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Syndicate of Fate #2
Lies That Break Us
The rage born from the ashes of grief. The pursuit of righteous vengeance and honor.
Clara Costa needs a husband—taking over as the Matriarch of The Syndicate of Fate depends on it. But every date is a disaster, with potential spouses disappearing and blocking her number at every turn. She’s desperate to find someone, anyone, to stand by her side as she takes her rightful place as heir, knowing that if she doesn’t select a match, the crown will pass to her brother. Until she meets Deniz Simsek. He’s smart, handsome, and owns a multinational security company that would bolster the resources of The Syndicate significantly. So what if she has to blackmail him into marrying her? All things considered, he takes it in stride.
And why wouldn’t he, when he’s been planning this moment for over a year? Since his brother’s life was taken in the fire that nearly killed Lucia Costa, Deniz has been on a singular path—infiltrate The Syndicate of Fate, use their resources to take down whoever ordered the hit on Lucia’s life, and destroy The Syndicate from the inside. After months of watching her, he places himself in Clara’s path, and she gives him the perfect opportunity.
Soon, both Clara and Deniz have to reckon with the fact that the world is not so black and white and that good and evil bleed into one another like oil into water. Through lies and lust, pain and pleasure, support and manipulation, the pair must separate desire from animosity. And with the threat of a mole in The Syndicate hanging over their heads, they’re faced with two trust each other, or kill each other.
Lies That Break Us is a dark organized crime romance with mature themes and is not suited for readers under the age of eighteen. Please check content warnings for additional information.
Clara Costa needs a husband—taking over as the Matriarch of The Syndicate of Fate depends on it. But every date is a disaster, with potential spouses disappearing and blocking her number at every turn. She’s desperate to find someone, anyone, to stand by her side as she takes her rightful place as heir, knowing that if she doesn’t select a match, the crown will pass to her brother. Until she meets Deniz Simsek. He’s smart, handsome, and owns a multinational security company that would bolster the resources of The Syndicate significantly. So what if she has to blackmail him into marrying her? All things considered, he takes it in stride.
And why wouldn’t he, when he’s been planning this moment for over a year? Since his brother’s life was taken in the fire that nearly killed Lucia Costa, Deniz has been on a singular path—infiltrate The Syndicate of Fate, use their resources to take down whoever ordered the hit on Lucia’s life, and destroy The Syndicate from the inside. After months of watching her, he places himself in Clara’s path, and she gives him the perfect opportunity.
Soon, both Clara and Deniz have to reckon with the fact that the world is not so black and white and that good and evil bleed into one another like oil into water. Through lies and lust, pain and pleasure, support and manipulation, the pair must separate desire from animosity. And with the threat of a mole in The Syndicate hanging over their heads, they’re faced with two trust each other, or kill each other.
Lies That Break Us is a dark organized crime romance with mature themes and is not suited for readers under the age of eighteen. Please check content warnings for additional information.
- GenresDark RomanceRomance
334 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 31, 2025
18 people are currently reading
323 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
January 25, 2025
4.5!
My heart actually broke for Deniz so many times. The way his grief was described and the way he would talk about his brother in his inner thoughts was just 😭😭😭😭😭 i was hoping that maybe he didn’t really die and it was like a trick and the brother would come out of hiding somewhere but that didn’t happen and it hurt my entire chest.
I LOVED how he became addicted to stalking her by literally always monitoring her from CCTV and secret hidden cameras but never in her bathroom or bedroom because he has class 🥰
Clara has been trying and failing at finding a partner to marry since her brother got married in the first book and she was starting to think something was wrong with her because she never had a second date. nothing is wrong with her, Deniz is just sooooo right for her 😂
The way Deniz reacted when she found out he has been stalking her was the most manipulative and gas lighting reaction AND I WAS SAT, FOLDED, ON MY KNEEEEEEEES for that man 😝
The reason I didn’t round up to 5 is that I feel like they didn’t really get to know each other. it was mostly them ignoring each other, hooking up, thinking about each other, Deniz watching her through cameras, and then BAM they love each other? I just needed MORE from them. Clara never met his parents or even meet his friends until almost 90% in. but i am SO interested in his friends and i hope they get books!
safety wise this is safe! they are both bi sexual, and it starts with Clara getting ghosted on a date with a woman right before meeting Deniz. No info on her last time, but Deniz has been full time stalking Clara for a year k, drowning in grief, and he even said that he was a homebody to begin with and rarely had encounters so it’s probably been YEARSSSSS for him. so i think Clara has more experience, but their times together are HAWWWWWTTTTT
i did get this as an arc and i’m really enjoying this series so far 🫶🏻
My heart actually broke for Deniz so many times. The way his grief was described and the way he would talk about his brother in his inner thoughts was just 😭😭😭😭😭 i was hoping that maybe he didn’t really die and it was like a trick and the brother would come out of hiding somewhere but that didn’t happen and it hurt my entire chest.
I LOVED how he became addicted to stalking her by literally always monitoring her from CCTV and secret hidden cameras but never in her bathroom or bedroom because he has class 🥰
Clara has been trying and failing at finding a partner to marry since her brother got married in the first book and she was starting to think something was wrong with her because she never had a second date. nothing is wrong with her, Deniz is just sooooo right for her 😂
The way Deniz reacted when she found out he has been stalking her was the most manipulative and gas lighting reaction AND I WAS SAT, FOLDED, ON MY KNEEEEEEEES for that man 😝
The reason I didn’t round up to 5 is that I feel like they didn’t really get to know each other. it was mostly them ignoring each other, hooking up, thinking about each other, Deniz watching her through cameras, and then BAM they love each other? I just needed MORE from them. Clara never met his parents or even meet his friends until almost 90% in. but i am SO interested in his friends and i hope they get books!
safety wise this is safe! they are both bi sexual, and it starts with Clara getting ghosted on a date with a woman right before meeting Deniz. No info on her last time, but Deniz has been full time stalking Clara for a year k, drowning in grief, and he even said that he was a homebody to begin with and rarely had encounters so it’s probably been YEARSSSSS for him. so i think Clara has more experience, but their times together are HAWWWWWTTTTT
i did get this as an arc and i’m really enjoying this series so far 🫶🏻
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2025
Quick disclaimer: I was a beta reader for this book and have a friendship with the author. However, me being friends with the author doesn’t make this book any less stellar.
I thoroughly enjoyed Clara & Deniz’s dynamic, it’s exactly the kind I look for in a dark romance. Both of them of them are stubborn, highly motivated, and hate how much they want the other. It makes for such a deliciously angsty romance! Both of them are bisexual as well, which we love!
*I received an arc from the author in exchange for my honest review
I thoroughly enjoyed Clara & Deniz’s dynamic, it’s exactly the kind I look for in a dark romance. Both of them of them are stubborn, highly motivated, and hate how much they want the other. It makes for such a deliciously angsty romance! Both of them are bisexual as well, which we love!
*I received an arc from the author in exchange for my honest review
January 11, 2025
“Like the moon controls the tides, I follow her command.”
If you love an MMC who starts out wanting to kill the FMC until his obsession takes a more romantic turn, have I got a recommendation for you!
This second installment of the Syndicate of Fate gives some of the same vibes as Charlie and Gwen’s story, but with a sadder backstory for the non-Costa love interest. Also a little less on-page spice (le sad) but what spice there was is *chef’s kiss*.
As always with dark romance, check the trigger warnings!
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
If you love an MMC who starts out wanting to kill the FMC until his obsession takes a more romantic turn, have I got a recommendation for you!
This second installment of the Syndicate of Fate gives some of the same vibes as Charlie and Gwen’s story, but with a sadder backstory for the non-Costa love interest. Also a little less on-page spice (le sad) but what spice there was is *chef’s kiss*.
As always with dark romance, check the trigger warnings!
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
February 15, 2025
My obsession with Rae's writing continues.
January 22, 2025
Talk about a complicated love story!
“I don’t see a woman I want to kill. I see someone I would kill for.”
I feel for Clara and Deniz they’ve both been through so much and never know who to trust yet they both want to kill each other and what’s better than when that energy becomes so much more!!!
“Maybe for now, we can go to war together, and we’ll figure out the rest later.”
It’s a steamy enemies to lovers romance with stalking, blackmail into a marriage of convenience and so much more!
If you’re looking for a page turner dark romance this is a must read!
I was given an eARC from Good.Girls.PR
“I don’t see a woman I want to kill. I see someone I would kill for.”
I feel for Clara and Deniz they’ve both been through so much and never know who to trust yet they both want to kill each other and what’s better than when that energy becomes so much more!!!
“Maybe for now, we can go to war together, and we’ll figure out the rest later.”
It’s a steamy enemies to lovers romance with stalking, blackmail into a marriage of convenience and so much more!
If you’re looking for a page turner dark romance this is a must read!
I was given an eARC from Good.Girls.PR
March 15, 2025
Rating: 4.75
I genuinely loved Deniz and Clara, and their progression throughout the book was so beautiful to watch. I was hooked, thoroughly enchanted by Deniz because he is smart and caring, and even despite what he set out to do, he found himself falling hard for Clara and eventually accepting his love for her. Oh and his nickname for her... had me so jealous. 😭
The story progressed at a good pace, not too slow nor too fast, and I loved the involvement of the side characters within their story, learning more about the syndicate and their respective roles within it. Neither of their organisations were subjectively 'bad', the syndicate having its own criteria and purpose to achieve.
Deniz never lost sight of what originally brought him to watch and pursue Clara, never lost sight of his grief and love for his brother. Clara was strong willed, and persistent in her own respective goals. It was so satisfying watching their relationship grow alongside their love for one another.
Overall, I really loved and enjoyed this book, often reading it in between study sessions or on the train and found myself smiling down at my phone like a maniac.
Thank you good.girls PR and Rae Douglas for the ARC in exchange for the honest review.
I genuinely loved Deniz and Clara, and their progression throughout the book was so beautiful to watch. I was hooked, thoroughly enchanted by Deniz because he is smart and caring, and even despite what he set out to do, he found himself falling hard for Clara and eventually accepting his love for her. Oh and his nickname for her... had me so jealous. 😭
The story progressed at a good pace, not too slow nor too fast, and I loved the involvement of the side characters within their story, learning more about the syndicate and their respective roles within it. Neither of their organisations were subjectively 'bad', the syndicate having its own criteria and purpose to achieve.
Deniz never lost sight of what originally brought him to watch and pursue Clara, never lost sight of his grief and love for his brother. Clara was strong willed, and persistent in her own respective goals. It was so satisfying watching their relationship grow alongside their love for one another.
Overall, I really loved and enjoyed this book, often reading it in between study sessions or on the train and found myself smiling down at my phone like a maniac.
Thank you good.girls PR and Rae Douglas for the ARC in exchange for the honest review.
February 2, 2025
First of all, I have not read many mafia-themed books and rarely read dark romance, so I had no idea what to expect when I started this book. Lies That Break Us is Rae Douglas' second book in the Syndicate of Fate series, but it may also be read as a standalone. I went into this book with no prior knowledge of what had happened in Threads That Bind Us, yet it had no affect on how I read this second novel. Douglas provides enough information to help you understand and immerse yourself in the world, while also leaving you wondering what occurred in the previous book - which I will be going back to read.
The plot is character-driven, with a focus on the relationship between the two protagonists, Clara and Deniz, rather than any action. Clara Costa is a very strong FMC who knows what she wants, but this often leaves her with a tough exterior, and many fail to recognise her vulnerabilities. Her ultimate objective is to become the new matriarch of The Syndicate of Fate; however, she must first find a partner. On an unsuccessful date, she notices Deniz across the bar, but Clara is unaware that this is not a casual encounter. Deniz is on a mission, and he is determined to bring those who murdered his brother to justice. Clara and her family have the resources he needs to track down those who made his brother the collateral damage of a botched attempt to murder the current leader of The Syndicate of Fate.
Although this is mafia-themed, I believe it is a reverse mafia world in some ways, as the Syndicate's major objective appears to be releasing those who are vulnerable and have been exploited and mistreated by the mob. As a newcomer to this genre, I'm not sure if this is usual in mafia-themed novels, but it was never explored; rather, it was a subplot to the main plot's concentration on the game of cat and mouse between the featured couple. The tension between the two was excellently written, and the character arcs were properly explored throughout the story. Despite the fact that Clara must marry in order to gain her position as Syndicate leader, she demonstrates that she is no damsel in distress, and she does not rely on others to fight her battles. I particularly loved Douglas' interwoven insertion of a small mystery that enhances the stakes for the Costa family characters.
I would recommend this to anyone looking for a spicy romance with some darker undertones. It is a pretty easy read and a little addictive, so I finished it quickly, and I am curious to see what happens next.
The plot is character-driven, with a focus on the relationship between the two protagonists, Clara and Deniz, rather than any action. Clara Costa is a very strong FMC who knows what she wants, but this often leaves her with a tough exterior, and many fail to recognise her vulnerabilities. Her ultimate objective is to become the new matriarch of The Syndicate of Fate; however, she must first find a partner. On an unsuccessful date, she notices Deniz across the bar, but Clara is unaware that this is not a casual encounter. Deniz is on a mission, and he is determined to bring those who murdered his brother to justice. Clara and her family have the resources he needs to track down those who made his brother the collateral damage of a botched attempt to murder the current leader of The Syndicate of Fate.
Although this is mafia-themed, I believe it is a reverse mafia world in some ways, as the Syndicate's major objective appears to be releasing those who are vulnerable and have been exploited and mistreated by the mob. As a newcomer to this genre, I'm not sure if this is usual in mafia-themed novels, but it was never explored; rather, it was a subplot to the main plot's concentration on the game of cat and mouse between the featured couple. The tension between the two was excellently written, and the character arcs were properly explored throughout the story. Despite the fact that Clara must marry in order to gain her position as Syndicate leader, she demonstrates that she is no damsel in distress, and she does not rely on others to fight her battles. I particularly loved Douglas' interwoven insertion of a small mystery that enhances the stakes for the Costa family characters.
I would recommend this to anyone looking for a spicy romance with some darker undertones. It is a pretty easy read and a little addictive, so I finished it quickly, and I am curious to see what happens next.
February 8, 2025
🍒 𝓐𝓡𝓒 𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀 🍒
thank you Rae Douglas and Good Girls PR for an eARC of 𝑳𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑩𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒌 𝑼𝒔
“𝘋𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘦𝘯𝘫𝘰𝘺 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘐’𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘯 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦?”
this is the 2nd book in the 𝑺𝒚𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝑭𝒂𝒕𝒆 series. even tho you don’t need to read the first book in the series, i would highly recommend bc you get a better understanding of the overarching plot and all the different characters and their personalities. they all make frequent appearances.
“𝘚𝘩𝘦’𝘴 𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭. 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘢𝘵 𝘚𝘬𝘺𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦—𝘴𝘩𝘦’𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘰𝘯. 𝘎𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴, 𝘳𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘺.”
this is Rae’s second book and i was so impressed with their debut novel and it extends into this book. you wouldn’t know that this is a newer author bc of the way they write.
you pick up from the first book and well… Clara needs to get married to take over The Syndicate. and Clara thinks that Deniz and his line of work would make him the perfect candidate for a husband. and so she blackmails him into marrying her. but little does she know that the guilt she is feeling about the blackmail is nothing compared to how Deniz has been stalking her and the reason why he’s trying to infiltrate her family.
this is a true enemies to lovers so the tension between them 🔥🥵
“𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘪𝘮, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘢 𝘤𝘢𝘵, 𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘬, 𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘧𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘦𝘱, 𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘴𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘬𝘪𝘯. 𝘐𝘧 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵, 𝘐’𝘥 𝘳𝘶𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦. 𝘐 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘴.”
Clara is the hbic who is going to take over for her mother and she walks the walk and owns it all. she knows her what is expected of her and steps up to all of it.
if you love mafia romances but love them more when the women are just as badass as the men and even in charge, you’ll love this book and series. the author also has great queer representation and is just woven into the book without making it a thing or different, reminding you that queer people exist in our lives, even if we don’t know it.
i can’t wait until the next book in the series about Emily and to the family’s continued search to find the man who tried to unalive Clara and Charlie’s mom.
thank you Rae Douglas and Good Girls PR for an eARC of 𝑳𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑩𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒌 𝑼𝒔
“𝘋𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘦𝘯𝘫𝘰𝘺 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘐’𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘯 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦?”
this is the 2nd book in the 𝑺𝒚𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝑭𝒂𝒕𝒆 series. even tho you don’t need to read the first book in the series, i would highly recommend bc you get a better understanding of the overarching plot and all the different characters and their personalities. they all make frequent appearances.
“𝘚𝘩𝘦’𝘴 𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭. 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘢𝘵 𝘚𝘬𝘺𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦—𝘴𝘩𝘦’𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘰𝘯. 𝘎𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴, 𝘳𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘺.”
this is Rae’s second book and i was so impressed with their debut novel and it extends into this book. you wouldn’t know that this is a newer author bc of the way they write.
you pick up from the first book and well… Clara needs to get married to take over The Syndicate. and Clara thinks that Deniz and his line of work would make him the perfect candidate for a husband. and so she blackmails him into marrying her. but little does she know that the guilt she is feeling about the blackmail is nothing compared to how Deniz has been stalking her and the reason why he’s trying to infiltrate her family.
this is a true enemies to lovers so the tension between them 🔥🥵
“𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘪𝘮, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘢 𝘤𝘢𝘵, 𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘬, 𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘧𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘦𝘱, 𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘴𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘬𝘪𝘯. 𝘐𝘧 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵, 𝘐’𝘥 𝘳𝘶𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦. 𝘐 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘴.”
Clara is the hbic who is going to take over for her mother and she walks the walk and owns it all. she knows her what is expected of her and steps up to all of it.
if you love mafia romances but love them more when the women are just as badass as the men and even in charge, you’ll love this book and series. the author also has great queer representation and is just woven into the book without making it a thing or different, reminding you that queer people exist in our lives, even if we don’t know it.
i can’t wait until the next book in the series about Emily and to the family’s continued search to find the man who tried to unalive Clara and Charlie’s mom.
January 15, 2025
This is my first book by Rae and I am so glad these are interconnected standalones. I could read this book without missing any information, but I plan to go back to book one to catch up with the last featured couple just the same.
I love enemies to lovers, and this book honestly delivered so wonderfully on this trope. How much more enemies can you get than a MMC who has stalked the FMC for over a year in a plan to not just kill her but take down her entire family? That is until his obsession has him seeing blurred lines and that hate turns into some really fun lust and love.
Clara Costa needs a marriage partner stat in order to become the Matriarch of The Syndicate of Fate, but she's been on a bit of a losing streak, no one she has met has lasted past one date. In a need to reset her frame of mind she sets her eyes on the hottie across the bar from her, Deniz. But little does she know none of this was by chance. Deniz has been hunting her for over a year, making sure all prospects took a hike. His brother was killed, considered collateral damage from an assassination attempt on Clara's mother. He will do anything to take down The Syndicate and those responsible for his brother's death, even if that means sleeping and marrying the enemy.
Even though this book was minimal on spice, that didn't stop from this book being hot, the spice that was on page was chef's kiss and the banter will keep you going. The blackmailed arranged marriage is an interesting twist on the trope to say the least. We have rivalry crime-lord drama, a strong FMC who knows how to take control and is all about the danger. Delicious tension and searing chemistry.
I haven't been reading much dark mafia romance but Rae has done a fantastic job with convincing me to give it a shot. If you yourself are curious about the genre, I recommend picking up this series. I'm excited to fill in the previous couple and seeing what comes in the next book.
Thank you Good Girls PR and Rae Douglas for the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I love enemies to lovers, and this book honestly delivered so wonderfully on this trope. How much more enemies can you get than a MMC who has stalked the FMC for over a year in a plan to not just kill her but take down her entire family? That is until his obsession has him seeing blurred lines and that hate turns into some really fun lust and love.
Clara Costa needs a marriage partner stat in order to become the Matriarch of The Syndicate of Fate, but she's been on a bit of a losing streak, no one she has met has lasted past one date. In a need to reset her frame of mind she sets her eyes on the hottie across the bar from her, Deniz. But little does she know none of this was by chance. Deniz has been hunting her for over a year, making sure all prospects took a hike. His brother was killed, considered collateral damage from an assassination attempt on Clara's mother. He will do anything to take down The Syndicate and those responsible for his brother's death, even if that means sleeping and marrying the enemy.
Even though this book was minimal on spice, that didn't stop from this book being hot, the spice that was on page was chef's kiss and the banter will keep you going. The blackmailed arranged marriage is an interesting twist on the trope to say the least. We have rivalry crime-lord drama, a strong FMC who knows how to take control and is all about the danger. Delicious tension and searing chemistry.
I haven't been reading much dark mafia romance but Rae has done a fantastic job with convincing me to give it a shot. If you yourself are curious about the genre, I recommend picking up this series. I'm excited to fill in the previous couple and seeing what comes in the next book.
Thank you Good Girls PR and Rae Douglas for the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 1, 2025
Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ .5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
POV: dual
Tropes: Instalove, enemies to lovers, stalking, blackmail, marriage of convenience, mafia Romance, Revenge, Crime Lord Drama, Crime Syndicate, Betrayal, Heiress Claiming Her Power
If you’re looking for an enemies to lovers dark romance where the MMC starts out by wanting to k!ll the FMC, then becomes her obsessed stalker and in love with her, this is for you!
DENIZ! Ugh, my heart feels for him! The way he talked about his brother and how I could feel all his emotions was top notch!
Clara, oh I have been soooo excited to get to know her more! After trying to find a partner since her brother is now married, poor girl thinks she’s the issue because second dates have been non existent. And this is a major problem…if she doesn’t find a partner ASAP she’ll lose her position as next in line to become the Matriarch of the Syndicate of Fate.
After getting stood up on a date, she meets Deniz. The perfect match for her who she can blackmail into marrying her. Surprise! He’s been waiting for this and has been secretly stalking her for a year…what they didn’t expect was the tension and chemistry that they were unable to deny!
I loved that both Clara and Deniz are bisexual. Their personalities are perfect for each other and are both stubborn, driven and hate how much they want the other! As the second book in Syndicate of Fate, they are interconnected and you do not need to read Threads That Bind Us (Book #1) to understand what is happening.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
POV: dual
Tropes: Instalove, enemies to lovers, stalking, blackmail, marriage of convenience, mafia Romance, Revenge, Crime Lord Drama, Crime Syndicate, Betrayal, Heiress Claiming Her Power
If you’re looking for an enemies to lovers dark romance where the MMC starts out by wanting to k!ll the FMC, then becomes her obsessed stalker and in love with her, this is for you!
DENIZ! Ugh, my heart feels for him! The way he talked about his brother and how I could feel all his emotions was top notch!
Clara, oh I have been soooo excited to get to know her more! After trying to find a partner since her brother is now married, poor girl thinks she’s the issue because second dates have been non existent. And this is a major problem…if she doesn’t find a partner ASAP she’ll lose her position as next in line to become the Matriarch of the Syndicate of Fate.
After getting stood up on a date, she meets Deniz. The perfect match for her who she can blackmail into marrying her. Surprise! He’s been waiting for this and has been secretly stalking her for a year…what they didn’t expect was the tension and chemistry that they were unable to deny!
I loved that both Clara and Deniz are bisexual. Their personalities are perfect for each other and are both stubborn, driven and hate how much they want the other! As the second book in Syndicate of Fate, they are interconnected and you do not need to read Threads That Bind Us (Book #1) to understand what is happening.
February 17, 2025
Yes absolutely✨🌛
I was hesitant going into this not knowing how it would compare to the first book … and I was not let down this was soooo much better than I could have expected 🙌🏻🙌🏻
I’ll also say after reading this I actually love and appreciate book one even more and think I may have to reread book one 💗like come on it’s Gwen & Charlie and they are iconiccccccc 😌🫶🏻
Anyway back to this beauty! I had so much fun and I love how much tension is constant in this book! The suspense was also excellent and it wasn’t like one giant reveal and all is settled it was gradual and it had me hooked!! Like come on how do you pick between Clara or Deniz for who gets to kill the other first 🤣
There is something about this series that is just written so perfectly for me, like there’s a certain way it’s written that just makes so much sense for what I’d hope would happen and each time it just clicks and my brain says “yesss” ✨✨
I’m not sure how many more books are planned but we need one for Taf, one for Chase and maybe one for Bea if she stops being sus 🤣🤣 Give me every side characters story now please!!
.
.
‼️QUOTES BELOW ‼️
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.
Some of my fav quotes:
“I’m late for work, but perhaps we can play this game again” 🤣
“So every time you think about making me plead for my life, you’ll have to remember that you begged first” 🫨
“Perhaps we can go to war together” 😌💗
Bonus Charlie & Gwen reference
“Charlie made it look so easy. Just witness a m*rder, blindly hope the universe ensures you meet that m*rderer again, strike a deal and fall madly in love. How complicated could it be?” 😅🫶🏻
I was hesitant going into this not knowing how it would compare to the first book … and I was not let down this was soooo much better than I could have expected 🙌🏻🙌🏻
I’ll also say after reading this I actually love and appreciate book one even more and think I may have to reread book one 💗like come on it’s Gwen & Charlie and they are iconiccccccc 😌🫶🏻
Anyway back to this beauty! I had so much fun and I love how much tension is constant in this book! The suspense was also excellent and it wasn’t like one giant reveal and all is settled it was gradual and it had me hooked!! Like come on how do you pick between Clara or Deniz for who gets to kill the other first 🤣
There is something about this series that is just written so perfectly for me, like there’s a certain way it’s written that just makes so much sense for what I’d hope would happen and each time it just clicks and my brain says “yesss” ✨✨
I’m not sure how many more books are planned but we need one for Taf, one for Chase and maybe one for Bea if she stops being sus 🤣🤣 Give me every side characters story now please!!
.
.
‼️QUOTES BELOW ‼️
.
.
Some of my fav quotes:
“I’m late for work, but perhaps we can play this game again” 🤣
“So every time you think about making me plead for my life, you’ll have to remember that you begged first” 🫨
“Perhaps we can go to war together” 😌💗
Bonus Charlie & Gwen reference
“Charlie made it look so easy. Just witness a m*rder, blindly hope the universe ensures you meet that m*rderer again, strike a deal and fall madly in love. How complicated could it be?” 😅🫶🏻
January 27, 2025
Another great book from Rae Douglas! This is the 2nd in there series, you dont have to read the first to enjoy this book, but I would recommend it as all the characters are great!
Clara Costa needs a husband to take her place as the Matriarch of the Syndicate of Fate and lucky for her Deniz has secretly created the perfect opportunity for it to be him, so he can uncover the people responsible for his brother's death.
Similar to the first book in the series, the characters in this were very well written and relatable despite being so different to my every day norm. With Clara being seen as the leader of the cousins, trained to be the strongest and most cunning it was very interesting to see how she dealt with Deniz once she learned he wasn't all he originally seemed. There was so much tension between them and raw emotion that made their dynamic interesting to read, especially as more of their motivations and inner struggles were uncovered.
I felt like the relationship between Clara and Deniz was very grounded and authentic, especially for people in that situation. There was a lot of raw emotion in this, but I think it was handled well. The plot didn't take a back seat to the romance, which I really liked, as it kept the book moving at a good pace and maintained my interest throughout.
I'm really loving this crime/not crime family series, and I can't wait for the next two books!
Thanks to Good Girls PR for an ARC copy of this book! This is my honest review.
Clara Costa needs a husband to take her place as the Matriarch of the Syndicate of Fate and lucky for her Deniz has secretly created the perfect opportunity for it to be him, so he can uncover the people responsible for his brother's death.
Similar to the first book in the series, the characters in this were very well written and relatable despite being so different to my every day norm. With Clara being seen as the leader of the cousins, trained to be the strongest and most cunning it was very interesting to see how she dealt with Deniz once she learned he wasn't all he originally seemed. There was so much tension between them and raw emotion that made their dynamic interesting to read, especially as more of their motivations and inner struggles were uncovered.
I felt like the relationship between Clara and Deniz was very grounded and authentic, especially for people in that situation. There was a lot of raw emotion in this, but I think it was handled well. The plot didn't take a back seat to the romance, which I really liked, as it kept the book moving at a good pace and maintained my interest throughout.
I'm really loving this crime/not crime family series, and I can't wait for the next two books!
Thanks to Good Girls PR for an ARC copy of this book! This is my honest review.
February 9, 2025
I hear Clara clear her throat. "Down, boy," she nearly laughs, and suddenly I snap out of whatever primitive instinct took over.
*Thank you to Good Girls PR & the author Rae Douglas for an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.*
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you love dark mafia enemies to lovers romances, then this should be your next read. Book one reeled me in, but book two? This book ensnared me. The literal onlyyyyy reason I didn't give this book 4.5 or 5 stars, is just that there wasn't enough relationship growth in the sense that it felt so rushed. They hated each other, and then it became more of an insta-love. Which is unfortunately one trope that makes me gag a little.
The trauma though, that really pushed to the front. And it sounds terrible but it was in the best way. You really get a sense for both characters, and both of their pasts, and you get to watch them keep living even with their trauma, Deniz especially.
Clara is really that bitch though. I loved her hbic attitude and the way that her internal vulnerabilities are shown was just so beautifully done. Deniz and his stalking was just so dark and done in a way that just made you ignore the fact that he was there to kill her. We love smart men who go for what they want... eeeeeeevennnn if that started with murder on the mind.
I really enjoyed this read and can not wait to see what Rae brings for us in the next installment with book 3.
*Thank you to Good Girls PR & the author Rae Douglas for an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.*
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you love dark mafia enemies to lovers romances, then this should be your next read. Book one reeled me in, but book two? This book ensnared me. The literal onlyyyyy reason I didn't give this book 4.5 or 5 stars, is just that there wasn't enough relationship growth in the sense that it felt so rushed. They hated each other, and then it became more of an insta-love. Which is unfortunately one trope that makes me gag a little.
The trauma though, that really pushed to the front. And it sounds terrible but it was in the best way. You really get a sense for both characters, and both of their pasts, and you get to watch them keep living even with their trauma, Deniz especially.
Clara is really that bitch though. I loved her hbic attitude and the way that her internal vulnerabilities are shown was just so beautifully done. Deniz and his stalking was just so dark and done in a way that just made you ignore the fact that he was there to kill her. We love smart men who go for what they want... eeeeeeevennnn if that started with murder on the mind.
I really enjoyed this read and can not wait to see what Rae brings for us in the next installment with book 3.
February 12, 2025
The Syndicate Fate series has been on my radar for a while but I never seemed to have time to read book 1, Threads that Bind Us, so when I saw I chance to get book 2, Lies that Break Us, I knew I had to sign up because i would haven’t have an options to delay this read 🫣.
And I’m so glad that I did!! I read Threads that Bins Us (which was great and has a beautiful cover by the way!) and immediately jumped into Lies that Break Us. I took a deep dive into the Syndicate World and loved every minute of it. It was addictive, suspenseful, sexy and bada$$.
I absolutely love how @seeraewrite empowers women in these books- they literally hold the power. Clara was such a powerful FMC. She knew she had the beauty but she also knew she had so much more to offer. Her loyalty and dedication to her family is something that I identified with a lot.
And Deniz, my heart aches for him. There is no way you can even be mad at him for the things he did because he did it out of love and desperation. I really enjoyed the Deniz and Clara’s chemistry. It was intense- the slow burn was so good. And when they finally gave in it was 😮💨. Rae that closer scene???? It will live rent free in my head! 😏
While the romance was great, the world building, side characters and plot was so well done. There was so many other themes (grief) weaved in this book that really kept me hooked and invested.
So mamas, if you are in the mood for a suspense, steamy, crime romance where the women kick a$$, then make sure to check out Lies that Break Us, which is out now and available on the ‘zon and KU.
🦂🦂🦂🦂/5
And I’m so glad that I did!! I read Threads that Bins Us (which was great and has a beautiful cover by the way!) and immediately jumped into Lies that Break Us. I took a deep dive into the Syndicate World and loved every minute of it. It was addictive, suspenseful, sexy and bada$$.
I absolutely love how @seeraewrite empowers women in these books- they literally hold the power. Clara was such a powerful FMC. She knew she had the beauty but she also knew she had so much more to offer. Her loyalty and dedication to her family is something that I identified with a lot.
And Deniz, my heart aches for him. There is no way you can even be mad at him for the things he did because he did it out of love and desperation. I really enjoyed the Deniz and Clara’s chemistry. It was intense- the slow burn was so good. And when they finally gave in it was 😮💨. Rae that closer scene???? It will live rent free in my head! 😏
While the romance was great, the world building, side characters and plot was so well done. There was so many other themes (grief) weaved in this book that really kept me hooked and invested.
So mamas, if you are in the mood for a suspense, steamy, crime romance where the women kick a$$, then make sure to check out Lies that Break Us, which is out now and available on the ‘zon and KU.
🦂🦂🦂🦂/5
January 21, 2025
This book was a really fun read. My first from this author and I definitely enjoyed it!
What to expect:
*Mafia Romance
*Marriage of Convenience
*Enemies to Lovers
*Stalking
*Light torture
*Grief
This story is focused on Clara Costa and Deniz Simsek. Clara is soon to take over as the matriarch of the Costa Family Syndicate but she needs a husband to appease tradition. Clara is smart and calculating, she is not easy to mess with or get one over on. Deniz is of Turkish descent and is not dealing well with the grief of losing his younger sibling. He is out for revenge to soothe his anger and he is targeting the people behind the attack that left his brother as a casualty of wrong place at the wrong time. He is the CEO of a security company, smart, and singularly focused on his goal.
When these two meet, they both feel they are finally close to achieving their goals. Secrets start to unravel and as they do they end up coming closer and closer instead of apart and these enemies start seeing one another differently.
Deniz totally needed to go to therapy not have a major vendetta against people who were also attacked but in a sense I could understand his logic. As time goes on and he starts to truly see Clara as a person and not just a means for vengeance, their chemistry began to grow and his acceptance of things he couldn’t control settles. When these two accept one another it’s a beautiful thing. Looking forward to more in this series!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
“The line between lust and rage, hate and love, is so blurred it doesn’t exist. And the guilt that comes with that realization is crushing.”
“No.” I hate that the denial is like a shot of adrenaline to my system. My pulse pounds, but I can hear his heartbeat, too. “The only threat allowed anywhere near you is me, قمري.” His moon.
What to expect:
*Mafia Romance
*Marriage of Convenience
*Enemies to Lovers
*Stalking
*Light torture
*Grief
This story is focused on Clara Costa and Deniz Simsek. Clara is soon to take over as the matriarch of the Costa Family Syndicate but she needs a husband to appease tradition. Clara is smart and calculating, she is not easy to mess with or get one over on. Deniz is of Turkish descent and is not dealing well with the grief of losing his younger sibling. He is out for revenge to soothe his anger and he is targeting the people behind the attack that left his brother as a casualty of wrong place at the wrong time. He is the CEO of a security company, smart, and singularly focused on his goal.
When these two meet, they both feel they are finally close to achieving their goals. Secrets start to unravel and as they do they end up coming closer and closer instead of apart and these enemies start seeing one another differently.
Deniz totally needed to go to therapy not have a major vendetta against people who were also attacked but in a sense I could understand his logic. As time goes on and he starts to truly see Clara as a person and not just a means for vengeance, their chemistry began to grow and his acceptance of things he couldn’t control settles. When these two accept one another it’s a beautiful thing. Looking forward to more in this series!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
“The line between lust and rage, hate and love, is so blurred it doesn’t exist. And the guilt that comes with that realization is crushing.”
“No.” I hate that the denial is like a shot of adrenaline to my system. My pulse pounds, but I can hear his heartbeat, too. “The only threat allowed anywhere near you is me, قمري.” His moon.
January 2, 2025
✨ WHAT’S THE STORY?
• Clara Costa needs a husband—stat—or she loses her chance to become the Matriarch of The Syndicate of Fate.
• Deniz Simsek wants revenge on The Syndicate for his brother’s death and will do anything to take it down from the inside.
When Clara’s forced to blackmail a husband, she finds the perfect mark in Deniz—only he’s been waiting for this moment. What neither expects? The scorching chemistry and twisted loyalties that could either unite them…or destroy them both.
🔥 WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT
• Arranged Marriage meets Enemies-to-Lovers vibes.
• High-stakes revenge, crime-lord drama, and a sneaky mole threatening everything.
• A dark, seductive romance where trust teeters on a knife’s edge.
• Blurred lines between good and evil: They’ll break each other or set the world ablaze.
READ IF YOU ENJOY
• Mafia/Crime Syndicate tales
• Betrayal & Blackmail
• Female Heir claiming her power
• Swoon-worthy tension & searing chemistry
It’s time to enter a world where lies can bind hearts just as easily as they shatter them.
#LiesThatBreakUs #RaeDouglas #MafiaRomance #EnemiesToLovers #ArrangedMarriage #DarkRomance #Bookstagram #BookTok #CrimeSyndicate #NewRelease #MustRead
• Clara Costa needs a husband—stat—or she loses her chance to become the Matriarch of The Syndicate of Fate.
• Deniz Simsek wants revenge on The Syndicate for his brother’s death and will do anything to take it down from the inside.
When Clara’s forced to blackmail a husband, she finds the perfect mark in Deniz—only he’s been waiting for this moment. What neither expects? The scorching chemistry and twisted loyalties that could either unite them…or destroy them both.
🔥 WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT
• Arranged Marriage meets Enemies-to-Lovers vibes.
• High-stakes revenge, crime-lord drama, and a sneaky mole threatening everything.
• A dark, seductive romance where trust teeters on a knife’s edge.
• Blurred lines between good and evil: They’ll break each other or set the world ablaze.
READ IF YOU ENJOY
• Mafia/Crime Syndicate tales
• Betrayal & Blackmail
• Female Heir claiming her power
• Swoon-worthy tension & searing chemistry
It’s time to enter a world where lies can bind hearts just as easily as they shatter them.
#LiesThatBreakUs #RaeDouglas #MafiaRomance #EnemiesToLovers #ArrangedMarriage #DarkRomance #Bookstagram #BookTok #CrimeSyndicate #NewRelease #MustRead
March 6, 2025
A special thank you to Good Girls PR and author Rae Douglas for selecting me to receive an advanced copy of Lies that Break Us. This is my honest and voluntary review.
"Because when I look in her eyes as she shakes her head yes, I don't see the woman I want to kill. I see someone I would kill for. And that is so much worse." This is book two in the Syndicate of Fate series and is a dark organized crime romance.
Clara needs a husband in order to take over the family business. Deniz is stalking and planning to kill Clara for her involvement in his brother's death. Clara meets Deniz at a bar, one thing leads to another, and then she's blackmailing him into marrying her. Little does she know, this is exactly what he was planning for. The tension between these two is wild! They hate each other and want the other dead but they can't seem to shake the undeniable desire they have for each other. Will their hatred for each other eventually sizzle out?
Wow, this book was well written and so fun to read. It was action packed from the very beginning. I really enjoyed reading about Clara and Deniz's relationship. All the tension between them was so much fun. If you love dark romance, action, mafia type books then I highly encourage you to pick this one up!
"Because when I look in her eyes as she shakes her head yes, I don't see the woman I want to kill. I see someone I would kill for. And that is so much worse." This is book two in the Syndicate of Fate series and is a dark organized crime romance.
Clara needs a husband in order to take over the family business. Deniz is stalking and planning to kill Clara for her involvement in his brother's death. Clara meets Deniz at a bar, one thing leads to another, and then she's blackmailing him into marrying her. Little does she know, this is exactly what he was planning for. The tension between these two is wild! They hate each other and want the other dead but they can't seem to shake the undeniable desire they have for each other. Will their hatred for each other eventually sizzle out?
Wow, this book was well written and so fun to read. It was action packed from the very beginning. I really enjoyed reading about Clara and Deniz's relationship. All the tension between them was so much fun. If you love dark romance, action, mafia type books then I highly encourage you to pick this one up!
January 29, 2025
Reading this book was like watching the fuse on a stick of dynamite burn to the end. It started with what felt like a ticking, knowing that these two characters would BURN for each other was only inevitable, but in Threads we quickly see Charlie become obsessed with Gwen and want to give her everything, whereas in Lies Clara and Deniz just want to use each other.
It begins with little regard for the other’s feelings on the matter and both hold their cards close to the chest and it feels like a game of cat and mouse, but both believe they’re the cat. What they are not expecting is the thrill they get from it, and that when that fuse reaches the dynamite it will be an explosion that is inevitable to get away from.
While I enjoyed learning more of the complexities of the Syndicate of Fate Clara and Deniz didn’t hit for me like Charlie and Gwen and I think that’s just a personal preference, I still enjoyed this book and would recommend it to my other readers who like “soft dark” romance. I will absolutely keep reading this series and the stories Rae tells.
Thank you Rae and Good girls PR for the ARC!
It begins with little regard for the other’s feelings on the matter and both hold their cards close to the chest and it feels like a game of cat and mouse, but both believe they’re the cat. What they are not expecting is the thrill they get from it, and that when that fuse reaches the dynamite it will be an explosion that is inevitable to get away from.
While I enjoyed learning more of the complexities of the Syndicate of Fate Clara and Deniz didn’t hit for me like Charlie and Gwen and I think that’s just a personal preference, I still enjoyed this book and would recommend it to my other readers who like “soft dark” romance. I will absolutely keep reading this series and the stories Rae tells.
Thank you Rae and Good girls PR for the ARC!
January 30, 2025
💍 Matriarch of a syndicate
💍 Arranged marriage
💍 Dark crime romance
💍 Enemies to lovers
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨/5
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️/5
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Clara needs a man for the respect of her syndicate. But she needs a man who isn’t afraid of a woman in charge and will be accepted. Deniz is the perfect candidate.
What she doesn’t know is Deniz is the perfect candidate because he planned it that way. He wants inside the syndicate so he can take it down brick by brick after they caused the death of his brother.
But there is more than meets the eye. And these two need each other more than they realize. Will they give in to the secrets and lies? Or worse? Will they give in to each other?
Squeeeal! I love a QR playlist code! Next thought? Obsessed with the Costa family. Maybe I am supposed to be disturbed but I’m not. And finally, Deniz has no business being so attractive.
The tension was high, the angst was high, and the chemistry was off the charts. I would recommend this series for those who enjoy a dark crime romance!
Thank you Rae Douglas and Good Girls PR for my advanced reader copy! This is my true and honest review.
💍 Arranged marriage
💍 Dark crime romance
💍 Enemies to lovers
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨/5
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️/5
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Clara needs a man for the respect of her syndicate. But she needs a man who isn’t afraid of a woman in charge and will be accepted. Deniz is the perfect candidate.
What she doesn’t know is Deniz is the perfect candidate because he planned it that way. He wants inside the syndicate so he can take it down brick by brick after they caused the death of his brother.
But there is more than meets the eye. And these two need each other more than they realize. Will they give in to the secrets and lies? Or worse? Will they give in to each other?
Squeeeal! I love a QR playlist code! Next thought? Obsessed with the Costa family. Maybe I am supposed to be disturbed but I’m not. And finally, Deniz has no business being so attractive.
The tension was high, the angst was high, and the chemistry was off the charts. I would recommend this series for those who enjoy a dark crime romance!
Thank you Rae Douglas and Good Girls PR for my advanced reader copy! This is my true and honest review.
February 2, 2025
I've been looking for a book with Mr/Mrs Smith vibes and this book is close to that but not exactly what I was looking for. I can definitely see that was part of the concept and I wish we would have more of that out here. I mean who doesn't want to read an enemies to lovers book where the MCs want to off each other because the tension it creates is steamy.
This personally didn't hit the mark for me because it peeves me when MMCs are mad at FMCs for something they didn't do. I get the vengeance plot but it's really a misunderstanding or miss placed anger that isn't necessarily deserving. But that is my personal gripe and I think a lot of people don't mind that - so I do reccommend giving this a read to form your own opinion.
The ending was a bit rushed and I was hoping for a bit more of a flushed out story but I think it stems from me not having read the first book or something. I wasn't aware this was the second book in an interconnected series so it could be that.
but hey the spice was pretty steamy.
This personally didn't hit the mark for me because it peeves me when MMCs are mad at FMCs for something they didn't do. I get the vengeance plot but it's really a misunderstanding or miss placed anger that isn't necessarily deserving. But that is my personal gripe and I think a lot of people don't mind that - so I do reccommend giving this a read to form your own opinion.
The ending was a bit rushed and I was hoping for a bit more of a flushed out story but I think it stems from me not having read the first book or something. I wasn't aware this was the second book in an interconnected series so it could be that.
but hey the spice was pretty steamy.
January 2, 2025
The Syndicate of Fate has quickly become one of my favorite ongoing series. The Costa family and their goals are so engaging that it makes me want to read more about them and how they're able to accomplish them. Clara preparing herself to become the matriarch of the Syndicate feels immense pressure, but nothing that she isn't up to the task for...except maybe finding a husband. Deniz has a mission that he needs to use Clara for...and maybe kill her afterward. The two end up in an engagement of convenience and their chemistry is IMMACULATE. The tension between them is thick enough that you'd need a sword to cut it, not just a knife. The character interaction between them as well as the other characters in the cast feels so authentic to who they're set up to be that I constantly wanted to know what happened next and couldn't put the book down.
*I received an ARC from the author, my thoughts are my own.
*I received an ARC from the author, my thoughts are my own.
February 6, 2025
Deanna Ortega’s PR unboxing for this book brought me to the first book, and I’m so glad it did. I loved this one even more.
Clara seemed like such a cold bitch in the first book, so it was nice to see a little more of her personality in this book. Don’t get me wrong, she’s cold and calculated, but I liked how she softened just a bit through her time with Deniz.
Deniz was 🥵 The two of them together was 🥵🥵 Deniz was calculating and smart. He knew what he wanted and went after it. I liked seeing him heal and grow, working through his grief a little at a time. His friends are also intriguing, so I’m interested to see if they fit into the overall story in the future.
I loved the continuation of the story from the first book, and I’m looking forward to seeing what’s in store for Emily next.
Clara seemed like such a cold bitch in the first book, so it was nice to see a little more of her personality in this book. Don’t get me wrong, she’s cold and calculated, but I liked how she softened just a bit through her time with Deniz.
Deniz was 🥵 The two of them together was 🥵🥵 Deniz was calculating and smart. He knew what he wanted and went after it. I liked seeing him heal and grow, working through his grief a little at a time. His friends are also intriguing, so I’m interested to see if they fit into the overall story in the future.
I loved the continuation of the story from the first book, and I’m looking forward to seeing what’s in store for Emily next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2025
I’m thinking February is gonna be Enemies to Lovers for me.
These kind of enemies you know where it’s not like I just don’t like you it’s more like I want to kill you, plan to kill you, need to kill you are the best kind. Love a MMC that stalks for months, some call it creepy others call it dedication, or devotion. Either way it’s kinda romantic. If you like a FMC that has family obligations and is the one that forces the MMC hand into marriage add this book to your TBR. When both characters are so untrusting of each other when they discover each other’s secrets it’s just that much more delicious.
Rae does an amazing job at telling both main characters story to a point that I actually didn’t have a favorite.
These kind of enemies you know where it’s not like I just don’t like you it’s more like I want to kill you, plan to kill you, need to kill you are the best kind. Love a MMC that stalks for months, some call it creepy others call it dedication, or devotion. Either way it’s kinda romantic. If you like a FMC that has family obligations and is the one that forces the MMC hand into marriage add this book to your TBR. When both characters are so untrusting of each other when they discover each other’s secrets it’s just that much more delicious.
Rae does an amazing job at telling both main characters story to a point that I actually didn’t have a favorite.
February 16, 2025
Tropes:
Enemies to lovers
Stalker romance
Obsession
Blackmail
Marriage of convenience
Mr & Mrs smith vibes
One night stand
Slow burn
Kill her or kiss her
Operation find a husband.
That’s what Clara is on about, finding a husband. Lucky her, unlucky her, she meets and blackmails Deniz. Lucky her because she gets a husband, but unlucky her because Deniz ensured this would happen since he’s her stalker.
She’s the heir matriarch of The Syndicate and he wants to know why his brother was killed on a hit meant for Clara’s mother. The action. The secrets. The moments between them.
This is a strong FMC, I loved her no nonsense approach. The enemy to lovers part was giving. The dynamics. I loved it.
Enemies to lovers
Stalker romance
Obsession
Blackmail
Marriage of convenience
Mr & Mrs smith vibes
One night stand
Slow burn
Kill her or kiss her
Operation find a husband.
That’s what Clara is on about, finding a husband. Lucky her, unlucky her, she meets and blackmails Deniz. Lucky her because she gets a husband, but unlucky her because Deniz ensured this would happen since he’s her stalker.
She’s the heir matriarch of The Syndicate and he wants to know why his brother was killed on a hit meant for Clara’s mother. The action. The secrets. The moments between them.
This is a strong FMC, I loved her no nonsense approach. The enemy to lovers part was giving. The dynamics. I loved it.
January 18, 2025
While I did receive an arc from the author and Good Girls PR all thoughts and opinions are my own. I really like this series, every character is written so incredibly well and in both books there is a continuous plot. Clara is my favorite character, she is someone who is strong and independent, also kills sex traffickers. She made this book great, I did enjoy Deniz as well but Clara was the star of this book. Plot wise, there are some triggering subjects so if you do read this, please check trigger warnings. Like mentioned sex trafficking is a big part of the story, it is done extremely well. Overall, I highly recommend checking this series out.
February 3, 2025
Lies That Break Us by Rae Douglas 5⭐️
📷 Stalker Romance
📷 Bi4Bi
📷 Blackmail
📷 Marriage of Convenience
📷 Enemies to Lovers
Clara Costa needs a husband to assume her role as her family’s new matriarch. The problem is she can’t seem to get a second date for the past year. Everything changes when she meets Deniz.
This book was just as good as book 1 and I’m so glad I got to read them back to back. I loved watching Clara and Deniz fall into their own brand of love! The twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat and I can’t wait to see how the story continues in book 3. There’s so many storylines going on and I’m anxious to see how they all tie in!
📷 Stalker Romance
📷 Bi4Bi
📷 Blackmail
📷 Marriage of Convenience
📷 Enemies to Lovers
Clara Costa needs a husband to assume her role as her family’s new matriarch. The problem is she can’t seem to get a second date for the past year. Everything changes when she meets Deniz.
This book was just as good as book 1 and I’m so glad I got to read them back to back. I loved watching Clara and Deniz fall into their own brand of love! The twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat and I can’t wait to see how the story continues in book 3. There’s so many storylines going on and I’m anxious to see how they all tie in!
February 6, 2025
the BEST stalker/dark romance
are you looking for your next dark romance read??? WELL HERE IT IS 🤭
Lies That Break Us is an organized crime dark romance featuring the next matriarch of The Syndicate of Fate and the man that has been stalking her for a year in order to infiltrate the crime family to avenge his younger brother.
this was such a journey and i couldn’t get enough of these two! even when all they could do was hate each other and plot their deaths, you couldn’t help but love their dynamic. i found myself so immersed in their story, especially towards the very end when you couldn’t predict what would happen next.
are you looking for your next dark romance read??? WELL HERE IT IS 🤭
Lies That Break Us is an organized crime dark romance featuring the next matriarch of The Syndicate of Fate and the man that has been stalking her for a year in order to infiltrate the crime family to avenge his younger brother.
this was such a journey and i couldn’t get enough of these two! even when all they could do was hate each other and plot their deaths, you couldn’t help but love their dynamic. i found myself so immersed in their story, especially towards the very end when you couldn’t predict what would happen next.
February 17, 2025
Lies That Break Us
3.5 ⭐️
Check the triggers
Read if you like:
🔸️Mafia Crime Family - do dark deeds for good
🔸️Enemies to Lovers - Marriage for convenience
🔸️Family & Friend characters that bring laughter and light within a dark romance
🔸️ Revenge mystery plot
I enjoyed the ride of this book. It was a quick pace that kept me intrigued with the driven revenge of both MMC and FMC in different ways. I just wish there was more development in our main characters' relationships. I do like how this is a standalone in an interconnected series where it's easy to followiff you don't read the first book. Overall, I'm going to continue the series beacuse I have to know the outcome!
3.5 ⭐️
Check the triggers
Read if you like:
🔸️Mafia Crime Family - do dark deeds for good
🔸️Enemies to Lovers - Marriage for convenience
🔸️Family & Friend characters that bring laughter and light within a dark romance
🔸️ Revenge mystery plot
I enjoyed the ride of this book. It was a quick pace that kept me intrigued with the driven revenge of both MMC and FMC in different ways. I just wish there was more development in our main characters' relationships. I do like how this is a standalone in an interconnected series where it's easy to followiff you don't read the first book. Overall, I'm going to continue the series beacuse I have to know the outcome!
June 19, 2025
Rating: ★★★.5 → ★★★
Started: 14 June 25
Finished: 19 June 25
I liked the stalking aspect of this book and their relationship (and all that came with it) but I didn’t connect with Clara and Deniz as much as I connected with Gwen and Charlie in the first book.
I found myself a little bored throughout this book and I’m kinda annoyed we still haven’t found out who betrayed the family.
I will say, I’m intrigued to see where book 3 takes us and to see if this book will be the book we find out who the betrayer is. I’m also excited because I think it’s gonna be Emily’s book and I’m excited because that means it’s gonna be a sapphic book!
Started: 14 June 25
Finished: 19 June 25
I liked the stalking aspect of this book and their relationship (and all that came with it) but I didn’t connect with Clara and Deniz as much as I connected with Gwen and Charlie in the first book.
I found myself a little bored throughout this book and I’m kinda annoyed we still haven’t found out who betrayed the family.
I will say, I’m intrigued to see where book 3 takes us and to see if this book will be the book we find out who the betrayer is. I’m also excited because I think it’s gonna be Emily’s book and I’m excited because that means it’s gonna be a sapphic book!
October 25, 2025
Solid 4.5 🌟
🔥 A dark, addictive ride through power, grief, and reluctant love.
Clara Costa needs a husband to claim her throne… enters Deniz Simsek.
Their marriage? Blackmail.
Their chemistry? Unstoppable.
Rae Douglas delivers a fierce enemies-to-lovers story with sharp prose and aching vulnerability. If you love morally gray characters, high-stakes romance, and emotional depth, this one’s for you.
💬 Favorite quote:
“So what if she had to blackmail him into marrying her? All things considered, he took it in stride.”
#LiesThatBreakUs #RaeDouglas #DarkRomance #EnemiesToLovers #BookReview #SyndicateOfFate
🔥 A dark, addictive ride through power, grief, and reluctant love.
Clara Costa needs a husband to claim her throne… enters Deniz Simsek.
Their marriage? Blackmail.
Their chemistry? Unstoppable.
Rae Douglas delivers a fierce enemies-to-lovers story with sharp prose and aching vulnerability. If you love morally gray characters, high-stakes romance, and emotional depth, this one’s for you.
💬 Favorite quote:
“So what if she had to blackmail him into marrying her? All things considered, he took it in stride.”
#LiesThatBreakUs #RaeDouglas #DarkRomance #EnemiesToLovers #BookReview #SyndicateOfFate
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