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Broken Duet #1
Broken Rules
North, South... and a Star.
A six-year war rages in Chicago.
Death is postponed by a debt of gratitude.
Envy encourages the unthinkable.
Hate destroys lives.
Love complicates relationships.
Two enemies wish for the same thing – to take what the other one holds dear. Amid all the chaos—Layla, the perfect bargaining chip for both sides to manipulate.
Divided between two bosses, blinded by her own unfulfilled needs, she ignores the risks and makes an irrevocably dangerous decision.
When the enemy becomes an ally, and an ally becomes an enemy, Layla’s loyalty starts to lose her battle with reason.
Layla finds love where it shouldn’t be. Safety where only danger lies, and happiness in the darkest of places, but in the world of Mafia; rules don’t apply. Inhibitions don’t exist.
Betrayal hangs in the air, and Layla must decipher the havoc of her past and present to find a way to stay alive.
A six-year war rages in Chicago.
Death is postponed by a debt of gratitude.
Envy encourages the unthinkable.
Hate destroys lives.
Love complicates relationships.
Two enemies wish for the same thing – to take what the other one holds dear. Amid all the chaos—Layla, the perfect bargaining chip for both sides to manipulate.
Divided between two bosses, blinded by her own unfulfilled needs, she ignores the risks and makes an irrevocably dangerous decision.
When the enemy becomes an ally, and an ally becomes an enemy, Layla’s loyalty starts to lose her battle with reason.
Layla finds love where it shouldn’t be. Safety where only danger lies, and happiness in the darkest of places, but in the world of Mafia; rules don’t apply. Inhibitions don’t exist.
Betrayal hangs in the air, and Layla must decipher the havoc of her past and present to find a way to stay alive.
255 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2022
About the author
I.A. Dice
18 books1,444 followersI. A. Dice graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University with a Combined Honours Degree in International Business and Marketing (a bad, bad choice). She’s been a waitress, a teacher, a gardener, an admin junior and a production planner. She attended college courses and never finished some of them.
And then she finally decided to trust her gut and pursue her biggest dream of becoming a writer.
www.iadice.co.uk
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/I-A-Di...
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@ia.dice
And then she finally decided to trust her gut and pursue her biggest dream of becoming a writer.
www.iadice.co.uk
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/I-A-Di...
Instagram:
@ia.dice
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 352 reviews
July 5, 2022
"When she was mine to take, I hesitated.... and that hesitation possibly cost me the only thing I ever wanted this badly."
October 2, 2023
i absolutely loved this book and i’m starting the next one immediately. i love that this is a mafia romance but not insanely dark, it’s a happy medium
September 26, 2024
4.5 🌟 sooooo good. gimme Dante pls and thank you
August 2, 2019
Broken Rules is author I.A Dice’s FIRST release and to say I’m surprised is an understatement! For a new author the plot, the pace, as well as character depth was outstanding!
So anyone that follows me knows that right after dark reads, mafia reads are on my favorites list! So when I saw I.A posting about ARC’s for Broken Rules and after seeing only ONE teaser photo and the blurb, I was all over it, SOO glad that I took a chance on this one!
Broken Rules is about Layla Harston and Dante Carrow.
Sworn enemies, these two should never have been in the same town as each other much less the same bar.
But that’s where they wind up. Dante is instantly intrigued, who is this girl that talks back to him and is trying to make him leave her alone in HIS own bar?!
When he finds out she’s the daughter of his biggest enemy it should turn him off, he should let her finish her drink and send her on her way. Better yet, he should hold her hostage and make Frank give him the Northside for her safe return. But Dante doesn’t want to do any of that, all he wants to do is kiss the next smart ass comment out of her mouth.
That one night is all it takes and Dante is hooked. It takes a little more convincing on his part to get Layla on the same page as him but the attraction between them is just too undeniable to resist.
“Five minutes of conversation with Layla and I wanted to talk to her for hours. One kiss and I wanted to kiss her every day. One missed call made her the only thing on my mind. I wanted her for myself. I wanted to get to know her, make her smile, and find out whether our relationship had a best before date. Who cared we meet three days ago? If I didn’t get bored yet, then it meant she was extraordinary.”
These two are the ultimate forbidden couple. Dante is the head of the Southside of Chicago mafia, Layla’s father the head of the Northside. Layla’s whole life has been controlled by her father but yet neither of her parents have ever really shown her love. She craves their attention and their love and when she receives just that from Dante, she can’t help but fall in love with him.
But when this war between two sides comes to a head and Layla is standing on the line between the two men that she loves, whom will she choose?
You’ll have to check Broken Rules out for yourself to find out!
“I’m a very territorial man, star. And you are the most prized of my possessions. Jealous doesn’t begin to cover it.”
Dante’s protectiveness towards Layla is the hottest yet sweetest thing ever! And oh my gosh, the banter back and forth between these two is absolutely adorable!
Dante has definitely moved over to the list of top book boyfriends! He’s overly protective but that’s because of the dangerous world they live in. There is nothing better than a man who is so in control, losing that control over the woman he loves.
I love Layla! She is so feisty and tough, she’s not afraid of Dante in the least. Even in the beginning when they first meet at the bar, she was putting him in his place from the very start and even trying to shoo him away from her! She is exactly what Dante needs and the same for her. Dante gives her the love and attention that she has craved and hasn’t received from her parents her whole life.
I was NOT expecting that ending! In fact, I thought that this was just going to be one book, which usually I would wait to read until the rest of the series was close to being released but once I started I was too invested to stop, but DAMN I was NOT prepared for that plot twist! I mean I knew the war was going to come to a head but I was not expecting THAT! Ahh, it’s so hard to not give away spoilers and trust me, you want to go into this one blind!
This is why I LOVE finding NEW authors! Take my word for it and take a chance on I.A. Dice, she’s going to be one you have to watch out for in the coming future, she keeps putting out quality writing like this, you’ll be seeing her name a lot!
This book has it all! Hot mafia guys, a sexy overprotective anti-hero, a smart sassy heroine, romance, lies, betrayal, Broken Rules has it ALL!
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September 2, 2019
| ³.⁸ Sᴛᴀᴿs |
"𝑾𝒆 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒘𝒐 𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒂 𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒏𝒆𝒕. 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒉, 𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒉, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒘𝒆 𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒘 𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒏 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒕 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒅𝒅𝒔."
-
This Mafia Romance is filled with lots of twist and turns that I enjoyed uncovering it one at a time.
.
Being a debut author, I A Dice did a good job sharing a beautiful romance in world filled with Chaos and mayhem.
.
Her writing style was pretty good and she did captured my attention, I was hooked, needing the answers and falling for both Layla and Dante's Story.
-
"𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒉𝒊𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒆 𝒉𝒐𝒑𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒕 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒗𝒊𝒍𝒆, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝑰 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒋𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒄𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔."
-
Broken Rules ended with a cliffhanger which was not predictable and now I'm left wanting the second book. I am curious to see how everything's going to get into pace after those revelations that shook the pillars of Layla and Dante's relationship and all that's left are pieces of the destruction that their love caused.
.
Layla and Dante's relationship was twisty. Being sworn enemies their love never had a chance, they did fought for it but they never saw the revenge, betrayal and other factors that could ruin everything they tried to build.
-
"𝑭𝒖𝒓𝒚 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓. 𝑰 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒑𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒇𝒆𝒂𝒓."
-
I loved Dante. His Dynamic Mafia personality was not alluring but when he dropped his armour around Layla their love glowed & that light of love was truly beautiful to experience. They had burning chemistry that was too hot read *enter blushing*
.
In all I would say that being a Debut book the book did had problems but i couldn't put it down. The author did hooked me and I was literally ensnared in this Mafia world awaiting to see the exploding fierce love of Layla and Dante.
I can ignore those little marks and definitely Reccomend you to read this book and give this author a chance.
.
"𝑾𝒆 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒘𝒐 𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒂 𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒏𝒆𝒕. 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒉, 𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒉, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒘𝒆 𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒘 𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒏 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒕 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒅𝒅𝒔."
-
This Mafia Romance is filled with lots of twist and turns that I enjoyed uncovering it one at a time.
.
Being a debut author, I A Dice did a good job sharing a beautiful romance in world filled with Chaos and mayhem.
.
Her writing style was pretty good and she did captured my attention, I was hooked, needing the answers and falling for both Layla and Dante's Story.
-
"𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒉𝒊𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒆 𝒉𝒐𝒑𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒕 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒗𝒊𝒍𝒆, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝑰 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒋𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒄𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔."
-
Broken Rules ended with a cliffhanger which was not predictable and now I'm left wanting the second book. I am curious to see how everything's going to get into pace after those revelations that shook the pillars of Layla and Dante's relationship and all that's left are pieces of the destruction that their love caused.
.
Layla and Dante's relationship was twisty. Being sworn enemies their love never had a chance, they did fought for it but they never saw the revenge, betrayal and other factors that could ruin everything they tried to build.
-
"𝑭𝒖𝒓𝒚 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓. 𝑰 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒑𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒇𝒆𝒂𝒓."
-
I loved Dante. His Dynamic Mafia personality was not alluring but when he dropped his armour around Layla their love glowed & that light of love was truly beautiful to experience. They had burning chemistry that was too hot read *enter blushing*
.
In all I would say that being a Debut book the book did had problems but i couldn't put it down. The author did hooked me and I was literally ensnared in this Mafia world awaiting to see the exploding fierce love of Layla and Dante.
I can ignore those little marks and definitely Reccomend you to read this book and give this author a chance.
.
November 6, 2023
I love this book so much.
Dante Carrow and Layla Hartson are literally my comfort characters now.
Layla.
I adore her character so much.
At a young age she had to face the harsh truth that her parents just couldn’t give her the love and affection she needed. I think I’m a way it left her feeling lonely and unwanted. Then also having to experience 3 breakups over men who wouldn’t have been able to feel an ounce of attraction towards her because that’s not what they were in to. And that’s okay. But it’s the fact Frank had known this about each of them and allowed them to date his daughter and having Layla think something was wrong with her because no body wanted her.
And I believe Layla finally understood why - in the first chapter when she arrives at Delta and has time to reflect over her current breakup.
Layla is strong headed, loving, and sure as hell doesn’t shy away or take any crap from anyone.
I think this is very evident throughout her various relationships with the other characters in this book.
Although Layla may have gotten into a relationship with Dante for the wrong reasons and her own benefit at first. She quickly began to fall in love with the person he is. He always treated her right, he loved her for her, he put her before anything else and never failed to give her the attention she craves so much.
⚠️⚠️⚠️
I do feel like she should have told Dante and yes they would’ve had an argument but it wouldn’t have led Layla being the one to kill her father. Nonetheless, at the end of the day I also truly believe Layla has to be the one to do it. To choose who she wanted, who she believed cared for her and wasn’t using her and that person just wasn’t frank. So it explains the way after Layla shot her father. Nonetheless, she felt this overwhelming sense of relief.
Dante.
Omg I’m obsessed with his character. From the onset, he always told Layla exactly how he felt about her. The attraction went both ways. Unlike Frank, Dante never tried to use Layla to get through Frank. No, he stated how he felt about Layla and from that moment on he only ever did his best to make sure she trusted him with everything no just her body for sex but also for her not to put her guard up in front of him.
Dante is such an amazing character over all. His little mess up with Layla when he gripped her chin a little to hard was a set back, however they both overcame it and gave fault to their own actions. But I love the way Layla was able to set boundaries if it happened again.
I do believe Dante was blinded by the fact that Layla came into his life for the wrong reasons because of her father. But I’m the end he knew she did love him. And she proved that by killing Frank instead of him.
I hope In broken promises they reunite. I have no doubt that Dante will find her and bring her home. He loves her too much to let her go. But can he forgive her is the question at hand here.
I feel for Layla. Her father is manipulative, cruel and vindictive and only cares for himself. His thirst for revenge is what ruined his relationship with his daughter.
Frank is not a good man and he has shown that time and time again.
And that’s what got him killed in the end.
And I guess it was only fitting Layla was the one to do it.
Luca.
I really did like him. But he had to be such an asshole and then an asshole again for being the actual snitch. I just don’t get it though,
Why?
Cause I mean, Dante got him off the streets at 15 and took him in. So why?
I would think he wanted to kill Layla to protect Dante but instead he helps Frank but yet he hates Layla and Frank.
Unfortunately we don’t get the answer to it because Dante shoots him.
I still really want to know.
And the girlfriends of the men what happened to them. I hope they are alright.
And Luca’s girl, did she know about all of this and if so were her and Luca faking it.
I also really like Spades, Nate and Jackson.
I hope Jess Is safe and I have a feeling Dante will use Jess to get to Layla in order to find her.
Overall amazing book. And I really can’t wait to get my hands on broken promises. I’m literally fuming for not ordering both at the same time.
Plus Dante has to forgive Layla. They love each other to not do so. I hope Layla isn’t being stubborn in the next book when she realises Dante is coming for her.
Love this book so much.
All love from Ireland 🇮🇪.
Dante Carrow and Layla Hartson are literally my comfort characters now.
Layla.
I adore her character so much.
At a young age she had to face the harsh truth that her parents just couldn’t give her the love and affection she needed. I think I’m a way it left her feeling lonely and unwanted. Then also having to experience 3 breakups over men who wouldn’t have been able to feel an ounce of attraction towards her because that’s not what they were in to. And that’s okay. But it’s the fact Frank had known this about each of them and allowed them to date his daughter and having Layla think something was wrong with her because no body wanted her.
And I believe Layla finally understood why - in the first chapter when she arrives at Delta and has time to reflect over her current breakup.
Layla is strong headed, loving, and sure as hell doesn’t shy away or take any crap from anyone.
I think this is very evident throughout her various relationships with the other characters in this book.
Although Layla may have gotten into a relationship with Dante for the wrong reasons and her own benefit at first. She quickly began to fall in love with the person he is. He always treated her right, he loved her for her, he put her before anything else and never failed to give her the attention she craves so much.
⚠️⚠️⚠️
I do feel like she should have told Dante and yes they would’ve had an argument but it wouldn’t have led Layla being the one to kill her father. Nonetheless, at the end of the day I also truly believe Layla has to be the one to do it. To choose who she wanted, who she believed cared for her and wasn’t using her and that person just wasn’t frank. So it explains the way after Layla shot her father. Nonetheless, she felt this overwhelming sense of relief.
Dante.
Omg I’m obsessed with his character. From the onset, he always told Layla exactly how he felt about her. The attraction went both ways. Unlike Frank, Dante never tried to use Layla to get through Frank. No, he stated how he felt about Layla and from that moment on he only ever did his best to make sure she trusted him with everything no just her body for sex but also for her not to put her guard up in front of him.
Dante is such an amazing character over all. His little mess up with Layla when he gripped her chin a little to hard was a set back, however they both overcame it and gave fault to their own actions. But I love the way Layla was able to set boundaries if it happened again.
I do believe Dante was blinded by the fact that Layla came into his life for the wrong reasons because of her father. But I’m the end he knew she did love him. And she proved that by killing Frank instead of him.
I hope In broken promises they reunite. I have no doubt that Dante will find her and bring her home. He loves her too much to let her go. But can he forgive her is the question at hand here.
I feel for Layla. Her father is manipulative, cruel and vindictive and only cares for himself. His thirst for revenge is what ruined his relationship with his daughter.
Frank is not a good man and he has shown that time and time again.
And that’s what got him killed in the end.
And I guess it was only fitting Layla was the one to do it.
Luca.
I really did like him. But he had to be such an asshole and then an asshole again for being the actual snitch. I just don’t get it though,
Why?
Cause I mean, Dante got him off the streets at 15 and took him in. So why?
I would think he wanted to kill Layla to protect Dante but instead he helps Frank but yet he hates Layla and Frank.
Unfortunately we don’t get the answer to it because Dante shoots him.
I still really want to know.
And the girlfriends of the men what happened to them. I hope they are alright.
And Luca’s girl, did she know about all of this and if so were her and Luca faking it.
I also really like Spades, Nate and Jackson.
I hope Jess Is safe and I have a feeling Dante will use Jess to get to Layla in order to find her.
Overall amazing book. And I really can’t wait to get my hands on broken promises. I’m literally fuming for not ordering both at the same time.
Plus Dante has to forgive Layla. They love each other to not do so. I hope Layla isn’t being stubborn in the next book when she realises Dante is coming for her.
Love this book so much.
All love from Ireland 🇮🇪.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2022
"Two evenings. Three kisses... I'm way over my fucking head with this girl."
Overall Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 4.5/5
Spice Rating: 7/10
Characters: 9/10
Atmosphere: 9/10
Writing: 7.5/10
Plot: 8/10
Intrigue: 8.5/10
Logic: 8/10
Enjoyment: 8.5/10
Hero: Dante
Heroine: Layla
Cliff-hanger: Yes
Triggers: Murder, Abuse
Pages: 317
Style: Contemporary, Mafia, Families Enemy, Dark, Twisted, Suspense.
This was my first time reading I.A Dice's work and this re-release of her debut book was an incredible place to start. I loved it!
I am a huge fan of mafia romance, and this didn't disappoint. I went into this one blind, and I was not expecting such a wild ride. And that ending, wow I definitely didn't see that one coming. I.A has written such an engaging, all-consuming read that will have you on the edge of your seat.
I loved the instant attraction both Dante and Layla had. Normally I'm more of a fan of things progressing slowly but these two were 0-100 in a flash and I was totally cheering from the sidelines. Dante is the epitome of possessive alpha and I.A wrote him to perfection... where do I find my own? And Layla was the perfect mix of kind, feisty, naive, and tough when she needed to be, and I couldn't get enough of their interactions together. They are the ultimate ride or die, and I absolutely can't wait to see how things evolve in book 2, I have a feeling it's going to be a bumpy ride.
If you love a dangerous mafia world, an overprotective hero, a super sassy heroine, instant chemistry, betrayal, love, and plenty of twists and turns then give this one a go.
"I found peace where there should be fear, happiness where there should be disappointment, and love where nothing but death should await."
*all edits are mine - pictures are not
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April 30, 2019
"𝑾𝒆 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒘𝒐 𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒂 𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒏𝒆𝒕. 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒉, 𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒉, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒘𝒆 𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒘 𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒏 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒕 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒅𝒅𝒔."
The webs we weave, the lies we tell, the hurts we heal!
I'm a big fan of stories about mafia and this book is definitely a good one. The story is full of interesting twists and turns. It is writen in two POV's and I found myself enjoying Dante's a bit more.
If you get into my reviews, you'll se that I care a lot about the writing style. And I.A. wrote Broken rules so well, so efficiently, so directly, I read it with real admiration.
The webs we weave, the lies we tell, the hurts we heal!
I'm a big fan of stories about mafia and this book is definitely a good one. The story is full of interesting twists and turns. It is writen in two POV's and I found myself enjoying Dante's a bit more.
If you get into my reviews, you'll se that I care a lot about the writing style. And I.A. wrote Broken rules so well, so efficiently, so directly, I read it with real admiration.
January 2, 2023
never expected it to be that good. Them both? the plot? the love? the smut? their backstories? yes to it all
April 11, 2019
Wow. This is why I still blog. I haven’t seen this on social media so when I did come across it I loved the blurb and thought I’d give it a try. Well what happened was last night I thought I’d read a few chapters. That didn’t happen as I read three quarters of it and as soon as I could this morning I sat down and finished it.
Layla and Dante meet one night in a bar. This meeting is about to change their lives in more ways than one. Layla is the daughter of Frank a Mafia boss who is at war with Dante. Layla finds herself in the middle of a battle ground not knowing which side to take.
Yikes there’s so much I could say about this story but I don’t want to spoil it for you. This is a well written Mafia romance that I didn’t want to end... and that ending!! Omg I can’t wait to read more from this author.
Layla and Dante meet one night in a bar. This meeting is about to change their lives in more ways than one. Layla is the daughter of Frank a Mafia boss who is at war with Dante. Layla finds herself in the middle of a battle ground not knowing which side to take.
Yikes there’s so much I could say about this story but I don’t want to spoil it for you. This is a well written Mafia romance that I didn’t want to end... and that ending!! Omg I can’t wait to read more from this author.
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December 10, 2023DNF at 91%
I just cannot. I think the “twist” just ruined it for me and made me so angry I just couldn’t continue. I lost all ambition to finish and then read the second because the fmc is just so naive and stupid it is truly unbelievable. I’d almost prefer for the ending to be her death. I can’t get over it
I just cannot. I think the “twist” just ruined it for me and made me so angry I just couldn’t continue. I lost all ambition to finish and then read the second because the fmc is just so naive and stupid it is truly unbelievable. I’d almost prefer for the ending to be her death. I can’t get over it
September 29, 2019
💚💚💚💚
A great love story between two characters that weren’t supposed to meet and fall in love with each other. I loved their time together and although I hate cliffhangers i’m looking forward to their happy ending.
A great love story between two characters that weren’t supposed to meet and fall in love with each other. I loved their time together and although I hate cliffhangers i’m looking forward to their happy ending.
December 4, 2019
This is the first book I've read from this author but it won't be the last; in fact, I'm starting on book 2 because this story had me so immersed I couldn't put it down. If you love a book filled with unexpected twists and turns that will have your head spinning and leave you breathless than you NEED to read this book. I enjoy a great heroine that's sassy, fiesty and tells-it-like-it-is, a hero that's sexy, dangerous and all alpha! This book will consume you so prepare for one mind-blowing ride!
October 5, 2024
loved it
A great mafia read (well half of one) I instantly liked Dante and what a Hero he turned out to be. But Layla shone through for me. They were perfection together and I am going straight into the finale!
A great mafia read (well half of one) I instantly liked Dante and what a Hero he turned out to be. But Layla shone through for me. They were perfection together and I am going straight into the finale!
March 11, 2024
4.5 ☆
No daba ni 2 pesos por este libro. Primero que un insta-love, segundo Francia, tercero que sentía que la trama no avanzaba nada y que para ser un libro de mafia todo era muy tranquilo. Pero esa traición no me la esperaba, y ese finaaaaaal, inconcluso pero ese finaaaaal. Necesito leer el que sigue ayer.
No daba ni 2 pesos por este libro. Primero que un insta-love, segundo Francia, tercero que sentía que la trama no avanzaba nada y que para ser un libro de mafia todo era muy tranquilo. Pero esa traición no me la esperaba, y ese finaaaaaal, inconcluso pero ese finaaaaal. Necesito leer el que sigue ayer.
April 19, 2024
This should really be my reminder to stop reading books I see on TikTok. Not only was this book vastly disappointing and not as exciting as I had hoped based on the TikTok I saw but it is to be continued and JUST MY LUCK, it’s not included in kindle unlimited 🙈 I hate belittling books because I know the authors must put so much time and effort into them but this has to be the worst mafia romance I’ve ever read. The story line is all over the place. I’m all for age gap but I’d rather not have the main character describe a story from when the girl was 7 and he was 17. Anyways, I feel betrayed by tiktok, I feel like I have to read book #2 so I can feel satisfied with the read but I can’t justify spending money on it when book 1 was so bad.
March 28, 2019
Just before I started reading Broken Rules, I made a resolution to make notes as I go, so I can properly prepare to write a review. I must admit that this was the shortest lived resolution I have ever made. I got hooked from the very first sentence of the book and by the end of the first page I was compelety lost in Layla's and Dante's story. And what a story it is! There's romance, obviously, but there's also drama, humour, crime, betrayal.
Layla is a daughter of a mafia boss who rules northern Chicago. A night before her birthday she meets Dante, her father's biggest enemy, who rules southern part of the city. The two bosses have been at war for six years but Layla and Dante fall for each other nevertheless. Eventually, Layla finds herself at a crossroads, she craves her father's attention but Dante seems to be the best thing that ever happened to her. Will she need to chose her side? Does she have a choice at all?
We don't actually find answers to those questions until the last pages of the book. And they are certainly not answers I expected! The unpredictable plot twist towards the end leaves you at the edge of your seat to the very last word. And then it ends with such a cliff hanger that all you want is for book number 2 to come out now.
The Broken Rules are full of lust, hate but also occasional violance, that remind me of Tarantino films, and strong language. This mixture make it much more realistic while surprising twists make it very gripping. You can't just simply read a chapter and go to bed or get on with your life. I couldn't. I was even secretely reading it at work and when I wasn't reading, all I could think about was Layla and Dante. It's a must read for everyone who likes to get lost in a book, nevermind if you don't normally read romance or YA. This is one of those books that, when you read you forget that you're actually reading. You don't see letters and words but conversations, people, situations
Layla is a daughter of a mafia boss who rules northern Chicago. A night before her birthday she meets Dante, her father's biggest enemy, who rules southern part of the city. The two bosses have been at war for six years but Layla and Dante fall for each other nevertheless. Eventually, Layla finds herself at a crossroads, she craves her father's attention but Dante seems to be the best thing that ever happened to her. Will she need to chose her side? Does she have a choice at all?
We don't actually find answers to those questions until the last pages of the book. And they are certainly not answers I expected! The unpredictable plot twist towards the end leaves you at the edge of your seat to the very last word. And then it ends with such a cliff hanger that all you want is for book number 2 to come out now.
The Broken Rules are full of lust, hate but also occasional violance, that remind me of Tarantino films, and strong language. This mixture make it much more realistic while surprising twists make it very gripping. You can't just simply read a chapter and go to bed or get on with your life. I couldn't. I was even secretely reading it at work and when I wasn't reading, all I could think about was Layla and Dante. It's a must read for everyone who likes to get lost in a book, nevermind if you don't normally read romance or YA. This is one of those books that, when you read you forget that you're actually reading. You don't see letters and words but conversations, people, situations
December 19, 2023
2.75 ★
I finished this with mixed feelings. The story had real promise with a lot of potential, but the narrative felt more like an intriguing draft than a well-rounded, polished work.
Despite feeling like the pacing created an erratic reading experience at times and the foreseeable plot twist, Layla's role as an unreliable narrator added a layer of intrigue. I appreciated how Dice wanted readers to doubt their instincts.
While I enjoyed Layla and Dante, I couldn't fully connect with them. Their relationship was too based on insta-lust and lacked real depth and substance beyond Layla’s insecurities and daddy/mommy issues.
I didn’t like Dante's machismo and how he undermined other women’s worth by their choices in clothing/personal style to establish Layla as better. Totally unnecessary. It only added to Layla’s annoying portrayal as a pick-me girl. I also strongly disliked his use of the term “retard”, there are better language choices. It’s really not hard.
Given this is Dice’s first book, I understand the Wattpad vibe, which is why I wish this had had a better editor. But, despite its flaws, I still ate this up and am curious enough to continue reading. My need for closure demands I know how it ends.
┏━━━━ ⋆⋅☼⋅⋆ ━━━━┓
1. Broken Rules — 2.75 ★
2. Broken Promises — tbr
┗━━━━ ⋆⋅☼⋅⋆ ━━━━┛
I finished this with mixed feelings. The story had real promise with a lot of potential, but the narrative felt more like an intriguing draft than a well-rounded, polished work.
Despite feeling like the pacing created an erratic reading experience at times and the foreseeable plot twist, Layla's role as an unreliable narrator added a layer of intrigue. I appreciated how Dice wanted readers to doubt their instincts.
While I enjoyed Layla and Dante, I couldn't fully connect with them. Their relationship was too based on insta-lust and lacked real depth and substance beyond Layla’s insecurities and daddy/mommy issues.
I didn’t like Dante's machismo and how he undermined other women’s worth by their choices in clothing/personal style to establish Layla as better. Totally unnecessary. It only added to Layla’s annoying portrayal as a pick-me girl. I also strongly disliked his use of the term “retard”, there are better language choices. It’s really not hard.
Given this is Dice’s first book, I understand the Wattpad vibe, which is why I wish this had had a better editor. But, despite its flaws, I still ate this up and am curious enough to continue reading. My need for closure demands I know how it ends.
┏━━━━ ⋆⋅☼⋅⋆ ━━━━┓
BROKEN DUET
1. Broken Rules — 2.75 ★
2. Broken Promises — tbr
┗━━━━ ⋆⋅☼⋅⋆ ━━━━┛
March 29, 2019
I tried to like this book but after trying to get into it on many occasions and getting about halfway, I just gave up. This was just not the story for me. I had no connection to the characters, Dante and Layla. Dante was too macho and Layla was too naive. Although they talked about being attracted to each other, there did not seem to be any real chemistry between them. Dante was supposed to be tough, streetwise and smart but just came off like a thug. Layla was so naive; more like a 14 year old pretending to be an adult. The storyline was just too far fetched.
I received a free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 7, 2024
OMG!!!! This book gripped me from the very beginning! The fact that it left off on a cliff hanger! Going search for the second book because I’m too invested.
This was a book I got on stuff your kindle day back in September. So glad I downloaded it. Will definitely recommend this book to anyone who is in their #mafiabookera
This was a book I got on stuff your kindle day back in September. So glad I downloaded it. Will definitely recommend this book to anyone who is in their #mafiabookera
September 5, 2023
Layla is sassy and doesn’t back down, Dante is a brooding mafia man who can’t help but fall for her. They’re dynamic and relationship was perfect and I’m very excited to see what happens in the next book!
October 3, 2022
it was good! but. the fmc loses independence as she falls further into love and I hate that. her love is debilitating and she loses her appeal as a character
October 14, 2022
insta-love once again the biggest snooze fest
May 9, 2023
was this meant to be a romance book?
December 31, 2023
It should’ve been shorter like the middle part was slow BUT THE ENDING OMG I SCREAMED WTF I TELL YOU GUYS I WILL NEVER EVER TRUST A LIVING PERSON WTF
January 5, 2024
The way me mind blowed away because of the plot I did not expect that to happend omg
May 18, 2024
It was my first time reading a @ia.dice book, and I absolutely loved it.
First, I thought to myself that everything was going too fast, but I regretted my thoughts ASAP! I just needed to read more of the story to understand it!
• He calls her "Star" and will do anything for her.(Yay! Nicknames!) ✨️⭐️✨️
• Without any spoilers... all it took was 2 evenings and 3 kisses!
• Throughout the story, Layla, the main female lead, will go through a lot of things, and hell, she's strong af!(strong FMC we love💕💅🏻)
•I really loved and love her.💖
• Dante, on the other hand, is an actual example of a gentleman.🤌🏻
• I want to say a lot more things, but I feel like everything I say will spoil the book! The end.... The end of the first book leaves you waiting....what will happen in the second one?!
•It's one of the rare times that I enjoy a cliffhanger this much! (*Chef's kiss 💋👩🍳)
• I give this one a 9/10 because that one point is left with the second book.
• The spice in this book was good, and I'm sure 🌶lovers will love it!
Go read it!
And don't forget to check out @ttreviwesbooks on ig for more 😴
xoxo, T
📎Genres:
• Contemporary Romance
• Mafia Romance
• Families are enemies
• If you touch her and he'll send you to the underworld. (Damn)
• Cliffhanger
• Part one of a Duet
First, I thought to myself that everything was going too fast, but I regretted my thoughts ASAP! I just needed to read more of the story to understand it!
• He calls her "Star" and will do anything for her.(Yay! Nicknames!) ✨️⭐️✨️
• Without any spoilers... all it took was 2 evenings and 3 kisses!
• Throughout the story, Layla, the main female lead, will go through a lot of things, and hell, she's strong af!(strong FMC we love💕💅🏻)
•I really loved and love her.💖
• Dante, on the other hand, is an actual example of a gentleman.🤌🏻
• I want to say a lot more things, but I feel like everything I say will spoil the book! The end.... The end of the first book leaves you waiting....what will happen in the second one?!
•It's one of the rare times that I enjoy a cliffhanger this much! (*Chef's kiss 💋👩🍳)
• I give this one a 9/10 because that one point is left with the second book.
• The spice in this book was good, and I'm sure 🌶lovers will love it!
Go read it!
And don't forget to check out @ttreviwesbooks on ig for more 😴
xoxo, T
📎Genres:
• Contemporary Romance
• Mafia Romance
• Families are enemies
• If you touch her and he'll send you to the underworld. (Damn)
• Cliffhanger
• Part one of a Duet
July 10, 2022
I cannot believe this was I.A Dice’s book debut! This forbidden love story between two people who “weren’t supposed to meet” will hook you!
I love mafia romance and the well-written tale has it all. The cliffy at the end will leave you needing the next installment (which is thankfully already available!)
I love mafia romance and the well-written tale has it all. The cliffy at the end will leave you needing the next installment (which is thankfully already available!)
June 9, 2024
mhmmm love me a man who will burn the world just for one woman 🤭 Dante crazy af lmao but this man loves himself some Layla, that’s for sure! Pretty good book, 4 stars. Some things were predictable but the ending got me interested enough to wna read book 2.
mafia, enemies to lovers, slight age gap; check triggers!
mafia, enemies to lovers, slight age gap; check triggers!
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