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Upper Echelon Duet (Updated) #1
The Games that Break Us
Rule #1: Don’t fuck with la Jefa.
Rule #2: Don’t get caught.
Rule #3, and most importantly: DON’T fall in love with your boss—especially when he’s the faceless, elusive mastermind behind the international and highly covert organization known as the Upper Echelon.
Arcángel might have chosen to forego some of that anonymity when it came to me, but the man still had secrets he refused to share. Secrets that came back to haunt us when he suddenly wanted to whisk me away and rescind the terms of our “no strings attached” relationship for something more.
I considered it, warring between rationality and my heart’s desires.
Until the Feds stepped in and I found myself trapped in tight, shiny cuffs.
Now, I’m paying the price, rotting away at the hands of the judicial system and facing possible deportation after serving his time. After all these years, Ángel should be nothing more than a ghost from my past, and yet he’s ever-present, popping up at the most random and inopportune times.
My heart can’t take much more of this maddening game, but fate seems to have other plans…
Enter Andrés Bala, the new CO who can’t keep his eyes off me. I shouldn’t encourage him, knowing damn well anything between us is considered forbidden, illegal, but there’s this inexplicable pull between us neither one of us can ignore—and being bad always did taste so much sweeter.
The question now is: despite Andrés vowing to wait for me, can he handle la Jefa and all of her baggage outside the confines of her cage, or are we doomed to crumble before I even step foot into freedom?
AUTHOR NOTE: The Games that Break Us was originally published as "Birdy: Upper Echelon #1" in 2020. It has been revised, rewritten to a certain extent, and contains over 25k in new content.
Rule #2: Don’t get caught.
Rule #3, and most importantly: DON’T fall in love with your boss—especially when he’s the faceless, elusive mastermind behind the international and highly covert organization known as the Upper Echelon.
Arcángel might have chosen to forego some of that anonymity when it came to me, but the man still had secrets he refused to share. Secrets that came back to haunt us when he suddenly wanted to whisk me away and rescind the terms of our “no strings attached” relationship for something more.
I considered it, warring between rationality and my heart’s desires.
Until the Feds stepped in and I found myself trapped in tight, shiny cuffs.
Now, I’m paying the price, rotting away at the hands of the judicial system and facing possible deportation after serving his time. After all these years, Ángel should be nothing more than a ghost from my past, and yet he’s ever-present, popping up at the most random and inopportune times.
My heart can’t take much more of this maddening game, but fate seems to have other plans…
Enter Andrés Bala, the new CO who can’t keep his eyes off me. I shouldn’t encourage him, knowing damn well anything between us is considered forbidden, illegal, but there’s this inexplicable pull between us neither one of us can ignore—and being bad always did taste so much sweeter.
The question now is: despite Andrés vowing to wait for me, can he handle la Jefa and all of her baggage outside the confines of her cage, or are we doomed to crumble before I even step foot into freedom?
AUTHOR NOTE: The Games that Break Us was originally published as "Birdy: Upper Echelon #1" in 2020. It has been revised, rewritten to a certain extent, and contains over 25k in new content.
474 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 22, 2022
38 people are currently reading
430 people want to read
About the author
Dee Garcia
45 books865 followersDee Garcia is a voracious fan of romance novels and a long time lover of the written word. Her mission is to craft unique, compelling stories that will give her readers a place to briefly escape the trials and tribulations of everyday reality. With headstrong heroine's who don't need a man to stand on their own two feet, Dee hopes to leave her mark in the Indie world, one plot twist at a time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
February 17, 2022
✨A TOP READ OF 2022✨
Yes! Yes! Yesssss!!!!!! This book was so great! And it ended in a freaking clifffy that has my mind all over the place!!! Ok... so Bennie (Birdie) is in drug trafficking.... and is messing around with the boss..... but when she gets busted and brought in, she doesn't give him up at all. Even after she finds out that he had ideas that they were onto her and he did nothing to prevent it.
While in prison, Bennie has some heartbreaking things happen with her family that she misses out on. She has these relationships with the other ladies in her cell block that really just give you all the feels. She ends up starting a forbidden fling with the super hot CO Andres Bala. Well I won't get into all the details, but I will tell you all that the sexual tension in this book in ON POINT!!! It was SO crazy maddening! And then of coarse the conflict had to happen and that was about ripping my heart out! It wasn't just a conflict with Andres! I will just say that she has another one that punched me in the gut!
You think that this book is ending with an HEA, but it really is more like a Happy For Now.... and I am HERE FOR IT! Bennie had such a huge amount of growth in the time she was away that I am quite intrigued to see how she handles herself in the next story! I am afraid for her also, because I know those demons are going to be a tough one for her to fight through..... but I can not wait to see that happens! Dee Garcia NAILED IT with this book!
Story 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Swoon 😍😍😍😍
Angst 💔💔💔💔
Yes! Yes! Yesssss!!!!!! This book was so great! And it ended in a freaking clifffy that has my mind all over the place!!! Ok... so Bennie (Birdie) is in drug trafficking.... and is messing around with the boss..... but when she gets busted and brought in, she doesn't give him up at all. Even after she finds out that he had ideas that they were onto her and he did nothing to prevent it.
While in prison, Bennie has some heartbreaking things happen with her family that she misses out on. She has these relationships with the other ladies in her cell block that really just give you all the feels. She ends up starting a forbidden fling with the super hot CO Andres Bala. Well I won't get into all the details, but I will tell you all that the sexual tension in this book in ON POINT!!! It was SO crazy maddening! And then of coarse the conflict had to happen and that was about ripping my heart out! It wasn't just a conflict with Andres! I will just say that she has another one that punched me in the gut!
You think that this book is ending with an HEA, but it really is more like a Happy For Now.... and I am HERE FOR IT! Bennie had such a huge amount of growth in the time she was away that I am quite intrigued to see how she handles herself in the next story! I am afraid for her also, because I know those demons are going to be a tough one for her to fight through..... but I can not wait to see that happens! Dee Garcia NAILED IT with this book!
Story 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Swoon 😍😍😍😍
Angst 💔💔💔💔
October 4, 2023
I’ll always go with the bandido
Come on Benni🔥
Come on Benni🔥
October 1, 2023
(i’m coming back to write a review when it’s not almost 3am)
February 4, 2022
The Games that Break us? Yeah, true enough title.
Garcia came rolling out with her gloves up on this one y’all!
Benni.
This girl, her family, her obstacles all felt like mine. Dee has this way of pulling you in with her words and shoving you into the characters’ body, only to live their life with every single syllable.
We start off with La Jefa, she’s a badass chica who runs her streets with an iron fist but loves her people with a soft heart.
And love she does.
Her love for Ángel pours off the pages and those words grip your heart so that you too love him.
And man do I love him. He’s mine.
But circumstances of her job, or I should say consequences land her in the pen for a while.
Ángel has some secrets and when they come out, Birdy decides she has to let him go because no matter how much you love some one, trust trumps all.
Then señor Bala enters the picture and let me tell you, his dimpled face would make for a great seat.
Just when you think Our girl Benni is getting her happy ending, that life is finally looking up for her, Garcia hits you with twist, and I’m fucking salivating for it!
I’m sad that im finished, I miss them all already. This story and these characters resonated with me like no other.
Remarkable read, elegantly created, and perfectly balanced.
Garcia came rolling out with her gloves up on this one y’all!
Benni.
This girl, her family, her obstacles all felt like mine. Dee has this way of pulling you in with her words and shoving you into the characters’ body, only to live their life with every single syllable.
We start off with La Jefa, she’s a badass chica who runs her streets with an iron fist but loves her people with a soft heart.
And love she does.
Her love for Ángel pours off the pages and those words grip your heart so that you too love him.
And man do I love him. He’s mine.
But circumstances of her job, or I should say consequences land her in the pen for a while.
Ángel has some secrets and when they come out, Birdy decides she has to let him go because no matter how much you love some one, trust trumps all.
Then señor Bala enters the picture and let me tell you, his dimpled face would make for a great seat.
Just when you think Our girl Benni is getting her happy ending, that life is finally looking up for her, Garcia hits you with twist, and I’m fucking salivating for it!
I’m sad that im finished, I miss them all already. This story and these characters resonated with me like no other.
Remarkable read, elegantly created, and perfectly balanced.
February 23, 2022
Dee Garcia is one of my favorite authors and when I seen that Birdy was getting revamped I Knew I had to read it . Her writing is flawless it’s gritty it’s raw this book while I was reading it was like watching a movie, I could see it play out in my head! Her attention to detail with characters, the story itself was just awesome! We get extra content and more about the characters this was just so much more! This story is fascinating it’s twisted it’s dark it’s intriguing, and such a thrilling read ! I could go on and on with how fucking awesome this book is but I’m not I’m just going to tell you GO READ THIS BOOK NOW ! You won’t be disappointed I promise! I can’t wait for the next book !
May 12, 2024
5 Stars
DIABLO DIABLO. Omg this shit was so good. It was like crack, I couldn’t stop reading. At first I was like omg Ángel and Bennie but then I was like omg Andres and Bennie. Now, as this book ends I don’t know nothing.
Bennie, la jefa, is a fucking bad bitch and I love her. Ángel is the typical bad boy and I still don’t know much about him so I can’t say much. Andres is serving. He’s great for Bennie; loves her, accepts her and gives her what she needs. Don’t know what’s gonna happen in this love triangle.
Anyway, I adored the found family at Glades Correctional. The relationship between the girls was unique and super cute. That truly was one of my favorite parts.
Lastly, I don’t know how this series will end or who is going to end up with Bennie but I need to finish this. Is too freaking good. I 100% recommend this book. You won’t be able to put this down. Toodles!
DIABLO DIABLO. Omg this shit was so good. It was like crack, I couldn’t stop reading. At first I was like omg Ángel and Bennie but then I was like omg Andres and Bennie. Now, as this book ends I don’t know nothing.
Bennie, la jefa, is a fucking bad bitch and I love her. Ángel is the typical bad boy and I still don’t know much about him so I can’t say much. Andres is serving. He’s great for Bennie; loves her, accepts her and gives her what she needs. Don’t know what’s gonna happen in this love triangle.
Anyway, I adored the found family at Glades Correctional. The relationship between the girls was unique and super cute. That truly was one of my favorite parts.
Lastly, I don’t know how this series will end or who is going to end up with Bennie but I need to finish this. Is too freaking good. I 100% recommend this book. You won’t be able to put this down. Toodles!
June 28, 2023
HOLY MOTHER OF JESUS I AM OBSESSED
This was SO freaking good.
From the playlist and the prologue I was hooked.
Strong fmc ☑️
Cartel romance ☑️
Her boss ☑️
He calls her mami? ☑️🔥
Bad boy covered in tattoos that gets you in trouble??? The one your mom warns you about???☑️☑️☑️
Orange is the new black vibes? ☑️
Love triangle? yes… I know. I know we don’t like this trope. BUT HEAR ME OUT OKAY? In this story, it makes sense. And it’s SO SO SO GOOD, I promise. 🥵
The characters make mistakes and bad decisions, but their intentions are pure and from the heart and I could truly feel that through the writing.
Ugh I’m so happy I found this book.
I’ve been searching for stories with heavier Latinx representation.
I wanted more than just a main character with a Hispanic last name and a few phrases in Spanish here and there.
I want to read characters that I can culturally relate to. And that’s exactly what happened with this one.
Dee García truly DELIVERED.
Yes there are some editing mistakes here and there (probably 4) but nothing out of this world.
My emotions have been at an all time high from page one.
I’m in love with Angel Castillo and Benita Adriana Villanueva. 🥹
Can’t wait to read the next book!!! 🖤
This was SO freaking good.
From the playlist and the prologue I was hooked.
Strong fmc ☑️
Cartel romance ☑️
Her boss ☑️
He calls her mami? ☑️🔥
Bad boy covered in tattoos that gets you in trouble??? The one your mom warns you about???☑️☑️☑️
Orange is the new black vibes? ☑️
Love triangle? yes… I know. I know we don’t like this trope. BUT HEAR ME OUT OKAY? In this story, it makes sense. And it’s SO SO SO GOOD, I promise. 🥵
The characters make mistakes and bad decisions, but their intentions are pure and from the heart and I could truly feel that through the writing.
Ugh I’m so happy I found this book.
I’ve been searching for stories with heavier Latinx representation.
I wanted more than just a main character with a Hispanic last name and a few phrases in Spanish here and there.
I want to read characters that I can culturally relate to. And that’s exactly what happened with this one.
Dee García truly DELIVERED.
Yes there are some editing mistakes here and there (probably 4) but nothing out of this world.
My emotions have been at an all time high from page one.
I’m in love with Angel Castillo and Benita Adriana Villanueva. 🥹
Can’t wait to read the next book!!! 🖤
Read
February 6, 2023I don’t think I’ll be rating this until I finish the duet, but I have a TW/CW to add:
Fatphobia
** Sorry, I keep changing this here bc I’m trying to do it in the kindest way possible while not diminishing the fact that I fully believe this TW needs to be added.
Fatphobia
** Sorry, I keep changing this here bc I’m trying to do it in the kindest way possible while not diminishing the fact that I fully believe this TW needs to be added.
March 13, 2022
OMGEEE!!! This is an appropriately titled book because this book gutted me at times. I don't have sufficient words to describe how much I loved this book! it is definitely a top 2020 read. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars. I first read this book in 2020 when it was titled, "Birdy: Upper Echelon #1" and I loved it! I was instantly hooked. Reading this revised edition (there is new content), I thought that I'd want to skim over some parts because I had read it before but no! I didn't think it could get any better but the new content only enhanced the love story. I felt like I was reading it for the first time all over again and I fell in even more in love with it. I am keeping my review vague because I don't want to spoil this experience for you.
This is an addicting drug-cartel/crime romance that blew my mind and damn near broke me! Strap yourself in and get ready for the wild, intense ride! This is a story of young love, betrayal, good intentions, bad decisions, and dire consequences. I was pulled in from the start with the action, off-the-charts steam, and an intense connection between Arcángel aka Angel and Benita aka La Jefa aka Benni aka Birdy. The passion, emotion, and angst are strong but will their relationship stand the test of time and be enough when the sting of betrayal hits and Benni is forced to pay for Angel's mistakes? The forbidden aspect only ratchets up the hotness by a thousand degrees. There are gut-wrenching and heartbreaking moments that damn near killed me. The plot is well-written, addicting, and unique. The twists had me hanging on to the edge of my seat, devouring every word, and my mouth left gaping open. The characters are intense, real, raw, and addicting. I loved Benni. She is a complex, badass, loyal, fierce, and takes no BS but there's also a softer side to her too. She loves with her whole heart, sometimes to her detriment. The H I couldn't get enough of! This book keeps your attention rapt from beginning to end. I couldn't believe that ending! OMG! The anticipation and addiction to this story is real. I NEED the next book now!!! Dee Garcia is such a talented author. I highly recommend reading this book.
This is an addicting drug-cartel/crime romance that blew my mind and damn near broke me! Strap yourself in and get ready for the wild, intense ride! This is a story of young love, betrayal, good intentions, bad decisions, and dire consequences. I was pulled in from the start with the action, off-the-charts steam, and an intense connection between Arcángel aka Angel and Benita aka La Jefa aka Benni aka Birdy. The passion, emotion, and angst are strong but will their relationship stand the test of time and be enough when the sting of betrayal hits and Benni is forced to pay for Angel's mistakes? The forbidden aspect only ratchets up the hotness by a thousand degrees. There are gut-wrenching and heartbreaking moments that damn near killed me. The plot is well-written, addicting, and unique. The twists had me hanging on to the edge of my seat, devouring every word, and my mouth left gaping open. The characters are intense, real, raw, and addicting. I loved Benni. She is a complex, badass, loyal, fierce, and takes no BS but there's also a softer side to her too. She loves with her whole heart, sometimes to her detriment. The H I couldn't get enough of! This book keeps your attention rapt from beginning to end. I couldn't believe that ending! OMG! The anticipation and addiction to this story is real. I NEED the next book now!!! Dee Garcia is such a talented author. I highly recommend reading this book.
February 23, 2022
OMG! Phenomenal, intense and utterly thrilling!
WOW! Benni is EVERYTHING! Dee does a phenomenal job revamping Benni’s story, giving us everything you could ask for and a whole hell of a lot more! Right from the very beginning I was once again hooked on Benni and her messed up story. It’s a dark, violent and twisted wild ride and I loved every freaking second of it.
Benni’s story is gritty, raw, emotional and highly erotic. Everything about it is utterly dark and delicious. Benni is the ultimate badass hardcore woman! She is a fierce Queen! She had me gripping my kindle tightly, biting my nails with anticipation and shocked at the events unfolding in front of my eyes. My heart broke for her, but I just know that she will come out of this stronger than ever.
The connection and pull she has with Angel is undeniable but so is the connection and chemistry she has with Andres. Both of these dark and delicious men had me melting into a puddle on the floor! But who does she really belong to?? Who can claim the throne along side this fierce-some Queen? I can’t wait to see how she reclaims her life and with whom she reigns the kingdom with.
Brilliantly written story with damaged and slightly unhinged characters that you can’t help but fall head over heels for, and with a storyline that is filled with suspense, action, betrayal, violence, secrets and twists and turns you never see coming.
This book was amazing and I can't wait to see how this all turns out in the end.
WOW! Benni is EVERYTHING! Dee does a phenomenal job revamping Benni’s story, giving us everything you could ask for and a whole hell of a lot more! Right from the very beginning I was once again hooked on Benni and her messed up story. It’s a dark, violent and twisted wild ride and I loved every freaking second of it.
Benni’s story is gritty, raw, emotional and highly erotic. Everything about it is utterly dark and delicious. Benni is the ultimate badass hardcore woman! She is a fierce Queen! She had me gripping my kindle tightly, biting my nails with anticipation and shocked at the events unfolding in front of my eyes. My heart broke for her, but I just know that she will come out of this stronger than ever.
The connection and pull she has with Angel is undeniable but so is the connection and chemistry she has with Andres. Both of these dark and delicious men had me melting into a puddle on the floor! But who does she really belong to?? Who can claim the throne along side this fierce-some Queen? I can’t wait to see how she reclaims her life and with whom she reigns the kingdom with.
Brilliantly written story with damaged and slightly unhinged characters that you can’t help but fall head over heels for, and with a storyline that is filled with suspense, action, betrayal, violence, secrets and twists and turns you never see coming.
This book was amazing and I can't wait to see how this all turns out in the end.
February 19, 2022
***5 Stars***
It’s been a minute since I read Birdy, but I freakin’ loved it, so when life happened for the author and the voices just weren’t playing nice and Arcangel kept getting pushed back, I was disappointed, but fully understood and knew that things would all work out in the end.
And they have, in a big way.
While I will admit that I didn’t go back and read Birdy, nor did I look at my review for the book, as I was reading I “remembered” things and can honestly say that I did feel like I had a better understanding of Bennie, Angel and Andres…at least at this moment in time as this is only book 1 of what is now a trilogy. But it’s hard to not love Bennie. We get to see her at her lowest, but also at her most fierce and she is truly a force. As for Angel and Andres…for me, on the surface, they are night and day, but they have their own “gray” areas that call to me for various reasons. What does that mean? Simple. I don’t have a ‘team’ other than Team Birdy, Bennie, La Jefa…take your pick. Especially as this is only book one.
I know that this is a vague as hell review, but I don’t apologize for it. There is so much more to come, even if we “know” what the outcome will ultimately be, and I have no doubt that these characters will make things all kinds of crazy!
~ Copy provided by the author & voluntarily reviewed ~
It’s been a minute since I read Birdy, but I freakin’ loved it, so when life happened for the author and the voices just weren’t playing nice and Arcangel kept getting pushed back, I was disappointed, but fully understood and knew that things would all work out in the end.
And they have, in a big way.
While I will admit that I didn’t go back and read Birdy, nor did I look at my review for the book, as I was reading I “remembered” things and can honestly say that I did feel like I had a better understanding of Bennie, Angel and Andres…at least at this moment in time as this is only book 1 of what is now a trilogy. But it’s hard to not love Bennie. We get to see her at her lowest, but also at her most fierce and she is truly a force. As for Angel and Andres…for me, on the surface, they are night and day, but they have their own “gray” areas that call to me for various reasons. What does that mean? Simple. I don’t have a ‘team’ other than Team Birdy, Bennie, La Jefa…take your pick. Especially as this is only book one.
I know that this is a vague as hell review, but I don’t apologize for it. There is so much more to come, even if we “know” what the outcome will ultimately be, and I have no doubt that these characters will make things all kinds of crazy!
~ Copy provided by the author & voluntarily reviewed ~
January 14, 2023
Book title: The Games We Play
Author: Dee Garcia
Book Series:
Genre: Romance, Drama
Tropes: Gangs, love triangle, jail, crime
Rating: 5/5
Spice: 2/5
Angst: 3/5
Plot: Benni lives on the wrong side of the law, involved in drugs and whatnot. She's having relations with her boss when suddenly he wants to take her away. She's unsure and then suddenly captured by the feds and sent to prison for seven years. Here she meets CO Bala, he's delicious, and there's an immediate spark between them. Between Benni's jail life, outside life, and her past, can things work out?
Thoughts: Dee Garcia is a new author to me, and let me tell you, WHY HAVE I ONLY JUST FOUND HER?!! One of my Instagram besties recd this to me, which im so grateful for. This book is unlike anything I've ever read. The whole plot had me riveted from page one. The tension between Benni and Bala is OFF THE CHARTS. It was well-written, emotional, and addictive. I'm off to read book two now
Author: Dee Garcia
Book Series:
Genre: Romance, Drama
Tropes: Gangs, love triangle, jail, crime
Rating: 5/5
Spice: 2/5
Angst: 3/5
Plot: Benni lives on the wrong side of the law, involved in drugs and whatnot. She's having relations with her boss when suddenly he wants to take her away. She's unsure and then suddenly captured by the feds and sent to prison for seven years. Here she meets CO Bala, he's delicious, and there's an immediate spark between them. Between Benni's jail life, outside life, and her past, can things work out?
Thoughts: Dee Garcia is a new author to me, and let me tell you, WHY HAVE I ONLY JUST FOUND HER?!! One of my Instagram besties recd this to me, which im so grateful for. This book is unlike anything I've ever read. The whole plot had me riveted from page one. The tension between Benni and Bala is OFF THE CHARTS. It was well-written, emotional, and addictive. I'm off to read book two now
November 17, 2024
This book was absolutely So. Freaking. Good. I’ve said it before, and I’ll keep saying it: Dee Garcia’s writing is in a league of its own.
This story is gritty, raw, and deeply vulnerable. The characters are all so beautifully grey, and watching them struggle through life feels heartbreakingly real and tangible. At times, it was hard to read as you witness them make choices you know will lead to real consequences.
Birdy (Benni), our FMC, completely steals the show. This is her story—navigating relationships and facing the fallout of going to prison for drug dealing and taking the fall for her man. She’s flawed and real but also strong, intelligent, and fiercely loyal. In jail, she deals with the weight of her decisions and ends up falling for swoon-worthy CO Andres.
While there’s spice, this book isn’t inherently “smutty”—it’s truly about the characters and the rawness of their lives. The pacing, plot, and character development are absolutely spot-on, and I can’t wait to dive into book two!
This story is gritty, raw, and deeply vulnerable. The characters are all so beautifully grey, and watching them struggle through life feels heartbreakingly real and tangible. At times, it was hard to read as you witness them make choices you know will lead to real consequences.
Birdy (Benni), our FMC, completely steals the show. This is her story—navigating relationships and facing the fallout of going to prison for drug dealing and taking the fall for her man. She’s flawed and real but also strong, intelligent, and fiercely loyal. In jail, she deals with the weight of her decisions and ends up falling for swoon-worthy CO Andres.
While there’s spice, this book isn’t inherently “smutty”—it’s truly about the characters and the rawness of their lives. The pacing, plot, and character development are absolutely spot-on, and I can’t wait to dive into book two!
February 23, 2022
Gahhhh!! Dee Garcia gives an alternate version and it’s just as exciting! You can’t help but not fall in love with Birdy! She just draws you in ! Fantastic book! Anxiously waiting for the next installment!!
May 27, 2024
✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ 𝟷/𝟸
“𝙄 𝙢𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙨𝙖𝙞𝙙… 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙚, 𝙄 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙙𝙤. 𝙄’𝙡𝙡 𝙬𝙖𝙞𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙗𝙚𝙗é. 𝙉𝙤 𝙝𝙖𝙮 𝙣𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙤 𝙩𝙪.”
𝖳𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝗐𝖺𝗌 𝖲𝖮 𝖦𝖮𝖮𝖣. 𝖨 𝖼𝗈𝗎𝗅𝖽 𝗇𝗈𝗍 𝗌𝗍𝗈𝗉 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽𝗂𝗇𝗀. 𝖡𝖾𝗇𝗇𝗂’𝗌 𝗌𝗍𝗈𝗋𝗒. 𝖳𝗁𝖾 𝗋𝗈𝗆𝖺𝗇𝖼𝖾. 𝖳𝗁𝖾 𝖺𝗇𝗀𝗌𝗍. 𝖳𝗁𝖺𝗍 𝖾𝗇𝖽𝗂𝗇𝗀.
𝖳𝗁𝖾. 𝖫𝗈𝗏𝖾. 𝖳𝗋𝗂𝖺𝗇𝗀𝗅𝖾.
“𝙄 𝙢𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙨𝙖𝙞𝙙… 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙚, 𝙄 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙙𝙤. 𝙄’𝙡𝙡 𝙬𝙖𝙞𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙗𝙚𝙗é. 𝙉𝙤 𝙝𝙖𝙮 𝙣𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙤 𝙩𝙪.”
𝖳𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝗐𝖺𝗌 𝖲𝖮 𝖦𝖮𝖮𝖣. 𝖨 𝖼𝗈𝗎𝗅𝖽 𝗇𝗈𝗍 𝗌𝗍𝗈𝗉 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽𝗂𝗇𝗀. 𝖡𝖾𝗇𝗇𝗂’𝗌 𝗌𝗍𝗈𝗋𝗒. 𝖳𝗁𝖾 𝗋𝗈𝗆𝖺𝗇𝖼𝖾. 𝖳𝗁𝖾 𝖺𝗇𝗀𝗌𝗍. 𝖳𝗁𝖺𝗍 𝖾𝗇𝖽𝗂𝗇𝗀.
𝖳𝗁𝖾. 𝖫𝗈𝗏𝖾. 𝖳𝗋𝗂𝖺𝗇𝗀𝗅𝖾.
February 23, 2022
If you love Orange Is the New Black, you are going to LOVE this book.
The Games that Break Us is the first book in the Upper Echelon duet. Benni is known as the girl you don’t mess with in the Upper Echelon. She’s bad ass and doesn’t take shit from anyone, except when it comes to her boss. Arcángel and Benni were lust at first sight where their attraction was immediately off the charts. He is ready to get serious and take her away but Benni is protecting her heart. When she finally decides to take a leap of faith, Benni’s world comes crashing down as she is sent to prison. Her trust is destroyed when she finds out the one she gave her heart to may have known all along. Benni is determined to protect her heart at all costs, until she meets Andrés, the new CO.
This book was previously published as “Birdy” but it has now been revamped with extra content and a new name! This book is absolutely epic, fun, and sexy as hell. This is different from anything I have read and I highly recommend this book. I cannot wait for the second book to come out!
Thank you Dee Garcia for sending me this ARC for a honest review! The Games that Break Us releases 2/22!
𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗲𝘀
- Forbidden Relationship (Inmate and Correctional Officer)
- Bad ass female main character
- VERY yummy male main characters
- Possible love triangle?
𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Shock: 😱😱😱😱
Angst: 💗💗💗
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
The Games that Break Us is the first book in the Upper Echelon duet. Benni is known as the girl you don’t mess with in the Upper Echelon. She’s bad ass and doesn’t take shit from anyone, except when it comes to her boss. Arcángel and Benni were lust at first sight where their attraction was immediately off the charts. He is ready to get serious and take her away but Benni is protecting her heart. When she finally decides to take a leap of faith, Benni’s world comes crashing down as she is sent to prison. Her trust is destroyed when she finds out the one she gave her heart to may have known all along. Benni is determined to protect her heart at all costs, until she meets Andrés, the new CO.
This book was previously published as “Birdy” but it has now been revamped with extra content and a new name! This book is absolutely epic, fun, and sexy as hell. This is different from anything I have read and I highly recommend this book. I cannot wait for the second book to come out!
Thank you Dee Garcia for sending me this ARC for a honest review! The Games that Break Us releases 2/22!
𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗲𝘀
- Forbidden Relationship (Inmate and Correctional Officer)
- Bad ass female main character
- VERY yummy male main characters
- Possible love triangle?
𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Shock: 😱😱😱😱
Angst: 💗💗💗
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
July 21, 2022
Dee, what have you done to me? I thought I knew Benni’s story, having had read Birdy when it was originally published. I fell hard and fast for both Angel and Andres and even Benni 😉. The Games That Break Us is an absolutely gripping and vivid rewrite to an already thrilling and sexy story full of drama and twists and turns. Dee Garcia gave The Upper Echelon duet even more character and depth, more descriptive and immersion that made it utterly captivating. I loved the heart in this story, the strength in Benni and the love in all the characters and can really say this book is magnificent. I am so lucky to have received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. I’m so excited to see where this story is going as we have only just scratched the surface and that thought simply thrills me. If your looking for a book full of heat, love, lust, betrayal, and deceit—look no further!
February 6, 2023
Rtc I’m still processing 😆
February 17, 2022
I love this author something fierce. Regardless of the sub-trope that the author writes; MMA, Mafia, Dark, PNR, or even Zombies, I have never been disappointed in her work. There is something special about the way that she crafts a story. It is uniquely her own style and I love that. She creates characters that are multifaceted and dynamic. I loved Birdy when the book first came out, to the point that I claimed Andrés before he was even released to the rest of bookland. To say that I was bummed that there wasn't going to be a part two of the duet crushed me. However, I understood because a writer always has to follow the Muse. So when I heard that Birdy was going to be revamped and continued, I squealed like a giddy schoolgirl.
I wasn't sure what to expect when this author said that she expanded on the story and added more content because I didn't think that Birdy needed it. I was wrong because the subtle changes to the story truly did enhance the story. It felt richer. Even though I knew the characters and what happens because of having read Birdy, it didn't diminish or spoil the book for me. It was a little freeing because I could truly immerse myself in the layers of this story. I still feel like I am cheating on my Andrés or being less disloyal to him because of my appreciation of Arcángel and knowing that this love triangle between the three of them is only going to come out one way. I think knowing the likely outcome this time around(from the books as well as other readers' speculation) makes me savor those delicious moments and interactions between all three of them that much more than had I gone into this blind. It wasn't a shock to my system.
This author understood the assignment and made a pretty perfect book, in my opinion, even more perfect. This author has set up the foundation of a great duet and hopefully an interconnected world. I loved that Benni was such a vivid character that I could envision her in all her glory. The way that she stayed true to her culture and morals made me fall even more in love with her. I am very excited to see how the author intends to build off of this book and answer all my questions in the next book, and maybe break my heart a time or two in the process. I'll gladly take the heartbreak though because I know that this author will make up for it when it is all over.
I wasn't sure what to expect when this author said that she expanded on the story and added more content because I didn't think that Birdy needed it. I was wrong because the subtle changes to the story truly did enhance the story. It felt richer. Even though I knew the characters and what happens because of having read Birdy, it didn't diminish or spoil the book for me. It was a little freeing because I could truly immerse myself in the layers of this story. I still feel like I am cheating on my Andrés or being less disloyal to him because of my appreciation of Arcángel and knowing that this love triangle between the three of them is only going to come out one way. I think knowing the likely outcome this time around(from the books as well as other readers' speculation) makes me savor those delicious moments and interactions between all three of them that much more than had I gone into this blind. It wasn't a shock to my system.
This author understood the assignment and made a pretty perfect book, in my opinion, even more perfect. This author has set up the foundation of a great duet and hopefully an interconnected world. I loved that Benni was such a vivid character that I could envision her in all her glory. The way that she stayed true to her culture and morals made me fall even more in love with her. I am very excited to see how the author intends to build off of this book and answer all my questions in the next book, and maybe break my heart a time or two in the process. I'll gladly take the heartbreak though because I know that this author will make up for it when it is all over.
February 22, 2022
5+++++++++++++++ Stars
Birdy is back and I can’t be any happier.
Birdy’s story was there for me during a hard time in my life, actually the original was the first Romance book I had read after a long long time of not reading and actually being scared to read romance. Thinking it was all going to be fluffy and rainbows. That was not my life, I needed something like this to wake me up and realize how far the genre has come. I was in a low, sad time of my life and she woke me up. Birdie showed me that Romance books are not like I remembered them and she showed me that Hispanic females can be the FMC. A relatable FMC is hard to find when you aren’t a specific kind of person. I tell Dee Garcia all the time how Birdie brought me back but y'all just don’t understand. Things have changed in my life again and it’s at the same time that Birdie has returned to my life. This series, this author will always be special to me due to how it seems to always pop up in my life during a specific time and lend to the memories of that time. I love you Dee Garcia, I love you for bringing a character like Birdie into my life. La Jefa is my book girlfriend.
Birdy, this girl is really something else. She is the definition of ride or die. But what happens when you fall for your boss, then you take the fall for your boss? What happens when the CO is hot asf and you can wrap him around your little finger? You end up in a bind. There’s someone on the outside you are still pining over, but there’s someone on the inside that is risking things for you.
This story is as real as it comes, a love triangle at its truest form. They both do something different for you. They both mean something different to you. But which do you choose? The bad boy you’ve always wanted or the good boy that risked it all for you?
The Games That Break Us, what a perfect title. Because those games really do break us. We try, we say we are good, but we aren’t and Birdie is the first FMC I have ever been able to see myself in. Life is messy and if you don’t like a fight in your books, then you don’t know what you’re missing.
Whether you’ve read the original or not, this is a series you need to dig into. I already loved the original, but I am freaking blown away by what Dee has done with the revamp. If I could give it a million stars I would. There will never be a book, series, or characters that hit me as hard as these did. When I first read this, I swore to anyone who listened to me that this needed to be a Netflix series. This was so relatable. I needed to see them on my TV. I just never wanted to be without Birdy, Papi y Andres. I still stand by that…I need this on Netflix!!!
Point. Blank. Periodt.
TQM Bruja Bella!!!
Birdy is back and I can’t be any happier.
Birdy’s story was there for me during a hard time in my life, actually the original was the first Romance book I had read after a long long time of not reading and actually being scared to read romance. Thinking it was all going to be fluffy and rainbows. That was not my life, I needed something like this to wake me up and realize how far the genre has come. I was in a low, sad time of my life and she woke me up. Birdie showed me that Romance books are not like I remembered them and she showed me that Hispanic females can be the FMC. A relatable FMC is hard to find when you aren’t a specific kind of person. I tell Dee Garcia all the time how Birdie brought me back but y'all just don’t understand. Things have changed in my life again and it’s at the same time that Birdie has returned to my life. This series, this author will always be special to me due to how it seems to always pop up in my life during a specific time and lend to the memories of that time. I love you Dee Garcia, I love you for bringing a character like Birdie into my life. La Jefa is my book girlfriend.
Birdy, this girl is really something else. She is the definition of ride or die. But what happens when you fall for your boss, then you take the fall for your boss? What happens when the CO is hot asf and you can wrap him around your little finger? You end up in a bind. There’s someone on the outside you are still pining over, but there’s someone on the inside that is risking things for you.
This story is as real as it comes, a love triangle at its truest form. They both do something different for you. They both mean something different to you. But which do you choose? The bad boy you’ve always wanted or the good boy that risked it all for you?
The Games That Break Us, what a perfect title. Because those games really do break us. We try, we say we are good, but we aren’t and Birdie is the first FMC I have ever been able to see myself in. Life is messy and if you don’t like a fight in your books, then you don’t know what you’re missing.
Whether you’ve read the original or not, this is a series you need to dig into. I already loved the original, but I am freaking blown away by what Dee has done with the revamp. If I could give it a million stars I would. There will never be a book, series, or characters that hit me as hard as these did. When I first read this, I swore to anyone who listened to me that this needed to be a Netflix series. This was so relatable. I needed to see them on my TV. I just never wanted to be without Birdy, Papi y Andres. I still stand by that…I need this on Netflix!!!
Point. Blank. Periodt.
TQM Bruja Bella!!!
February 11, 2022
A story that will make you feel like your living through the characters eyes.
Emotions that bleed off of the pages, moments that make you go through every feeling possible. A story line and characters that desperately leave you begging for more.
Whew can I just say what a rollercoaster ride this journey will take you on. Hold on and buckle up because what you think you know is going to happen, the author then throws you through something totally different. The character growth and story line is so intriguing and captures you from the very beginning to the very end, you get so lost into this world and characters you don’t want the story to end.
Benni my girl right here! She’s so relatable and drawls you in from the beginning you can’t help but root for her and feel like your living and breathing through her eyes during the entire story. Her emotions and feelings feel like your own. You get to see her growth and watch her still be that bad a** that she is through everything that is thrown her way. She’s strong and everything you want from female lead. I cannot wait to continue her journey and see more of her potential.
I won’t get into the male leads because this masterpiece needs to be read and you need to see how everything unfolds on your own. The author leads a wicked ride, which you have to trust the process and see what happens because she likes to throw some major curve balls and have you hanging off of your seat. I’m definitely rooting for one and I can’t wait to see more of his mastermind brain as the story unfolds more, because he’s definitely giving you mysterious alpha vibes and that’s one of my weaknesses.
Overall this story was everything I never knew I needed. It’s so beautifully written and the plot is one of the best I’ve read in a long time. Just get lost in this story and characters and let the hurricane of this story capture you for the journey. Chefs kiss! I will be counting down the days for book two, because I need answers and just more of everything!
Emotions that bleed off of the pages, moments that make you go through every feeling possible. A story line and characters that desperately leave you begging for more.
Whew can I just say what a rollercoaster ride this journey will take you on. Hold on and buckle up because what you think you know is going to happen, the author then throws you through something totally different. The character growth and story line is so intriguing and captures you from the very beginning to the very end, you get so lost into this world and characters you don’t want the story to end.
Benni my girl right here! She’s so relatable and drawls you in from the beginning you can’t help but root for her and feel like your living and breathing through her eyes during the entire story. Her emotions and feelings feel like your own. You get to see her growth and watch her still be that bad a** that she is through everything that is thrown her way. She’s strong and everything you want from female lead. I cannot wait to continue her journey and see more of her potential.
I won’t get into the male leads because this masterpiece needs to be read and you need to see how everything unfolds on your own. The author leads a wicked ride, which you have to trust the process and see what happens because she likes to throw some major curve balls and have you hanging off of your seat. I’m definitely rooting for one and I can’t wait to see more of his mastermind brain as the story unfolds more, because he’s definitely giving you mysterious alpha vibes and that’s one of my weaknesses.
Overall this story was everything I never knew I needed. It’s so beautifully written and the plot is one of the best I’ve read in a long time. Just get lost in this story and characters and let the hurricane of this story capture you for the journey. Chefs kiss! I will be counting down the days for book two, because I need answers and just more of everything!
October 18, 2022
There are many spoilers in this review!!!!
Miss Garcia’s latest novel starts off with a bang. It takes off with Benita Adriana Villanueva jumping into Arcangel’s front seat of his Mansory Renovatio after a collection of drug money. The tone of the novel only gets more character driven and love story driven from there,
Jump three years. Benni, as she is known on the streets. Is now le Jefa, and now the woman of Arcangel. Part of the Upper Echelon of his Yakuza. She has a warehouse of her own and a distribution of people and drug trade along with it. Underlings that bow to only her, dropping by on her judgment alone Benni has worked long and hard to get to where she is.
Along with a white collar job at La Carreta, Benni makes collections on her own debts as well. Angel also has a difficult question for her as well. One that might change her future. For good or bad. But before she gets to answer the police pick her up on drug charges. Get her for seven years.
During those seven years along comes CO Alba. One hot guard built like muscle just waiting for you to lick him up and down. Both him and Benni stares started the first day. The heat builds up until notes start passing, finally. Actions have to be taken. And hot ones are definitely taken, But ones that could get them both in hot water. Neither of them care in the heat of the moment.
Benni finally gets some good news. She gets early release. Just in time for Christmas and to see her Mother. For her Mom is in the final stages of colon cancer. It couldn't come at a better time. Even time to be with her new man who gets her job at his new apartment complex as well. She is off to a new start One that will make this new life better than her old one with Angel seem a distant memory. Fans of Faye Pierce will love this new series. They should look for more to come from this author. .
Miss Garcia’s latest novel starts off with a bang. It takes off with Benita Adriana Villanueva jumping into Arcangel’s front seat of his Mansory Renovatio after a collection of drug money. The tone of the novel only gets more character driven and love story driven from there,
Jump three years. Benni, as she is known on the streets. Is now le Jefa, and now the woman of Arcangel. Part of the Upper Echelon of his Yakuza. She has a warehouse of her own and a distribution of people and drug trade along with it. Underlings that bow to only her, dropping by on her judgment alone Benni has worked long and hard to get to where she is.
Along with a white collar job at La Carreta, Benni makes collections on her own debts as well. Angel also has a difficult question for her as well. One that might change her future. For good or bad. But before she gets to answer the police pick her up on drug charges. Get her for seven years.
During those seven years along comes CO Alba. One hot guard built like muscle just waiting for you to lick him up and down. Both him and Benni stares started the first day. The heat builds up until notes start passing, finally. Actions have to be taken. And hot ones are definitely taken, But ones that could get them both in hot water. Neither of them care in the heat of the moment.
Benni finally gets some good news. She gets early release. Just in time for Christmas and to see her Mother. For her Mom is in the final stages of colon cancer. It couldn't come at a better time. Even time to be with her new man who gets her job at his new apartment complex as well. She is off to a new start One that will make this new life better than her old one with Angel seem a distant memory. Fans of Faye Pierce will love this new series. They should look for more to come from this author. .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2022
Crassy, sassy, and brassy, that’s Benni. She’s loyal to a fault and has a heart of gold, but she doesn’t show it often. She loves her family and wants to provide for them, but the only way she is able to, will lead her to trouble and danger. It can also lead her to a man who will love her and respect her as well as help her find her right path in life. Unfortunately, they have some obstacles to overcome first. She did the crime and the time, now I only hope that she can follow the right path and stay on it. Time will tell. Benni’s almost-ex is an obstacle that she will have to fight to overcome. He still has a hold on her heart, much to her dismay.
I really enjoyed this book. Benni’s toughness and her loyalty to those that are in her inner circle shows that she is a good person, the only problem is that she chose the wrong path to help her family and realizes almost too late that she did it for selfish reasons. The struggles that she goes through in her life shows her true character. I look forward to seeing if her path leading forward will continue in the right direction. I love the characters and the story, and I look forward to the next book.
I give this book a 5-star review. I love Ms. Garcia’s books and she has not disappointed on this book. Her ability to write characters that are like old friends of mine, is what always pulls me into her books. I can see Benni as a classmate of mine and it’s like reading about an old friend. I love the turmoil, danger, and choices that the characters go through. If you like stories of strong women, cartels, or romantic situations with characters that shouldn’t be together, you will enjoy The Games That Break Us. Benni is a great character and the men around her only enhance her personality.
I really enjoyed this book. Benni’s toughness and her loyalty to those that are in her inner circle shows that she is a good person, the only problem is that she chose the wrong path to help her family and realizes almost too late that she did it for selfish reasons. The struggles that she goes through in her life shows her true character. I look forward to seeing if her path leading forward will continue in the right direction. I love the characters and the story, and I look forward to the next book.
I give this book a 5-star review. I love Ms. Garcia’s books and she has not disappointed on this book. Her ability to write characters that are like old friends of mine, is what always pulls me into her books. I can see Benni as a classmate of mine and it’s like reading about an old friend. I love the turmoil, danger, and choices that the characters go through. If you like stories of strong women, cartels, or romantic situations with characters that shouldn’t be together, you will enjoy The Games That Break Us. Benni is a great character and the men around her only enhance her personality.
January 18, 2022
The Games That Break Us is the first book in Dee Garcia’s Upper Echelon Duet.
As a fan of Garcia’s work, I jumped at the chance to read this one early. I knew the story already, but even more, I knew that whatever changes were made were only going to enhance the experience.
As familiar as I may be with Birdy’s story, this rewrite is a ride with many twists and turns, and so much more scenery. Garcia has a way of bringing the setting to life and making you feel like you’re right there alongside the characters. It’s truly a gift.
From the beaches of Miami all the way to B Block, you live out every trial and tribulation Birdy endures.
This is a story full of love, lust, regret, betrayal, lies, deceit, and so much more. Better yet, this is only the beginning.
I cannot express how much I absolutely love this story. It’s one that stuck with me over the last year, and one that will continue to sit in the forefronts of my mind. Even better is the way she was able to make me see Ángel in a completely different light. I used to be strictly Team Andrés, but now I’m delightfully stuck in the middle.
I can’t wait to get book two into my hands and watch Birdy’s story unfold a little further as we watch her traverse life between the gazes of these two men.
This is most definitely a 5-star worthy read, and if I could give it anymore, I would!
The Games That Break Us releases February 22, 2022, and its sequel, The Bonds That Make Us, releases only a month after on March 22, 2022.
Pre-order from the links below.
The Games That Break Us: https://amzn.to/3rqQKI6
That Bonds That Make Us: https://amzn.to/3qBKeyT
As a fan of Garcia’s work, I jumped at the chance to read this one early. I knew the story already, but even more, I knew that whatever changes were made were only going to enhance the experience.
As familiar as I may be with Birdy’s story, this rewrite is a ride with many twists and turns, and so much more scenery. Garcia has a way of bringing the setting to life and making you feel like you’re right there alongside the characters. It’s truly a gift.
From the beaches of Miami all the way to B Block, you live out every trial and tribulation Birdy endures.
This is a story full of love, lust, regret, betrayal, lies, deceit, and so much more. Better yet, this is only the beginning.
I cannot express how much I absolutely love this story. It’s one that stuck with me over the last year, and one that will continue to sit in the forefronts of my mind. Even better is the way she was able to make me see Ángel in a completely different light. I used to be strictly Team Andrés, but now I’m delightfully stuck in the middle.
I can’t wait to get book two into my hands and watch Birdy’s story unfold a little further as we watch her traverse life between the gazes of these two men.
This is most definitely a 5-star worthy read, and if I could give it anymore, I would!
The Games That Break Us releases February 22, 2022, and its sequel, The Bonds That Make Us, releases only a month after on March 22, 2022.
Pre-order from the links below.
The Games That Break Us: https://amzn.to/3rqQKI6
That Bonds That Make Us: https://amzn.to/3qBKeyT
February 28, 2022
Raw, Angsty, Suspenseful Read... leaving you wanting more!
The Games that Break Us was absolutely fantastic.
From the very first page I was pulled into Benni's world and I couldn't put her world down... Her world is raw, full angst, suspense, betrayal, secrets, hot seggy time and turns you never thought would happen.
Benni is a strong, fierce, sassy and smart female heroine. Given the cards she's been dealt, she keeps her head high and moves forward.
The two men in her life, Angel and Andrés ...well they're oil and vinegar, definitely polar opposites ....but in their own way they love Benni very much. Do I like one over the other, I'm still undecided.... they both do things that I want to grab them and shake them like wtf.... I still have questions regarding Angel that's for sure but part of me fell for him in the beginning...but part of me is in love with Andrés too.
Idk who will win her at the end, I would probably love to see them ALL get together.... we shall see. MAR 22 needs to come quick..
Story is well written and Dee did great with the world building .....
Great characters and secondary characters
Storyline is freaking awesome
The story ends in a cliffhanger that leaves you WANTING more....
Can't wait to see where Benni and her men go from here....
The Games that Break Us was absolutely fantastic.
From the very first page I was pulled into Benni's world and I couldn't put her world down... Her world is raw, full angst, suspense, betrayal, secrets, hot seggy time and turns you never thought would happen.
Benni is a strong, fierce, sassy and smart female heroine. Given the cards she's been dealt, she keeps her head high and moves forward.
The two men in her life, Angel and Andrés ...well they're oil and vinegar, definitely polar opposites ....but in their own way they love Benni very much. Do I like one over the other, I'm still undecided.... they both do things that I want to grab them and shake them like wtf.... I still have questions regarding Angel that's for sure but part of me fell for him in the beginning...but part of me is in love with Andrés too.
Idk who will win her at the end, I would probably love to see them ALL get together.... we shall see. MAR 22 needs to come quick..
Story is well written and Dee did great with the world building .....
Great characters and secondary characters
Storyline is freaking awesome
The story ends in a cliffhanger that leaves you WANTING more....
Can't wait to see where Benni and her men go from here....
February 23, 2022
Sometimes, when authors write you can feel so much of them through their main characters. For me, Benni will forever have Dee Garcia right behind her pointing and saying yasssssss girl. Literally. Every scene. This author completely poured herself into this story-which really does play out like a film-and I have to admit I wasn’t ready for the amount of angst that was at the forefront of this story. Though I was familiar because I read Birdy, I will go ahead and say I feel like my head spun around faster and faster with all of the emotional warfare that Dee Garcia has played me with.
I can’t even begin to describe the genuineness of the story-the characters were given depth that really made your heart bleed-but the Spanish laced throughout the story really put me at every single scene. It had me repeating it-rereading it-as the scene played out. It was truly brilliant-and you don’t see it as often as you should. Oh what a tangled web this was between Andres, Angel and Benni, and I was strapped in tight with. Goosebumps up my arm from the tension, chemistry, and was really bracing myself for the utter heartbreak constantly. This is an absolute must read and I’m so excited to get more in this series!
I can’t even begin to describe the genuineness of the story-the characters were given depth that really made your heart bleed-but the Spanish laced throughout the story really put me at every single scene. It had me repeating it-rereading it-as the scene played out. It was truly brilliant-and you don’t see it as often as you should. Oh what a tangled web this was between Andres, Angel and Benni, and I was strapped in tight with. Goosebumps up my arm from the tension, chemistry, and was really bracing myself for the utter heartbreak constantly. This is an absolute must read and I’m so excited to get more in this series!
March 19, 2022
Can we hello to top book I’ve read of 2022 so far.
I wanted to read the original Version of Birdy but kept putting it off. Well @deegarcia_author revamped it And I loved every minute of it.
I couldn’t put this book down, like at all. I didn’t want to adult I wanted to just sit, read and get lost in the world of Benni (Birdy) Ángel and Ándrés.
The emotionally raw journey that you ride with this is book is simply amazing.
We follow Benni from being La Jefa, to inmate Villanueva, in walks CO Bala one look was all it took.
I read this book just in preparation of book 2. Dee’s been on my favorite author list but with this book she solidified her spot up near the top.
It’s hard for me to choose if I’m Team Ángel or Team Ándrés. They both have their good and bad qualities. We have the good guy (Ándrés) and the bad guy(Ángel) don’t be fooled by his name.
I can’t wait to read book 2. I know it will just as amazing as i think it will be.
“ℍ𝕖’𝕤 𝕞𝕪 𝕗**𝕜𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕓𝕠𝕤𝕤, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕪𝕖𝕥...𝕀 𝕕𝕠𝕟’𝕥 𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕟 𝕜𝕟𝕠𝕨 𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕝𝕒𝕤𝕥 𝕟𝕒𝕞𝕖.“
………………………………………………
“𝕎𝕙𝕖𝕟 𝕚𝕥’𝕤 𝕒𝕝𝕝 𝕤𝕒𝕚𝕕 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕕𝕠𝕟𝕖, 𝔹𝕖𝕟𝕚𝕥𝕒 𝔸𝕕𝕣𝕚𝕒𝕟𝕒 𝕍𝕚𝕝𝕝𝕒𝕟𝕦𝕖𝕧𝕒 𝕨𝕚𝕝𝕝 𝕓𝕖 𝕞𝕚𝕟𝕖. 𝕄𝕒𝕣𝕜 𝕞𝕪 𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕕𝕤.“
I wanted to read the original Version of Birdy but kept putting it off. Well @deegarcia_author revamped it And I loved every minute of it.
I couldn’t put this book down, like at all. I didn’t want to adult I wanted to just sit, read and get lost in the world of Benni (Birdy) Ángel and Ándrés.
The emotionally raw journey that you ride with this is book is simply amazing.
We follow Benni from being La Jefa, to inmate Villanueva, in walks CO Bala one look was all it took.
I read this book just in preparation of book 2. Dee’s been on my favorite author list but with this book she solidified her spot up near the top.
It’s hard for me to choose if I’m Team Ángel or Team Ándrés. They both have their good and bad qualities. We have the good guy (Ándrés) and the bad guy(Ángel) don’t be fooled by his name.
I can’t wait to read book 2. I know it will just as amazing as i think it will be.
“ℍ𝕖’𝕤 𝕞𝕪 𝕗**𝕜𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕓𝕠𝕤𝕤, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕪𝕖𝕥...𝕀 𝕕𝕠𝕟’𝕥 𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕟 𝕜𝕟𝕠𝕨 𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕝𝕒𝕤𝕥 𝕟𝕒𝕞𝕖.“
………………………………………………
“𝕎𝕙𝕖𝕟 𝕚𝕥’𝕤 𝕒𝕝𝕝 𝕤𝕒𝕚𝕕 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕕𝕠𝕟𝕖, 𝔹𝕖𝕟𝕚𝕥𝕒 𝔸𝕕𝕣𝕚𝕒𝕟𝕒 𝕍𝕚𝕝𝕝𝕒𝕟𝕦𝕖𝕧𝕒 𝕨𝕚𝕝𝕝 𝕓𝕖 𝕞𝕚𝕟𝕖. 𝕄𝕒𝕣𝕜 𝕞𝕪 𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕕𝕤.“
February 3, 2022
So. I find my review of Birdy is still valid so I’m going to include that…
Oh Dee... What have you done to me?! Birdy has everything on lock trying to run things and care for her family. Everything is fine until the moment it isn’t. Somehow she ends up making prison work for her though. Strange things can happen there though. A twist of fate can have you meet the right person in the wrong place at the wrong time. What happens next is anyone’s guess.
Now, back to Dee... You’ve made me fall in love with Birdy, you’ve given me Andres to adore, but there’s this pesky problem of Angel lingering.
What’s new? The relationships feel richer to me. The friendships between Birdy and her girls feel deeper. Her connection to Andres feels more realistic, but he also seems less squeaky clean. I thought this was phenomenal in its first iteration. Now it’s even better if that’s possible. I’m dying to see what happens next, knowing I’m going to be left in tears regardless.
Oh Dee... What have you done to me?! Birdy has everything on lock trying to run things and care for her family. Everything is fine until the moment it isn’t. Somehow she ends up making prison work for her though. Strange things can happen there though. A twist of fate can have you meet the right person in the wrong place at the wrong time. What happens next is anyone’s guess.
Now, back to Dee... You’ve made me fall in love with Birdy, you’ve given me Andres to adore, but there’s this pesky problem of Angel lingering.
What’s new? The relationships feel richer to me. The friendships between Birdy and her girls feel deeper. Her connection to Andres feels more realistic, but he also seems less squeaky clean. I thought this was phenomenal in its first iteration. Now it’s even better if that’s possible. I’m dying to see what happens next, knowing I’m going to be left in tears regardless.
January 31, 2022
This book is an emotional ride in so many shades of gray. Not a traditional romance, by any means, it’s very plot driven and full of character development and relationship building, with a touch of taboo.
The style of writing brings to mind a modernized version of the Danielle Steele, Beatrice Small, and maybe a little CoHo-esque sagas. More than a romance, but a journey.
It’s complicated in so many ways with the choices Benni makes, the path her life takes. It leaves you with feelings of love, sorrow, and betrayal.
Full of spice, friendships, and a battle of ethics, this story leaves the reader on the edge of their seat.
This book is the first in a duet, and gives you a glimpse into what could happen in the second, but not a terrible cliffhanger. Just a strong desire to see what happens next. And I can’t wait to see where this goes.
December 1, 2022
Dee Garcia has been a favorite author of mine for so long. So when she revamped “Birdy”, I knew it was going to be amazing!
This love triangle is one you don’t want to miss. Benni doesn’t take any sh!t, she’s the definition of a badass! Except she’s got a weakness, her boss Arcangel. The heat between them jumps right off the page. Benni doesn’t trust easily though, so when she finally lets him in, it’s a big deal. She’s gonna fall, hard! Right into a prison sentence.
Nothing can prepare you for the emotions you’ll feel while reading this book. The way Dee writes is phenomenal. Benni is so relatable and you just feel like this character is someone you know. You can feel the pain, the stress that she’s going through like you were experiencing it next to a friend.
This book is absolutely in my Top 5 reads this year. 5 ⭐️
This love triangle is one you don’t want to miss. Benni doesn’t take any sh!t, she’s the definition of a badass! Except she’s got a weakness, her boss Arcangel. The heat between them jumps right off the page. Benni doesn’t trust easily though, so when she finally lets him in, it’s a big deal. She’s gonna fall, hard! Right into a prison sentence.
Nothing can prepare you for the emotions you’ll feel while reading this book. The way Dee writes is phenomenal. Benni is so relatable and you just feel like this character is someone you know. You can feel the pain, the stress that she’s going through like you were experiencing it next to a friend.
This book is absolutely in my Top 5 reads this year. 5 ⭐️
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