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Breaking Lucia #1
Breaking Lucia
They'll protect me... if they don't break me first.
I refuse to be a disposable pawn in my father's underworld dealings. If that means heading out in the middle of the night to get as far away as I can from my mafia family, so be it. I have everything planned, and it’s all going perfectly… right up until the point where they catch me.
Angelo. Scary, domineering, the bruiser. if he wants me, he’s not going to stop until he gets me — any way he has to. Saint tries to be the “nice guy,” but he’s got a filthy little habit of touching me when I’m sleeping, when I’m helpless. And Victor? He’s the most terrifying one of all, the brains behind the brawn, with a cold composure I’m desperate to crack. If I can get to him, the others will fall in line — but what if he gets to me first?
They promise to protect me as long as I do what I’m told, but just how far will I have to go — and how much of me will splinter in the process?
I refuse to be a disposable pawn in my father's underworld dealings. If that means heading out in the middle of the night to get as far away as I can from my mafia family, so be it. I have everything planned, and it’s all going perfectly… right up until the point where they catch me.
Angelo. Scary, domineering, the bruiser. if he wants me, he’s not going to stop until he gets me — any way he has to. Saint tries to be the “nice guy,” but he’s got a filthy little habit of touching me when I’m sleeping, when I’m helpless. And Victor? He’s the most terrifying one of all, the brains behind the brawn, with a cold composure I’m desperate to crack. If I can get to him, the others will fall in line — but what if he gets to me first?
They promise to protect me as long as I do what I’m told, but just how far will I have to go — and how much of me will splinter in the process?
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 17, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 209 reviews
January 23, 2022
Tbh I feel like I need to take a shower after reading this. Full review to come.
***Shower taken*** lol. No literally, I took a shower after reading this book.
Phew. So, since reading Lords of Pain I've been going through new adult mafia reverse harem books, and saw this recommended in a FB group for having a particular kink. The sample I read from Amazon sounded intriguing, and I thought, why not?
I found the heroine likable. She's strong, consistently stands up for herself, without being OTT irritating. Then, readers are soon introduced to the MMCs. Angel initially rubbed me the wrong way, and I almost dnf because of how crude he was to the heroine. I don't like male main characters that lose their cool and overreact in anger. He didn't come across as a badass to me, or sexy, just juvenile, rude, and gross. It's to the author's credit I kept on reading because the writing style was nice and the story fast-paced. It was like watching a fast-moving train wreck. By the end I even came around to Angel a bit. I thought the dynamic between Victor, Angel, and Saint was thought out well by the authors despite the level of crudeness not being to my tastes. And when I say crude - I'm not joking around. All sexual interactions are dubcon/noncon and the authors explicitly wrote some pretty taboo kinks. Heed all the warnings in the reviews. While often being grossed out, I sort of respected the author's boldness in writing something this dark and taboo. I feel a lot of authors are shying away from that these days.
However, if any of my GR friends read this book after my review I'm going to go beet-red with embarrassment. Please be warned that the heroine is almost constantly degraded by all the MMCs in the beginning, but they give the heroine *just enough* mercy that I didn't 100% hate them by the end. With that said, tne thing that made my stomach queasy at times was how the authors so vividly depicted trauma bonding. The heroine 100% has Stockholm syndrome and is dealing with trauma bonding based on what she's been put through. I actually like reading dark books that explore trauma bonding and Stockholm syndrome....but something about the depravity in this book left me with an unsettled stomach.
Apparently both these authors write MM romance under a different pen name. I think that previous experience benefitted how they executed the MMF dynamic in this book. MMF isn't my preferred dynamic to read about (nothing against it, just not what I typically reach for first), but I thought it worked out very well in this book. I'll be reading book 2.
Trigger Warnings:
***Shower taken*** lol. No literally, I took a shower after reading this book.
Phew. So, since reading Lords of Pain I've been going through new adult mafia reverse harem books, and saw this recommended in a FB group for having a particular kink. The sample I read from Amazon sounded intriguing, and I thought, why not?
I found the heroine likable. She's strong, consistently stands up for herself, without being OTT irritating. Then, readers are soon introduced to the MMCs. Angel initially rubbed me the wrong way, and I almost dnf because of how crude he was to the heroine. I don't like male main characters that lose their cool and overreact in anger. He didn't come across as a badass to me, or sexy, just juvenile, rude, and gross. It's to the author's credit I kept on reading because the writing style was nice and the story fast-paced. It was like watching a fast-moving train wreck. By the end I even came around to Angel a bit. I thought the dynamic between Victor, Angel, and Saint was thought out well by the authors despite the level of crudeness not being to my tastes. And when I say crude - I'm not joking around. All sexual interactions are dubcon/noncon and the authors explicitly wrote some pretty taboo kinks. Heed all the warnings in the reviews. While often being grossed out, I sort of respected the author's boldness in writing something this dark and taboo. I feel a lot of authors are shying away from that these days.
However, if any of my GR friends read this book after my review I'm going to go beet-red with embarrassment. Please be warned that the heroine is almost constantly degraded by all the MMCs in the beginning, but they give the heroine *just enough* mercy that I didn't 100% hate them by the end. With that said, tne thing that made my stomach queasy at times was how the authors so vividly depicted trauma bonding. The heroine 100% has Stockholm syndrome and is dealing with trauma bonding based on what she's been put through. I actually like reading dark books that explore trauma bonding and Stockholm syndrome....but something about the depravity in this book left me with an unsettled stomach.
Apparently both these authors write MM romance under a different pen name. I think that previous experience benefitted how they executed the MMF dynamic in this book. MMF isn't my preferred dynamic to read about (nothing against it, just not what I typically reach for first), but I thought it worked out very well in this book. I'll be reading book 2.
Trigger Warnings:
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2022
3 Stars
Took me awhile to read but this had some hot scenes and some stuff I didn't necessarily like, but it wasn't terrible. More of an erotica than anything. Not sure if I will read the next book yet though.
Took me awhile to read but this had some hot scenes and some stuff I didn't necessarily like, but it wasn't terrible. More of an erotica than anything. Not sure if I will read the next book yet though.
February 4, 2023
Four stars 4/5
Spice level 4/5 🔥
Well. This book was fun. Very dark and gritty, but also very erotic. I enjoyed it!
tropes: enemies to lovers, reverse harem, dark, mafia
triggers: sexual assault, kidnapping, drugging, violence, murder
safety:
no virgins (heroine is promiscuous)
MMMF with very light MM
dubcon, noncon, captivity, sensory depravation, somnophilia, watersports, Dom/sub, medical kink, cockwarming/swaddling, spanking, choking/breathplay, double V penetration
My bookshelves may contain spoilers.
Spice level 4/5 🔥
Saint likes ‘em sweet and pliant (and asleep), Victor wants them ashamed and humiliated, but me? I just want her shaking and afraid, tears streaming down her face and begging for mercy.
Well. This book was fun. Very dark and gritty, but also very erotic. I enjoyed it!
tropes: enemies to lovers, reverse harem, dark, mafia
triggers: sexual assault, kidnapping, drugging, violence, murder
safety:
no virgins (heroine is promiscuous)
MMMF with very light MM
dubcon, noncon, captivity, sensory depravation, somnophilia, watersports, Dom/sub, medical kink, cockwarming/swaddling, spanking, choking/breathplay, double V penetration
My bookshelves may contain spoilers.
September 1, 2022
Look, I love dark reads, but there’s a difference between dub-con and actual glorified rape. There’s absolutely no love here, all manipulation and Stockholm syndrome. I felt so sad reading this. Just the way she was treated, and then the way she just completely submitted to them because she had zero choice? Nah.
Not my cup of tea.
Not my cup of tea.
May 18, 2022
who gave this more than 1 star?
I appreciate the warning label- and I read it and thought I could handle it. I DNF pretty early in the game. I can’t justify staying awake to read a book that’s a dumpster fire. I’d rather nap.
I read another reviewer who literally detailed this book so accurately please read Mari’s review. It’s perfectly said.
There is a fine line between non-con/dubcon this this was just pure r@pe and Stockholm syndrome. These authors are sensationalizing r@pe. Insert all the freaking eye rolls- because she orgasms it’s okay- her body’s natural response to stimulation makes this “ok and sexy” according to these authors.
Calling this a book is a disgrace- it’s erotica. Meant to sensationalize and encourage r@pe behaviors. This would be completely different if this was advertised as erotica- I feel like one knows what to expect from that type of story/lack of story .
I appreciate the warning label- and I read it and thought I could handle it. I DNF pretty early in the game. I can’t justify staying awake to read a book that’s a dumpster fire. I’d rather nap.
I read another reviewer who literally detailed this book so accurately please read Mari’s review. It’s perfectly said.
There is a fine line between non-con/dubcon this this was just pure r@pe and Stockholm syndrome. These authors are sensationalizing r@pe. Insert all the freaking eye rolls- because she orgasms it’s okay- her body’s natural response to stimulation makes this “ok and sexy” according to these authors.
Calling this a book is a disgrace- it’s erotica. Meant to sensationalize and encourage r@pe behaviors. This would be completely different if this was advertised as erotica- I feel like one knows what to expect from that type of story/lack of story .
October 14, 2023
2.5 stars
I'm disappointed. Both of these authors write MM books that I've read and enjoyed,.
My problem isn't with the darker themes, noncon, dubcon, humiliation, degradation, etc.
Something about their writing was different and I didn't like it as much as I have before. And I hate to say this, but I don't like the way the FMC is written or her inner monologues. Maybe that's poor phrasing, what I mean is...I think they write men better in the other books I've read than they wrote this woman. It felt like a step down from their writing level.
I'm disappointed. Both of these authors write MM books that I've read and enjoyed,.
My problem isn't with the darker themes, noncon, dubcon, humiliation, degradation, etc.
Something about their writing was different and I didn't like it as much as I have before. And I hate to say this, but I don't like the way the FMC is written or her inner monologues. Maybe that's poor phrasing, what I mean is...I think they write men better in the other books I've read than they wrote this woman. It felt like a step down from their writing level.
August 28, 2021
I haven't read much mafia romance or mmf (or mmmf for that matter), but I will say that ootfp,itf is one of my favorite tropes. I love reading about characters crawling out of bad situations and finding themselves in...different bad situations.
That's exactly what Breaking Lucia is about. She escapes an arranged marriage only to be kidnapped as a bargaining chip by another mob organization (I guess the guys are family in a way, though they aren't related by blood).
Is Lucia a victim? Absolutely, but she's not a damsel in distress either. It would have been so easy to write her as one, but thankfully Donovan & Wolf don't do that. She's clever, cunning, and calculating, but ultimately she doesn't stand a chance. That's the most striking thing about her character, imo. She does her best with the hand she's dealt, and her best isn't enough to escape the situation she's in. It's hard to root for her escape (not that I was, cause I eat this sort of thing right up), because in her situation, escape is not feasible.
Her mental state devolves into something that's not quite Stockholm Syndrome (another favorite trope of mine!), moreso a resignation to the fact that she will always be somebody's pawn.
Reader beware, it's a pretty dark book, and the relationships depicted are a far cry from healthy. Much to its credit, Breaking Lucia has a more nuanced exploration of gender dynamics than many mainstream romances. There's all kinds of gore, brutality, and overall disregard for human life on-page, but the story is tempered with an incredible amount of self-awareness. And ranch dressing. Can't forget the ranch dressing.
I loved watching Lucia's relationships with Victor, Angelo, and Saint unfold, and I loved the glimpses we got into the guys' relationships with each other. I look forward to seeing more in the next books!
That's exactly what Breaking Lucia is about. She escapes an arranged marriage only to be kidnapped as a bargaining chip by another mob organization (I guess the guys are family in a way, though they aren't related by blood).
Is Lucia a victim? Absolutely, but she's not a damsel in distress either. It would have been so easy to write her as one, but thankfully Donovan & Wolf don't do that. She's clever, cunning, and calculating, but ultimately she doesn't stand a chance. That's the most striking thing about her character, imo. She does her best with the hand she's dealt, and her best isn't enough to escape the situation she's in. It's hard to root for her escape (not that I was, cause I eat this sort of thing right up), because in her situation, escape is not feasible.
Her mental state devolves into something that's not quite Stockholm Syndrome (another favorite trope of mine!), moreso a resignation to the fact that she will always be somebody's pawn.
Reader beware, it's a pretty dark book, and the relationships depicted are a far cry from healthy. Much to its credit, Breaking Lucia has a more nuanced exploration of gender dynamics than many mainstream romances. There's all kinds of gore, brutality, and overall disregard for human life on-page, but the story is tempered with an incredible amount of self-awareness. And ranch dressing. Can't forget the ranch dressing.
I loved watching Lucia's relationships with Victor, Angelo, and Saint unfold, and I loved the glimpses we got into the guys' relationships with each other. I look forward to seeing more in the next books!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2022
its good but be warned
Warnings Stockholm Syndrome, kidnapping, humiliation, enemas, psychological mindgames. The sex scenes were hot. If there were errors I didnt notice with the amount of manipulation the victim experienced. She is a victim who jas to choose the lesser of two evils which arent really viable choices at all. There is a three person dynamic developing that is being explored and I plan to continue with the writing to see how its explored. I took the star away cause the heroine gets slapped alot for my taste and I dont mean the slapping from Stylo Fantome series or skin slapping from the horizontal mambo. I mean brute upside the head seeing stars kind. Why this was hard for me to read not sure cause I have read darker books. The heroine is helpless why slap her its not like she has somewhere to go. She is broken even before her kidnapping. Well see how it goes.
Warnings Stockholm Syndrome, kidnapping, humiliation, enemas, psychological mindgames. The sex scenes were hot. If there were errors I didnt notice with the amount of manipulation the victim experienced. She is a victim who jas to choose the lesser of two evils which arent really viable choices at all. There is a three person dynamic developing that is being explored and I plan to continue with the writing to see how its explored. I took the star away cause the heroine gets slapped alot for my taste and I dont mean the slapping from Stylo Fantome series or skin slapping from the horizontal mambo. I mean brute upside the head seeing stars kind. Why this was hard for me to read not sure cause I have read darker books. The heroine is helpless why slap her its not like she has somewhere to go. She is broken even before her kidnapping. Well see how it goes.
Read
April 10, 2024I DNF at 65%
It was non stop non con and abuse. Not my yum I'm afraid.
It was non stop non con and abuse. Not my yum I'm afraid.
June 22, 2025
4.5 for the smut. 2 for the story.
DNF at 89%. Breaking Lucia is super hot, and I wish I could give it a higher rating, but although the smut scenes are pretty good in terms of power exchange, humiliation etc., the relationship that was developed and the overall story failed to grab my interest.
This is a mafia reverse harem with lots of scenes Ao3 wouldn't bat an eye at. However, I've been reading this off and on. Reading it when I'm looking for smut, but my interest dwindles completely when it moves back to the plot. I wish the mafia politics was more interesting or the relationship the heroine develops with the heroes. This seems to be setting Lucia up as the sexy and sassy heroine who is brutalized enough to become docile. Right now, she seems to be full of fear and obedience and that's not very interesting to read. I hope that she does get her power back. The men are somewhat differentiated, but again I don't feel a particular spark between them.
DNF at 89%. Breaking Lucia is super hot, and I wish I could give it a higher rating, but although the smut scenes are pretty good in terms of power exchange, humiliation etc., the relationship that was developed and the overall story failed to grab my interest.
This is a mafia reverse harem with lots of scenes Ao3 wouldn't bat an eye at. However, I've been reading this off and on. Reading it when I'm looking for smut, but my interest dwindles completely when it moves back to the plot. I wish the mafia politics was more interesting or the relationship the heroine develops with the heroes. This seems to be setting Lucia up as the sexy and sassy heroine who is brutalized enough to become docile. Right now, she seems to be full of fear and obedience and that's not very interesting to read. I hope that she does get her power back. The men are somewhat differentiated, but again I don't feel a particular spark between them.
December 11, 2021
Just ok. Lucia was on the run from her mafia father and an arranged agreement with a depraved partner of her father’s. She is kidnapped by a rival boss, Victor, who wants to bring Lucia’s father to his knees.
This book is a reverse harem of power exchange combining some sexy somnophilia and one sweet hero, Santino, and lots of unsexy degradation and humiliation (supposed bdsm) from Victor along with roughness from a loose cannon Angelo. Lucia was initially admirably feisty but soon her sassiness turned into decisions that made her tstl.
Neither the writing style nor story drew me in. The characters were largely one dimensional too. Just an OK read.
This book is a reverse harem of power exchange combining some sexy somnophilia and one sweet hero, Santino, and lots of unsexy degradation and humiliation (supposed bdsm) from Victor along with roughness from a loose cannon Angelo. Lucia was initially admirably feisty but soon her sassiness turned into decisions that made her tstl.
Neither the writing style nor story drew me in. The characters were largely one dimensional too. Just an OK read.
Read
August 1, 2022DNF
I just find it purely stupid and illogical how this dumb b#tch heroine was punished and put in a trunk for how she "misbehaved " and then once they let her out she jumps on them begging them to f€ck her !!!
Shouldn't she be exhausted ? I mean that scene didn't just add up !
I like soft heroines but this one is DUMB .
I'm OUT
I just find it purely stupid and illogical how this dumb b#tch heroine was punished and put in a trunk for how she "misbehaved " and then once they let her out she jumps on them begging them to f€ck her !!!
Shouldn't she be exhausted ? I mean that scene didn't just add up !
I like soft heroines but this one is DUMB .
I'm OUT
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2022
As far as I can recall, I’ve never read anything by either of these authors before. I don’t even remember how I came across this book, specifically. It was a wild ride though. I’m not sure that it’s meant to be a romance. This definitely reads more like erotica.
There’s a very loose, flimsy plot about mafia revenge but 95% of the book is sex. Every scene seems to set up the next punishment or brutality Lucia is subjected to. Generally, I try to cover major kinks or triggers in books but there’s so much here, I’d never be confident I got them all.
So basic premise, Lucia is being held captive by rival mafia dudes. Because blah, blah, blah. Very generic blah blah blah.
I’d say 90% of all the sex in this book is straight noncon. The other 10% dubcon. There is 0% consensual sex here. Remember, this book is 95% sex, so chew on that for a second.
One of the Hs, is fairly nice to h. Saint, he’s the one who likes somnophilia. Angel, is a brute. Victor is cruel and the one in charge. It’s clear, he’s methodically breaking her so she’ll be living, breathing sex doll. It’s working too. She’s pretty fucking broken by the end.
Mixed in with all the noncon is a shit ton of kink and bdsm. Spanking, choking, blood play, somnophilia, drugging, sensory deprivation, forced orgasms & denial, I don’t think I could accurately name all the stuff in this book, if I tried my best.
There’s no OW in the book and she’s not shared outside the 3 of them. They are big on humiliation though so they don’t care about parading her in front of guards naked and covered in cum.
If there was more emotion here, in addition to everything else, I’d have probably rated this higher. Erotica is fine but I prefer it to be mixed with romance.
There is a cliffhanger here. I *think* the series is complete but don’t take my word for it. I haven’t read the other books and I haven’t decided if I’m going to read them. I’m leaning towards no at this point. I don’t know if there’s sharing in future books but I read a review that mentioned them letting guards grope her. She apparently also escapes and spends some time with the sociopath she’s supposed to marry and there is sex with him.
There’s a very loose, flimsy plot about mafia revenge but 95% of the book is sex. Every scene seems to set up the next punishment or brutality Lucia is subjected to. Generally, I try to cover major kinks or triggers in books but there’s so much here, I’d never be confident I got them all.
So basic premise, Lucia is being held captive by rival mafia dudes. Because blah, blah, blah. Very generic blah blah blah.
I’d say 90% of all the sex in this book is straight noncon. The other 10% dubcon. There is 0% consensual sex here. Remember, this book is 95% sex, so chew on that for a second.
One of the Hs, is fairly nice to h. Saint, he’s the one who likes somnophilia. Angel, is a brute. Victor is cruel and the one in charge. It’s clear, he’s methodically breaking her so she’ll be living, breathing sex doll. It’s working too. She’s pretty fucking broken by the end.
Mixed in with all the noncon is a shit ton of kink and bdsm. Spanking, choking, blood play, somnophilia, drugging, sensory deprivation, forced orgasms & denial, I don’t think I could accurately name all the stuff in this book, if I tried my best.
There’s no OW in the book and she’s not shared outside the 3 of them. They are big on humiliation though so they don’t care about parading her in front of guards naked and covered in cum.
If there was more emotion here, in addition to everything else, I’d have probably rated this higher. Erotica is fine but I prefer it to be mixed with romance.
There is a cliffhanger here. I *think* the series is complete but don’t take my word for it. I haven’t read the other books and I haven’t decided if I’m going to read them. I’m leaning towards no at this point. I don’t know if there’s sharing in future books but I read a review that mentioned them letting guards grope her. She apparently also escapes and spends some time with the sociopath she’s supposed to marry and there is sex with him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2022
It wasn’t bad, but it also wasn’t great
This wasn’t bad, but it also wasn’t great. Mostly erotica with little story. Pretty standard mafia/crime story. I would only recommend this if you are looking for dub/non con with (MM)/MF. Very much so a specific genre to enjoy. Triggers for violence and dub/non con. Pretty fast read overall.
I wish the heroine, Lucia, put up more of a fight against our main male leads. I get she didn't want to go to Pavone, but Victor is also pretty bad. The main male leads Angel/Saint/Victor (not sure why he wasn't just named Pope lol) are all pretty terrible with almost no redeeming qualities. Pavone, the villain, who we don't meet in this book is apparently pretty terrible too (pulls a blue-beard and has all of his wives killed). For Lucia it seems her choices are the frying pan or the fire. I just hope she tries to escape the main male leads again in the next book. I would not call this a romance as of just yet, not a lot of romantic feelings going on among the characters.
Overall, this was an ok read. I'll probably try to read book 2 if nothing else catches my eye.
This wasn’t bad, but it also wasn’t great. Mostly erotica with little story. Pretty standard mafia/crime story. I would only recommend this if you are looking for dub/non con with (MM)/MF. Very much so a specific genre to enjoy. Triggers for violence and dub/non con. Pretty fast read overall.
I wish the heroine, Lucia, put up more of a fight against our main male leads. I get she didn't want to go to Pavone, but Victor is also pretty bad. The main male leads Angel/Saint/Victor (not sure why he wasn't just named Pope lol) are all pretty terrible with almost no redeeming qualities. Pavone, the villain, who we don't meet in this book is apparently pretty terrible too (pulls a blue-beard and has all of his wives killed). For Lucia it seems her choices are the frying pan or the fire. I just hope she tries to escape the main male leads again in the next book. I would not call this a romance as of just yet, not a lot of romantic feelings going on among the characters.
Overall, this was an ok read. I'll probably try to read book 2 if nothing else catches my eye.
March 13, 2023
Rereading this series between other reads as a great palate cleanser.
I Give this Book a 4.5-5/5 Star Rating, Listing as 5.
Cliffhanger(?): So >Technically< it can be read as a HFN-HEA, But it’s not over yet and I’m excited for Book 2! 😃
Relationship Type: RH> Reverse Harem - MMMF
I Loved Every Character!
M/M(?): it’s hinted, but it’s currently lite but so freaking hot! I can’t wait to see where it’ll go from here!
Heat & Dark Heat: 10000/5! I LOVED EVERYTHING that was in the this book! 😍
Romance: I wouldn’t call it romance as of yet (to me), but there’s definitely affection.
Dark(?): As a fan of Dark to Extreme Dark Reads, I would list this as a high 3.5/5. But this may be darker for others.
Pacing: Oh My Goodness I loved the pacing in this book, it was quite addictive actually. I couldn’t put the book down even for a second! Mid-Paced.
Drama: 4-4.5/5
Suspense: 5/5
I Give this Book a 4.5-5/5 Star Rating, Listing as 5.
Cliffhanger(?): So >Technically< it can be read as a HFN-HEA, But it’s not over yet and I’m excited for Book 2! 😃
Relationship Type: RH> Reverse Harem - MMMF
I Loved Every Character!
M/M(?): it’s hinted, but it’s currently lite but so freaking hot! I can’t wait to see where it’ll go from here!
Heat & Dark Heat: 10000/5! I LOVED EVERYTHING that was in the this book! 😍
Romance: I wouldn’t call it romance as of yet (to me), but there’s definitely affection.
Dark(?): As a fan of Dark to Extreme Dark Reads, I would list this as a high 3.5/5. But this may be darker for others.
Pacing: Oh My Goodness I loved the pacing in this book, it was quite addictive actually. I couldn’t put the book down even for a second! Mid-Paced.
Drama: 4-4.5/5
Suspense: 5/5
August 13, 2022
I wanted to like this but ugh. I can't. And I've read some dark shit & liked it but at least those I have read have had SOME kind of reason for the why, some regret, SOMETHING GOOD AT THE END. There's no redemption in the guys in this book. No regret. No tenderness, no humanity, don't even think about love. The cruel, disgusting acts of humiliation and full on r@pe is not even steamy or hot, idc if her body "responds as though she loves it". It's gross. The one murder/blood play scene was nauseating I had to skip it. I can't believe this was written by women. Seems more like a f*cked up male fantasy of sexual torture and humiliation. Can't get on board with it, sorry not sorry.
May 1, 2023
To start this book is heavy on non con and dub con so if that is something that triggers you definitely stay clear.
This book followed Lucia who was trying to escape from her father and a forced marriage only to be taken by a rival mafia man and 2 of his associates. They plan to use her to retake control of some of the territory they lost. I felt like this book had a good balance of spice and plot. I’ll be continuing on to read book 2 so that I can see where the author takes the characters next!
🌶🌶🌶🌶/5
This book followed Lucia who was trying to escape from her father and a forced marriage only to be taken by a rival mafia man and 2 of his associates. They plan to use her to retake control of some of the territory they lost. I felt like this book had a good balance of spice and plot. I’ll be continuing on to read book 2 so that I can see where the author takes the characters next!
🌶🌶🌶🌶/5
January 1, 2022
Love this author co-write
Bloodthirsty, dark, gritty and full of psychological torment. This is not a sweet or soppy reverse harem series, it’s a fantastic mafia read. My first re-read for this year and so worth it.
⚠️ ℕ𝕠𝕥 𝕒 𝕤𝕒𝕗𝕖𝕥𝕪 𝕤𝕢𝕦𝕒𝕕 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕! 𝕋𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕥𝕒𝕚𝕟𝕤 𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕪𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘.
Lucia Bellini’s promised to her father’s associate, Pavone, to further his own business in their Mafia circles. Kidnapped and held prisoner, a pawn in their twisted games by an opposing family head, Victor Corvi. She’s not a damsel in distress however, she’s a mafia princess raised in the lifestyle, used to business arrangements.
“𝒮𝒶𝒾𝓃𝓉 𝓁𝒾𝓀𝑒𝓈 ‘𝑒𝓂 𝓈𝓌𝑒𝑒𝓉 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓅𝓁𝒾𝒶𝓃𝓉, 𝒱𝒾𝒸𝓉𝑜𝓇 𝓌𝒶𝓃𝓉𝓈 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓂 𝒶𝓈𝒽𝒶𝓂𝑒𝒹 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒽𝓊𝓂𝒾𝓁𝒾𝒶𝓉𝑒𝒹, 𝒷𝓊𝓉 𝓂𝑒? 𝐼 𝒿𝓊𝓈𝓉 𝓌𝒶𝓃𝓉 𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝓈𝒽𝒶𝓀𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒶𝒻𝓇𝒶𝒾𝒹, 𝓉𝑒𝒶𝓇𝓈 𝓈𝓉𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓂𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒹𝑜𝓌𝓃 𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝒻𝒶𝒸𝑒 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒷𝑒𝑔𝑔𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓂𝑒𝓇𝒸𝓎.”
These men break her down, and use her at will—non con/dub con, BUT there’s a pact made. There is romance, it’s dark, with lots of mind games. Not the shock value prevalent in so many of the popular younger character themed situations in RH.
If you have triggers, this is an actual mafia read. There’s nothing sweet. It’s harsh, cruel, abu$ive and well executed.
Dark a good 3/5 for me. I’ve read Ms. Donovan’s mm series, they’re darker and I’ve devoured them. This is a well paced page turner.
MMMF with MM to come, it’s certainly teased.
HFN—book two is out with the third for preorder available.
Bloodthirsty, dark, gritty and full of psychological torment. This is not a sweet or soppy reverse harem series, it’s a fantastic mafia read. My first re-read for this year and so worth it.
⚠️ ℕ𝕠𝕥 𝕒 𝕤𝕒𝕗𝕖𝕥𝕪 𝕤𝕢𝕦𝕒𝕕 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕! 𝕋𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕥𝕒𝕚𝕟𝕤 𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕪𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘.
Lucia Bellini’s promised to her father’s associate, Pavone, to further his own business in their Mafia circles. Kidnapped and held prisoner, a pawn in their twisted games by an opposing family head, Victor Corvi. She’s not a damsel in distress however, she’s a mafia princess raised in the lifestyle, used to business arrangements.
“𝒮𝒶𝒾𝓃𝓉 𝓁𝒾𝓀𝑒𝓈 ‘𝑒𝓂 𝓈𝓌𝑒𝑒𝓉 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓅𝓁𝒾𝒶𝓃𝓉, 𝒱𝒾𝒸𝓉𝑜𝓇 𝓌𝒶𝓃𝓉𝓈 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓂 𝒶𝓈𝒽𝒶𝓂𝑒𝒹 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒽𝓊𝓂𝒾𝓁𝒾𝒶𝓉𝑒𝒹, 𝒷𝓊𝓉 𝓂𝑒? 𝐼 𝒿𝓊𝓈𝓉 𝓌𝒶𝓃𝓉 𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝓈𝒽𝒶𝓀𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒶𝒻𝓇𝒶𝒾𝒹, 𝓉𝑒𝒶𝓇𝓈 𝓈𝓉𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓂𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒹𝑜𝓌𝓃 𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝒻𝒶𝒸𝑒 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒷𝑒𝑔𝑔𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓂𝑒𝓇𝒸𝓎.”
These men break her down, and use her at will—non con/dub con, BUT there’s a pact made. There is romance, it’s dark, with lots of mind games. Not the shock value prevalent in so many of the popular younger character themed situations in RH.
If you have triggers, this is an actual mafia read. There’s nothing sweet. It’s harsh, cruel, abu$ive and well executed.
Dark a good 3/5 for me. I’ve read Ms. Donovan’s mm series, they’re darker and I’ve devoured them. This is a well paced page turner.
MMMF with MM to come, it’s certainly teased.
HFN—book two is out with the third for preorder available.
August 17, 2021
What happens when two of your favorite authors team up? You get something dark and sexy and so good. There’s plenty to love here and surprisingly, I loved all the characters pretty equally. I usually have a favorite - but each of the 4 characters are unique and developed so well that they’ve all managed to be favorites.
There’s plenty to love here - plot, steam, and enough page-turning moments where you’re not sure what’s going to happen next.
There’s plenty to love here - plot, steam, and enough page-turning moments where you’re not sure what’s going to happen next.
April 19, 2022
✨R E V I E W✨
10⭐️
10🌶
⚠️TRIGGERS UPON TRIGGERS⚠️
____________________
This book was 😙🤌 perfection.
It was beyond dark. So many triggers. Beware if you read.
Somehow, through the book Lucia has started to get emotionally attached. She fights it so well and doesn’t give in considering what these men have done to her.
These men are cruel and I just….want them in my life still 😅
For anyone who chooses to read this….BEWARE OF THE LAST CHAPTER. YOU WILL COMBUST FROM THE SPICE
10⭐️
10🌶
⚠️TRIGGERS UPON TRIGGERS⚠️
____________________
This book was 😙🤌 perfection.
It was beyond dark. So many triggers. Beware if you read.
Somehow, through the book Lucia has started to get emotionally attached. She fights it so well and doesn’t give in considering what these men have done to her.
These men are cruel and I just….want them in my life still 😅
For anyone who chooses to read this….BEWARE OF THE LAST CHAPTER. YOU WILL COMBUST FROM THE SPICE
September 1, 2022
Don't get me wrong, I love me a mafia reverse harem, especially when the FMC is fiesty. But this book is just torture porn. The men just want to constantly break her down and there is nothing appealing about any of these arseholes. I've just DNF the second book. Can't stand it anymore.
April 14, 2023
Just rape and abuse. No redeeming quality’s whatsoever no love not even affection. The author is just wrote a story about abuse and rape and put it in as dark romance. I’ve read hundreds of those and this is not it. I’m honestly disgusted.
May 22, 2023
Okay so I like my romance DARK but this, this book actually made me uncomfortable, dub-con & non-con I don’t mind in books usually but this book is 90% glorified r*pe and honestly I just felt sorry for Lucia and couldn’t find anything romance-y about this book it was just straight up abuse
December 7, 2021
🔥🔥🔥
Whoa!!
This book is HOT with a capital H. Not what I was expecting it was more and I can’t wait for the next one I the series
**beware it contains all the triggers**
Whoa!!
This book is HOT with a capital H. Not what I was expecting it was more and I can’t wait for the next one I the series
**beware it contains all the triggers**
March 20, 2022
Excellent writing. Troubling, uncomfortable story. Dark, dark, DARK. I finished it in a day.
July 24, 2022
Mafia princess running away from an arranged marriage gets caught by three guys from a rival family and becomes their plaything in exchange for protection.
This book was closer to dark erotica than dark romance, especially as there wasn't much romance or tenderness between Lucia and the guys. I loved how she was not shy about using her sexuality as a bargaining tool. There are some really interesting group dynamics with Angelo as an openly-bi enforcer who has a crush on Saint, a maybe-bi pierced hacker, and Victor having the most power over everyone as mafia head. It's also interesting how they have varying opinions about each other's kinks (and these dudes are kinky af) and often quarrel and push boundaries with one another.
Lucia starts off being pretty fiery but quickly loses ground against them amidst an onslaught of sex, humiliation and torture. Around 2/3rds of the way through, I don't think I'll be reading the rest of the series but did mostly enjoy this book.
This book was closer to dark erotica than dark romance, especially as there wasn't much romance or tenderness between Lucia and the guys. I loved how she was not shy about using her sexuality as a bargaining tool. There are some really interesting group dynamics with Angelo as an openly-bi enforcer who has a crush on Saint, a maybe-bi pierced hacker, and Victor having the most power over everyone as mafia head. It's also interesting how they have varying opinions about each other's kinks (and these dudes are kinky af) and often quarrel and push boundaries with one another.
Lucia starts off being pretty fiery but quickly loses ground against them amidst an onslaught of sex, humiliation and torture. Around 2/3rds of the way through, I don't think I'll be reading the rest of the series but did mostly enjoy this book.
September 6, 2025
Plot: 3/5 • Smut: 4/5 ————> This was much darker than I expected. She’s trying to escape an arranged marriage and life from under her father’s finger. She almost makes it, but is instead kidnapped by three men who are trying to overthrow her father. Used as ransom, she has to survive the three and the torture they put her through. Lucia is used, abused and taken advantage of. She seems weak, but if I was trapped in that box too… something inside me would have broken too.
This ends on a slight cliff hanger. It’s setting you up for book two. Which I don’t think I’ll be continuing.
The smut/assult was good, for all it’s worth. There’s a little bit of gay bashing. And I mean minimal. One of the characters is a Bi, and is somewhat teased about it throughout. No real MM in this one.
This ends on a slight cliff hanger. It’s setting you up for book two. Which I don’t think I’ll be continuing.
The smut/assult was good, for all it’s worth. There’s a little bit of gay bashing. And I mean minimal. One of the characters is a Bi, and is somewhat teased about it throughout. No real MM in this one.
August 29, 2025
~Alc Review~
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
~Breaking Lucia~Raissa Donovan & Addison Wolf~
~Dual Narration~TJ Clark~Evan Parker~Branden Davis-Butler~Kayden Lukakis~
~Production~High Gravity Production~
"Saint likes ‘em sweet and pliant, Victor wants them ashamed and humiliated, but me? I want her shaking and afraid, tears streaming down her face and begging for mercy."
~This was my first read by both Raissa & Addison & the title is 100% fitting for the read! This story was definitely darker than your average bully romance & the trigger warnings should be taken seriously as this book isn't for the faint of heart! This book follows 3 mmcs out to break our fmc to their will for revenge over something that isn't her fault. Will she bend or will she break? I'm excited to see what unfolds in book 2!
I really enjoyed the multi-cast dual narration for this audiobook! Branden, TJ, Evan, & Kayden all did a phenomenal job at bringing their characters to life! Branden is one of my favorite audiobook narrators & she was the perfect choice to bring the emotion out in Lucia! I can't wait to check out more titles narrated by TJ, Evan, and Kayden!~
~As Always Happy Reading~
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
~Breaking Lucia~Raissa Donovan & Addison Wolf~
~Dual Narration~TJ Clark~Evan Parker~Branden Davis-Butler~Kayden Lukakis~
~Production~High Gravity Production~
"Saint likes ‘em sweet and pliant, Victor wants them ashamed and humiliated, but me? I want her shaking and afraid, tears streaming down her face and begging for mercy."
~This was my first read by both Raissa & Addison & the title is 100% fitting for the read! This story was definitely darker than your average bully romance & the trigger warnings should be taken seriously as this book isn't for the faint of heart! This book follows 3 mmcs out to break our fmc to their will for revenge over something that isn't her fault. Will she bend or will she break? I'm excited to see what unfolds in book 2!
I really enjoyed the multi-cast dual narration for this audiobook! Branden, TJ, Evan, & Kayden all did a phenomenal job at bringing their characters to life! Branden is one of my favorite audiobook narrators & she was the perfect choice to bring the emotion out in Lucia! I can't wait to check out more titles narrated by TJ, Evan, and Kayden!~
~As Always Happy Reading~
February 7, 2024
3.5-3.75 stars - the spice was greaaaat. Would have enjoyed a little more of the plot chucked in - why does she not like her dad (apart from the obvious mafia dad selling daughter shit)? Kinda annoyed me how she didn’t even know these guys but thought they’d be a better fit for her rather then having to deal with her dad or old mate P. The guys were good, no real character development in any department though. Will I read the next book? Absolutely - for the spicy scenes
November 22, 2025
Dark. Twisted. Addictive.
If you’re looking for a romance that doesn’t shy away from shadows, Breaking Lucia delivers. The chemistry is intense and the psychological depth sets it apart from typical dark romance. Lucia’s vulnerability paired with her growth made me root for her every step of the way.
There are scenes that are heavy, triggering, and gritty but that’s what makes the emotional payoff so powerful.
If you’re looking for a romance that doesn’t shy away from shadows, Breaking Lucia delivers. The chemistry is intense and the psychological depth sets it apart from typical dark romance. Lucia’s vulnerability paired with her growth made me root for her every step of the way.
There are scenes that are heavy, triggering, and gritty but that’s what makes the emotional payoff so powerful.
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