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Beloved Scars #2
Broken Rules
Sanyam Desai is a Dom, a master of his craft. He knows exactly how to make a person beg, and he does it for a living, but he has no idea how to be in love.
Sterling Reynard is in desperate need of manners and someone who cares enough to take him in hand, but he knows he’ll never be loved.
When Sterling’s world crumbles around him, he turns to the one person who’s never asked for anything from him but his trust. But their relationship is built on quicksand, and one careless word will bring the whole thing down. Life leaves a mark. Visible and invisible, the scars of your experiences wind around you, a written testament on and under your skin. You are here, they say. You survived. Your scars are not ugly or disfiguring. They are proof of life.
Sterling Reynard is in desperate need of manners and someone who cares enough to take him in hand, but he knows he’ll never be loved.
When Sterling’s world crumbles around him, he turns to the one person who’s never asked for anything from him but his trust. But their relationship is built on quicksand, and one careless word will bring the whole thing down. Life leaves a mark. Visible and invisible, the scars of your experiences wind around you, a written testament on and under your skin. You are here, they say. You survived. Your scars are not ugly or disfiguring. They are proof of life.
414 pages, Paperback
First published July 24, 2018
14 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 17, 2020
This is the story of two men who meet and fall in love against all odds, contrary to their expectations, almost against their will, and without having the slightest idea what they are doing. Both are lonely and wish they could find someone to love who will love them back. In line with the first book in this series, ‘Broken Halo’, the characters are unusual, complicated, and took me on quite a journey as they fumble their way through a relationship that falls apart more than once. Sterling thinks nobody could possibly love him, while Sanyam thinks he knows what he is doing, but nothing works the way he expects with Sterling. A true challenge to themselves and each other, I found their journey as exasperating as it was fascinating – with the result that I was unable to put down this book.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
December 7, 2019
This book fell into my lap, and while I am past over BDSM and sex clubs (I've been reading erotic romance for a LONG time) I fell right into this story. There's great world-building and a well-drawn cast of characters. I love how the author deconstructed and rebuilt Sterling, a real jerk of a human being. I loved Sanyam's whole vibe, how he saw through Sterling's BS but still stumbled and made mistakes in regards to building their relationship. There's a sweetness that I appreciated.
There's a real emotional heft to this story and the Black Moments are really draining and yes, there's a doozy of one at the end that had my cold, black soul leaking out tears. The sex ran very much on the erotica side of the spectrum, but it fit the story well and it's an erotic romance that doesn't rely on the kink factor to chew up word count. The sex scenes in this book MEAN something and you don't get one every single chapter leading to feeling a yawning redundancy. Again, I've been reading erotic romance for a whole lotta years and I can smell "need to beef up word count filler sex" like a fart in an elevator.
At the time of this posting the author has gained rights back from the publisher so it's not available. Here's hoping self-published editions appear sooner rather than later. I want to wallow in this world and read everything the author writes in it.
ETA 12/6/19: Self-published edition now available through Amazon and KU.
There's a real emotional heft to this story and the Black Moments are really draining and yes, there's a doozy of one at the end that had my cold, black soul leaking out tears. The sex ran very much on the erotica side of the spectrum, but it fit the story well and it's an erotic romance that doesn't rely on the kink factor to chew up word count. The sex scenes in this book MEAN something and you don't get one every single chapter leading to feeling a yawning redundancy. Again, I've been reading erotic romance for a whole lotta years and I can smell "need to beef up word count filler sex" like a fart in an elevator.
At the time of this posting the author has gained rights back from the publisher so it's not available. Here's hoping self-published editions appear sooner rather than later. I want to wallow in this world and read everything the author writes in it.
ETA 12/6/19: Self-published edition now available through Amazon and KU.
July 26, 2018
A story with a difficult to define relationship between two men who constantly overstep their own boundaries.
Sanyam is a good Dom and recruits a lot of customers. Sterling aka Fox is shattered, indoctrinated by his parents, and so in need of attention and a firm hand, he doesn’t recognize or acknowledge it himself.
When Sanyam and Fox cross paths, Fox is a rude brat and a big dick, not only to Sanyam but to everyone. Sanyam looks right through him and understands what Fox needs. When Fox's whole life is falling apart, Sanyam offers him a solution.
It wasn’t a perfect relationship, it was so flawed and this was exactly what makes this story plausible. The struggle they went through and their imperfections felt real.
Their characters were likeable and stayed that way throughout the whole story. They were both engaging and they learned from their previous actions.
It was an emotional story, the hurt felt awfully real.
An intriguingly written story, with a steady pace and a good lovable plot. I really loved it how all the side stories and the main were entwined and this all together made it to a very lovely and appealing journey.
Read and reviewed for Diverse Reader
Sanyam is a good Dom and recruits a lot of customers. Sterling aka Fox is shattered, indoctrinated by his parents, and so in need of attention and a firm hand, he doesn’t recognize or acknowledge it himself.
When Sanyam and Fox cross paths, Fox is a rude brat and a big dick, not only to Sanyam but to everyone. Sanyam looks right through him and understands what Fox needs. When Fox's whole life is falling apart, Sanyam offers him a solution.
It wasn’t a perfect relationship, it was so flawed and this was exactly what makes this story plausible. The struggle they went through and their imperfections felt real.
Their characters were likeable and stayed that way throughout the whole story. They were both engaging and they learned from their previous actions.
It was an emotional story, the hurt felt awfully real.
An intriguingly written story, with a steady pace and a good lovable plot. I really loved it how all the side stories and the main were entwined and this all together made it to a very lovely and appealing journey.
Read and reviewed for Diverse Reader
July 24, 2018
So far I enjoyed every new book Michaela Grey released and Broken Rules was non exception. Although it’s part of the Mended Hearts series, I actually haven’t read the first book and I got no problem because it worked easily as a standalone. In my opinion the blurb doesn’t make the story interesting, it doesn’t do the novel justice, it’s too simplistic and not so catchy. Since I already knew how good the author is, I obviously gave Broken Rules a chance even if the blurb didn’t catch my attention.
I fell in love with the characters from the beginning of their story, I felt a strong connection with Sanyam and his being so much caring and open,and then a huge sense of protection to Sterling and his fears. Understandable fears because I have to say my heart ached for him and I so wanted to put some salt into his parents’ minds. It was a huge mess what happened to Sterling, thank god Sanyam, his big heart and his discipline were there to help the young man find his balance again.
I loved their relationship, how it developed and changed in time, although Sterling stubbornness to try and not start having feelings for Sayam, I cheered on the Dom perseverance and patience, how he was always there ready to take his boy where he needed to be.
To me Michaela Grey is a guarantee, she delivered another lovely story and I’m surely going to read the first book in this series, Broken Halo, as soon as I can, while I wait for more titles to come out. I feel to recommend her works and Broken Rules.
The cover art by Kanaxa is very well done and fitting, although at a first glance, before I read the blurb, it deceived me cause I thought the book was going to be about shifters.
I fell in love with the characters from the beginning of their story, I felt a strong connection with Sanyam and his being so much caring and open,and then a huge sense of protection to Sterling and his fears. Understandable fears because I have to say my heart ached for him and I so wanted to put some salt into his parents’ minds. It was a huge mess what happened to Sterling, thank god Sanyam, his big heart and his discipline were there to help the young man find his balance again.
I loved their relationship, how it developed and changed in time, although Sterling stubbornness to try and not start having feelings for Sayam, I cheered on the Dom perseverance and patience, how he was always there ready to take his boy where he needed to be.
To me Michaela Grey is a guarantee, she delivered another lovely story and I’m surely going to read the first book in this series, Broken Halo, as soon as I can, while I wait for more titles to come out. I feel to recommend her works and Broken Rules.
The cover art by Kanaxa is very well done and fitting, although at a first glance, before I read the blurb, it deceived me cause I thought the book was going to be about shifters.
March 4, 2020
-4
Ciut mniejszy entuzjazm niż przy #1, ale nadal bardzo mi się podobało, co wciąż mnie mocno dziwi :P
Ciut mniejszy entuzjazm niż przy #1, ale nadal bardzo mi się podobało, co wciąż mnie mocno dziwi :P
August 8, 2018
3 1/2 stars
I received a copy to read and review for Wicked Reads
This book was just ok for me. I didn't feel a connection with the characters and I didn't feel chemistry between Sanyam and Fox. I did enjoy the story and the progression of their relationship. I did feel the connection between Fox and his sister Cricket. I think this book had potential to be 5 stars but just missed the mark for me.
I received a copy to read and review for Wicked Reads
This book was just ok for me. I didn't feel a connection with the characters and I didn't feel chemistry between Sanyam and Fox. I did enjoy the story and the progression of their relationship. I did feel the connection between Fox and his sister Cricket. I think this book had potential to be 5 stars but just missed the mark for me.
July 26, 2018
Broken Rules (Mended Hearts #2) by Michaela Grey
3.5 stars
M/M BDSM Romance
Triggers: cross dressing, homophobic talk, sexual harassment, binary relationship
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads
Sanyam is a Dom who just moved from India. He has a job at a local BDSM bar and enjoys helping subs find what they are looking for. However, despite his attempts, he has never truly found love. When a group of entitled men start to cause trouble in the bar, Sanyam is quick to show them that's not the way and shows them the door. Despite making all of the men leave, he sees something in one of them, but he can't quite figure out what he sees.
Then you have Sterling, or who his friends call, Fox. He is essentially living a lie. For all of his life, he has had to hide who he truly is. When he was young, his father and mother made it known that he was not to express himself in any way that he found enjoyable. When he presents to other people, he's brash, annoying, rude and just plain mean. Even so, with his friends now excommunicated from the bar, he finds himself back there after having run in to Sanyam - quite literally.
These two begin their journey in to the world that will bring them both pleasure. Love, on the other hand, is another story. Fox believes that since he was a terrible person from childhood to adulthood and it was reinforced by his family culture that he will never be worthy of love. Even though he has siblings who he loves, his way of showing love was never strong. When he finds himself in a situation where he can't really stand his family or himself any longer, he finds Sanyam. While I didn't think that Fox and Sanyam had great chemistry, it was nice to see their friendship develop. It was fairly organic and had a nice flow. Their form of BDSM was more disciplinary than anything, so it wasn't exactly sexy.
This had a lot of potential, it just didn't quite perform for me. I did enjoy watching Fox with his siblings - their relationships molded and changed dramatically throughout this story. I do wish that we had more of a story from Fox's friend though. It felt that since Fox and Colby's significant other, Annalise had so much animosity, there should have been some kind of resolution. While I enjoyed the story, it just wasn't super fantastic.
3.5 stars
M/M BDSM Romance
Triggers: cross dressing, homophobic talk, sexual harassment, binary relationship
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads
Sanyam is a Dom who just moved from India. He has a job at a local BDSM bar and enjoys helping subs find what they are looking for. However, despite his attempts, he has never truly found love. When a group of entitled men start to cause trouble in the bar, Sanyam is quick to show them that's not the way and shows them the door. Despite making all of the men leave, he sees something in one of them, but he can't quite figure out what he sees.
Then you have Sterling, or who his friends call, Fox. He is essentially living a lie. For all of his life, he has had to hide who he truly is. When he was young, his father and mother made it known that he was not to express himself in any way that he found enjoyable. When he presents to other people, he's brash, annoying, rude and just plain mean. Even so, with his friends now excommunicated from the bar, he finds himself back there after having run in to Sanyam - quite literally.
These two begin their journey in to the world that will bring them both pleasure. Love, on the other hand, is another story. Fox believes that since he was a terrible person from childhood to adulthood and it was reinforced by his family culture that he will never be worthy of love. Even though he has siblings who he loves, his way of showing love was never strong. When he finds himself in a situation where he can't really stand his family or himself any longer, he finds Sanyam. While I didn't think that Fox and Sanyam had great chemistry, it was nice to see their friendship develop. It was fairly organic and had a nice flow. Their form of BDSM was more disciplinary than anything, so it wasn't exactly sexy.
This had a lot of potential, it just didn't quite perform for me. I did enjoy watching Fox with his siblings - their relationships molded and changed dramatically throughout this story. I do wish that we had more of a story from Fox's friend though. It felt that since Fox and Colby's significant other, Annalise had so much animosity, there should have been some kind of resolution. While I enjoyed the story, it just wasn't super fantastic.
April 26, 2019
Full review available at: https://optimumm.blog/2018/07/25/revi...
Broken Rules is the second book in the Mended Hearts series by Michaela Grey. As far as I can tell the book is a standalone. I will say that the cover is appropriate once you read the book because the nickname of one of the main characters is Fox, but at first glance at the cover, I thought that this was a paranormal book. But alas the characters are all human.
The story was well written and paced nicely. I thoroughly enjoyed all of the feelings that the author pulled from me. I laughed, I cried—more than once—I yelled at the characters, I wanted to smack some side characters, I swooned from some of the sexy scenes, and I fell in love with the main characters Sanyam and Sterling. I loved their chemistry.
I loved Sterling “Fox” Reynard. He’s so very entitled and is the stereotypical rich son that has never had to work a day in his life. He’s rude and brash and very much a brat to everybody including his siblings. He hangs out with his other rich friends and gets into trouble. However, his friends have no idea that he’s gay or that he’s a natural submissive. He acts like a bully and brat longing for somebody to dominate him and Sanyam is just the person to teach him about being a submissive and introduce him to BDSM.
I liked Sanyam Desai. I liked how he’s always calm and controlled and that he doesn’t react to Sterling’s bratty attitude. I also liked that Sanyam is there for Sterling when Sterling’s world falls apart. I liked how they worked through Sterling’s issues and adjusted his attitude, and I loved seeing how much happier he became and how much nicer he was around his friends and family. Well, I guess I should say his new friends.
But as Sanyam and Sterling continue to build their Dom/sub relationship, outside forces from Sanyam’s work and Sterling’s family may be more than their fledgling relationship can handle. Will they make it or will they end up back where they were before they met? You’ll just have to read it to find out for yourself. I know that I will be reading more books from this author and I can’t wait to read the first book in the series Broken Halo.
***The ARC was provided by Dreamspinner Press. My review is an honest opinion of the book ***
Broken Rules is the second book in the Mended Hearts series by Michaela Grey. As far as I can tell the book is a standalone. I will say that the cover is appropriate once you read the book because the nickname of one of the main characters is Fox, but at first glance at the cover, I thought that this was a paranormal book. But alas the characters are all human.
The story was well written and paced nicely. I thoroughly enjoyed all of the feelings that the author pulled from me. I laughed, I cried—more than once—I yelled at the characters, I wanted to smack some side characters, I swooned from some of the sexy scenes, and I fell in love with the main characters Sanyam and Sterling. I loved their chemistry.
I loved Sterling “Fox” Reynard. He’s so very entitled and is the stereotypical rich son that has never had to work a day in his life. He’s rude and brash and very much a brat to everybody including his siblings. He hangs out with his other rich friends and gets into trouble. However, his friends have no idea that he’s gay or that he’s a natural submissive. He acts like a bully and brat longing for somebody to dominate him and Sanyam is just the person to teach him about being a submissive and introduce him to BDSM.
I liked Sanyam Desai. I liked how he’s always calm and controlled and that he doesn’t react to Sterling’s bratty attitude. I also liked that Sanyam is there for Sterling when Sterling’s world falls apart. I liked how they worked through Sterling’s issues and adjusted his attitude, and I loved seeing how much happier he became and how much nicer he was around his friends and family. Well, I guess I should say his new friends.
But as Sanyam and Sterling continue to build their Dom/sub relationship, outside forces from Sanyam’s work and Sterling’s family may be more than their fledgling relationship can handle. Will they make it or will they end up back where they were before they met? You’ll just have to read it to find out for yourself. I know that I will be reading more books from this author and I can’t wait to read the first book in the series Broken Halo.
***The ARC was provided by Dreamspinner Press. My review is an honest opinion of the book ***
July 29, 2018
3.75 Stars!
I liked this second book a bit better than the first.
We saw Sanyam very briefly in Broken Halo, but I don't think you really need to read it before this book.
I admit I didn't really like Sanyam that much after the short scene he has in Broken Halo. In this book, it still took me a little while to warm up to him. He is a professional Dom, recently moved from India to Vancouver. He seems really removed from everyone emotionally until his armor starts to show it's chinks with Sterling.
Sterling was a hard one to read initially. He seems a very spoiled, rich brat that seemed to have everything. He is not nice to anyone, but Sanyam sees something in Sterling that no one else does. Their first several interactions seemed really odd; I couldn't see how Sanyam was so certain that Sterling would keep coming back, but he was right. Sterling is hurting, and he pushes people away before they can hurt him. I really liked Cricket, Sterling's sister and her twin also seemed pretty cool too. Nevertheless, even they unintentionally hurt Sterling at times. I was glad to see Sanyam call them out on it, even if it was a little late.
The twist in this book was not one that I saw coming, but the way that Sterling and his siblings adapt to the changes in their lives was pretty amazing considering everything. I'm not sure that most people in their shoes would have moved forward so easily or well. I'm so glad that Sterling finds someone that he can confide in, Amparo seems like a wonderful lady and a great mother figure for the siblings.
I was happy to see them work things out and be more honest about what they needed from each other moving forward. I was a little surprised that Sanyam didn't want Sterling to be more honest with him earlier, considering that Sterling was completely new to BDSM. Building trust with someone so adapt at pushing people away shouldn't have been so easy. By the end of the book, I liked both men and thought that they would move forward well together.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
I liked this second book a bit better than the first.
We saw Sanyam very briefly in Broken Halo, but I don't think you really need to read it before this book.
I admit I didn't really like Sanyam that much after the short scene he has in Broken Halo. In this book, it still took me a little while to warm up to him. He is a professional Dom, recently moved from India to Vancouver. He seems really removed from everyone emotionally until his armor starts to show it's chinks with Sterling.
Sterling was a hard one to read initially. He seems a very spoiled, rich brat that seemed to have everything. He is not nice to anyone, but Sanyam sees something in Sterling that no one else does. Their first several interactions seemed really odd; I couldn't see how Sanyam was so certain that Sterling would keep coming back, but he was right. Sterling is hurting, and he pushes people away before they can hurt him. I really liked Cricket, Sterling's sister and her twin also seemed pretty cool too. Nevertheless, even they unintentionally hurt Sterling at times. I was glad to see Sanyam call them out on it, even if it was a little late.
The twist in this book was not one that I saw coming, but the way that Sterling and his siblings adapt to the changes in their lives was pretty amazing considering everything. I'm not sure that most people in their shoes would have moved forward so easily or well. I'm so glad that Sterling finds someone that he can confide in, Amparo seems like a wonderful lady and a great mother figure for the siblings.
I was happy to see them work things out and be more honest about what they needed from each other moving forward. I was a little surprised that Sanyam didn't want Sterling to be more honest with him earlier, considering that Sterling was completely new to BDSM. Building trust with someone so adapt at pushing people away shouldn't have been so easy. By the end of the book, I liked both men and thought that they would move forward well together.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
September 30, 2020
Right, well, I am sorry to say it was not exactly the greatest read I had (which is my polite, can't properly say bad things to someone's face way of expressing negative feelings) BUT I was in a mood after "finishing" this book and it was such a great mood I opened and promptly deleted books, yes, plural, from my kindle, one book actually disappeared after I read the blurb, not even the first sentence and that is just wrong so really, finding a book I managed to "tolerate" was bad enough and...
Gosh, I am so hard on the books!! I was just watching a professional baking show and like always, I feel so bad when the judges say negative things about cakes (or anything really), like it makes me uncomfortable and generally I feel they should not be so harsh but look the fudge at me and my hard ass.
Anyway, there was this "feelings" moment and I could name some interesting elements - I just think that overall, I don't have that much respect for the book.
If you don't know this about me, I kind of keep track of two separate "qualities" - types of qualities, maybe and it is a fair assessment but not always relevant:
-the writing quality (as in "if I was a book critic and was supposed to judge books" but really also just "did I feel the author has talent, the world is well made, do I respect the characters" - which is kind of the objective way of looking at a book)
- enjoyable factor (which is what it says it does - did I enjoy reading the book?)
And the second one is maybe (or surely) more important, if not the most important but I also have this judging thing inside me and the degree to which I disregard the first one is proportional to the amount of potential guilt and "wasted time" feeling I get afterwards. Like a proverbial one-night stand - it may have been nice while it lasted but depending on the amount of inhibitions, alcohol and expectations you had to lower to find that gem of a person, you just may feel much worse in the morning.
But hey, if you, unlike me, already read the first book, no reason to warn you off this one, no?
And really, I don't have a problem with saying "recommend", I am just not sure how heartfelt it would be.
Gosh, I am so hard on the books!! I was just watching a professional baking show and like always, I feel so bad when the judges say negative things about cakes (or anything really), like it makes me uncomfortable and generally I feel they should not be so harsh but look the fudge at me and my hard ass.
Anyway, there was this "feelings" moment and I could name some interesting elements - I just think that overall, I don't have that much respect for the book.
If you don't know this about me, I kind of keep track of two separate "qualities" - types of qualities, maybe and it is a fair assessment but not always relevant:
-the writing quality (as in "if I was a book critic and was supposed to judge books" but really also just "did I feel the author has talent, the world is well made, do I respect the characters" - which is kind of the objective way of looking at a book)
- enjoyable factor (which is what it says it does - did I enjoy reading the book?)
And the second one is maybe (or surely) more important, if not the most important but I also have this judging thing inside me and the degree to which I disregard the first one is proportional to the amount of potential guilt and "wasted time" feeling I get afterwards. Like a proverbial one-night stand - it may have been nice while it lasted but depending on the amount of inhibitions, alcohol and expectations you had to lower to find that gem of a person, you just may feel much worse in the morning.
But hey, if you, unlike me, already read the first book, no reason to warn you off this one, no?
And really, I don't have a problem with saying "recommend", I am just not sure how heartfelt it would be.
October 3, 2018
* I was given a free copy of this book via MMRG Don’t Buy My Love Program in exchange for an honest review *
It is AWESOME.
This is a really good love story with a BDSM and D/s theme. It is emotional, sexy and sometimes heartbreaking. Both Mcs are LOVABLE and I absolutely ADORE Fox and his siblings. And Tatuum! Their conversation with Fox's dad made my day.
My fav thing about some BDSM books is that they are also hurt-to-comfort stories. Here we have a nice, sexy, smart and talented guy who was hurt so badly by his own parents, he turned into a complete arogant jerk. Even though Fox was an absolute asshole at first, I fell head over heels with him and these little glimpses of vulnerability he allowed himself to show in front of San. San was exactly what he needed and I had no doubt they would end together (because yes, there is a nice HEA in the end!).
There was everything I like - emotions, lots and lots of feelings, believable story and characters, hot sex, SOME BDSM (but nothing that would be a problem for ppl who don't like it) and a spoiled cat :)
The story is FAST paced. It is a real emotional rollercoaster, but it is worth it.
Of course there were some things I didn't like, for example crossdressing. As much as I have nothing against some manties, stockings etc, I didn't feel comfortable in this case and I was happy that it was not a long scene. (But this is about my preferences not about the book).
I need to read book #1 in this series and I would like to read Dorian's story in some future to know more about him and Tatuum.
It is AWESOME.
This is a really good love story with a BDSM and D/s theme. It is emotional, sexy and sometimes heartbreaking. Both Mcs are LOVABLE and I absolutely ADORE Fox and his siblings. And Tatuum! Their conversation with Fox's dad made my day.
My fav thing about some BDSM books is that they are also hurt-to-comfort stories. Here we have a nice, sexy, smart and talented guy who was hurt so badly by his own parents, he turned into a complete arogant jerk. Even though Fox was an absolute asshole at first, I fell head over heels with him and these little glimpses of vulnerability he allowed himself to show in front of San. San was exactly what he needed and I had no doubt they would end together (because yes, there is a nice HEA in the end!).
There was everything I like - emotions, lots and lots of feelings, believable story and characters, hot sex, SOME BDSM (but nothing that would be a problem for ppl who don't like it) and a spoiled cat :)
The story is FAST paced. It is a real emotional rollercoaster, but it is worth it.
Of course there were some things I didn't like, for example crossdressing. As much as I have nothing against some manties, stockings etc, I didn't feel comfortable in this case and I was happy that it was not a long scene. (But this is about my preferences not about the book).
I need to read book #1 in this series and I would like to read Dorian's story in some future to know more about him and Tatuum.
October 3, 2018
This book was received free in return for an honest review via the Goodreads Don’t Buy My Love program.
It wasn’t until I was uploading this book that I realized I’d just recently read Broken Halo, book one of the series. Having loved that one, I was sure I was going to enjoy this second book, and I wasn’t wrong.
Fox is broken, not physically, but emotionally. Short flashbacks are given throughout the story, each one showing a tiny piece of how he went from a strong-willed boy to a man drowning in his own mind.
Enter Sanyam, a minor character from book one. Sanyam first meets Fox when he’s throwing him and his friends out of the club he works at as a professional Dom. Round and around they go, scenes short, long, broken by Fox’s headstrong attitude, but Sanyam sees what lies beneath the whole facade, a fractured interior.
Throughout the story, there were light bdsm scenes including spanking, crop work, and breath play, but it was all underscored by the emotional content which is a pleasant change from the explicit scenes many authors write. To me it’s more about how they are feeling then what they are doing. Additionally, I really liked all the secondary characters and the inclusion of a non-binary one as well, all wrapped up with a very sweet ending.
This is a great sequel to book one, Broken Halo, and I loved the tiny peek back into Micah and Devon's story.
It wasn’t until I was uploading this book that I realized I’d just recently read Broken Halo, book one of the series. Having loved that one, I was sure I was going to enjoy this second book, and I wasn’t wrong.
Fox is broken, not physically, but emotionally. Short flashbacks are given throughout the story, each one showing a tiny piece of how he went from a strong-willed boy to a man drowning in his own mind.
Enter Sanyam, a minor character from book one. Sanyam first meets Fox when he’s throwing him and his friends out of the club he works at as a professional Dom. Round and around they go, scenes short, long, broken by Fox’s headstrong attitude, but Sanyam sees what lies beneath the whole facade, a fractured interior.
Throughout the story, there were light bdsm scenes including spanking, crop work, and breath play, but it was all underscored by the emotional content which is a pleasant change from the explicit scenes many authors write. To me it’s more about how they are feeling then what they are doing. Additionally, I really liked all the secondary characters and the inclusion of a non-binary one as well, all wrapped up with a very sweet ending.
This is a great sequel to book one, Broken Halo, and I loved the tiny peek back into Micah and Devon's story.
October 12, 2018
*I received a copy through the MMRG DBML program in exchange for an honest review
4 stars
Synopsis: Sanyam is a Dom at a club that sells his services. He is much in demand, and one night he gets a new client who insists that he isn't submissive, although his eyes and demeanour tell Sanyam differently. Sterling is a spoiled rich kid living off his daddy's money while rebelling against his family. When he pays for a session with Sanyam, he gets more than he bargained for, although it just might be what he needs.
What I liked: that being dominated was not presented as the magical cure for all that ailed people, they actually went out and got help for themselves. I also liked the fact that Sanyam didn't have sex with all of his clients...or even most of his clients, since that is not necessary for a D/s relationship. And when Sterling felt as though Sanyam's Dom aspect was encroaching too much on their personal relationship, he pointed it out and wasn't afraid to stand up for himself with Sanyam. I liked how Sterling's relationship with his siblings grew, and that he started to work things out for himself. The characters and the way they reacted to various situations felt very real.
What I didn't like: at times the BDSM things felt a little robotic, done by rote, but there was never anything careless or anything that felt...off about it.
4 stars
Synopsis: Sanyam is a Dom at a club that sells his services. He is much in demand, and one night he gets a new client who insists that he isn't submissive, although his eyes and demeanour tell Sanyam differently. Sterling is a spoiled rich kid living off his daddy's money while rebelling against his family. When he pays for a session with Sanyam, he gets more than he bargained for, although it just might be what he needs.
What I liked: that being dominated was not presented as the magical cure for all that ailed people, they actually went out and got help for themselves. I also liked the fact that Sanyam didn't have sex with all of his clients...or even most of his clients, since that is not necessary for a D/s relationship. And when Sterling felt as though Sanyam's Dom aspect was encroaching too much on their personal relationship, he pointed it out and wasn't afraid to stand up for himself with Sanyam. I liked how Sterling's relationship with his siblings grew, and that he started to work things out for himself. The characters and the way they reacted to various situations felt very real.
What I didn't like: at times the BDSM things felt a little robotic, done by rote, but there was never anything careless or anything that felt...off about it.
July 25, 2018
I really enjoyed the first book in this series and was excited to read this one. Just like the first one, this book was incredibly well-written and the storyline was very interesting. The author does a great job of taking a flawed character and making you like them. Fox was definitely a spoiled jerk so it was nice to see him in a role that put someone else in charge. He was still defiant during their D/s scenes, which was exactly his personality so it made sense.
Sanyam was honorable and understanding and an easy character to like. Both characters brought out good in each other. The book was emotional at times but it was also sweet. Sterling (Fox) had a lot of growing to do and it was nice to see that growth throughout the book.
The supporting characters were interesting and funny and good addition to the book. It was also nice to see the MCs from book one, Devon and Micah. We get a little glimpse of them that wraps up a HEA in my opinion, which I was very happy about!
The last chapter of this book was a good wrap up and while it was more of a HFN, I was completely happy with it.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Sanyam was honorable and understanding and an easy character to like. Both characters brought out good in each other. The book was emotional at times but it was also sweet. Sterling (Fox) had a lot of growing to do and it was nice to see that growth throughout the book.
The supporting characters were interesting and funny and good addition to the book. It was also nice to see the MCs from book one, Devon and Micah. We get a little glimpse of them that wraps up a HEA in my opinion, which I was very happy about!
The last chapter of this book was a good wrap up and while it was more of a HFN, I was completely happy with it.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
July 25, 2018
I am a big fan of Michael Grey, have been for a while now. And this book shows EXACTLY what she has to offer. While the second in the series you do NOT have to read Broken Halo to understand this book (you SHOULD cause it's my favorite book, but you don't have to)
Now on to the actual review of this book!
I hate to sound like a show-person but this really does have it all. There were times when I was literally laughing out loud (at work, don't judge me) and also times I was crying (it was sad!)
What is really amazing is that in this book isn't just the chemistry between the characters but watching them grow as people. You see them both fight their demons, and both come out on top, and while it is more noticeable with Fox, you can see it in San as well. You grow to love the character and really see what makes them tick both in and out of the bedroom.
I highly recommend this book, as well as this series.
Did I mention that it's steaming hot? I should warn you may need a cold shower by the end of the book.
I can't wait for the next one! (On everything that is Holy let there be a next one!)
~Crow
Now on to the actual review of this book!
I hate to sound like a show-person but this really does have it all. There were times when I was literally laughing out loud (at work, don't judge me) and also times I was crying (it was sad!)
What is really amazing is that in this book isn't just the chemistry between the characters but watching them grow as people. You see them both fight their demons, and both come out on top, and while it is more noticeable with Fox, you can see it in San as well. You grow to love the character and really see what makes them tick both in and out of the bedroom.
I highly recommend this book, as well as this series.
Did I mention that it's steaming hot? I should warn you may need a cold shower by the end of the book.
I can't wait for the next one! (On everything that is Holy let there be a next one!)
~Crow
October 9, 2018
I received this book in exchange for an honest review from Goodreads Don’t Buy My Love Program.
I absolutely loved this book! There aren’t many books that have made me cry out there, but this is definitely one of them.
Fox is an emotionally fragile young man, who lashes out in anger at people. He was emotionally abused by his Father and had a Mother who was indifferent. Luckily, he had a Nanny that loved him unconditionally when he was younger, so he isn’t a bad person. He feels that he isn’t good enough of a person to deserve anything good in life. It was heart wrenching to see him struggle with new emotions and feelings that he had for Sanyam and for lashing out when he felt too vulnerable.
I loved Sanyam! Who wouldn’t love a dominant man that is also not afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve. He is also a very patient man that is not prone to get angry easily. This is a good thing with the way Fox acts, but Sanyam sees the good in Fox from the beginning.
This is a book that I would recommend to anyone that likes BDSM or a emotionally charged love story to read. The BDSM scenes are quite tame compared to some books I have read, but still good.
I absolutely loved this book! There aren’t many books that have made me cry out there, but this is definitely one of them.
Fox is an emotionally fragile young man, who lashes out in anger at people. He was emotionally abused by his Father and had a Mother who was indifferent. Luckily, he had a Nanny that loved him unconditionally when he was younger, so he isn’t a bad person. He feels that he isn’t good enough of a person to deserve anything good in life. It was heart wrenching to see him struggle with new emotions and feelings that he had for Sanyam and for lashing out when he felt too vulnerable.
I loved Sanyam! Who wouldn’t love a dominant man that is also not afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve. He is also a very patient man that is not prone to get angry easily. This is a good thing with the way Fox acts, but Sanyam sees the good in Fox from the beginning.
This is a book that I would recommend to anyone that likes BDSM or a emotionally charged love story to read. The BDSM scenes are quite tame compared to some books I have read, but still good.
October 11, 2018
This book was provided for free by the author in exchange for an honest review via the MMRG Don’t Buy My Love Program.
Not heavy on the BDSM side as I was expecting when starting this book. However it did not detract from what was a very romantic read.
Poor Sterling/Fox/Kit has not had a great childhood and it has made him the person he is. He is a brat that hides behind his brattish behavior. He would rather give people what they believe to be true about him than to make himself vulnerable emotionally. Even though he was a real jerk at times I could not hate/dislike him for it. Before knowing Kit's story there was still something that caused me to like his character.
He meets Sanyam who is so patient and so gentle with him, who sees there is something worth the effort in Kit. Sanyam is "everyone's hero" I believe. He is always out to help/assist. He know early on how he feels about Kit but holds back as he realizes where Kit is. However, he is very forgiving.
Loved how they interacted and how the characters were developed. Love the hot scenes. I enjoyed this read of an author who is new to me.
Not heavy on the BDSM side as I was expecting when starting this book. However it did not detract from what was a very romantic read.
Poor Sterling/Fox/Kit has not had a great childhood and it has made him the person he is. He is a brat that hides behind his brattish behavior. He would rather give people what they believe to be true about him than to make himself vulnerable emotionally. Even though he was a real jerk at times I could not hate/dislike him for it. Before knowing Kit's story there was still something that caused me to like his character.
He meets Sanyam who is so patient and so gentle with him, who sees there is something worth the effort in Kit. Sanyam is "everyone's hero" I believe. He is always out to help/assist. He know early on how he feels about Kit but holds back as he realizes where Kit is. However, he is very forgiving.
Loved how they interacted and how the characters were developed. Love the hot scenes. I enjoyed this read of an author who is new to me.
October 2, 2018
This book was provided for free by the author in exchange for an honest review via the MMRG Don’t Buy My Love Program.
4.7 stars.
I picked this book because I enjoy BDSM and D/s themes.
Sanyam is a Dom at the Trap, where he almost never mixes scenes with sex until he meets Fox.
Fox is an arrogant, self-centered wreck. He hangs out with his rich friends and remains coldly detached from everything around him.
After Sanyam offers to help break down some of those walls, Fox slowly begins to thaw.
I wasn't sure I was going to like this. Initially, Fox is an absolutely unlikable jackass. He really comes across as irreparably nasty. Thankfully, there is a wonderful amount of growth as layers are peeled away to reveal exactly why Fox became the way he is.
For a BDSM novel, there is a great amount of shmoop and fluff. There's also good scene etiquette! And when there are mild deviations, the characters address them. Even Sanyam grows and addresses his flaws.
A wonderful HEA. I absolutely recommend it. (Oh, and there's an adorable cat.)
4.7 stars.
I picked this book because I enjoy BDSM and D/s themes.
Sanyam is a Dom at the Trap, where he almost never mixes scenes with sex until he meets Fox.
Fox is an arrogant, self-centered wreck. He hangs out with his rich friends and remains coldly detached from everything around him.
After Sanyam offers to help break down some of those walls, Fox slowly begins to thaw.
I wasn't sure I was going to like this. Initially, Fox is an absolutely unlikable jackass. He really comes across as irreparably nasty. Thankfully, there is a wonderful amount of growth as layers are peeled away to reveal exactly why Fox became the way he is.
For a BDSM novel, there is a great amount of shmoop and fluff. There's also good scene etiquette! And when there are mild deviations, the characters address them. Even Sanyam grows and addresses his flaws.
A wonderful HEA. I absolutely recommend it. (Oh, and there's an adorable cat.)
July 17, 2020
This is the story of two men who meet and fall in love against all odds, contrary to their expectations, almost against their will, and without having the slightest idea what they are doing. Both are lonely and wish they could find someone to love who will love them back. In line with the first book in this series, ‘Broken Halo’, the characters are unusual, complicated, and took me on quite a journey as they fumble their way through a relationship that falls apart more than once. Sterling thinks nobody could possibly love him, while Sanyam thinks he knows what he is doing, but nothing works the way he expects with Sterling. A true challenge to themselves and each other, I found their journey as exasperating as it was fascinating – with the result that I was unable to put down this book.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
October 27, 2018
So... I liked this ending better that Broken Halo as it seemed more complete. I also liked that an HEA for Micah & Devon was thrown into this for those of us who’ve read Broken Halo.
That said, I totally enjoyed Broken Rules from the minute I laid eyes on the cover.
I love a dual POV story & this one is very well done with little or no confusion as to who’s head the reader is in at that moment. Especially liked the way Fox’s flashbacks helped us understand him better. There a lot of tropes woven into the plot, gay, kink, interracial, agender, mostly smoothly, though Tatum seemed to be thrown in simply to “be”. Unless there’s a book coming with Dorian & Tatum’s story (dare I hope?) Anyway, now I want to go back and read Broken Halo again! Lol.
That said, I totally enjoyed Broken Rules from the minute I laid eyes on the cover.
I love a dual POV story & this one is very well done with little or no confusion as to who’s head the reader is in at that moment. Especially liked the way Fox’s flashbacks helped us understand him better. There a lot of tropes woven into the plot, gay, kink, interracial, agender, mostly smoothly, though Tatum seemed to be thrown in simply to “be”. Unless there’s a book coming with Dorian & Tatum’s story (dare I hope?) Anyway, now I want to go back and read Broken Halo again! Lol.
August 26, 2018
A promising beginning and a quite very lame ending.
I really liked the main characters, but the story is too unconvincing. The later half of the story is so messy l can tell from the words that the author might be pulling her hair while she was writing this.
I really liked the main characters, but the story is too unconvincing. The later half of the story is so messy l can tell from the words that the author might be pulling her hair while she was writing this.
July 26, 2018
Review to come
dnf-not-for-me
January 30, 2020Maybe it’s just me but describing someone Indian, plus another girl, as having “slanted” eyes, just sounds racist to me.
November 11, 2020
of the published romance novels written by people who write fanfic that i've read (and i've read a few!) i think this one is the best!
January 17, 2025
Too contrived. Too weird. DNF.
February 25, 2021
Reread 2/24/21
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