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Love is War #2

Breaking Her

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From internationally bestselling author R.K. Lilley comes a scorching new series with melt-the-pages tension and all-consuming angst. It’s love, it’s war and it’s Scarlett and Dante’s story.

DESTRUCTION. BETRAYAL. RUINATION.
TRUE LOVE.
Breaking Her
Book Two in the Love is War Duet.
This is the conclusion of Scarlett and Dante's story.

SCARLETT
He had done it again. Ravaged me. Burned me. Broke me.
Given me air, only to leave me gasping, writhing.
But then something changed. Something that terrified and excited me both.
Something that utterly destroyed me.
Something that made me whole again.

DANTE
Our love was cursed from the start. She didn't know it but I did.
All she knew was that I'd lied to her, betrayed her. Done unforgivable things. Unavoidable things. Yes, I had broken promises as surely as I had broken her heart. But, just as every war has casualties, and every lie has consequences–every bastard has his reasons.

324 pages

First published March 27, 2016

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About the author

R.K. Lilley

37 books12.6k followers
R.K. Lilley has been a writer since she can remember, but has held down some interesting jobs to pay the bills. For several years she was a first class flight attendant, and she always swore that she just had to write a book about it. Mixing her love of romance and all things BDSM, the Up In the Air Trilogy is her debut into the world of contempary romance and erotica. She is currently working on the final installment in the series.
You can contact R.K. at Authorrklilley@gmail.com
Visit her Facebook page to keep up-to-date on what she's working on

https://www.facebook.com/authorrklilley

And check out her website http://www.rklilley.com/

R.K. also writes urban fantasy under the pseudonym: Rebecca K. Lilley

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5 stars
3,421 (39%)
4 stars
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3 stars
1,634 (18%)
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194 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 878 reviews
Profile Image for SueBee★bring me an alpha!★.
2,417 reviews15.1k followers
August 15, 2017



★★★★★! Breaking Her, book 2 of 2. The conclusion to Dante & Scarlett’ epic love saga derailed by lies, deceit, secrets & sabotage!

“Waiting on the other side of the door.”

Books in Love is War duet should be read in order:
Book 1: Breaking Him
Book 2: Breaking Her


in Breaking Him, book 1 we followed the toxic and addictive love. between businessman and heir Dante Durant and flight attendant and aspiring actress Scarlett Theroux.

Slowly alternating between past and present we followed an unlikely friendship blossom into puppy love firsts and beyond before something goes horribly wrong wrecking their relationship and rendering them both unable to move on. Set on revenge, it became a twisted game.


Breaking Her, book 2 will add the final pieces in the puzzle of an epic love derailed by deceit, lies, violence, sabotage, secrets, blackmail and more…



From a privileged family and heir to a department store empire Dante Durant did not have to befriend the angry feisty girl who smelled like trash, but he did and more on that and what battles he fought to unfold with story.



Teased and bullied because her mom left her in a dumpster Scarlett Theroux, Angel aka Trashcan girl learned to fight to survive and to hide a stutter. It gave her a prickly, testy and easily offended personality. I was utterly enchanted by her and as she grew up she also captivated her surrounding.

Breaking Her, told from Dante’s POVs is a masterpiece with just the right amount of heart-shattering angst, breath-taking love and devastating secrets. In their pain masked as anger; lust masked as hatred and never-ending love masked with indifference they were destined to be each other’s first and last…

Brilliant story-telling! Supreme character development! A dysfunctional love of epic proportions!

***
Hero rating: 5+ stars
Heroine rating: 5+ stars
Sexual tension rating: 5+ stars
Sex scenes rating: 5+ stars
Sex scenes frequency: 5 stars
Plot rating: 5+ stars
Dialogue rating: 5+ stars
Storytelling rating: 5+ stars
Story ending rating: 4.5 stars
**********************************************
Overall rating: 5+ stars

Would I recommend this series: Yes.
Would I re-read this series: Yes.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.
Profile Image for  A. .
1,164 reviews4,997 followers
February 10, 2019
4 Stars

This was one hell of a ride!

It’s not a secret that Tristan and Danika are one of my most favorite series of all time. And this series didn’t disappoint either. I really enjoyed it.

Both of the books were extremely engrossing. I knew that this series would be super angsty but I didn’t know the story would be so mysterious. And I loved the mystery. I loved how the author kept me in the dark almost till the very end of the series and how the urge to know the truth almost drove me nuts.

If I had to pick one thing I loved most about this book, I would choose the heroine. Scarlett is one of my favorite heroines of all time. Femme fatale. Man-eater.



She’s stubborn, smart-mouthed and sassy as hell but not in the annoying way. Her tongue is sharp as a snake's. Her beauty and tough-as-nails attitude makes men stupid.

Dante is hot and cold and has a hellish temper. I didn’t know what to make of him in the first book. I felt somehow indifferent towards him. I didn't love him, but I didn’t hate him either. I just didn’t fully connect to him. But he really grew on me in the second book to the point where now I just think he's amazing. He completely redeemed himself.

The relationship that Scarlett and Dante have is unique. Their love is epic, they hate each other as much as they adore each other. They are both jealous types and uber-possessive. They both have a hellish temper and are extremely stubborn and proud. Their chemistry is explosive. Their banter is hot and delicious. When they are near each other, you can practically cut the tension with a knife and feel the earth shift beneath your feet.

I don’t care if the drama was over the top. And I don’t care if some things were a little unbelievable (but then again I may be wrong because I’ve never been filthy rich and I've heard that rich people sometimes do unbelievable things.)

You know that moment when you finish a book in one sitting and you realize you don’t live in that world and you actually have a real life. That’s how I felt. And then I realized that I was so engrossed in the lives of the characters and so hypnotized by the story that I forgot to live my life. I was doing my chores on autopilot and I couldn't wait to get rid of all the people around me to get back to my book.

Profile Image for Pavlina Read more sleep less blog  .
2,434 reviews5,100 followers
March 30, 2016
3 STARS

description

I loved the first book and I was expecting this story to continue like the first one. Unfortunately it didn’t reach my expectations! I found the plot to be confusing at times, as well as weird in others. Moreover, there were moments that the story was too over the top for my taste. And this ruined the story in my opinion! The story is between the past and the present. But in the first part, the present is so slow that I was waiting patiently for something to happen! The past was more interesting. As for the characters Dante is what kept my interest. His relationship with Scarlett was full of angst like the first book. But I'm glad that I see many people enjoyed it! Hopefully if you read it now you find the story entertaining!

description
Profile Image for Brandi.
659 reviews1,464 followers
March 29, 2016
2.75 Stars

description

I don't know what is going on with me - but it seems, me and contemporary romance might need to break up or something. Lately, most of my reading experiences are on the wrong end of the scale - and I just end up frustrated, annoyed or indifferent.

description

And, honestly, I hate rating low and giving a shitty review - so maybe I need a break - because maybe it's not the books, it might just be me. I really enjoyed Breaking Him and I've been looking forward to this one, but unfortunately, it was just too over the top, and I found myself disconnected, bored, and struggling to finish. :/
Profile Image for London.
725 reviews
August 8, 2016
Okay so I devoured this in a day but I'm a little conflicted about how to rate it. It's more about quite a few questions I have that were left unanswered or swept under the rug too quickly. None of them have to do with "safety gang" details just questions I was waiting to be answered. So I generally enjoyed the story but I felt like something was lacking in this book compared to book #1. The first book had the perfect mix of suspense, angst, and romance where as this book fell a little flat for me.

I'm going to do a little numbered rant so be warned now that there are major spoilers. CLICK AT YOUR OWN RISK.





UPDATE: I'm very thankful that the book was safe. Maybe it's wishful thinking to think the author saw our comments and kept us mind when writing this book? There is an exception for


Below is my initial reaction after having finished book #1 and everything below has been addressed above. lol.



Profile Image for Rachel  L.
2,051 reviews2,471 followers
August 20, 2016
3 stars

"You're a lioness, not a lamb, and you don't need to apologize for it. You're overprotective and fiercely loyal. None of those are bad qualities. They're your strengths and I've always admired you for embracing them."

So, I'm going to sound a bit like a parent on this one. I'm not angry, I'm just disappointed in this book. Breaking Him was one of my top favorite reads of 2015, I loved it so much and I loved Scarlett and Dante so much. So maybe my expectations of this book were too high, but after the brilliance of the first one, I expected RK to deliver brilliance in the follow up and that didn't happen.

Breaking Her picks up kind of where we left off. A few days/weeks before I think timeline wise. The first 20% of this book, I was bored. Dante and Scarlett weren't together much, past or present and they are what I was looking forward to the most. I will say the book did pick up after the first 20-25% and got better from there.

"It is much easier to hate someone who you're certain has wronged you than it is to hate yourself."



What I did like was R.K.'s writing style, she has a beautiful way with words, that's never going to change. There were also some great moments from the past perspective that were little touches of magic interspersed throughout the book. I liked we got to see more of their past relationship and how special it was. Of the book as a whole, I enjoyed about half of it altogether and wasn't in love with the other half.

My heart broke for Scarlett in a lot of this book, there was a point at which I started to feel sooooooooo bad for her, wanting it to stop. She's an admirable character and I loved her, she's my favorite part of this duet. Strong female characters need to be more present in the romance genre, and no one writes them better than Lilley.

And I will say one more thing, and please note this did not affect my rating at all but it needed to be said. If I am going to pay for a book, I don't want to see spelling and grammatical errors in it. And especially since this book was a bit more expensive than others. Errors take me out of the reading experience and instead of enjoying it, I am distracted by what's wrong. Again this doesn't affect my rating, that was all based on the content of the book.

"Do you love me at least as much as you hate me?"

Profile Image for Catarina.
896 reviews2,238 followers
April 4, 2016
4 Second Chance Stars.

This second and final installment (finally) bring us the conclusion of Scarlett and Dante’s story. After so many secrets, so much pain and sacrifice it comes a time where the truth must come out.
Some sacrifices are made out of love, but when all it’s said and done, second chances don’t come easy.
How much are you willing to forget the hurt and the past and open your heart for a love than only brought you pain before?

description

I can honestly say, this was one of the sequels I was waiting most anxiously for, especially after the angst fest and the way the previous one ended.
Finally some questions were answered, s**t hit the fan and despite not understanding (or liking) some of the events in this book, I still liked it a lot.
Scarlett and Dante have that kind of love that will make you feel like you’re there, living the story with them, even in the moments they try their best to hate each other. Well, I guess the amazing writing skill that R.K. Lilley possesses is a big help, but a obsessive, “have-to-have-you-even-if-I-wait-all-my-life”, kind of love is always welcome in my books, so in the end of the day I was a happy girl. And the sweet ending didn’t hurt as well.

description

Rating: 4 Stars.
Characters Development: Dante was really, really good. I mean, I don’t understand why he decide to keep secrets for all those years when he could just have told the truth and find a solution together, but I guess some things are better off unexplained. But he was sweet and with the sacrifices he made it’s impossible not to fall in love with him. Scarlett was nice and to some extent I understood her actions, but some of them just seemed like they were made out of spite and that pissed me off. There was some moments I had trouble connecting with her. Tiffany, the bitch, should have had a much bigger punishment that was a disappointment.
Steam: Hot.
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews73 followers
March 31, 2016
Outstanding read !

I adore this author to pieces! In my opinion R.K. Lilley can do no wrong and each and every time I read one of her books, I’m a goner. Breaking Her is not a standalone. It is the final book in Love is War Duet. This conclusion reached and surpassed all my expectations !

After reading Breaking Him I was left with so many questions and I got all the needed answers. From past to present everything came out and when I learnt the actual truth that was slowly unveiled my heart seriously broke for both of them.

There was so much secrets, lies, deceits and suffering between them that it was at times hard to stomach. What they went through, the misery, the pain, the angst, the heartache, the long-suffering was just unbearable.

The author did a fantastic job writing these characters. Scarlett is strong and feisty and never annoying. She has truly overcome a lot in her life and most people would never be able to function normally after enduring what Scarlett did.

Dante ! Dante! What can I say…I just loved him. Everything he did and said was to protect her. No part of him has ever wanted to stop protecting her. Even from herself. He had to make a choice. Her freedom or her love. Those were his choices. It was no choice at all, but it broke them all the same.

They both paid the price. For five years, they tormented each other, both engaged in a merciless war. Their history was long and destructive. Their HEA didn't come easy but I think all the hard work they had to do made their love even much stronger. They only made sense together.

Ms Lilley definitely has a magic touch when it comes to creating sizzling chemistry between the characters. Scarlett and Dante’s story is beautiful, gripping, engaging, intense and emotional.

I highly recomment this poignant and powerful read. I loved the writing style, loved the characters and the storyline had me riveted and I was consumed with it step of the way!
Profile Image for ★MC's Corner★.
965 reviews47 followers
Want to read
October 14, 2015
WHAAAAT HAPPENED?!

WHAT'S THE MATTER WITH YOU DANTE?!!!

M*********ING A-HOLE!!!
Profile Image for Mali Mor ❤️ The Romantic Blogger.
453 reviews585 followers
September 30, 2020
29-09-2020-11-49-47-5200000
💜 4.5 (Broken) STARS 💜

READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE:
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Profile Image for KAS.
317 reviews3,121 followers
May 9, 2017
"Life Before Scarlett. Life With Scarlett. Life After Scarlett"

This is the duet to "Breaking Him," which MUST be read first. I immediately dove into this one as the first ended in a big cliffy! Ms. Lilley calls this duet "Love Is War" and it couldn't be more aptly named.

"Wanting her."

"Needing her."

"Having her."

"Losing her."

"I'd been mad for her since we were ten years old and she gave me her first conspiratorial grin, the one that told me we'd be giving the world hell."

Dante's love for Scarlett has consumed him since he was a boy. Every move, every decision and every promise he has ever made was to protect her. He can barely breathe without her and will do whatever it takes to get her back.

"But always, always, there was a cloud looming over our heads, a storm on the brink, and in my mind, at least, there is only one person to blame for it."

Ah yes, who was to blame? I needed answers to many questions. They were slow in coming, but I was glad to hear Dante's thoughts as the storyline alternated between his and Scarlett's POV. There is a back and forth between the past and present, which is essential. This wasn't just a bunch of rehashing of the first book, but a continuation of the story, an eventual ending which was satisfying.

Dante and Scarlett's relationship is scorching hot, but virtual land mines surround them from all directions. They don't have a chance in hell to survive them.

Angst, lies, deception, devotion, hate/love, steamy sex, mystery ...... this has it all. It is a crazy, complicated ball of hot mess, but one I enjoyed seeing unravel, as it kept me burning through the pages. I will admit though, I did do the eye roll thingy a time or two, but not enough to knock down my four star rating.
Profile Image for Alex is The Romance Fox.
1,461 reviews1,209 followers
November 30, 2016
WHEW!This is me after going thru some hell of an angst fest!!!!
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Breaking Her is the 2nd book in R.K. Lilley's Love is War Duet. I loved the 1st book, Breaking Him https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2... and I was so looking forward to the follow-up. I so wanted to like this one............but sadly I did not.

Dante & Scarlett's intense and shaky relationship continues in this book.....it's become even more intense...in fact, it's overflowing with over-the-top angst.........did I say angst????!!!YES!!!!
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Each encounter between these two seems to end in angry sex............turn page...angst....turn page....angst.....

Why the hell these two didn't just come out and say what they were thinking/feeling instead back and forward with all the internal doubts!!!!

Then the drama................the cliff-hanger we were left at the end of the 1st book is now revealed!!!
Again............drama....drama....drama............

Okay, Scarlett's secrets come out..............Dante's secrets come out.............but boy did it take a looooooooooong time for the revelations to come up!!! Big reveals......almost at the very end of the story!!!! In between I am kind of skimming a lot of the pages....why??? Because I am beyond confused...........what the heck is going on here!!! My head is spinning...the story moves from present to past to present again!!!! I just kept waiting for something monumental to happen...but just never does......
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The whole plot was a bit unbelievable in some parts which added further to my addled reading brain state!!!! And some of the secondary characters......OMG!!! The most awful and unlikeable people ever............Dante's debauched father........his evil mother........Scarlett's traitorous friend, Farah....and then there's that really bad bad bad one........Tiffany........what a cow!!!! Well, there are a few nice ones...but somehow they just seemed to fade into the background......so, I'm off now....I need some fortitude after meeting up with these humans!!!!
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Most people loved this book and in a way I understand their reasons...but for me....it was a case of between It Was Okay and I Liked It -------because I did like the Epilogue!!!!

And may I add........I am still a total R.K. Lilley fan!!!!
Profile Image for Rain.
2,223 reviews28 followers
April 15, 2023
Scarlet and Dante’s sexual chemistry was off the charts!

I’m not sure that I enjoyed this story as much as the first, but it was still entertaining to read. The back-and-forth time jumps, and high level of angst was a little exhausting after two books.

I have never read a hero that was this steadfast, but he also played with her emotions so hard.



Tbh, these two deserve each other in the end. All of the games, the lies, the purposefully hurting each other…I understand the reasons for all of this, I just don’t like them! Dante did everything within his power, to protect the love of his life, and that was admirable.

"I'm here for the same reason I always come back to you. I've come for scraps. Anything you'll give me. I've come because I can't stay away." His voice was low and hoarse from the drink, but thick and dark with emotion. "I tried to. Don't you know that I'm always trying to stay away? It doesn't matter. It never works.

Ends with a long-awaited, and much fought for hea.
Profile Image for Mikee (ReadWithMikee).
203 reviews1,355 followers
April 2, 2016
"You learn more about someone when you're fighting them than you do loving them. Things you can only learn from war."
I really wanted to like this and I've actually been eagerly waiting forever for its release, but this book did not make sense to me.

I was getting bored out of my mind because the story just kept bouncing back and forth between past and present to the point where the story wasn't even moving or going anywhere, which just made things even more confusing and slow. I felt like Breaking Him did a much better job at alternating between past and present whereas Breaking Her just stagnated.

On top of that, all the characters were getting on my nerves. I got annoyed with them in the past and got even more annoyed with them in the present. Every character in this book was just fucked up in the head one way or another. We got bitchy mom. Bitchy, sneaky Tiffany. Alcoholic grandmother. Perverted prostitute-loving dad. Drug dealing deadbeat father. Pedophile police officer. The list just goes on and on. I was just overly frustrated with everything and everyone that I honestly couldn't even bring myself to enjoy the story anymore because of how terrible each and every character was.

Sure there were some hot, steamy sex scenes but even I couldn't enjoy it or take any of it seriously because the more I continued to read about Dante and Scarlett, the more I cringed at how evidently unhealthy their relationship really was. There was the issue of trust, jealousy, and just too much baggage coming from both sides.

Dante was just too overprotective and overbearing at times that I felt like even I was being suffocated. He was just holding Scarlett back in so many ways and I felt like the author just kept trying to redeem him in every situation by having Dante eventually relent to her wishes. Sure he was trying to protect her but to be honest, the last thing that Scarlett needed was to be tied down and held back. If anything, she needed to get out there in the world and leave her past behind, and that included even Dante. She had so much baggage of her own to deal with and she didn't need Dante's as well holding her down when she needed to desperately get back up and really start to live her life. If she was going to end up with a Durant, I honestly would've preferred Bastian over Dante any day.

I mean I am glad that Dante and Scarlett got their happy ending and all. I was all for Dante and Scarlett in Breaking Him but this story didn't go how I was expecting it to go. I'm all for unpredictability, but things got too dramatic and too over the top, and because of that, the story just became too crazy and unrealistic. Everything I enjoyed in Breaking Him just sort of unraveled into this huge, ugly mess in Breaking Her and pretty much ruined everything I came to love about the first book.

R.K. is still one hell of a writer, don't get me wrong, but this one just didn't go up to par with Breaking Him. The Love is War duology is actually my first time reading anything by R.K. Lilley and although I didn't like Breaking Her all that much, I've become a fan of her work and really look forward to reading her other books.
Profile Image for Adriana Martinez.
3 reviews1 follower
April 7, 2016
I give this SERIES 4.9 stars (out of love), because of the fact that my heart was broken over and over and million times over.

So, I've seen a lot of mixed reviews for Breaking Her, but this series was completely different from any other contemporary novels. That is why I love this author so much. She is willing to cross the line and go where no other author is willing to cross. If you haven't read this series yet, well then, you are lucky to be deciding to read it now; I had to wait months before Breaking Her was released and I went through a major book hangover. I sucked in every single word, not wanting to miss anything important. My heart was on the line when it came to this book, because, in all reality, R.K. could've easily destroyed it. Would Dante and Scarlett make it through all this? How in the hell could they be together after all their secrets unfolded? Is there even a solution to fixing this problem? The answer to these questions is YES, Because LOVE, and YES.

Dante and Scarlett were a breath of fresh air for me. Heroine characters are usually made out to be innocent and sweet, but Scarlett was the complete opposite! She didn't just crumble away when she was faced with the worst pain of losing someone she loved. She held her head up high and made the person who hurt her bleed with her. She has been through hell, but she came back and was stronger than before. That is why I loved her character so much. Nothing is better than when a heroine is bold and brave. Why isn't there more heroines like her again? I don't know.

No one messes with Dante, he will tear down your entire life without even blinking and it doesn't matter if you are family or not. He will take his time and you won't even see it coming. He's just the perfect Hero, and with every Hero comes some flaws but there is no denying the love I had for Dante. He definitely redeemed himself to me. He had his reasons for doing what he did and I can live with that.

Overall, this book will tear you apart but it will piece you right back together and make you feel whole again. I write this review today to say goodbye to such wonderful characters, and I hope I get to hear and see more from them in R.K. Lilley's upcoming novels. Thank you Dante and Scarlett for playing with my fucking emotions.
Profile Image for Lea ★.
520 reviews151 followers
March 29, 2016
I am mind blown! Damn!
Can you truly recover from your first heart break?
This is a story of second chances, one true love and redemption.

Yes I do love you as much as I hate you.

I say this every time, but this is the exact reason why R.K. Lilley is one of my favorite authors.
Love is war is one of her best works.
Emotional turmoil at its best.

I do love some good ol' love hate relationships. Love really is war.
So many secrets, lies and revelations.
Imagine a strong bond between two people. They love as much as they hate each other.
Their dialog basically changes from poisonous words to caring and passionate.
On top of that you still have that hot smut action.

Ok, so this book picks up right after Breaking him and is not a standalone.
After that huge cliffy in previous book I wanted to throw my Kindle against the wall. Literally.
I made a huge mistake by reading Breaking him before Breaking her was out. My bad, and I won't do it again (at least that is what I keep telling myself each and every time).
I didn't get any answers to my questions (whole book was one big mystery to me), zero, zip, zilch, nada!

You never get to stop loving me.

It's hard to write any kind of review without revealing too much, because this book... my God... at on point I had no idea what was happening. At around 60%, we finally get some answers.

I still feel like there is a lot more going on and like Dante's and Scarlett's story is not done yet.
I kinda hope, R.K. will write something more... just a tiny glimpse into their lives post war.

Don't pass this up, grab your copy today! :)



Profile Image for Yvette (Booksandbandanas).
485 reviews111 followers
March 23, 2016
My heart is screaming & pounding out of my chest.

RK.Lilley has again blown my world.

Everyone knows RK Lilley is my one click author. I die over her books, she creates the most beautifully heart wrenching stories. I'm going to try to review this the best I can, because, everything about the 2nd book in the Love Is War Duet, is a spoiler everything. When Breaking him came to a close I think we all had question after question. I finished that book and thought where is everything going? I need answers. Rest assured RK gives you all the answers...but are you truly prepared? Because I wasn't. NOT AT ALL.

When Breaking Him left off, I knew I liked Dante knew he was hiding a lot, knew he was downright sinful, knew that there was more then meets the eye. I THOUGHT I KNEW. I KNEW NOTHING.

Again everything is a spoiler.

Scarlett, if I ever was beyond obsessed with a female character it's her. HER. HER. HER. We all know the day she meets 10 year old Dante her life as she know's it changes. You learn all the missing pieces that you tried to figure out in Breaking Him, and trust me when I say...your heart is going to break, not just for Scarlett but for Dante.
For me, these two together were perfection. But, Dante • Dante• Dante. If I ever doubted you forgive me. He will OWN every last piece of your HEART.

ANGST

HATE

LOVE

FORGIVENESS

FOREVER

SEX

I can continue, but I think you should all experience this on your own. Scarlett and Dante, will leave a mark on your soul, these two did a number on me. Bravo to R.K.Lilley, I Have no clue how she creates such magically, perfectly written stories. The creativity in every aspect of this story is crafted to PERFECTION.

And that ending that ending.
Must READ!

Favorite Quotes

He was supposed to be mine.  Inarguably.  Irrevocably.  Every part of him, inside and out, belonged to me.

"You learn more about someone when you're fighting them than you do loving them.

The king of all of my regrets.  The architect of every last drop of joy I'd ever tasted.     My tormentor.  My savior.
April 12, 2016
4 ★'s

At the end of Breaking Him, Scarlett and Dante are not in a good place and we're left with a whole lotta questions. Fortunately, I'm happy to say that we get all the answers to our questions and more...maybe even a bit more than we wanted.

I had an idea of the direction the book was taking but then it veered left into something totally unexpected and creepy as hell! Ugh...I really wish that hadn't happened but it does explain a heck of a lot.

Still not a fan of going back and forth between the past and the present. It always seemed that just when things were going good, BAM...it switches to a different time frame.

The best part was Dante...he is just so yummy even if he gets a little crazy (lol). I loved finding out what he "didn't do" even if it's a little unrealistic but mainly I love how much he loves Scarlett.

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Oh...and that little twist? Figured out part of it but the rest? Never saw it coming but how perfect was that?

Bastian was a huge factor in this book and I was pleasantly surprised. However, I'm not happy with his decision although I really hope that R.K.L. writes a book for him.

And of course, how can you not love that ending? It was everything it should have been five years ago!

Overall, I really enjoyed the story even if this had a ton of stuff crammed down it's throat. Maybe this is one of those times that a trilogy would have been better? Who knows but I'll take it any way R.K.L. writes 'em! Because you know...everyone needs tequila and shoe porn! ;)


♦ BR w/Melissa!

(Prior to review...)
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MARCH 29th BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Profile Image for Beatrice.
1,206 reviews1,717 followers
June 15, 2017
Breaking Her is the conclusion to Dante and Scarlett's story. Here, we get all the revelations in the past that torn their relationship apart. I like that we get to hear Dante's point of view and understand his side. Their past was more complicated than I thought as they're both manipulated with lies. As much as they hated each other, the love remains and worked on their issues. However, the war isn't over because someone wants to destroy it again and they're going to make sure it won't happen again.

My reading pace is quicker than the first book. The drama was explosive but it's way too much and at some point prolonged. I don't like it beats around the bush and it almost frustrate me. In my opinion, this should be told more in the past and atleast 20% told in present time. That epilogue was such a lackluster.
26 reviews
March 30, 2016
I fucking hate the "coming soon".
Couldn't you just give us a least a month!!! Give us something!
Profile Image for Sandra Cortez.
522 reviews53 followers
March 29, 2016
I need to be honest this took a completely different direction than I anticipated. I need to sit on this one and think this through.

***
Breaking Her picks right where we were left off. I had so many questions, I can say everything was answered and some of my theories were even correct. However, where the story didn't settle for me was the believability. I realize this is fiction but it was entirely too over the top for me. And it had a different overall vibe that didn't gel with me. I hate that I felt this way, I really wanted to love this one but I just didn't. So even though I didn't love, you might. The writing was great and there were some fantastic stand out secondary characters I would love to read more about. Do not let me deter you for finding the answers, this just might be your cuppa.
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,592 reviews167 followers
April 2, 2016
My emotions r al over the place it made me dizzy



There is so much drama goin on in this book an I luvd it Scarlett is still sassy sexy beautiful as ever an she could cut u where it hurt with a single word an I luv her she as gone through so much shit as a young girl her grandmother was so mean the the kids at school were so horrible the only people she had was Dante an his Gram everyone else could go to hell they were al she needed but like normal life wasn't was easy for her



Dante family were as messed up as they come his mum is a total lunatic an his dad was just a mess his life full of woman an booze an he hated both of them his Gram was who he luvd an once he set his eyes on Scarlett she was his end off there would b no one like her



This book went from past to present an it was great we got to see how amazing these to were in the past before everything went crazy an there present was just really crazy it was so hard to see how these to could actually luv each other there were so mean an horrible an could tear each other to pieces one thing that was alway good was there sexy time angry sex smoking making up sex amazing an making luv sex awesome they were just meant to b but when there r people man in u do thing to protect the one u luv u will do anything even if it's tear the heart up of the person u luv the most in the world



I was dyin for this book after the first book Breaking Him which was brilliant an this book didn't disappoint I found out everything that I wanted to know in this but god there r some really twisted people in it the things that people will do to break someone is crazy but getting to know what had happened between these was so sad they had been through so much in the past an present that at times there wasn't a way out but there luv for each other was just so strong Ye thing could b taken back or unsaid but they were just meant to b haha I sound so sappy but I just luv them



I really enjoyed this book but I luv the authors work I 've luvd every couple she as written Tristan an Danika r just the best I luvd there series even though they aren't as as good as these 2 there not that far behind I would highly recommend this book it can b a lil far fetched at times but I just didn't care I couldn't put it down once I started can't wait for more from this author xxx



Profile Image for Ang C.
745 reviews112 followers
July 19, 2016
3.5-4 Stars...

This was THE MOST ANTICIPATED sequel ever. I loved the angst...the love/hate relationship...the mystery behind their issues...and the angry sex in Breaking Him. In book one, Scarlett had my sympathies and I despised how callously Dante broke her heart. This couple's story was an emotional roller coaster as they destroyed each other, tying me in knots.

RK is an excellent writer. She certainly knows how to build a roaring fire of sexual tension and angst within a plot. And a master at twirling my emotions whenever I step inside her tales.
Profile Image for Paula .
704 reviews231 followers
May 3, 2016

4 stars!

I hate cliffhangers. I really hate them with a passion. But I forgive Miz Lilley, because THIS BOOK was worth the wait. Every single thing I wanted to know comes out.

R.K. Lilley delivers a tragic but beautiful love story of two hearts facing impossible odds. There are so many twists and turns. Some I predicted. Some knocked me over and punched me in the gut. I absolutely loved Scarlett and Dante. They have the best love/hate relationship. So intense. I felt the sadness, angst, happiness, longing, sexual chemistry, HATE, LOVE - I felt it all.

My only complaint was how the main conflict of the story was resolved so easily, especially since Dante and Scarlett went through hell and back. I guess I expected things to be more complicated than they were. But maybe, just maybe that was the point. What do I know.

Breaking Her is a very satisfying conclusion to Scarlett and Dante's story. While I wish the ending didn't feel like it wrapped up so easily, I still couldn't have asked for a better ending to a story that had so much heartache, dysfunction, and tragedy. This contemporary series is one of the best I've read in a long time. I'm hoping to see Bastion again. He truly deserves his own book.

Profile Image for Didi.
865 reviews284 followers
March 30, 2016
3 STARS

WHEW! That was one hell of an angsty ride.

The conclusion to the Love is War series was brimming with over-the-top angst. It was everywhere...in every corner, on every page, in every sentence and even in every page break. Did I love that, though? Kind of? I think if you've read new adult contemporary romance by RKL, then you know to clear your schedule because it's gonna be a heart-ripping angst-fest. This was more emotional than the first book where we were constantly left saying, "what the fu*k is going on?!"

Here, we get all the answers and all the freakin' accompanying angst and compulsion to pull our hair out--it was slowly lured out which frustrated me to no end--. It was a wild ride, but to be honest, it bordered on the insane and just plain crazy. I won't give anything away. Everyone should experience the stress levels of reading this as I did.

There were a few surprises though, pulled the carpet right from under me! But in general, my suspicions were right, although the specifics were still shocking. Scarlett is an interesting heroine. I really liked her, but sometimes were annoyed by her. I understood her pain but didn't even fathom the reasons behind what she did. Same goes for Dante. They were truly destined for each other. Not because of all the fu*cked up things they did to one another, but because without the external circumstances, they were truly a couple in love and connected on a soulful level.
My issues then: Adelaide. She was one crazy bitch, I tell you. However,
My other issue was how dramatic everything was. I get having some drama in a relationship, we all have it to an extent in our lives, but this was out of the stratosphere effed up. It was so toxic at times I honestly didn't understand it. The last thing was the cost of this ebook, it was pricey.
That being said, I did enjoy this book, though, even in all its messed up glory.

The ending was sweet and showed us the consequences of certain behaviours and decisions. I think what Scarlett did in her life was understandable, although I didn't agree with it. I would have loved a big, FU*CK YOU scene at the end for Mrs. Shame-on-her, Adelaide. Whatever though, I liked this but if you plan on reading it just get ready for over-the-top angst and drama. It's not for everyone, but I enjoyed it, for the most part. One more thing...a certain someone really needs his HEA, maybe he'll get a book? He damn well deserves it.
Profile Image for Vilma.
636 reviews2,838 followers
March 30, 2016
[4.5 stars]

He’s the best I ever had. And the worst thing that ever happened to me. True love is a bitch.


R.K. Lilley reveals shocking answers to the questions and insecurities that plagued the explosive relationship between Dante and Scarlett. Theirs was a relationship first rooted in safety and protection, physical and emotional connection, but then one that ran wild with pang of desperation and betrayal. They needed each other, hated and loved each other—fiercely.

Yes, I do love you as much as I hate you.


Breaking Her unravels their twisted story in alternating Scarlett/Dante perspectives as well as past and present tenses. Secrets hid in their history, truths that pushed them together and pulled them apart.

We begin in an all-too-familiar way—Scarlet devastated after yet another surge of hope, another round of heartbreak thanks to Dante. Yet every time she’s determined to leave Dante in her past, he comes barreling back into her life.

What Dante had done, how he’d messed with my head, yet again… I won’t say it hurt more than the first time, or even that it was more shocking. Once you’ve been broken, every break after, even when they hurt like hell, can never outdo the profound damage of the first time.

Every conversation, every fight, even their lovemaking, is charged, wild, frenzied, out of control. But this time, when the truth begins to filter out, the bottom falls from under Scarlett.

What he had to tell me didn’t just sober me up. It changed everything.


The lies, the truths, are all hard to swallow, and Scarlett must make choices that will either sever everything they’ve had or finally bring them together.

Was there some chance that I could turn my bitter memories sweet again?


If you loved Breaking Him, you’ll be fully hooked on how the puzzle pieces to their story finally come together. Heartbreak and love, sadness and hope, betrayals and long-awaited truths—this highly anticipated sequel has got everything you’ve been anxiously waiting for!

You never get to stop loving me.


✦ ✦ ✦ ✦

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