The Burnt Heart (Toxic Hearts Book 1) in Books and Bitches Down Under Aussie Book Club

Nov 14, 2023 Megsy Reads rated it liked it · review of another edition

Emotional Rollercoaster

I felt this story lacked continuity. We get our main characters established early and it’s very much about the devotion and praise of their girl.

Don’t expect the spice to hit until the end and this is one of the reasons the storyline didn’t flow for me.

We jump ahead 6 years and the relationship is falling apart due to lies, threats and betrayal. But the guys are quick to realise their faults and want to make amends. But this gets dragged out over many months and it just wa ...more

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Jun 02, 2024 WildxRunnerxReads rated it really liked it

Shelves: spicy, book-club-reads, fake-dating, why-choose, mafia-romance, second-chance-romance

🔥 'Burnt Heart': A Scorching Tale of Mafia Queen's Revenge and Redemption 👑
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Just blazed through "Burnt Heart" and wow, what a fiery ride! 🔥📚
Adelaide, the Orazio heir, isn't your typical mafia princess - she's the boss! When her trusted lovers Jesse, Logan, and Briar betray her, she seeks revenge by fake-dating a rival crime family's son. But danger lurks, forcing her back into the arms of those who broke her heart. Can they earn her forgiveness and protect her from a ruthless enemy? 🗡️💔
Quick ...more

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Nov 11, 2023 Naiomi Cox rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2023-reading-challenge, books-and-bitches-arc

Thank you Mae for this free ARC copy.

Wow what a really good book.

When you have 3 lovers in your life and they keep things from you it’s not a great way to keep your relationship working. When you have your father and others trying to break you down.

When you are the head of your family and trying to put a legitimate and legal face to the family while also still keeping your other side secret from the public as well as from your lovers.

When you think there are new rivals in town being a MC Bicycle ...more

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Nov 17, 2023 Emmi (bookish_redpanda) rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: romance, polyamorous, arc, why-choose, crime, ebook-format

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Actual rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5
Spice level 🌶️🌶️

This was my first book from Pierce.

This was marketed as a dark romance book, but I felt that whilst the MMC's are trying to fix their relationship with the FMC, I wouldn't necessarily count it as a romance book. It is definitely a mafia book, and there is definitely darkness present (as always, check your TWs/CWs before diving in).

The majority of the book is Briar, Jesse and Logan trying to win Adelaide back, ...more

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Nov 15, 2023 Mel rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Rating: ★★★★☆

I extend my gratitude to the Books & Bitches club and Mae Pierce for the opportunity to delve into the enthralling world of "The Burnt Heart." Published by Thorpe-Bowker on November 13, 2023, this Second Chance/Mafia Why Choose book is a rollercoaster of emotions, seamlessly blending suspense, romance, and the complexities of trust.

Set in the shadowy underworld of Greenich Bay, the narrative follows the Orazio heir, navigating heartbreak and betrayal from those she trusted most—Jess Rating: ★★★★☆

I extend my gratitude to the Books & Bitches club and Mae Pierce for the opportunity to delve into the enthralling world of "The Burnt Heart." Published by Thorpe-Bowker on November 13, 2023, this Second Chance/Mafia Why Choose book is a rollercoaster of emotions, seamlessly blending suspense, romance, and the complexities of trust.

Set in the shadowy underworld of Greenich Bay, the narrative follows the Orazio heir, navigating heartbreak and betrayal from those she trusted most—Jesse, Logan, and Briar. Mae Pierce skillfully weaves a tale of vengeance and resilience as the protagonist, facing danger and betrayal, enters into a fake arrangement with her ex-fiancé from a rival crime family.

The storytelling is captivating and, as the reviewer noted, "really easy to read." The pacing keeps the reader engaged, with the plot unfolding in a way that leaves you eager to uncover the next twist. The author masterfully explores the themes of betrayal and forgiveness, allowing readers to empathize with the characters as they grapple with the consequences of their actions.

The characters are complex, and their journey towards redemption is both heart-wrenching and compelling. The decision to confront their past and secure their future adds depth to the storyline, and the emotional stakes are heightened as Adelaide becomes the target of a ruthless enemy.

In conclusion, "The Burnt Heart" is a gripping read that combines elements of romance, suspense, and redemption. Mae Pierce skillfully navigates the complexities of the mafia underworld and the intricacies of second chances. This book is sure to resonate with readers who appreciate a well-crafted story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of forgiveness.

TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Other Woman Drama, Emotional affair, Negative experience with foster homes, abusive foster parents, touch aversion, anger management, violent intrusive thoughts, violence, gore, death via gun violence, death via motor vehicle, mutilation, scars, parent/child abuse, stabbing, infertility, cum play, femdom, orgasm control, degrading sex talk, choking via cock, mention of child sexual assault (historical), sexual assault, sexually explicit scenes, drugging, no aftercare after submissive scene. ...more

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Nov 17, 2023 Wandering Bear rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: arc-2023, books-and-bitches-book-club

This was a totally different mafia story to ones I have read before, and I didn’t mind it at all. I also liked how it jumped straight into the action - no slow build up here.

I found this easy to read, and it genuinely flowed well with twists and turns throughout. The multiple POV’s helped to expand the story and understand the thoughts of each character.

There are some triggers which should be considered before reading, including kidnapping, sexual assault, manipulation, amongst others.

Tropes ...more

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May 25, 2024 Jessica Kane rated it really liked it · review of another edition

4/5 ⭐️

Refreshing take on a mafia romance! We have our FMC Adelaide who is a mafia princess who is a total badass!!

The twists and turns of the plot kept me hooked! It had great pacing, easy to read. It’s a slow burn but once things heat up, god damn 🔥🥵

The angst and the grovel in this book was amazing!

While it was a why choose and I loved all the guys Brair is definitely my favourite!

I listened to this on audible and can I say the audio was fantastic, if you read the book I definitely recommend r ...more

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