Broken by Sin

Iron & Lace, Book #1

By B.B. Hamel

ISBN# 9798441450263

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi

Review

There is a thin line between love and hate.

Nico was a young boy of ten, when he lost both of his parents.  His father crossed the Bruno Famiglia and a hit was ordered on his entire family.  Nico’s mother forced Nicco out a second story window that saved his life.  She wasn’t so lucky.  He heard her screams as the men killed her.  He has vowed revenge on the Bruno Famiglia ever since.

Nico befriended Casso Bruno, the Don’s oldest son, and has worked hard to gain the family’s trust and work up through the ranks.  The Don considers him like another son.  Nico, waits in the shadows for the perfect time to strike.  In the meantime, he does enjoy causing a little bit of chaos when he can.

Karah is Don Bruno’s only daughter.  She’s lived as a spoiled princess her whole life.  However, he’s decided it’s time she grows up.  He has arranged a marriage for her with a Russian that lives in Texas.  Karah doesn’t want to leave her home and everything she knows.  She was given one week to find a suitable husband within the Famiglia.

When her first attempt fails horribly, it is revealed that Nico is the only man her father will accept within his ranks.  Nico, the man she hates.  The man that enjoys torturing her.  However, you know what they say about the devil you know.  Of course, her father lets her know that he doesn’t think she can convince Nico.  Game on!

Karah is quickly running out of time.  Will Nico give in before it’s too late and she’s given away to the Russian?  And, can Nico give up his bid for revenge for a chance at love?

“Morning, princess. You look gorgeous with that fresh just-came-hard hair.”

I grimace. That’s much better. A little hate rekindles and the world’s right again.”

I’ve been on a bit of a mafia kick lately.  So, here is another one.  I was not sure if I’d like this one of not.  The synopsis seemed a bit dense and I was worried that would bleed over to the writing style, in general.  I’m happy to report that was not an issue.  The story flowed well and I enjoyed Nico (eventually) and Karah.  I also enjoyed Karah’s youngest older brother, Gavino.

Don Bruno always seemed to have something up his sleeve, and I couldn’t take him at face value.  Especially this deal he made with Karah.  I was waiting for him to back out of it the whole time.

Neither Nico nor Karah really wanted to fall in love with each other.  They enjoyed their bickering too much.  However, neither can deny the sparks between them once they give them a chance to ignite. 

“I love you more than I love brunch, and god damn, do I love brunch.”

I really enjoyed this couple once they gave love a chance.  They both had similar struggles and were actually a pretty good fit.  They definitely filled in the gaps for each other. Although I have a hard time, believing how easy it is for Karah to forgive what Nico did on their wedding night. 

I would love to see more of this couple, and I hope that we’ll see more of them in the other books in the series.

“It’s like denying a hurricane or a tidal wave. Nico is my natural disaster, he’s my pleasure incarnate, he’s my sins made flesh and I want him to take me, ravish me, turn me into something I never once dreamed.”