I’m what some people call the bogeyman. Most people have the good sense to be afraid of me. Unfortunately, my best friend’s little sister is NOT most people.
She’s not afraid of me at all. But she should be. She doesn’t know the secrets I’m hiding.
Look, Lucia Demarco is a handful. She’s stubborn, gorgeous, a magnet for trouble, and sets my blood on fire.
Ignore that last part. I can’t have her. I promised my best friend on his deathbed that I’d always take care of her. And I have…never you mind about the thoughts that plague me at night
The point is, she’s been poking her head where it doesn’t belong and now some idiots are about to find out why they call me the reaper.
I hear former hitmen make the best bodyguards. True story!
I’ll keep my word and keep Lucia safe. And I absolutely refuse to give in to her sunny smile or sharp wit.
I can be strong. Or will I risk just one taste?
A standalone romantic suspense with a morally gray anti-hero willing to do anything for the woman he has pledged his life to protect. Previously called the Shameless series, Broken Trust is a completely revised and expanded edition with no cliffhanger and three epilogues. CW available on the author's website.
M. Malone is a NYT and USA TODAY bestselling author, a RITA® Award winner, and a member of RWA's Hall of Fame.
She lives with her husband and their two sons in the picturesque mountains of Northern Virginia even though she is afraid of insects, birds, butterflies and other humans.
Since starting her indie publishing journey she has sold over a million books and her titles have hit the NYT and USA Today bestseller lists more than a dozen times. She also holds a Master’s degree in Business from a prestigious college that would no doubt be scandalized at how she’s using her expensive education.
As I was reading this book, I kept having a sense of deja vu that I could not shake. It was driving me crazy. I searched through my library trying to figure it out, and then I did.
I read this several years ago. The first book in the trilogy was titled Shame. Then two other books I believed were titled Shameless and Unashamed. Broken Trust seems to encompass the entire trilogy, so there are no cliffhanger moments for Noah and Lucia's story. And it is a good story!
The way this duo writing team have woven the pieces together is artistic.
This was one sexy, romantic suspense, mystery with an edge of danger and intrigue that left me hanging on the edge of your seat. Although I had read it before, it was so long ago, the impact was in no way diminished. There was also a ton of action in this book.
Considering Noah's past, Rafe's past, and Nonna's mysterious benefactor and protector, I knew they were somehow tied together. The joy of everything being encompassed in one book didn't leave me frustrated trying to figure out the who, what, when, where, why, and how. I was able to keep reading and slowly get answers to my questions.
I do have to be honest and admit that Lucia was not my favorite person at first. I found her to be somewhat irritating. I also have to admit that in spite of Lucia being irritating, she and Noah had great chemistry. There are also a fair amount of steamy encounters. I really liked her friend JJ. I am looking forward to her story. I also liked Matthias, Jonas, Oskar, Ryan, Dylan, and Rafe. Ian even proved to be an interesting character.
The icing on the cake is that this book provided me with not one, not two, but THREE epilogues. I do love an epilogue. Top it off, it also gave me an answer to which guy on the team was going to be up next.
A very enjoyable read that I would recommend if you are looking for a fast paced, romantic suspense, full of action, danger, and heat with a number of witty, often humorous moments.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this Advanced Reader Copy.
Pre-Order TODAY!!! Amazon: https://geni.us/brokentrustku Goodreads: https://geni.us/goodreadsbrokentrust ____________ I’m what some people call the bogeyman. Most people have the good sense to be afraid of me. Unfortunately, my best friend’s little sister is NOT most people. She’s not afraid of me at all. But she should be. She doesn’t know the secrets I’m hiding. Look, Lucia Demarco is a handful. She’s stubborn, gorgeous, a magnet for trouble, and sets my blood on fire. Ignore that last part. I can’t have her. I promised my best friend on his deathbed that I’d always take care of her. And I have…never you mind about the thoughts that plague me at night. The point is, she’s been poking her head where it doesn’t belong and now some idiots are about to find out why the call me the reaper. I hear former hitmen make the best bodyguards. True story! I’ll keep my word and keep Lucia safe. And I absolutely refuse to give in to her sunny smile or sharp wit. I can be strong. Or will I risk just one taste?
Broken Trust by M. Malone & Nana Malone Pub Date: January 24, 2023
4.75/5 ⭐️
WHAT A BOOK. When I tell you Broken Trust sucked me in, it 110% sucked me in. From page 1, I could not put it down. In fact, I loved it so much that I now have a print copy on the way 🥵
Broken Trust is all about Lucia and her self-appointed protector/bodyguard/shadow, Noah.
After Lucia’s brother, Rafe, was shot and killed in front of her years ago, Noah made it his mission to protect Lucia from all the bad guys in the world. When a threat is sent to Lucia telling her to stop digging into her brother’s murder, Noah and his team at Blake Security make it their #1 goal to find out who the heck is causing this mayhem and put a stop to them. As the the suspect ramps up their tactics, Noah’s dark past slowly comes to light, and Lucia finds out just how dangerous and grim it is.
M. Malone and Nana Malone have combined romance and murder and delivered it to us with a bow on top — it being the gift of Broken Trust. This dark romance had me on the edge of my seat in anticipation of who could be after Lucia. And let me tell you, once you find out, MINDBLOWN.
This is the first book I’ve read from M. Malone and Nana Malone, but it sure won’t be the last. I loved how they developed the characters, the storyline, and just the overall writing style.
Thank you Valentine PR for this eARC in exchange for my honest review ❤️
BRING ON BOOK 2, BROKEN TIES!!!
📕 At a Glance — Genres: Adult Romance, Contemporary Romance, Dark Romance, Romantic Suspense, Thriller — Tropes: Alpha Hero, Angsty, Anti-Hero, Band of Brothers, Bad Boy/Good Girl, Best Friend's Sibling, Bodyguard, Heroine in Danger, Sibling's Best Friend
Broken Trust is a fast, action-packed romantic suspense book that is exciting, mysterious, and has a hint of danger. I really liked it.
Lucia is independent and feisty, while Noah is a possessive, protective alpha. To be quite honest, I have to say that at first, Lucia wasn't my favorite person. She was a little annoying to me. Despite how annoying I found Lucia to be, I still have to agree that she and Noah had a wonderful chemistry. Plus, there are quite a few steamy moments. Matthias, Jonas, Oskar, Ryan, Dylan, and Rafe are the absolute best on Noah's team, and don't forget JJ, Lucia's friend. I can't wait to read her story, which will be up next.
This is the first M. Malone and Nana Malone book I've read. I really liked how they developed the characters, the plot, and the overall writing style.
Thank you Valentine PR for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
When I started reading this book, I expected to read the first two chapters and then go to sleep. But... Around 3 in the morning I fell asleep while hugging the kindle 😂 and next day I lived and breathe this book until the last of the 3 epilogues. I should have expected that a book written by the talented Nana Malone and M. Malone would do that to me 😂 The story is intoxicating from the beginning. You get little clues and when you think you got it figured out, you realize something else is left unsolved, and you start again. And then you have to hottest couple i encountered in a book in a long time. Lucia needed a little time to get her head where her heart was, and then she was a menace to Noah's restraint. He is everything! My heart was doing double time anytime Noah would interact with Lucia. Their chemistry was off the charts, and I loved loved loved the moments when he would lose control 🥵🥵🥵 This was a perfect book for me, written masterfully, with amazing characters (both main and side), beautifully constructed that will make you forget everything except what happens in the book. I can't wait to read the next book in the series 💕
What an amazing page turner this was! Noah has seen a lot and has done a lot and will do it all again to protect his best friends sister. Lucia misses her brother like crazy and just wants the truth about his death. She knows Noah isn’t telling her everything and is sick and tiered of being babysat. These two have a back and forth that is major sexual frustration! Noah doesn’t want to cross that line but the temptation is too hard to resist. These two have crazy chemistry and a strong connection. When it’s clear that her life is in danger and there is no real answers to who they are looking for …he will do anything to keep her safe. There are so many layers to this story, every time something new happened I was Excited about the development. This book definitely kept me guessing and wanting more. I was laughing out loud one minute from the banter and emotional the next. This was a great start to a new series and I’m ready for the next book. The characters were well written and this group is extremely interesting and I cant Wait to get to know them better.
Noah is the owner of Blake Security and Rafe was his best friend, mentor and also happens to be Lucia’s brother. Noah has deep feelings for Lucia and he always ensures that any first date doesn’t lead to a second however he tells himself it is to protect her.
Lucia witnessed the murder of her brother but has blocked the memory and it haunts her to this day. She has had feelings for Noah as well but she believes he only views her as a sister so she tries to move on. When Lucia decides to investigate her brother’s murder and puts herself in danger will Noah be able to keep her safe?
Noah is a possessive, protective alpha and Lucia is independent and feisty. This story has it all including suspense that keeps you guessing, surprises you don’t see coming, hot chemistry and humor.
I loved Noah and Lucia's romance. I'm not sure what was thicker, the emotion or the tension but either way, this couple really had me laser focused, deeply invested and feeling every single moment of it all in the most intense way. These characters are complex, their chemistry combustible and the turmoil turbulent. Believe me when I say they'll take you on an epic journey that will leave you totally breathless. I'm super excited to read more of this series. This is my freely posted, frank review.
I was hooked by chapter 2. The way Noah is over protective and always has Lucia’s best interest at heart even if he didn’t go about it the right way made me fall in love with their story!
The plot was amazing, Not only was the plot good but so was the spice! The tension between these two just made it better. I had to force myself to put it down to get some sleep if I didn’t I would of finished it in a matter of hours.
The first two thirds of the book were really good! But the last third didn’t just knock my socks off it flipping blew them away! Talk about a twist! The ending was perfect. Not a cliffhanger per se but a set up for book 2 Broken Ties. Put this one on the very top of your TBR pile! And do yourself a favor and add the 2nd one to your list while you’re at it!
I just cannot believe all the 5 star reviews for this. I gave up 30% mark. Just dragging on. I am sure it would get more exciting, but I lost patience. Sadly this series is not for me.
This is an intriguing, suspenseful, and steamy forbidden romance. Noah Blake is dark, dangerous, and holds many secrets that would scare away the only light in his life. His best friend was killed and he will do whatever it takes to protect his little sister, Lucia Demarco, even from himself. After losing her brother, Lucia is determined to find the truth behind his death, which puts her in the crosshairs of extreme danger. Noah and Lucia have been attracted to each other from the moment they met, but never acted on it. Now that Noah needs to keep her safe without scaring her, the heat between them explodes! They have fiery chemistry and can't get enough of each other. But the harder Noah tries to control her, the more the independent, determined Lucia fights for freedom. Can Noah keep her safe when a killer is a step ahead of them at every turn? This story is fast-paced, suspenseful, and action packed. The storyline is complex, intriguing and captivating, filled with mystery and secrets. The push/pull between Noah and Lucia is filled with sizzling sexual tension and passion. I loved all the men who work for Noah's security team. They were intriguing, fun, and I want to know more about them and their dark pasts. This is a great start to the new Broken series.
Broken Trust was so freaking good I could not put it down. I binged this and stayed up until the early hours of the morning reading it. This page turner is full of suspense and steamy forbidden romance, all of which I was there for. Noah Blake is a dark and dangerous man. He's full of secrets that would scare many. But when his best friend is killed, he vows to protect his little sister from everything bad, himself included. Lucia Demarco is after answers. She will stop at nothing to find out who killed her brother, even if it means putting herself at risk. So now, Noah is forced to protect Lucia, but not scare her in the process. He must also try to not fall in love with her, but God knows that is going to he hard, especially considering they have shared an attraction since the day they met. This book was so damn good. I would 100% recommend it.
Of you like big hunky men then this book is for you Blake Security. Noah is feeling guilty after he killed his best friend six years ago, he keeps his eyes on Lucia & her Nonnie, to make sure they are safe, Lucia has love Noah for years even though he is over protecting her life, she has nightmares over the death of her brother, she doesn't remember who killed her brother just that she shot him. Lucia wants answers about her brother death so she is trying to find out who own the house where he was killed, when her life is put in danger!
Broken Trust by Nana Malone & M. Malone is the First book in The Broken Series. This is the story of Noah Blake and Lucia Demarco. Lucia has been in love with Noah from the start of meeting her brother's friend. Lucia too has been drawn to Lucia but never acted on it out of respect for his friendship. But now in their present day, Lucia is trying to find out what happened to her brother who is dead. This has put Noah in protective mode to which has brought them to be closer and starts their story.
One half of this writing duo was new to me, but I think it's safe to say that the Malone family is full of talent. Absolutely adored the characters, and the plot blew my mind. But in saying that it actually took me a bit to fully connect with both, and I can't even put my finger on why. I'm so glad I stuck with it though as the last part with all the twists and turns I never expected deserved all the stars. Cannot wait to see what this duo come up with next.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were awesome, there is lots of action, along with lots of heat. My only complaint was too much of inner monologue (my pet peeve), and a lot of it also felt like it was just repeating the same thing. That being said, I’d recommend this book.
Such a quick, fast, exciting page turner. This book had me flipping pages & trying to figure out what & how things happened. I absolutely love these characters & cannot wait for more of them.
Well, lets just say that if you think you're going to start this book and then be able to put it down anytime soon, you're wrong. What was supposed to be a couple chapters in the evening before bed, turned into binging the book and staying up all night to do so. The storyline drew me in right away, and Noah and Lucia kept me thoroughly entertained. I loved the banter between these two and was literally deceased from laughing so hard at the bedroom scene in the beginning, and the "surprise" Lucia had in store for Noah as paybacks. This book was gripping, intriguing, and so much fun. I can't wait to get Broken Promises in my hands.
Although this 399 page novel is filled with great characters, deadly conflict, betrayal, suspense and friendly assassins, it is 150 pages too long!!!!!
Twice I lost interest, but did not want to quit, hoping it would pick up. And towards the end it did.
But now I am hesitant about reading the rest of the series, that I just discovered I own.
Broken Trust brings us the story of Noah and Lucia. Noah is the bad boy, with a dark past that he prefers to keep hidden, all this becomes difficult when he swears to his best friend about to die to protect his sister, Lucia witnessed the death of her brother and when a note arrives threatening her So that she stops investigating the murder of his brother, Noah keeps his promise and will do everything possible to protect her. This story is full of tensions, undeniable chemistry, moments full of intrigue and suspense, it is a read that will catch you from the first pages and immerse you in the story. The characters (main and secondary) are intriguing, funny and make the story even richer. I loved this beginning of the series and can't wait for what's to come. Highly recommended. *Thanks to M. MaloneNana Malone and Valentin PR for my ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Broken Trust nos trae la historia de Noah y Lucia. Noah es el chico malo, con un oscuro pasado que prefiere mantener oculto, todo estos se vuelve difícil cuando jura a su mejor amigo a punto de morir proteger a su hermana, Lucia fue testigo de la muerte de su hermano y cuando llega una nota amenazándola para que deje de indagar en el asesinato de su hermano, Noah cumple su promesa y hará todo lo posible para protegerla. Esta historia esta llena de tensiones, química innegable, momentos llenos de intriga y suspenso, es una lectura que te atrapara desde las primeras paginas y te sumergeras en la historia. Los personajes (principales y secundarios) son intrigantes, graciosos y hacen la historia aun mas rica. Me encanto este comienzo de serie y no puedo esperar a lo que vendrá. Altamente recomendada. *Gracias a M. MaloneNana Malone y Valentin PR para mi ARC. Dejo voluntariamente mi reseña honesta*
Did you ever wish that action movies like the Bourne series had more spice to them? Then you need to start this series.
Lucia has been Noah's charge since she witnessed her brother Rafe's murder years ago, and she wants to know why it happened. Her curiosity puts her in danger, so now Noah needs to step in and protect her. But Lucia also wants one more thing: for Noah to view her as more than a sister.
Noah has been keeping more than one secret. The first is his feelings for his best friend's sister. The other is information about Rafe's death. As Lucia keeps digging into the latter, she also starts to uncover the former.
But they don't have enough time to explore their forbidden connection as Rafe's murderer is still at large..
This was a fun and sexy read that will leave you on the edge of your seat. The suspense, the spice, the chemistry. The Malones did not play with this kick-off; they establish the sizzling tension quickly and build and build and build. I got so invested in Lucia and Noah, and I thoroughly enjoyed that their love was in the midst of an enticing chess match.
There is no cliffhanger, but this series start gives us readers a foundation for the next book.
** I am voluntarily reviewing an advance copy of this book. Thank you to M. Malone, Nana Malone, and Valentine PR and Literary Management for providing an ARC. **
Tropes: dark contemporary romance, romantic suspense, thriller, bodyguard, bad boy/good girl, best friend's little sister, billionaire, heroine in danger
Some people called him the Boogeyman and there is definitely reason to be afraid. The only person who isn't afraid is Lucia Demarco, his best friend's little sister. She's never known all the reasons and secrets that would have her fear him. Lucia is one hell of a handful as she's stubborn, gorgeous, sets Noah's blood on fire but problems seem to find her. When her brother was shot in front of her, Noah promised him, as he was dying, that he would always take care of her. Recently, she's been investigating her brother's death and gotten the attention of dangerous men. If they put her life on the line, they will quickly learn why Noah's called The Reaper. A former hitman will be the perfect bodyguard. He is determined to keep her safe while fighting his attraction to her. As time goes by, he'll question if it would be that bad if he got just one taste?
These two authors have created my kind of magic with Noah and Lucia's story. It was action-packed with edge of my seat suspense, hilarious banter and amazing chemistry. From the first chapter, I was completely glued to my kindle. It was entertaining in the best of ways. It was impossible to put down and emotional. I honestly don't know of anything that could have made it better. I highly recommend this read. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
Steam 4 Storyline 4.5 Feels 0 Overall Rating 4.5 Kindle eArc provided by Author Reviewed by Ladyballs
What a hot little book this was! Phew! Noah owns Blake’s Security firm. Lucia is a fashion assistant and sister of Noah’s best friend who died six years ago. Noah took it upon himself to keep her and her grandmother safe. There is only one problem. Noah has always been attracted to Lucia and Lucia has always been in love with Noah. Lucia is still trying to investigate her brother’s murder and has opened up the proverbial "Pandora's Box" putting her directly in the line of fire and her name on a hit list.
Now Noah and his team need to step things up and keep her safe. Not only are there secrets surrounding Lucia's brothers murder...there are secrets about Noah's team and somehow, they are connected. Noah and Lucia's attraction and chemistry heats up to new levels now that they are spending so much time together. That makes for some super hot and steamy scenes. I have to be honest...I was not a fan of Lucia which made it hard for me to totally get into their relationship. Watching the secrets unfold one by one was fun to read, and I loved the supporting characters. This book definitely had it all - hot scenes, angst, intrigue, mystery and held my interest to the very end! I look forward to reading the next in the series.
What a hot litltle book this was!!! Phew! Noah owns Blake’s Security firm. Lucia is a fashion assistant and is the sister of Noah’s best friend Rafe, who died six years ago. Noah took it upon himself to keep her and her grandmother safe. There is only one problem, Noah has always been attracted to Lucia and Lucia’s always been in love with Noah. Lucia is still trying to find out about her brother’s murder and in doing so has opened up the proverbial "Pandora's Box" putting her directly in the line of fire and her name on a hit list.
Now Noah and his team needs to step things up and keep her safe. Not only are their secrets surrounding her brothers murder but there are secrets about Noah's team and somehow they are connected. Noah and Lucia's attraction and chemistry heats up to new levels now that they are spending so much time together and that makes for some super hot and steamy scenes. I have to be honest I was not a fan of Lucia's which made it hard for me to totally get into their relationship. Watching the secrets unfold one by one was fun to read and I loved the supporting characters.
This book definately had it all - hot scenes, angst, intrigue, mystery and held my interest to the very end! I look forward to reading the next in the series!
Who wants to be surrounded by hawt bodyguards?? It’s a yes and no for Lucia DeMarco however Noah Blake will always protect her in “Broken Trust” by M.Malone and Nana Malone!!
I read the best rooster blocking, monster eggplant scene! I will never forget this book because of that moment, but it is soon followed by the best retaliation dance ever! The best retaliations are not possible without a best friend and I cannot wait for that story!
As they say, there is strength in numbers and Noah has the best men helping him protect his old best friend’s sister. As much as the men are serious, they are still boys who love to bust balls! Plus, the action and fight scenes in this book should be on film!
I enjoy the fast pace plot twists! Lucia and Noah steam the pages either by anger or lust, so their relationship status wobble between friends, enemies, and lovers. Also, there is a wild who-dun-it aspect only to be followed by another who-dun-it scenario!
If you enjoy hilarity, heartbreak, and an all-encompassing happily ever after, then this book is a must read!!
Thank you to Valentine PR and Nana Malone for the ARC in exchange for a honest review.
I loved this story! Lucia Demarco is a young woman with a hilarious friend, JJ. Lucia watched her brother get killed one day and ever since then, his best friend Noah has been watching over her and her Nonna. He heads up Blake Security. Noah has a sketchy past and has always been in love with Lucia but seeing that it was his best friend's sister, he's never acted on it. Not to mention, he feels that he's not worthy of her. Unfortunately, Lucia has been digging into who killed her brother and that has gotten some people upset and a hit has been put out on her.
Noah's been warned and his whole team is working non-stop to make sure that they don't get her. However, there's someone that keeps getting close to his team and seriously damages at least 3 of them in an epic battle to get her. But Noah, won't give up protecting her. But then Lucia swears she hears her brother's voice and that he was trying to grab her. Was it really him? Is the stress getting to her?
This book has everything - murder, mayhem, love, battles, chemistry. A fantastic read!
Morally grey alpha heroes and sassy strong women who get all up on business that they shouldn’t be into – what is not to love about any book that Author Nana Malone has authored or co-authored. I’d already met the team from Blake Security in the Brazen Duet written by Ms Malone and her bestie Author Minx Malone. Brazen and Still Brazen followed the original Shameless trilogy, which is now rolled up into BROKEN TRUST.
Let me say now, this book was freaking amazing!!!
I love this dynamic writing duo!! Twice the sass and wit, Malone Squared had my attention firmly in hand throughout the book with the high action and hilarious moments that are the trademark of their books. Add to that the hot as all hell moments between Noah and Lucia and you’ll be fanning yourself frantically all while trying to appreciate the twisted plot of the book.
If fast moving dramatic full on suspense romances are what squeal your wheels then you need to hook into BROKEN TRUST!! 5-High-Action-Stars! ❤️🤍✮
OMG!! I’m so excited to read the trilogy of Shameless again, but now in one book!! I miss the Blake security guys!! Both M. Malone and Nana Malone really know how to keep you on the edge of your seat. Broken Trust is the first book of the series telling the story of Noah and Lucia. Their story is filled with suspense, guilt, and love. It keeps you asking for more of what actually happen and what will happen next. Every part in the story is like a puzzle that is slowly getting put together. The Malones made me fall in love more with all of the characters and hope for the best. I loved the excitement and the suspense of the characters finding out the truth and protecting their family. The Malones were able to make me laugh, smile and cry for Lucia and Noah's love story. All the questions they've been asking through out the story has been answered and more. I really enjoyed reading this book and I can't wait to read the next book in the series. Thank you for bringing them back!!
I voluntarily leave an honest review of this Advanced Readers Copy.
I absolutely loved Noah. His dark, dangerous, protective nature, all blended so well. Lucia is definitely her own person. The one person she should fear is the one person who she doesn’t. She is living her life after the murder of her brother. Noah promised his best friend that he would take care of his sister if it was the last thing he did. Noah should see Lucia as a little sister, but his thoughts of her are very unsisterly.
These two are explosive and can’t stay away. The rollercoaster of a ride is everywhere in true fashion of the collaboration of these two authors. The suspense, the danger, the twists and turns, and the love. I recommend this story especially if these authors are new to you. And if they’re not, then what are you waiting for?