Blurb
Home. It's the one thing I want more than anything. A husband I can love. Children I can give the world to. A house I can call my own. To many, it's a stupid wish, but to me, it's everything.
When my adoptive father demands that I marry one of his business partners, Karlin Makarova, my dream becomes nothing more than that - a dream. Karlin is a vile monster, a nightmare for any woman he crosses paths with.
I dread the time I have to spend alone with Karlin and hide the bruises that fill me with deep shame.
But then my beloved brother steps in and arranges a marriage with one of his best friends.
Armani De Santis is known to be coolheaded, aloof, and calculative. Sure, he's heartbreakingly attractive - emphasis on heartbreakingly - but it's clear he sees me as his friend's little sister that's become his problem.
Then again, I'd rather have my heart broken by Armani De Santis than be Karlin Makarova's punching bag.
And so, my dream of a happily ever after turns into a cold-blooded war between the two men, and I find myself praying that somehow I'll survive.
But life has taught me prayers are never answered.
Brutalize Me by Michelle Heard
Genre: Mafia Romance
Rating:
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Published Date: March 23, 2023
Formats: E-book and Paperback
Trigger Warnings:
Physical Abuse
Graphic Violence
18+ Only
Character Breakdown
Tiana, the FMC and Misha's sister. Growing up as an orphan, Tiana has dreams of normalcy - being a wife and mother. She was raised to be a doting wife who does whatever it takes to make her chosen husband happy.
Armani, The MMC, and Misha's best friend. He grew up with a loving mother who was deeply hurt by his father. In his world, marriages were arranged and most men were never faithful. He did want this, he saw what this life did to his mother and wanted love.
"Don’t you dare stop. You’re going to finish what you started, bella."
Summary
What happens when you're raised in a world where marriages were arranged, and you end up promised to not only one but two men? You fight for the one who won't lead you into a life of misery. Welcome to Tiana's life. Her adoptive father's arrangement was for his own personal gain. The man he chose was abusive and cruel. He took advantage of every small opportunity he could to hurt her and made it known that she was nothing to him.
Armani made a promise to Misha that he would marry and take care of Misha's sister. When he first laid on her, he was captivated by her beauty and excited for the opportunity to make her his. While Misha was on his honeymoon, Armani was Tiana's contact, should she need help. Tiana held off as long as she could, but eventually gave in and told Armani the truth. With Misha being unavailable, it was up to them to figure out a way to break the agreement her greedy adoptive father arranged.
My Thoughts
First, let's chat about family dynamics. I not only loved the relationship between Misha and Tiana, but the relationship Armani had with his family. From the moment he introduced Tiana to his mother, I knew I wanted to be a part of that family! I see a lot of protectiveness and friendships in Mafia romances, but this- this was true family. This was a mother giving little secrets about what makes her son happy while helping a lost girl find her way.
Armani, you just can't help but love Armani. Even though the scene where…. Well, where he could have been considered the ultimate asshole… I understood. Maybe that makes me just as crazy, but the proof was there. That's a hard one to not believe- when you're listening to it first hand. He trusted her every time something questionable came up, butttt…this time, the evidence was strong.
Tiana, I can't imagine what her life was like. Going from an abusive orphanage to a home where she is taught at a young age how to be the "perfect" wife by standards that are not the norm. She was taught marriage is for gain, not love. Sometimes you get lucky with a husband you can fall in love with or one who is a good fuck, but most of the time, you just accept your shitty hand and move forward.
I again, read this book in one setting. There were a lot of plot twists that held my interest and kept me from putting this down.
Should You Read This?
100% Yes, yes you should
Spice: 2.5 / 5
Tropes:
• Arranged Marriage
• Brother's Best Friend
• Mafia Romance
• Slow burn
• Possessive MMC
Where to Buy: Amazon
About the Author:
"Michelle Heard is a USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Amazon #3 Bestselling romance author. She writes emotional heart-shattering stories with a whole lot of Mafia & Romance that will leave you smiling with satisfaction. Every book has an unexpected twist that will show the strength of the characters who have to fight for their HEA.
Before becoming an author, Michelle had a career in banking. She lives in South Africa with her son.
Want to be up to date with what’s happening in Michelle’s world? Follow her on social media or sign up to receive the latest news on her alpha hero releases, sales, and great giveaways → https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/p6m4o4 "
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