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Before I Break #3

Beautifully Broken

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Luca Caruso, king of control and secrets has fallen from his throne when the love of his life, Olivia Heart is stolen away right under his watch.

His life beings to unravel, his secrets begin to bleed out, and his karma is swift and lethal. On the precipice of his suffering, he is forced to face his biggest fear - not being able to protect Olivia from darkness far worse than him.

Olivia hadn’t spread her wings and flew with the butterflies like she hoped. She was captured under the net of a true monster instead. One that wanted to pluck every wing and place her under glass.

There will be no bending.

She will break.

And not every piece will go back together the same.

This is the final book in the Before I Break series with numerous trigger warnings.

Below are a few but not limited too.

TW: Suicide, death, sexual assault, violence, kidnap, blood, sex,

292 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 28, 2022

4 people are currently reading
57 people want to read

About the author

A.L. Hartwell

4 books87 followers
A. L. Hartwell lives in Nottingham, England with her wonderfully patient husband and sassy dog Lyla. From the age of fifteen, as part of an escape, she spent years writing short stories, accumulating them, and sharing them online. With a vast taste in genres, she found herself drawn to the wonderful twisty world of Dark Romance. When she discovered the freedom in writing within this genre, she delved headfirst into writing her first novel, Bending to Break.

When she’s not working or spending her time locked away in her writing cave, she’s reading, drinking tea, or obsessing over her niece and nephew.

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5 stars
42 (59%)
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20 (28%)
3 stars
7 (9%)
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for bookishcharli .
686 reviews154 followers
April 23, 2022
This is the final book in the Bending to Break series… *breaks down sobbing*

I’ve loved this series since the first book, and I will continue to love this series for the rest of my life. I want my own Luca, albeit with less of the kidnapping… there can be some kidnapping, I’m down for a little surprise you know?

I don’t even know how to write this review about this without cracking my heart open because I DON’T WANT IT TO BE OVER OKAY?! You know what… I WISH I HAD A CLIFFHANGER TO COMPLAIN ABOUT BECAUSE THAT MEANS I WOULD GET ANOTHER BOOK. Please can I have another book?…

Okay, sorry, I’ll get my shit together. Since I can’t write a review about this wonderful book without spoiling the entire series for new readers, I’ll just let this review be a love note to the author.

Abbie,

ARE YOU F*CKING KIDDING ME?! IS THIS REALLY IT?? DO YOU REALLY THINK YOU CAN JUST NOT WRITE LUCA ANYMO—— sorry, sorry.

Abbie, I adore you. I adore your writing, I adore your character development throughout this wonderful series. You’re officially an instant buy author for me now, and honestly I don’t instant buy for many authors because there’s always a risk, but for you I would take that gamble because you can’t write a bad book. You were born to be an author. I would like to read your shopping lists please and thank you. I love Luca, I love Olivia, I love you, and I love to hate your cliffhangers. What am I going to do now?! Did you even consider what ending this series would do to me….. Sorry, sorry, this is supposed to be a love note.

You’re the best, you’re one of my top 5 authors EVER.

Guys if you haven’t read this series please go and do it so we can scream about it together. You won’t be disappointed.

Thank you Abbie for sending me a copy of this book (and goodies) and for throwing me some well deserved shade in the acknowledgements.

I’m not crying, you are…

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Profile Image for Shani Haim.
Author 6 books65 followers
April 16, 2022
"I'm sick on you, I love you, I care about you, about your feelings and your safety, albeit a little too much."—Luca

🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋 5 GIANT butterfly stars!! 🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋

OHMYGOSH Abbie I was NOT ready for this book!!
Without giving out any spoilers, I will say this — if in the previous 2 books Abbie showed what a genius she was at writing mafia, drama, passion and heat, in this one she proved her brilliance in dealing with abuse and trauma (not by Luca!!).
I truly felt the psychological element to my bones, going through Olivia's emotional and physical pain and how Luca did everything in his powers to be her savior (which he did, amazingly so).
They both developed SO much as people and characters, and at the end came out fierce, and truly a magnificent power couple 🔥
And don't get me started on the ending — I sobbed for 4 chapters straight, the ending was so good and satisfying.
I will miss them 😭😭😭

PS. The side characters — from Olivia's team and Luca's and Olivia's families and friends, they were such wonderful characters that supported the main story and had their own growth and progression.

Truly this is a series to devour.
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

"It was him that I felt first. It was him that my soul recognized and wanted."—Olivia
Profile Image for Katiereadingcorner.
394 reviews18 followers
April 5, 2022
This was the last book in the ‘before I break’ series. We have the conclusion of what happens for Luca and Olivia.
I think this was the most emotional book in the series, I didn’t want to stop reading. I had to know what happened next.

The last book ended on a mega cliffhanger, I won’t say what it was in case you haven’t read the other books yet.

Abbie has done so well at fleshing out these characters throughout this series and makes you fall in love with them.
I don’t know what I’ll do now without their story to read.

I think this book was done perfectly, I love how Abbie ended the series and really had you on a rollercoaster throughout. Not knowing what will happen next.
Even though this was a mafia style book, it was totally believable that something like this could happen.
Olivia is by far my favourite character, she shows how strong she is in this book and it is awe inspiring.

If you haven’t read these books yet, I recommend that you do, I absolutely adore Abbie’s writing style and she is a one-click author for me.
Profile Image for Mel (whilemelwasreading).
1,331 reviews121 followers
April 25, 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "But isn't that love? Shouldn't we be obsessed; completely undone by the person we want? So much so that we realize love isn't all sweetness and rainbows. It's monsters in the dark. It's bloodied hands and corrupt morals."

What You'll Find:
✔️Dark Romance
✔️Mafia World
✔️Page Turning
✔️Alpha Hero
✔️Multiple POV

Beautifully Broken is the finale of Olivia and Luca's trilogy and my gosh what a rollercoaster ride it has been. The up's and down's this couple have been through have had me on the edge of my seat, and this last book was no exception. I picked it up and did not want to put it down. So I didn't.

I don't want to go into too much detail because this is a continuing trilogy. But this book has some great mafia vibes. The action and suspense. Angst. Even a tiny bit of gore too. But it also showcases the love Olivia and Luca have found. Their growth. And strength as well. They certainly can still heat things up but you FELT their connection here too.

I am happy to report I am no longer on the fence about Luca. He has won me over here. But truly, it was Olivia and her strength that stole the show. I couldn't help but just adore all the men in her corner though. A true found family feel, put through the worst. Only to lead to an ending that made my heart happy. One of my favorite types of scenes. I was all smiles with this ending.

I am so excited for this author. This is such a well written debut trilogy that showed so much growth throughout. Look forward to what great story comes next from this author. Though, I am secretly hoping we don't have to leave this world yet! I would love to have Dante's story next! Mafia lovers be sure to check this out!

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own and given freely.
Profile Image for Amber Keehn.
564 reviews3 followers
November 29, 2022
Beautiful ending to Luca and Olivia’s story

For a debut author, this trilogy was simply fantastic! This book completed Luca and Olivia’s wild ride, and the first two books must be read (so spoilers ahead in case you haven’t read them). This book picks up with Olivia having sacrificed herself to William Adler for the sake of Luca and her guards. The first part is super dark and pretty triggering as Luca and his team, who all have come to care deeply for Olivia, work frantically to get her back. It lightens considerably and the two of them work to put her back together again. I can’t say much more than that without spoilers for this book but if you loved the first two in the series you need to finish it with this for sure! I can’t wait to see what AL Hartwell brings us next.
Profile Image for Rachel Blebli.
4 reviews1 follower
April 1, 2022
How do I write a review for this book without giving away spoilers?

We start off with Olivia in one of the trickiest situations yet. There isn't much light for the first 20% of this book so take head of the trigger warnings. We also get to see a huge/different side to Luca which to me was like reading his first hand karma as he dealt with the issue.

The character development in this book was much better. There was so much more details. It was like reading a crime/suspense with all the dark romance tied in. Normally the series I read seem to wane off towards the end but this just got better and better. And that ending? god damn it was beautiful. I just wish it never had to end.

I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
Profile Image for Kirsty & Erin Muir.
1,396 reviews76 followers
May 1, 2022
Well sh*t the bed, this was wonderful!

If you like dark, billionaire, alpha romances then I can't recommend this trilogy enough. I'm blown away that this is Abbie Leigh's debut series because her writing was so enjoyable and her storyline was intricate and well thought out.

This was the final instalment so it's done and ready to be devoured. I absolutely adored the conclusion. This was full of drama while still being full of the angst that books 1 & 2 contained.

If you like:
✔️ a VERY morally grey hero
✔️A strong heroine who knows her situation is crazy but can't help but fall for the man she should not be falling for
✔️Kidnapping
✔️Forced proximity
✔️Action packed
then this series is a must read.
Profile Image for SkyGrey.
234 reviews
April 26, 2022
As the last book in the “Bending to Break” series it was the best. While Luca and Olivia are trying to get back to where they were before she was taken, you can see the heartbreaking emotions that they are both going through. Their role reversal changes yet they still are looking for that balance. It is definitely a love story with lots of mafia action going on too. The body guards make such fantastic characters!

There were less mistakes in this book which made it even better to read. I look forward to reading another book from this author!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you!
Profile Image for Alyson Dupuis.
70 reviews17 followers
May 16, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This book was absolutely amazing! I loved the suspense and love in this book. The beginning of the book kept me on the edge of my seat, and the entire thing was filled with heartache but had glorious resolutions. The love between the characters and their relationship was so lovely to read.

The only thing that needs to be better in this book, and all of the books in this series, is the editing. All the books have an abundance of grammatical errors, and at times those errors affect the understanding and reading of the story.
Profile Image for Melissa Lee.
55 reviews
May 16, 2022
Well, this book was definitely the best of the three in my opinion.

Will. Fucking Will, I just wanted to shiver a cactus up his ass and make him sit on it 😤. If I could have been there I'd have done it no regrets.

Once again Olivia showed just how much strength she had even after all she endured and honestly its no surprise. Finally, Luca and her get the love and happiness they have deserved for a long time.

I wish I knew the baby gender and name though bit disappointing that wasn't included but other than that I love this book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Sam | Sambooka23.
702 reviews31 followers
April 18, 2022
Abbie-Leigh, what are you doing to me!!!

What a fantastic end to such an amazing series. This series has had me hooked right from the get-go and I have been dying to know how Luca and Olivia got on, where there story ends and by gosh, you have outdone yourself.

This book had my heart bursting with joy and breaking, all within a few chapters. I felt myself welling up and then nearly crying with joy. It was a mix of emotions, sexy and just down right amazing.

So thankful to have been on this amazing journey with you @abbieleighauthor and thank you from the bottom of my heart for sending me a copy of this book. I am sad Luca and Olivias journey is over but can’t wait to see what else you come out with.

What an outstanding series.
Profile Image for Michelle.
733 reviews2 followers
May 21, 2022
Relief! It's done and i have closure! That Adler guy was a total nutcase but i won't ruin that for you. But he makes our hero look like a true sweetheart. Which is not what i think of when i think of him lol! This third book involved rescue and healing, deciding what the future would hold, wrapping up loose ends, and then ultimately getting a peek at what the future for them would look like. I thought this was an amazing trilogy and when i saw it was all this author had done i was even more impressed.

I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Leah.
243 reviews11 followers
June 19, 2022
What an amazing way to finish a series! Abbie seriously has out done herself with this book.

I was captivated from the very first page and I could not put it down. I had to find out what was going to happen to Olivia and if Luca was going to save her! I was captivated by the details that was in this book and it made me feel as if I was watching it all whilst I was reading! If was amazing.

That ending was absolutely brilliant and I highly recommend everyone read this series! You will be Beautifully Broken after this series! In a good way!
Profile Image for vee.
223 reviews3 followers
June 24, 2022
I am received ARC of this book and am leaving this honest review willingly.

This was a great conclusion to the trilogy, pulling in all the loose threads and giving everyone a happy ever after. I really appreciate how the seperation trope was not stretched out more than necessary (looking at you, Jennifer L. Armentrout), and I loved the gradual development of trust and love between Luca and Olivia. Overall, loved this series however dark, toxic and twisted it was. It was addictive and entertaining all the way.
2,037 reviews8 followers
October 26, 2022
What a fabulous ending to this series. I absolutely love Luca and Olivia. Even though Luca does have controlling tendencies, he is also in love with Olivia and will do anything for her. If only they both hadn't had to suffer in order to get their happily ever after. And there is such a great cast of secondary characters who show up quite a bit throughout the story. For me, there was a good balance between action and the emotional aspects of the story, and I didn't want it to end. I'm hoping we will get the stories of the some of the other characters.
Profile Image for Peggy Henstra.
698 reviews3 followers
May 4, 2022
stunning conclusion… this final book will have your emotions all over the place. No sooner has Olivia confessed her love to Luca, she is taken from Luca… he looses his mind when he can't find her ….Olivia knows he will come for her and fights her captor at every turn. Once reunited Luca and Olivia must over come some things before they reach their HEA.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
778 reviews9 followers
May 24, 2022
A great way to end the series. I loved the comparisons between two people who were obsessed with the same person. They had similar situations in which they kidnapped her but completely different approaches once they had her. And Olivia had very different reactions to both even though she stayed a strong character through our both. Very interesting.

Side note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review
Profile Image for Kristina Staudt.
153 reviews6 followers
August 8, 2022
I love the alpha hole, controlling possessive male and I love a strong female but the push and pull of these characters, all their arguments and reoccurring issues was just a little too much and too toxic for me. I’ve read my share of romances that have aspects of toxic relationships but fighting for control in the third book when you just want the characters to admit they love each other and be happy is a little too much.
Profile Image for Ceri.
413 reviews15 followers
April 18, 2022
The three books follow Luca and Olivia on their very rocky 'relationship' and the cliffhanger that we were left in on the second was amazing and I knew this one would be fabulous and it did not disappoint.

We were thrown straight back into the action and gosh it was intense and honestly it was completely pulled on your heart strings. I won't give too much away to the plot just incase you're reading any of these but it's all worth it I promise.

I loved how not only did I see Luca in a different light in the last book, but her bodyguards too. I would love to see novellas from certain other men in this because they were just perfection 👌
Profile Image for Emma Stallwood.
620 reviews1 follower
June 3, 2022
What a great end to Olivia and Luca's journey. We have had such a wild ride with them and this book was no joke! Please read trigger warnings before reading. I love how Olivia is so sassy and knows exactly what she wants. I also loved how Luca seemed to calm so much more into a lover by this book than someone who is obsessed. Also, a perfect ending. I loved this series.
Profile Image for Eva ♡︎.
402 reviews75 followers
June 24, 2022
5 ✨
3.5 🔥

I don’t know what prompted me to start this trilogy, but I am so glad I did. It constantly kept me at the edge of my seat and I couldn’t put it down. I can’t fully out into words now having finished the trilogy, but I know that I’ll be thinking about it for a while.

This last book in the trilogy contained heavy themes, so be sure to read TWs.

Profile Image for Kelly.
97 reviews1 follower
August 16, 2022
Beautifully Broken put everything back together from the first two books. It was a whirlwind of emotion, action, and passion. Throughout the whole trilogy, I was hooked to figure out what was going to happen to Luca and Olivia and I'm glad it ended on a happy note.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Lo.
38 reviews
April 21, 2022
Great book! But honestly, could have been summed up in 1, not a trilogy.
Profile Image for Tina.
275 reviews58 followers
April 27, 2022
This is book 3, and the final book of the series. I loved how I was on edge throughout the book wondering what was going to happen to Olivia and Luca at the end. This book was also the most emotional out of the three, and I think more graphic/violence. And the STEAM is all in this book as well. I’m actually sad that the series is over. 😢 I just love when books like this have an action/twisted filled plot, and not just the 🔥🔥.
1 review
March 31, 2022
I loved this series, read each book in a day.

Honesty the author could write a freaking crime drama. It was descriptive but not too much, it was so cleverly written. Loved the characters and how the story wasn't forced, it seemed natural.
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