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Broken Cross #1
Savage Empire
He’s a savage.
Damien Cross treats New York City as if it’s his personal playground.
He sees.
He touches.
He conquers.
He holds the fate of my family in his hands
And makes a deal with me I can’t refuse.
He’ll forgive my father’s debt if he can have something in exchange: me.
I promised myself I wouldn’t get addicted, but nothing is guaranteed when you make a deal with a savage.
Now this debt is my cross to bear.
Savage Empire is the first in an enemies to lovers billionaire trilogy. Themes in this dark and sexy series may not be suitable for all readers. Anais and Damien’s story continues in Scarred Empire and the trilogy concludes with Steel Empire.
Damien Cross treats New York City as if it’s his personal playground.
He sees.
He touches.
He conquers.
He holds the fate of my family in his hands
And makes a deal with me I can’t refuse.
He’ll forgive my father’s debt if he can have something in exchange: me.
I promised myself I wouldn’t get addicted, but nothing is guaranteed when you make a deal with a savage.
Now this debt is my cross to bear.
Savage Empire is the first in an enemies to lovers billionaire trilogy. Themes in this dark and sexy series may not be suitable for all readers. Anais and Damien’s story continues in Scarred Empire and the trilogy concludes with Steel Empire.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2022
556 people are currently reading
2717 people want to read
About the author
Bri Blackwood
27 books489 followersBri loves a good romance, especially ones that involve a hot anti-hero. That is why she likes to turn the dial up a notch with her own writing. Her Broken Cross series is her debut dark romance series.
She spends most of her time hanging out with her family, plotting her next novel, or reading books by other romance authors.
She spends most of her time hanging out with her family, plotting her next novel, or reading books by other romance authors.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
March 5, 2021
Every once in a while,i come across a new author that i find interesting. This time it’s Bri Blackwood,and when asked,she was kind enough to gift me with an ARC of Savage Empire.
I have to admit,it took me a bit to get into the story. There were a few discrepancies,but they were minor,and i already mentioned them to her.
The color of a dress,for example.
So,i decided to focus purely on the storyline,knowing Bri ís a new author after all....
And i ended up enjoying myself so much,that i want to know what happens next.
Anais works at her father’s company and finds out it’s in debt.
So much,that he had to take out a loan at Damian’s company.
And he can’t pay them back in time.
Once Damian sees a photo of Anais,he decides on a different kind of payment.....one that has her doing whatever he wants for 30 days.
Having no other choice,but to agree,she is forced to live with him for that period.
And damn him for finding the right buttons to make her want him....
But he has secrets,dark ones.
And there is something else going on,putting her in danger.
When Anais reaches her breakiing point,will she be allowed to leave?
With the debt still payed in full?
And will it get her out of the dangerzone?
As i said,i enjoyed this one.
And i really want to know what happens in Scarred Empire.
Because that cliffhanger? Ouch!!
I have to admit,it took me a bit to get into the story. There were a few discrepancies,but they were minor,and i already mentioned them to her.
The color of a dress,for example.
So,i decided to focus purely on the storyline,knowing Bri ís a new author after all....
And i ended up enjoying myself so much,that i want to know what happens next.
Anais works at her father’s company and finds out it’s in debt.
So much,that he had to take out a loan at Damian’s company.
And he can’t pay them back in time.
Once Damian sees a photo of Anais,he decides on a different kind of payment.....one that has her doing whatever he wants for 30 days.
Having no other choice,but to agree,she is forced to live with him for that period.
And damn him for finding the right buttons to make her want him....
But he has secrets,dark ones.
And there is something else going on,putting her in danger.
When Anais reaches her breakiing point,will she be allowed to leave?
With the debt still payed in full?
And will it get her out of the dangerzone?
As i said,i enjoyed this one.
And i really want to know what happens in Scarred Empire.
Because that cliffhanger? Ouch!!
December 12, 2021
mindless entertainment.
January 8, 2023
4⭐️
It was a great and interesting book. I liked the storyline very much and also the Grumpy Sunshine felling :) the cliffhanger at the end was good and I am very excited about how it goes on in the second book, can’t wait to start it.
It was a great and interesting book. I liked the storyline very much and also the Grumpy Sunshine felling :) the cliffhanger at the end was good and I am very excited about how it goes on in the second book, can’t wait to start it.
dnf-not-started
May 29, 2025I DNF'd because of the terrible audio. I'll go back to this one and read the printed version.
FYI - Shiloh James - please do not narrate anymore books unless they're children's books.
FYI - Shiloh James - please do not narrate anymore books unless they're children's books.
March 11, 2021
A traditional billionaire romance of a powerful, alpha male who won't take no for an answer setting his sights on a paramour. The story was not dark, and in fact, I found it was rather tame, typical billionaire blackmailing theme in which the hero convinces a woman of his interest, who finds herself in a compromising financial condition, to be his plaything. The plot was pleasant, but predictable. My biggest issue was the storyline was the unnecessary filler, lots of prose which did not advance the story, and instead made scenes, events, description repetitive. Though not for me, others may enjoy this more traditional story.
March 13, 2021
A definite page-turner but not as dark as I expected
I read the prequel, Sinners Empire, so knew what I was getting into but was surprised to find that the last chapters of that prequel were repeated as the first chapters of Savage Empire. On reflection, it makes sense as the first chapters of the prequel are not necessary to understand or enjoy Savage Empire. All the info you really need is included in this book.
Damien sees a photo of Anais and decides he wants her as a settlement for her father's debt. He leaves her no choice but to become his for thirty days, and thus their story begins. Anais is unwilling but feels the magnetic pull of Damien, while Damien also feels that pull but has so many walls that he will not let anyone past. Nothing, of course, goes to plan and their expectations are confounded.
The deal that is struck between Damien and Anais led me to believe that there would be much more darkness than there actually was. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed their interaction but I expected...I don't know, just...more down-and-dirty dark.
Despite that lack of darkness, I didn't want to stop reading, turning the pages avidly to see what would happen. There was some hidden jeopardy that finished off the book on a very real cliff-hanger. I am not a fan of cliff-hangers but knew going in that this was not a stand-alone so was prepared for it. Scarred Empire is only a month away and I'll be reading it as soon as possible.
I read the prequel, Sinners Empire, so knew what I was getting into but was surprised to find that the last chapters of that prequel were repeated as the first chapters of Savage Empire. On reflection, it makes sense as the first chapters of the prequel are not necessary to understand or enjoy Savage Empire. All the info you really need is included in this book.
Damien sees a photo of Anais and decides he wants her as a settlement for her father's debt. He leaves her no choice but to become his for thirty days, and thus their story begins. Anais is unwilling but feels the magnetic pull of Damien, while Damien also feels that pull but has so many walls that he will not let anyone past. Nothing, of course, goes to plan and their expectations are confounded.
The deal that is struck between Damien and Anais led me to believe that there would be much more darkness than there actually was. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed their interaction but I expected...I don't know, just...more down-and-dirty dark.
Despite that lack of darkness, I didn't want to stop reading, turning the pages avidly to see what would happen. There was some hidden jeopardy that finished off the book on a very real cliff-hanger. I am not a fan of cliff-hangers but knew going in that this was not a stand-alone so was prepared for it. Scarred Empire is only a month away and I'll be reading it as soon as possible.
March 10, 2021
I knew I knew this novel would end in a cliffhanger.... there is a warning label in the description that says so, but gosh darn it I want to know what happens next. This is the first Bri Blackwood novel that I have read, and oh wow. It was such an easy read, and the chapters are really short. You don't really realize how much you have read until you check to see where you are at. I absolutely loved the darkness of this book because it was just the right amount. As you begin understand that it isn't has dark as you might think, but it is perfect.
Anais is strong willed and independent, but will she do to save her family's company. A company that she works at and one day once to take over.
Damien is a well known playboy who is known for never getting in a relationship. What will happen when he does the unthinkable to help someone wipe their debt.
Damien makes the deal of a lifetime with Anais.... 30 days and the debt will be wiped clean and she can save her families business. Will she be able to do it??? What will happen in 30 days????
As stated above OMG... I couldn't put it down. The sign of a good book to me is needing to know what happens next so Bri Blackwood I need book 2 stat, and then book 3. This novel leads you to wonder what will happen next, and how much darker will it get.
Anais is strong willed and independent, but will she do to save her family's company. A company that she works at and one day once to take over.
Damien is a well known playboy who is known for never getting in a relationship. What will happen when he does the unthinkable to help someone wipe their debt.
Damien makes the deal of a lifetime with Anais.... 30 days and the debt will be wiped clean and she can save her families business. Will she be able to do it??? What will happen in 30 days????
As stated above OMG... I couldn't put it down. The sign of a good book to me is needing to know what happens next so Bri Blackwood I need book 2 stat, and then book 3. This novel leads you to wonder what will happen next, and how much darker will it get.
February 7, 2023
! stopped reading at 59% !
★
❥ 𝑨𝒏𝒂𝒊𝒔
I don‘t know what to think about her. She has literally no character.
❥ 𝑫𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒆𝒏
He‘s a wannabe bad boy and dominant man. Couldn‘t take him serious. For real I cringed everytime he spoke. He gave me big „creepy guy“-vibes.
✥ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌
Bad, boring and cringe.
There was no tension between Anais and Damien and the plot was boring. On one hand there happens nothing at all but on the other hand everything was rushed and thoughtless.
The dialog between the two main characters was so cringe, like they didn‘t know each other at all and talked about things like „you will be mine“. That didn‘t make sense and disturbs the reading feeling.
A pity. The blurb sounded so good.
plot: 1/5
spice: 1/5
humor: 1/5
couple/tension: 1/5
world building: 2/5
happy end?: cliff hanger I think
★
❥ 𝑨𝒏𝒂𝒊𝒔
I don‘t know what to think about her. She has literally no character.
❥ 𝑫𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒆𝒏
He‘s a wannabe bad boy and dominant man. Couldn‘t take him serious. For real I cringed everytime he spoke. He gave me big „creepy guy“-vibes.
✥ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌
Bad, boring and cringe.
There was no tension between Anais and Damien and the plot was boring. On one hand there happens nothing at all but on the other hand everything was rushed and thoughtless.
The dialog between the two main characters was so cringe, like they didn‘t know each other at all and talked about things like „you will be mine“. That didn‘t make sense and disturbs the reading feeling.
A pity. The blurb sounded so good.
plot: 1/5
spice: 1/5
humor: 1/5
couple/tension: 1/5
world building: 2/5
happy end?: cliff hanger I think
March 9, 2021
Savage Empire is the first book in the enemies-to-lovers billionaire Broken Cross trilogy.
Anais’s father borrowed money, a lot of money, from Damien Cross and it’s time to pay the debt. But he doesn’t have the money. So Damien makes a deal with Anais If she will live with him for 30 days and obey his every command, he will forgive the debt. She has to agree to his terms or her father will lose the business. This is an absolute page turner. I enjoyed every single word! It’s full of drama, suspense, hot sex scenes and a smidgen of domination. Damien and Anais have scorching hot chemistry. And the cliffhanger ending!! I Cannot wait for the next addition. This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author
Anais’s father borrowed money, a lot of money, from Damien Cross and it’s time to pay the debt. But he doesn’t have the money. So Damien makes a deal with Anais If she will live with him for 30 days and obey his every command, he will forgive the debt. She has to agree to his terms or her father will lose the business. This is an absolute page turner. I enjoyed every single word! It’s full of drama, suspense, hot sex scenes and a smidgen of domination. Damien and Anais have scorching hot chemistry. And the cliffhanger ending!! I Cannot wait for the next addition. This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author
March 9, 2021
Frankly, at the beginning I was really struggling with the book and couldn’t get into the story. The first chapters seemed to be pretty slow and tedious, but the next ones are very good and gripping.
Okay, so what is this book really about? Damien offers Anais a deal – she’ll be his in every possible way for 30 days and he will forget about her father’s debt. Firstly she doesn’t really agree but knows that she has to do it for her family and eventually agrees to the offer.
Though I was struggling at the beginning, in a split second I started to enjoy the story so much! I couldn’t put the book down because I had to know what was going to happen. I enjoyed Damien a little more than Anais and I’m intrigued by his past. BUT. The ending! I was like what the heck! I need the next book, Scarred Empire, to be out now cause I just can’t sit and wait patiently.
Okay, so what is this book really about? Damien offers Anais a deal – she’ll be his in every possible way for 30 days and he will forget about her father’s debt. Firstly she doesn’t really agree but knows that she has to do it for her family and eventually agrees to the offer.
Though I was struggling at the beginning, in a split second I started to enjoy the story so much! I couldn’t put the book down because I had to know what was going to happen. I enjoyed Damien a little more than Anais and I’m intrigued by his past. BUT. The ending! I was like what the heck! I need the next book, Scarred Empire, to be out now cause I just can’t sit and wait patiently.
March 8, 2021
SO GOOD!!
I feel like the first few chapters were a little slow and long winded. They were building up the story and the characters, but I had hoped I could have gotten more from less. Different ways to character build or describe the setting. It began to flow better and any doubts were squashed.
I thought I knew what I was getting into, Ive read similar plots. A time frame in exchange for a debt to be paid with the expectation of no feelings. I was not prepared for the ending, even knowing it would be a cliffhanger. The path the author took lulled me into a false sense of direction and I was surprised by the end.
I genuinely liked Damien Cross. I found he knew what he wanted and said what he thought and damned the consequences. I was wishing for more of him through the book and enjoyed all the chapters where he had his point of view.
Anais wavered a lot and I liked her spunky attitude but then she would come across as unsure of herself. I wanted more on her relationship with Damien...more details, more steam, more of her thoughts and not broad thoughts.
This was book 1 out of 3 and even knowing this and potentially, book 2 are cliffhangers I am still invested due to how well this book was done. I want to see how it ends and where it goes from here. The characters are well developed and I feel like I NEED to know.
I feel like the first few chapters were a little slow and long winded. They were building up the story and the characters, but I had hoped I could have gotten more from less. Different ways to character build or describe the setting. It began to flow better and any doubts were squashed.
I thought I knew what I was getting into, Ive read similar plots. A time frame in exchange for a debt to be paid with the expectation of no feelings. I was not prepared for the ending, even knowing it would be a cliffhanger. The path the author took lulled me into a false sense of direction and I was surprised by the end.
I genuinely liked Damien Cross. I found he knew what he wanted and said what he thought and damned the consequences. I was wishing for more of him through the book and enjoyed all the chapters where he had his point of view.
Anais wavered a lot and I liked her spunky attitude but then she would come across as unsure of herself. I wanted more on her relationship with Damien...more details, more steam, more of her thoughts and not broad thoughts.
This was book 1 out of 3 and even knowing this and potentially, book 2 are cliffhangers I am still invested due to how well this book was done. I want to see how it ends and where it goes from here. The characters are well developed and I feel like I NEED to know.
December 6, 2024
I wanted Damien to act like his name.
The beginning was very interesting, I was totally invested. However, I lost attraction to the main couple. It didn't feel sexy or savage.
The beginning was very interesting, I was totally invested. However, I lost attraction to the main couple. It didn't feel sexy or savage.
March 11, 2021
Damien Cross is a man who always gets what he wants, and right now, he wants Anais. See, her father took a huge loan from Damien, and it's too much that he won't have it paid off before the deadline, so Damien makes a deal with Anais. She's to be his for 30 days doing whatever he wants, and he'll write off the loan so her family doesn't lose their company. I'm not sure if I'm a fan of Damien yet or not as he didn't come off that great this round, but there's no doubt that these two are seriously HOT HOT HOT together. However, he's got some big secrets that don't make friends, and none of us know what they are at this point, so there are twists coming in hot, leading to a mother of a cliffy that had me calling this addictive author some very colorful names. I'm certainly not going to be able to wait patiently for the next book, and I feel like you won't either after you hit those one click buttons! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
January 2, 2022
TG we don’t have to wait long for the next book because I’d be really, really mad if we did especially after how we were left. I’m still on the fence with Damien. I can tell he has a deep passion to protect what’s his and that he is worried about letting his walls fall to let Anais in but if he doesn’t he will lose her for good. April 8th needs to hurry up and get here already, I need more!! 🖤💙🔥💙🖤
March 21, 2021
Excellent story!
I love the tension mixed with sexual attraction that these two cannot control. I am such a sucker for a bad boy persona that hides a painful past. I can't wait to start the next one in this series. The ending of this was not anything close to what I was expecting!
I love the tension mixed with sexual attraction that these two cannot control. I am such a sucker for a bad boy persona that hides a painful past. I can't wait to start the next one in this series. The ending of this was not anything close to what I was expecting!
July 11, 2021
3.25 rating
The story and writing and editing is good. My problem lies with the fact that the story and characters are too predictable. Anais' character has her moments; she certainly doesn't come over as a push over, but in the end does everything Damien demands of her. Damien's character has huge baggage, a dead gf (Charlotte) that no one talks about, and the dreams that haunt him 15 years later. He is a difficult hero to like even with his personal issues; one minute he is a demanding a......s and the next he makes futile attempts at being a human being. His kinky, quirky sexual advances to Anais in public and elsewhere make him a total douchebag but is all apart of his "I am always in control of everything and everyone) freakish personality.
This story is your typical self-centered, narcassistic alpha-anti hero and the heroine who sees herself as Florence Nightingale trying to save daddy and his business. Anais is the over the top daughter that is going to fix everything that daddy has screwed up by entering into a 30-day contract with one of the most devious and dangerous men in New York. She becomes his "arrangement" aka "whore" for thirty days at his beck and call sexually while mummy and daddy go on in their little world with no idea their daughter has sold herself to this man so daddy's debt will go away. Just once, it would be refreshing if the heroine actually called their bluff and refused the deal and let daddy figure out how to save the company. A woman who feels the need to save mummy and daddy's mistakes at every turn becomes predictable not only to the reader but to the a......hole anti-hero.
Same repetitious script in that Anais hates Damien but her body is a different story. Women like Anais' character are all ready and wet when Damien puts the moves on them. Of course Damien claims that he is the reason she is so ready for him sexually and may be right. She apparently hates him and knows how dangerous he is but is attracted to the "bad boy".
Book one ends with Anais leaving a week before the "30 days is up" with Damien paying off her father's debt (daddy doesn't question how the debt went away.....really???) Of course it's just another ploy in Damien's bag of tricks to get her back permanently. I would have expected Anais' character to be expecting the shoe to drop once she walked away from him, but apparently was caught off guard after a tragedy hits.
I am about 25% into book 2 with Damien pulling out all stops to "trap Anais" into yet another arrangement which includes "marriage"; again predictable.
Perhaps I have read too many of these types of stories that it feels like "read and repeat". I always hold out for something different in these "enemies to lovers" stories. It is certainly not a bad story, especially if you haven't read allot of this genre before. I am not certain that their is enough story to complete book 2 and then have a book 3. It's apparent to me that this trilogy could have been a duet.
The story and writing and editing is good. My problem lies with the fact that the story and characters are too predictable. Anais' character has her moments; she certainly doesn't come over as a push over, but in the end does everything Damien demands of her. Damien's character has huge baggage, a dead gf (Charlotte) that no one talks about, and the dreams that haunt him 15 years later. He is a difficult hero to like even with his personal issues; one minute he is a demanding a......s and the next he makes futile attempts at being a human being. His kinky, quirky sexual advances to Anais in public and elsewhere make him a total douchebag but is all apart of his "I am always in control of everything and everyone) freakish personality.
This story is your typical self-centered, narcassistic alpha-anti hero and the heroine who sees herself as Florence Nightingale trying to save daddy and his business. Anais is the over the top daughter that is going to fix everything that daddy has screwed up by entering into a 30-day contract with one of the most devious and dangerous men in New York. She becomes his "arrangement" aka "whore" for thirty days at his beck and call sexually while mummy and daddy go on in their little world with no idea their daughter has sold herself to this man so daddy's debt will go away. Just once, it would be refreshing if the heroine actually called their bluff and refused the deal and let daddy figure out how to save the company. A woman who feels the need to save mummy and daddy's mistakes at every turn becomes predictable not only to the reader but to the a......hole anti-hero.
Same repetitious script in that Anais hates Damien but her body is a different story. Women like Anais' character are all ready and wet when Damien puts the moves on them. Of course Damien claims that he is the reason she is so ready for him sexually and may be right. She apparently hates him and knows how dangerous he is but is attracted to the "bad boy".
Book one ends with Anais leaving a week before the "30 days is up" with Damien paying off her father's debt (daddy doesn't question how the debt went away.....really???) Of course it's just another ploy in Damien's bag of tricks to get her back permanently. I would have expected Anais' character to be expecting the shoe to drop once she walked away from him, but apparently was caught off guard after a tragedy hits.
I am about 25% into book 2 with Damien pulling out all stops to "trap Anais" into yet another arrangement which includes "marriage"; again predictable.
Perhaps I have read too many of these types of stories that it feels like "read and repeat". I always hold out for something different in these "enemies to lovers" stories. It is certainly not a bad story, especially if you haven't read allot of this genre before. I am not certain that their is enough story to complete book 2 and then have a book 3. It's apparent to me that this trilogy could have been a duet.
March 11, 2021
When her family’s business is in trouble he’ll step up and offer to help, but at a cost.
When Anais Monroe’s family’s business is in danger of going under, her father turns to a very rich family for some help. She is the Social Media Director of Monroe Media Agency, and her father is the CEO. When times get hard for the company and they aren’t making the money they need to cover their expenses, Anais’ father turns to a man whose family is very powerful and has rumors surrounding them and their business ties.
Damien Cross is a very rich and powerful man. His family owns a lot of New York and they are very powerful in the business world. When James Monroe asks for Damien’s help, he gives it, but when James can’t fulfill his part of the deal, Damien will put something else on the table, but without James’ knowledge.
This was a really good start to the Broken Cross Series. The book is full of power, danger, a very Alpha male, and secrets. I loved the story and can’t wait for the next book in the series. I think I’ve found myself another new great author to stalk. The story was interesting and intriguing with danger lurking constantly. The deal between Damien and Anais gets cut short, but I don’t think these two are done. Especially with the way this book ends. I have a feeling that things are just getting started for these two and I am highly anticipating the next book. I give this story a 5-star review and suggest that if you enjoy Dark Billionaire romances, you should pick up Savage Empire. I look forward to reading more of Damien and Anais’ story and finding out what’s going on after the ending of this book. Who is more dangerous, Damien Cross, or the person that has eyes on Anais?
When Anais Monroe’s family’s business is in danger of going under, her father turns to a very rich family for some help. She is the Social Media Director of Monroe Media Agency, and her father is the CEO. When times get hard for the company and they aren’t making the money they need to cover their expenses, Anais’ father turns to a man whose family is very powerful and has rumors surrounding them and their business ties.
Damien Cross is a very rich and powerful man. His family owns a lot of New York and they are very powerful in the business world. When James Monroe asks for Damien’s help, he gives it, but when James can’t fulfill his part of the deal, Damien will put something else on the table, but without James’ knowledge.
This was a really good start to the Broken Cross Series. The book is full of power, danger, a very Alpha male, and secrets. I loved the story and can’t wait for the next book in the series. I think I’ve found myself another new great author to stalk. The story was interesting and intriguing with danger lurking constantly. The deal between Damien and Anais gets cut short, but I don’t think these two are done. Especially with the way this book ends. I have a feeling that things are just getting started for these two and I am highly anticipating the next book. I give this story a 5-star review and suggest that if you enjoy Dark Billionaire romances, you should pick up Savage Empire. I look forward to reading more of Damien and Anais’ story and finding out what’s going on after the ending of this book. Who is more dangerous, Damien Cross, or the person that has eyes on Anais?
April 1, 2021
This book was slow at first. While the story itself was good there seemed to be some gaps that disconnected the story. I had a hard time connecting with Anais. At first, she comes across as strong, but then she's crying or she's caving really quick to Damien. I also had a hard time with this being labeled as dark. I realize that this is subjective, but this is a really mild book. There is a hint at BDSM, but the only thing that happens is he spanks her with his hand. They go into the basement of his club and go into a private room, but nothing special happens. He tells her to take her clothes off and they have sex. Nothing dark or out of any normal romance book.
Based on the excerpt at the beginning, I was expecting something really dark. It also felt very disconnected with how Damien's ex-girlfriend gets brought up.
Damien has Anais agree to stay with him for 30 days because of the loan he gave his father. I was expecting this loan to be millions of dollars. I mean there is so much focus on the fact that he is a billionaire, owns most all of NYC, etc...and then we found out he borrowed $270,000.
I mean for a media company that was founded 25 years ago this is really a small amount of money. I expected it to be this large unattainable amount. Oh well.
The cliffhanger at the end was interesting. Based off of how this book went, I think I can guess a basic idea of how it will play out in the next book. I'll let you know if I'm right.
Based on the excerpt at the beginning, I was expecting something really dark. It also felt very disconnected with how Damien's ex-girlfriend gets brought up.
Damien has Anais agree to stay with him for 30 days because of the loan he gave his father. I was expecting this loan to be millions of dollars. I mean there is so much focus on the fact that he is a billionaire, owns most all of NYC, etc...and then we found out he borrowed $270,000.
I mean for a media company that was founded 25 years ago this is really a small amount of money. I expected it to be this large unattainable amount. Oh well.
The cliffhanger at the end was interesting. Based off of how this book went, I think I can guess a basic idea of how it will play out in the next book. I'll let you know if I'm right.
April 1, 2022
Ich war sehr gespannt auf den Auftakt des ersten Bands dieser Geschichte. Damien ist ein knallharter Geschäftsmann, der vor nichts Halt macht. Doch dann trifft er auf durch das Schicksal auf Anais, die eine Schuld begleichen muss, weil die Firma ihrer Familie Problem hat ..
Anais ist eine junge Frau, die in der Firma ihrer Familie arbeitet und alles für Eltern tun würde. Sie ist eine besondere Frau, die um das kämpft, was sie liebt.
Der Schreibstil ist angenehm flüssig und wird im Wechsel aus der Perspektive von Damien und Anais erzählt. Der Leser kann sie so beide näher kennenlernen und ihre Gedanken und Gefühle erfahren während der Handlung. Die Nebenfiguren sind ebenso authentisch und gestalten die Geschichte mit. Die Kulisse von New York passt wieder perfekt zur Geschichte.
Die Geschichte beginnt langsam und bekommt immer mehr Tempo als Damien und Anais sich zum ersten Mal begegnen. Man spürt regelrecht die Funken zwischen beiden und kann sich nicht entziehen. Damien kämpft mit seinen eigenen Dämonen und lässt niemanden nahe genug an sich heran. Doch Anais kann etwas in ihm ins Rollen bringen, was bisher keiner geschafft hat. Wird das Schicksal ihnen zeigen, wie es weitergehen kann ? So viele Fragen die es noch zu beantworten gilt und ich könnte jetzt schon Band 2/3 auf Deutsch lesen.
Das Cover ist das gleiche wie im Englischen und es hat mir durch den goldenen/ schwarzen Farbton gefallen.
FAZIT :
Ein aufregender Auftakt dieser Geschichte, ich bin gespannt, was folgen wird
Anais ist eine junge Frau, die in der Firma ihrer Familie arbeitet und alles für Eltern tun würde. Sie ist eine besondere Frau, die um das kämpft, was sie liebt.
Der Schreibstil ist angenehm flüssig und wird im Wechsel aus der Perspektive von Damien und Anais erzählt. Der Leser kann sie so beide näher kennenlernen und ihre Gedanken und Gefühle erfahren während der Handlung. Die Nebenfiguren sind ebenso authentisch und gestalten die Geschichte mit. Die Kulisse von New York passt wieder perfekt zur Geschichte.
Die Geschichte beginnt langsam und bekommt immer mehr Tempo als Damien und Anais sich zum ersten Mal begegnen. Man spürt regelrecht die Funken zwischen beiden und kann sich nicht entziehen. Damien kämpft mit seinen eigenen Dämonen und lässt niemanden nahe genug an sich heran. Doch Anais kann etwas in ihm ins Rollen bringen, was bisher keiner geschafft hat. Wird das Schicksal ihnen zeigen, wie es weitergehen kann ? So viele Fragen die es noch zu beantworten gilt und ich könnte jetzt schon Band 2/3 auf Deutsch lesen.
Das Cover ist das gleiche wie im Englischen und es hat mir durch den goldenen/ schwarzen Farbton gefallen.
FAZIT :
Ein aufregender Auftakt dieser Geschichte, ich bin gespannt, was folgen wird
February 18, 2023
Für mich wieder eine neue Autorin und daher bin ich ganz offen und interessiert an das Buch heran gegangen. Der Klappentext machte mich sofort neugierig. Das Cover passt einfach perfekt zur Story. Düster, erhaben, elegant,arrogant und anziehend zugleich.
Der Schreibstil von Bri Blackwood hat mir gefallen. Die Story wird aus wechselnder Sicht der Protagonisten erzählt. Dadurch bekommt man als LeserIn einen guten Einblick in die Gedanken,Emotionen und Situationen.
Definitiv können Anais und Damian nicht unterschiedlicher sein.
Anais ist eine junge Frau, welche absolut familienverbunden ist. Um die Firma ihres Vaters zu retten, geht sogar auf einen Deal ein. Doch dieser ist alles andere als fair und gerecht ihr gegenüber.
Damien ist knallhart, eiskalt und bekommt wirklich immer was er will. So kommt es, dass Damia Anais Vater vorschlägt, ihm seine Schulden zu erlassen, wenn er im Gegenzug Anais bekommt. Wird das gut gehen?
Das Buch endet mit einem fiesen Cliffhanger und lässt einige Fragen offen. Mal schauen, ob diese im nächsten Buch geklärt werden.
Definitiv bedient Bri Blackwood alle Klischees des Genres, wobei einiges die Geschichte für mich nicht voran brachte. Auch fand ich waren Abschnitte dabei, welche für mich nicht notwendig waren. Teilweise habe ich gedacht ich lese eine Berichterstattung, als eine runde Story.
Schade.
Insgesamt bin ich dennoch neugierig, wie es weitergeht und wie sich Beide im Laufe der kommenden Bücher entwickeln werden.
Von mir bekommt die Story insgesamt trotz Kritikpunkte 4 von 5 Sterne.
Der Schreibstil von Bri Blackwood hat mir gefallen. Die Story wird aus wechselnder Sicht der Protagonisten erzählt. Dadurch bekommt man als LeserIn einen guten Einblick in die Gedanken,Emotionen und Situationen.
Definitiv können Anais und Damian nicht unterschiedlicher sein.
Anais ist eine junge Frau, welche absolut familienverbunden ist. Um die Firma ihres Vaters zu retten, geht sogar auf einen Deal ein. Doch dieser ist alles andere als fair und gerecht ihr gegenüber.
Damien ist knallhart, eiskalt und bekommt wirklich immer was er will. So kommt es, dass Damia Anais Vater vorschlägt, ihm seine Schulden zu erlassen, wenn er im Gegenzug Anais bekommt. Wird das gut gehen?
Das Buch endet mit einem fiesen Cliffhanger und lässt einige Fragen offen. Mal schauen, ob diese im nächsten Buch geklärt werden.
Definitiv bedient Bri Blackwood alle Klischees des Genres, wobei einiges die Geschichte für mich nicht voran brachte. Auch fand ich waren Abschnitte dabei, welche für mich nicht notwendig waren. Teilweise habe ich gedacht ich lese eine Berichterstattung, als eine runde Story.
Schade.
Insgesamt bin ich dennoch neugierig, wie es weitergeht und wie sich Beide im Laufe der kommenden Bücher entwickeln werden.
Von mir bekommt die Story insgesamt trotz Kritikpunkte 4 von 5 Sterne.
March 9, 2021
Savage Empire is my first book from Bri Blackwood and it left me wondering why? Why have I waited so long to read her? I loved everything about Savage Empire.
Damien Cross is as savage as you would expect him to be. He doesn't show mercy and what he wants, he takes. He doesn't ask questions he just does. So when Anais Monroe's father can't payback the loan he gave him Damien takes what he wants, Anais.
Anais Monroe loves her family and would do just about anything for them. This includes basically being sold to Damien Cross. But this doesn't mean that Anais loses her fierceness or sass. If anything Damien might bring out more.
These two have a chemistry right from the start and the fact they didn't actually burn a building down surprises me. The arguing I'm pretty sure turned them on more. Whatever Damien thought he was getting with Anais he definitely did not.
Blackwood had me turning page after page not wanting this book to end. I kind of hoped it would just continue and not stop. Savage Empire is a fantastic start to this trilogy and left me needing book two now. I need answers after that cliffhanger.
Bri Blackwood delivered a captivating, 5 star, must read with Savage Empire. If this book is any indication this trilogy is going to be amazing!
Damien Cross is as savage as you would expect him to be. He doesn't show mercy and what he wants, he takes. He doesn't ask questions he just does. So when Anais Monroe's father can't payback the loan he gave him Damien takes what he wants, Anais.
Anais Monroe loves her family and would do just about anything for them. This includes basically being sold to Damien Cross. But this doesn't mean that Anais loses her fierceness or sass. If anything Damien might bring out more.
These two have a chemistry right from the start and the fact they didn't actually burn a building down surprises me. The arguing I'm pretty sure turned them on more. Whatever Damien thought he was getting with Anais he definitely did not.
Blackwood had me turning page after page not wanting this book to end. I kind of hoped it would just continue and not stop. Savage Empire is a fantastic start to this trilogy and left me needing book two now. I need answers after that cliffhanger.
Bri Blackwood delivered a captivating, 5 star, must read with Savage Empire. If this book is any indication this trilogy is going to be amazing!
November 10, 2021
Ratings
4/5 Storyline/Plot
4.4/5 Spice
4/5 Overall Read
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I read it as a pallet cleanser between a few books in a fantasy fiction series and I have been consistently let down by this process in the past but Savage Empire did not disappoint.
This is an enemies-to-lover trope novel that is actually part of a series. Behind the relationship dynamic is a hint of mystery that has yet to be solved and leaves us on a huge cliffhanger. I have my suspicions on who our perp is but I will have to wait until the next book!
As for the spice... it was delicious. They enter into an agreement where what he says goes, and the "enemies" portion of the relationship stays true for the majority of the book until one tiny scene where mild emotion is shown which when pointed off sends our characters into a tailspin. But other than that he is in charge of her pleasure and loves to remind her of that. The sexual tension is there from the jump and never fades. They hate themselves for wanting each other and that hate surprisingly carries for most of the book BUT it doesn't stop them from having earth-shattering spicy moments together.
I look forward to the next book and again would happily recommend this mildly dark, mafia adjacent, enemies-to-lovers romance to anyone looking for a spicy series.
4/5 Storyline/Plot
4.4/5 Spice
4/5 Overall Read
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I read it as a pallet cleanser between a few books in a fantasy fiction series and I have been consistently let down by this process in the past but Savage Empire did not disappoint.
This is an enemies-to-lover trope novel that is actually part of a series. Behind the relationship dynamic is a hint of mystery that has yet to be solved and leaves us on a huge cliffhanger. I have my suspicions on who our perp is but I will have to wait until the next book!
As for the spice... it was delicious. They enter into an agreement where what he says goes, and the "enemies" portion of the relationship stays true for the majority of the book until one tiny scene where mild emotion is shown which when pointed off sends our characters into a tailspin. But other than that he is in charge of her pleasure and loves to remind her of that. The sexual tension is there from the jump and never fades. They hate themselves for wanting each other and that hate surprisingly carries for most of the book BUT it doesn't stop them from having earth-shattering spicy moments together.
I look forward to the next book and again would happily recommend this mildly dark, mafia adjacent, enemies-to-lovers romance to anyone looking for a spicy series.
March 14, 2021
This is the first book in this series by this author. This is the intense story of Damien and Anais. OMG, you just can't put this book down once you start it. These characters are so well written and the story line is so gripping. This is a enemies to lovers billionaire romance read. This story is full of drama, angst, suspense and definitely hot and steamy scenes. These two characters have such intense electrifying chemistry between them. This story ends on a cliff hanger making you wish you had the next book.
I was given an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
www.obsessedbookreviews.com
March 16, 2021
Savage Empire is one of the best books I have read in a long time! It is the a suspenseful enemies to lovers romance featuring Anais Monroe, the senior media director and daughter of the CEO of Monroe Media Agency which is deeply in debt, and Damien Cross, the dark wealthy businessman who threatens to call in the debt her father has to him which will destroy the business unless she spends the next thirty days at his home doing what he wants. The characters, both primary and secondary, are perfectly suited for the storyline. Anais is a strong independent woman and Damian is dark and complex haunted by his past. The well written plot has strong tension between the characters, suspense and mystery, and steamy chemistry. In my opinion, Bri Blackwood has written the perfect book!
The novel does end in a cliffhanger and continues in the next entry entitled Scarred Empire.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The novel does end in a cliffhanger and continues in the next entry entitled Scarred Empire.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
April 1, 2022
Man denkt zu wissen, was einem in diesem Buch erwartet. Nein, darauf war ich nicht vorbereitet. Der Anfang verlief genauso wie erwartet. Man lernt Anais und Damien kennen und merkt schnell, das wird heiß und heftig. Die beiden haben sehr viel gemeinsam, ohne dass sie es merken. Damien ist knallhart und doch zeigt er uns in diesem Band, dass er einmal ein Herz hat und auch eine weiche Seite. Dann aber nun, denn sagen wir einfach mal, ich hätte ihn gerne auf den Mond geschossen. Anais ist einfach wunderbar und man muss sie einfach lieben oder bewundern. Achtung, die Gefühle können auf einer Achterbahnfahrt der Gefühle etwas durchgerüttelt werden. Natürlich geht es hier um ein unmoralisches Angebot, somit wird es auch etwas heiß und leidenschaftlich. Das Ende des Bandes ist etwas gemein und ein Cliffhanger. Also heiß es jetzt waren und hoffen.
March 16, 2021
This is the first book in an enemies to lovers billionaire trilogy and is a great start to the series. If you like dark romances that are overflowing with heat, you'll love this book. Damien Cross is a force to be reckoned with, rich, gorgeous and savage. This is Anais and Damien’s story and they will take you on one wild ride. She works out a deal with Damien to exchange herself in lieu of her father's debt. This book is full of action and danger. No shortage of steamy scenes or dark action. Quite a page turner that ends in a cliffhanger but two more books, Scarred Empire and Steel Empire will complete the story. This book was well written with interesting characters and an engaging story line. I read an advance copy via the author and voluntarily chose to write a review.
March 19, 2021
Savage Empire by Bri Blackwood is the first book in the Broken Cross series and I must say it is one you should not miss. I fell in love with Anais immediately. I loved her and how head strong she was. The way she carried herself was amazing. She knew that her father needed this debt clear and she learned of the only way to make it happen.
Damien has the entire city at his hands and chooses what he wants to play with. When he sees the daughter of a man that owes him money he decides right then how he will be paid. He is ruthless and always gets what he wants and Anais will be his till he decides he is done playing.
The chemistry between these enemies to lovers will absolutely set your on fire. I loved this book and could absolutely not put it down.
Damien has the entire city at his hands and chooses what he wants to play with. When he sees the daughter of a man that owes him money he decides right then how he will be paid. He is ruthless and always gets what he wants and Anais will be his till he decides he is done playing.
The chemistry between these enemies to lovers will absolutely set your on fire. I loved this book and could absolutely not put it down.
March 10, 2021
This is the first of a new trilogy and is Damien and Anais’ story. Anais works for her father and finds out that the company is in debt, which results in taking a loan from Damien’s company, and when he is unable to pay the loan in time Damien suggests a different form of payment and that is that Anais stay with him for 30 days and do whatever he wishes in settlement of the debt. This is a well written story which is dark and filled with danger, secrets, mystery, twists, and passion, which all leads to an addictive page turner, and after that ending I look forward to reading the 2nd book, and I highly recommend this talented authors’ work.
March 18, 2021
Savage Empire
Savage Empire is the first book in this series and wow is it good. Damien is a man who is used to getting what he wants, when he wants it and having no strings attached relationships. So why is Anais so hard for him to forget? And why is he breaking his rules for her?
Anais is too busy working for the family company to even think about dating, and when she get an unwanted and unexpected offer from Damien she reluctantly accepts.
There's a mystery surrounding Damien that can either destroy them or bring them together... I can't wait to see what happens next
Savage Empire is the first book in this series and wow is it good. Damien is a man who is used to getting what he wants, when he wants it and having no strings attached relationships. So why is Anais so hard for him to forget? And why is he breaking his rules for her?
Anais is too busy working for the family company to even think about dating, and when she get an unwanted and unexpected offer from Damien she reluctantly accepts.
There's a mystery surrounding Damien that can either destroy them or bring them together... I can't wait to see what happens next
March 10, 2021
A good intro to a new series, Savage Empire left me wondering what happens next for Anais and Damien? A forced relationship and enemies-to-lovers trope and I’m in! This book had a little slow start for me but I was still able to get into it. The tension between these two was unreal, it made me keep reading. I loved that there was mystery in this book, this also kept me glued to my Kindle. I’m so excited to read the next one since we got left on that AMAZING cliff hanger! UGH!! Hahahaha!
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