⚠ This review contains a minor teaser!
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• BLURB •
She isn’t supposed to be mine.
I am the illegitimate son. Unwanted. Hated. The jealous, possessive villain who once wore the mask of a hero.
Ophelia Hart is the girl next door.
Growing up, I rescued her countless times from my idiot half-brother.
Now, the rivalry between him and me has changed. The stakes are higher. And Ophelia is in danger.
But I’ll be damned if I let him touch her.
She no longer thinks me the hero of her story, though.
She’ll fight me.
I’ll fight for her.
But there comes a time in every man’s life where he must take what he wants.
That time is now.
Because there is no way in hell I will let my half-brother have her.
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• MY REVIEW •
“Silas Cruz. The villain I want to hate but am drawn to like a moth to the flame.”
Ooh, more please! 😍 I have no shame in admitting I devoured this first part too quickly, and now the proverbial book hangover has followed. But in my defence, this book is fast-paced and relatively shorter in length.
The only thing that’s keeping me mentally and emotionally in-check is knowing there won’t be a long wait for the second half of this duet.
This had all of my favourite elements combined in a romance book— darkness, intrigue, suspense, and red-hot desire. It may have been a quick read but it packed a punch. It was constantly developing, providing backstory between its characters, and added layers within the story through past and present storytelling. The world-building is visually captivating from its underlying shady environment, to the contrasting familial and social standing, to the intricate relationships formed within. It held my attention from start to finish, and left me reeling for answers… and in all honesty, vengeance.
It’s about a hero who had been tormented and brutalized into his breaking point, and I for one, am backing his plotting and planning in ensuring retribution is meted out to those who’ve done him wrong.
Knight effortlessly made me connect with these characters. They immediately made their impressions, and from then on, there was a clear divide between the good and bad. In brief, it’s a dark romance consisting of a damsel in distress, a hero on a mission, and villains standing way. With the added forbidden romance and surprising plot twists, it’s a highly exceptional read.
Silas Cruz is very much the star of this twisted show. You’ll see his beginnings; the influences whom are responsible for the hardened transformation of his character in the present day.
This story does contain sensitive subject matters that may be triggering for some readers. It includes graphic family and domestic violence, taunting, manipulation/ blackmail, kidnapping, drugging, affairs, sexual assault, and abuse. It’s intended for readers 18+ only.
The premise had me curious, and the writing itself was well-executed. Despite the fast progression, the story didn’t feel rushed through nor were details skimmed over. As this is the first book in the duet, this first half of the story introduces the characters, sets up the dynamics, and ultimately built up the anticipation for what’s to come in the second half, and because of that, it concludes on a cliffhanger.
Knight has been an auto-read author for me for a few years now, and it’s not likely to change either. I have loved all of the books I’ve read of hers as they’re all deliciously dark romantic suspense reads, with the majority set in a criminal underworld. But this one stands out a little differently. It’s a romance story that gradually bares its darkness and characters show their true colours. It’s a refreshing change of pace as it’s a “lighter” dark romance, per se.
The antagonists in this story play their roles really well. I’m usually one for villains, but there are the special few who hold no redeemable qualities and are just plain repulsive. Be prepared to meet a few here.
I can’t wait to read the next book and pick up where this one left off. There are so many developments up in the air, and I’m desperately wanting to see more interactions between Silas and Ophelia, as there were nowhere near enough in this first half.
It’s addictively thought-provoking, and I enjoyed it immensely. With an ongoing strategic game at play, there are plenty of thrills and spills, and a dash of lust and longing, making it a real page-turner.
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Thank you Natasha Knight and Candi Kane PR for the opportunity to read an advance copy! 💙
🔔 Interested in reading The Heroes We Break? Grab your copy here: Universal Link
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More Dark Romance by Natasha Knight
Requiem Of The Soul by Natasha Knight & A. Zavarelli
Reparation Of Sin by Natasha Knight & A. Zavarelli
Resurrection Of The Heart by Natasha Knight & A. Zavarelli
Stolen: Dante’s Vow by Natasha Knight
Devil’s Pawn by Natasha Knight
Devil’s Redemption by Natasha Knight
His Rule by Natasha Knight & A. Zavarelli
Her Rebellion by Natasha Knight & A. Zavarelli
Their Reign by Natasha Knight & A. Zavarelli
Ruined Kingdom by Natasha Knight
Broken Queen by Natasha Knight
Forgive Me My Sins by Natasha Knight
Deliver Me From Evil by Natasha Knight
The Tithing by Natasha Knight & A. Zavarelli
The Penitent by Natasha Knight & A. Zavarelli
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Happy reading, guys! Catch you in my next one!
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