hanger (yes it has one so be warned if you’re not a fan) I can’t wait to see what happens next.
I’ve been looking for that book that an easy read (and I don’t mean it in a bad way), something that gets my attention and keeps it.
The characters woven with their intricate and REAL personalities made this so much easier to devour. Olivia, the MC, isn’t your usual ‘Oopsie! Let me lie down and take my kidnapping’ and Luca Caruso isn’t your usual ‘she’s mine and I don’t feel bad about kidnapping her’
Each character has carefully woven histories that provide a more realistic to the overused kidnapping trope. Neither of them are perfect and at times they’re down right annoying but that’s what’s so perfect. It’s an honest portrayal.
An honoury shout out is to Bones and Dante, one small gripe I had was that we don’t get to know much about these in the right book. I’m hoping that will change for the second. Especially Dante who I think could be perfect to bring light into the plot.
Trying not to spill to much I have high hopes for the second and after that cliff hanger (yes it has one so be warned if you’re not a fan) I can’t wait to see what happens next.
September 9, 2021
3.5 Stars!
I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving this review willingly. Thank you to BookSirens and A.L Hartwell for providing me with this ARC.
This book was definitely really good but the relationship is so, so toxic (which was the whole point of the story, i know). I just kept screaming inside my head every single time Olivia felt herself even remotely liking Luca. HELL NO GIRL, PLEASE RUN.
Luca, God what is that man even thinking? Please tell me there is some VALID reason he has just snatched Olivia from her life because if there isn't I am going to cry. 10/10 will read the next book ASAP just to find out why Luca is being such a gigantic arshehole.
I loved how their relationship (or whatever you want to call Luca's very twisted sense of love) was developed gradually over time. I love how Olivia never lost her sense of freedom and individuality and kept fighting to leave her captor till the very end of the book. Overall, this was a really good read, but it might serve as a trigger warning to the people who have actually been kidnapped/stalked in real life.
I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving this review willingly. Thank you to BookSirens and A.L Hartwell for providing me with this ARC.
This book was definitely really good but the relationship is so, so toxic (which was the whole point of the story, i know). I just kept screaming inside my head every single time Olivia felt herself even remotely liking Luca. HELL NO GIRL, PLEASE RUN.
Luca, God what is that man even thinking? Please tell me there is some VALID reason he has just snatched Olivia from her life because if there isn't I am going to cry. 10/10 will read the next book ASAP just to find out why Luca is being such a gigantic arshehole.
I loved how their relationship (or whatever you want to call Luca's very twisted sense of love) was developed gradually over time. I love how Olivia never lost her sense of freedom and individuality and kept fighting to leave her captor till the very end of the book. Overall, this was a really good read, but it might serve as a trigger warning to the people who have actually been kidnapped/stalked in real life.
July 15, 2021
So, I really didn't think this would be my type of read being a dark romance but the cover pulled me in so I gave it a go.
Firstly the writing is so refreshing. It's an easy read without the pretentious fluff alot of romance novels tend to use.
Luca...wow, what can I say about this man? I fell so hard for his obsessive, loving, badassery so hard. His character is severely complex, even to a fault but I think this is props to the writer for bringing the humanity into the story.
Olivia annoyed me at first! she came across as obnoxious but the more I read the more I realized it was a defense (trying to give no spoilers here but she has a lot to contend with)
Another stand out character was Dante, the handy, dark sidekick! he's the right balance between funny/serious which keeps the book from being too dark.
Lastly, after ready others reviews this is part of a series..so not sure why readers are surprised when it's on the book cover...I, how cannot wait for book two. I just hope we don't have to wait long to find out.
Firstly the writing is so refreshing. It's an easy read without the pretentious fluff alot of romance novels tend to use.
Luca...wow, what can I say about this man? I fell so hard for his obsessive, loving, badassery so hard. His character is severely complex, even to a fault but I think this is props to the writer for bringing the humanity into the story.
Olivia annoyed me at first! she came across as obnoxious but the more I read the more I realized it was a defense (trying to give no spoilers here but she has a lot to contend with)
Another stand out character was Dante, the handy, dark sidekick! he's the right balance between funny/serious which keeps the book from being too dark.
Lastly, after ready others reviews this is part of a series..so not sure why readers are surprised when it's on the book cover...I, how cannot wait for book two. I just hope we don't have to wait long to find out.
October 1, 2021
Bending to break explores the story where the FC, Olivia Heart has been whisked away (read: kidnapped) by Luca Carusa who has been waiting in shadows, watching her due to an act of kindness from Olivia 8 years ago. I was highly excited when I realised it’s a dual point of view and even more excited when it was an enemies to lovers trope. Initially i felt it would be a case of stokholm syndrome however the writing had me gripped to read on further to change my mind on it. Filled with a keen dark desire, an edge of mystery behind Olivia’s kidnapping leaving the readers reeling at the aura created by Luca, this was quite good to read. The book is known to be a first in the series and the cliffhanger at the end had me teetering on the edge of my seat in frustration of wanting to know what happens between the two lovers. Dark romance? Yup. Wanted you to smack them sometimes? Check. Worthy of reading? Definitely.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 5, 2021
Olivia works in a law firm and has a tragic past. One day she got Kidnapped by Luca Caruso, the person whom he gave a plane ticket 8 years ago. Luca loves her and wanted to be with her. Luca kept her in watching and planning a beautiful life for her for 8 years but never showed up before her. Olivia has no idea of his existence. Olivia was frustrated by him and wanted to get out of there but she couldn't succeed. With the time Olivia started to fell for him but there's a lot to the story.
I don't know what to expect as it's ended with a cliffhanger. But this is a kind of book which I couldn't put off. The only thing I didn't like is Luca wanted to love her by confining her. I mean who would love a person who kidnapped them and kind of caged them and not telling them the whole truth? No matter how much you love but you're loving in a wrong way right? Yes, that's why Olivia was not ready to give her heart to him. Olivia is a strong girl. Despite her attraction towards him, she kept fighting it.
I got a gifted copy for a book tour. Thank you so much for providing me a copy.
I don't know what to expect as it's ended with a cliffhanger. But this is a kind of book which I couldn't put off. The only thing I didn't like is Luca wanted to love her by confining her. I mean who would love a person who kidnapped them and kind of caged them and not telling them the whole truth? No matter how much you love but you're loving in a wrong way right? Yes, that's why Olivia was not ready to give her heart to him. Olivia is a strong girl. Despite her attraction towards him, she kept fighting it.
I got a gifted copy for a book tour. Thank you so much for providing me a copy.
November 22, 2021
Dark romance isn’t normally a genre I read, but I’m glad I took a chance on this book. It’s an emotional rollercoaster that really put me through the wringer and made me feel shocked and conflicted in parts!
I loved Olivia. She’s strong, caring and wants to see the best in everyone. Despite the trauma she’s experiencing, she maintains control as best she can and never gives in.
I had very mixed feelings about Luca which changed as the book progressed. The story is told in first person from both Luca and Olivia’s POV and this worked brilliantly, as it helped me to understand both characters and sympathise with Luca on occasion. I had to keep reminding myself that he’d taken Olivia captive!
There are definitely dark events to this book, but the physical intimacy stays fully on Olivia’s terms at all times and the power shifts as the book progresses and their relationship deepens.
Bending to Break is a fabulously twisty tale with an ending that I didn’t see coming! I need book 2 now!
I loved Olivia. She’s strong, caring and wants to see the best in everyone. Despite the trauma she’s experiencing, she maintains control as best she can and never gives in.
I had very mixed feelings about Luca which changed as the book progressed. The story is told in first person from both Luca and Olivia’s POV and this worked brilliantly, as it helped me to understand both characters and sympathise with Luca on occasion. I had to keep reminding myself that he’d taken Olivia captive!
There are definitely dark events to this book, but the physical intimacy stays fully on Olivia’s terms at all times and the power shifts as the book progresses and their relationship deepens.
Bending to Break is a fabulously twisty tale with an ending that I didn’t see coming! I need book 2 now!
December 21, 2021
I wasn't sure if I would enjoy this book or not, but I did actually enjoy it. It's definitely in the dark romance genre, but even then it wasn't as dark as I was expecting given the plot. Which in case you didn't read the synopsis is basically our main mc, Luca, who just happens to be rich, hunky, and Italian plucks our heroine, Olivia, an inspiring lawyer, from her hum-drum life and whisks her away to his mansion in Sicily, for her protection, as one does. That's the romanticized version of it anyways, it's really darker than that, but you know dark romance.
I don't really have any critiques for this book. It definitely was giving me "365 Days" vibes (from Netflix, but it's also a book, although it's never been translated into English). The plot was interesting and there's definitely more to the story than Luca is letting on, which keeps it interesting, and gives the plot some suspense. I'm looking forward to reading the next one.
Thanks to BookSirens for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I don't really have any critiques for this book. It definitely was giving me "365 Days" vibes (from Netflix, but it's also a book, although it's never been translated into English). The plot was interesting and there's definitely more to the story than Luca is letting on, which keeps it interesting, and gives the plot some suspense. I'm looking forward to reading the next one.
Thanks to BookSirens for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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