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You want to know the secret to everlasting happiness?

Never fall in love.


That was the wisdom my father imparted to us James boys after our mom died, and it’s a piece of advice that’s served me well.

Until dear old Dad asks me for a favor over Sunday brunch. No big deal, right? I love making my old man happy. Except this “favor” is a lot more complicated than picking up his dry cleaning. Dad wants me to marry and provide a few heirs for the James empire, and he’s even done me the courtesy of handpicking my bride-to-be. Lucky me.

But if I’m being honest, I’ve grown tired of the endless cycle of dating, the constant small talk, and the ever-shrinking pool of women I haven’t already invited for a sleepover.

I’m a lawyer, so contracts are kind of my thing. And that’s all marriage really is—a contract negotiated between two parties. What could possibly go wrong?

Enter Melanie Edison, the five-foot-four brunette with curves in ALL the right places. A veterinary nurse with the smartest mouth I’ve ever heard. And I have more fun not dating her than I did dating any woman before, even with Melanie’s absurd no-sex-before-marriage rule.

But when our business arrangement becomes so much more, I end up breaking my most important rule. And that’s when it all goes to hell.

I have no idea how we can ever repair the damage that’s been done. I’m not even sure I want to. And maybe going back to my old life won’t be so hard.

Except it’s too late. I broke my rule.

And she broke me.

396 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 16, 2024

About the author

Sadie Kincaid

46 books8,250 followers
I'm a contemporary, dark romance author. I love to read and write about hot, filthy talking alphas that would burn the world down for the women they love.

I love chatting to readers about my books, or books in general, so please get in touch! You can follow me on Facebook and instagram as well as on here as Sadie Kincaid Author.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,336 reviews
Profile Image for Irina.
375 reviews27 followers
August 9, 2024
Too much sex is not healthy. It causes brain damage. (At least you can come to this conclusion after this book.)

⚠️ Attention! Rant ahead! ⚠️

Profile Image for TheAshlz.
20 reviews
July 21, 2024
Only 2 🌟

Perhaps this will be an unpopular opinion, but a miscarriage and the aftermath is not enough for me to forget how much of a raging asshole Nathan was to Melanie. And since he did NOTHING to make up for his behavior, this book fell way short for me.

His initial reaction to her knowing that Bryce was behind the Chicago incident? Understandable. But after that? Nah. He is repeatedly shown and reminded that Melanie is obviously not a gold digger waiting to scam him, and clearly wasn't involved; he has plenty of evidence that she was coerced into going along with Bryce's schemes (especially after it should've been really apparent that the abuse wasn't a one-time thing), was never actually dishonest with him and believed that nothing would come of the clause because she believed in Nathan as someone that wouldn't cheat.

Also, how Nathan serves her the divorce papers? Absolutely the fuck not. His reaction to her pregnancy? Nope. She should've just cut ties and vanished.

Nathan's treatment of Melanie throughout their relationship (and separation) was full of red flags, and not the fun kind. The derogatory language that she was clearly, repeatedly uncomfortable with (plus, she goes from being a called "my whore" as his wife to a "lying bitch" as his ex... I think Nathan might be a tad misogynistic), his quick temper/knee-jerk reactions always being to verbally and emotionally hurt her any time he was upset, his disregard for her if it didn't immediately serve him (forgetting plans, not caring about their wedding, etc.), and that he mostly just seemed interested in sex.

He wavers on whether he wants to be with her until, like, the 94% mark. It takes her BFF reaming him out for him to make a decision (outside of him just wanting sex), after Nathan again snaps at her, emotionally hurting her. Then they kiss and make up, suddenly everything is okay? I don't believe it. He's in lust, not love and Melanie deserves way fucking better than an asshole who won't get out of his own way.

This read was disappointing as hell by the time I got through it. I held out until the end hoping that the resolution was going to show some character growth on Nathan's behalf, but that never happened.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Wobilba.
713 reviews112 followers
July 30, 2024
I did enjoy reading this. Marriage of convenience is a favourite trope of mine and I liked the writing and both main characters.
But usually i don't mind excessive smut scenes as long as there's a plot balance and this was lacking.

3.5 ⭐️
4.5 🌶️
Profile Image for addictedtodarkromance.
137 reviews88 followers
July 22, 2024
Nathan's father wanted an heir to the billionaire James family and Melanie's family wanted her to marry as their money was drying up (her brother did not manage it well) so the two agreed to a marriage of convenience. The one rule they set was that they were to never fall in love, however, they soon found this to be a losing battle as they felt pulled towards each other from the first time they met.

Melanie's family was horrible towards her and caused a lot of problems, stringing her along like a puppet. She felt she needed to go along with their plans because she felt it was the only way to protect her little sister from them. Nathan assumed she would be like all the other women he was with but he found out he was wrong in many ways. They faced a lot of challenges together and some of them were heartbreaking (grab a box or two of tissues!!!). The way Sadie wrote this story was perfect and I loved not only the main characters but all of them, you could really feel everything they felt. I was angry, sad, devastated, shocked and so much more!!!

Nathan was dominant, confident, charming and in control & Melanie was strong, loyal, witty and giving. They were meant for each other and complimented each other really well. Sadie def knows how to write steamy scenes and dirty talkers and Broken is no exception, the smexy times were off the charts. I loved that there was never any unnecessary drama between the two of them!

If you haven't read any of Sadie's book I highly recommend you read them ALL and if you've already read her books then you NEED to pick this one up as it's just as amazing as the rest of them!!!

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Spice/Heat Intensity: 3.5 out of 5 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Main Characters: Nathan & Melanie
Nickname: Corazon
Darkness Level: Not Dark but there is a major TW/CW so please check it out
Type of book: MF, Duel 1st Person POV
Reading Order: Standalone with Interconnected Characters throughout the series
Title: Manhatten Rule Series- Broken: Book 1
Epilogue: Yes
Ending Type: HEA


*OTT Possessive, dominant, loyal and protective MMC
*Eyes only for her
*Arranged Marriage
*Lawyer/Veterinary Nurse
*TW/CW -
*No cheating or sharing


⚠️ This book may be triggering to some - Please check the TW/CW before reading! 18+

*I was graciously offered an early copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving this review
Profile Image for Paige Willerick.
90 reviews13 followers
July 5, 2024
I love their instant connection and flirty vibes. Their zoo date conversations had me laughing until I cried. 🤣 a certain fan favorite made an appearance so OF COURSE I squealed at that surprise. 😍 the FMC is a sassy little thing and I love hers and Nathan's dynamic. The mashed potato debate was a hilarious scene and I literally laughed out loud. The drama that unfolded was beautifully and painfully drawn out all at the same time. I love the way their HEA panned out.
This isn't a dark romance, as is Sadie's typical genre, but it's still so incredibly good! I devoured this in just a few hours.
Profile Image for Debbie DiFiore.
2,400 reviews278 followers
July 25, 2024
Nathan annoyed me

I really hated Nathan for 35% of the novel, at the end. He was so awful to her. She did nothing wrong except for listen to her brother about his schemes way before she even was married. And after the marriage she told him, begged him actually not to do it, but of course he did because he was a douchebag. Nathan's anger at her, the way he served the papers to her, just totally put me off. The way he thought and talked about her was just awful, and even when she got pregnant, he was still talking smack. Yes at the end he came to his senses but by that time, I just had a problem forgiving him. The ending was sweet but I just totally was disappointed in him. I would like to read the others. As long as there is no cheating. :)
Profile Image for Katie.
234 reviews89 followers
July 6, 2024
Loved it! Such a great start to this new series. I couldn’t put it down. I loved the instant connection between Nathan and Melanie, they had crazy chemistry right from the start. I love all the side characters, and can’t wait for the other brothers to have their own stories!
Profile Image for Delaena.
51 reviews2 followers
August 21, 2024
This is exactly what I sent to my discord 😭🤣.

I just got out of a slump 😀 but this book made me annoyed ⭐️⭐️/5-⭐️⭐️⭐️/5. ⚠️Spoilers ⚠️Don’t get me wrong I love me a good billionaire romance with a marriage of convenience and she’s struggling and he’s actually a loving guy. AND THEN WHEN THE PLOT TWIST HAPPENS HE BLAMES HIS WIFE FOR EVERYTHING AND KICKS HER OUT WITHOUT LETTING HER EXPLAIN EVERYTHING (HER BROTHER IS SHITTY AND ONE DIMENSIONAL. SHE TOLD HIM NOT TO DO IT BUT HES GREEDY AND WANTS MONEY). LATER HE GOES TO HER HOUSE AND FUCKS HER AND SERVES HER DIVORCE PAPERS. ARE YOU KIDDING ME😭😭😭. THAT WOULD SEND ME INTO ORBIT. AND THEN SHE GETS PREGNANT AND SHES ALREADY LOST 2 BABIES PREVIOUSLY AND SHE WAS TALKIJG TO HIM ON THE OHONE (AFTER SHE ALREADY TOLD HIM ABOUT THE BABY) AND SHE HEARS A GIRL IN THE BACKGROUND AND HE SAYS THEYRE JUST GOING TO AN EVENT TOGETHER AND SHE HANGS UP THE PHONE AND THEN SHE MISSCARRIED😭😭 AND THEN AT THE END AFTER HE TAKES CARE OF HER HELPING HER THROUGH THAT TOUGH TIME HE TELLS HER TO STAY FOREVER AND THAT HE MISSES HER AND HE FOUND OUT SHE HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH WHAT HER BROTHER DID AND YK WHAT SHE SAYS!!!?? DO YALL KNOW WHAT SHE SAYS?! “OKAY YES IVE MISS YOU TOO” AND THEN THEY HAVE SEX. EXCUSE MEEEEEE THE DICK MAY BE GREAT BUT HE DID ABSOLUTELY NO GROVELING🙄🙄🙄

okay im so sorry. I had to rant. It was killing me 😭😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kylie.
614 reviews825 followers
July 24, 2024
4.5/5 ⭐️
3.5/5 🌶️

OKAY WAIT WAIT WAIT. This was so spicy & so good! I love Sadie’s writing. I have been SLEEPING on this author so bad!
Profile Image for Brianne.
61 reviews12 followers
July 8, 2024
4.5⭐️
When hot shot lawyer Nathan gets told by his Dad that he needs to settle down and get a wife like yesterday to preserve the family legacy, he wasn’t expecting his Dad to set him up with someone he could actually like. Mel agrees to the arrangement to help out her family who is hemorrhaging massive amounts of money from the family business, but what she didn’t bargain for was that she would fall for her husband.

Nathan and Mel had such good banter with each other. I actually liked the fact that these two actually liked each other and had great chemistry before they got married. It felt more authentic when the conflict finally hit and that much more heart breaking.

This book had all the spice that I have come to love from a Sadie Kincaid book plus some complex family dynamics that made for an entertaining read.
Profile Image for Paloma FC (in my reading era).
155 reviews14 followers
September 15, 2024
3 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐
4.5 / 5 🌶️
Spicy Chapters: 23, 25, 26, 31, 32, 33, 37, 49, 66

Nathan (MMC) and Melanie (FMC

This book was overall entertaining and had me hooked, I finished it entirely in under 24h (not bad considering that the story it is pretty long).

This book has the "marriage of convenience" trope, wich I don't particularly love or hate, but it takes ages for the two MC's to finally seal the deal in both marriage, and getting physical 🔥.
However, once we get to the hot and spicy parts, there are A LOT of well written, delicious spicy scenes 🌶. Nathan has a VERY dirty mouth, which I'm sure most of us don't mind at all 😳🤭🥵

I must say that the relationship between Nathan and Melanie feels almost entirely physical, with not a lot of depth in conversation or emotion, imo.

Things that bothered me:
I found it pretty dumb how Melanie, who is supposed to be an intelligent, modern, hard-working woman, wouldn't even want to go over the prenuptial contract with Nathan. When Nathan points out that there's info about their future kids' custody agreement, etc. She just says that she "trusts her lawyer," 🤦🏼‍♀️🙄😤😩🤨 Unbelievable. Not only is this irresponsible, but also naive and ridiculous. I understand that the author is trying to make a point about Melanie not caring about money to prove that she's not a gold digger, but not even caring about the future of her unborn kids is taking it a step too far 🧐😩😤😠.

I also didn't like how Melanie just goes along with anything and everything that her idiot & mean brother wants, including making decisions about her future as if it was nothing. He coerced her by making her believe that she had their dad killed, but it's like: C'mon, grow up and stand up for yourself. You're not a kid anymore 😠😩😖...

Nathan seems like an honest and straightforward guy who tells Melanie what he expects from her from the first day they meet. However, she keeps imagining the fairytale treatment and becoming disappointed when he doesn't act in the way she wants.

Anyhow, a good read for a lazy Sunday or when you are looking for a spicy novel without an intricate plot or emotional depth.

Happy reading! 📚
Profile Image for Olivia ❦.
166 reviews6 followers
August 22, 2024
★3.5/5! Marriage of Convenience mhm SIGN ME UPP! My first Sadie Kincaid book and it did not disappoint, I really enjoyed Melanie and Nathan. Meanie ugh i’m so happy she got her happy ending! SPOILERS? i wish we could’ve seen her pregnant a little bit longer or a chapter with her just giving birth, just imagining the joy on her face (.づ◡﹏◡)づ.

i’m so excited for the Chicago Ruthless series, ESPECIALLY KERES

PLEASE PLEASER CAN WE HAVE TYLERS BOOK I NEED IT SO BAD
Profile Image for Shushi ☯.
162 reviews3 followers
August 24, 2024
Rating - ⭐⭐⭐.5
Spice - 🌶🌶🌶🌶 (it's spicing)

Trope - fake dating, marriage of convenience, age gap, arranged marriage, grumpy × sunshine, she falls first he falls harder, lawyer × veterinary nurse, family drama, misunderstanding, grey theme, HEA
TW- death of a family member, miscarriage, physical abuse

Bonus chapter - 1

This book caught my attention from the moment I read the prologue. It had drama, emotions, love, misunderstanding, issues, and lots of spice.

When I first started I expected a lot of bickering and drama, but surprisingly these two mutually decided to be friends before becoming spouses/parents which is different from the usual marriage of convenience books and it's good to have something new in hand. Everything goes fine until one of them(mostly him)reminds the other that this marriage isn't real and they shouldn't get attached. I hated those moments where these two would pull back after sharing so meaningful and beautiful moments - the post-marriage scenario was way more complicated where they would usually fight and have arguments over the tiniest bit of detail which I think is how marriages are irl but I didn't wanna see these characters fight over literally anything.

Pre-marriage Nathan was a good, flirty man. The moment he showed affection to those shelter animals was the moment I was putty. He not only tried to love them as equally as her but he also took care of them just to make her happy. That one chapter where he brought treats and snacks for all the animals in the shelter, omfg. However, the post-marriage Nathan took a 360 turn, he was a douchebag, an arrogant jerk - though he usually instantly corrected himself and his mistakes, those apologies meant/felt nothing to me as a reader.

The couple had great chemistry, but I just hoped everything didn't just rely on their physical relationship, and after a point, it was just too much. They just needed a reason to have sex - angry let's have sex, sad let's have sex, pissed let's have sex. Like bruh, share some real moments, love isn't all about sex.

The drama here was probably the most I've seen in a while. They are initially forced to marry, then they mutually decide to be friends before it, fake date for a while, then have a marriage of convenience, have lots of sex and arguments, misunderstanding, an almost separation, divorce drama, baby drama, brother drama, like omg how many more hurdles do they have before they have a good normal relationship?

The second half was so much more emotional than I expected. The whole pregnancy fiasco especially after the spoiler the author gave us in the trigger warning was pure torture. Throughout this part, I was sitting with an awkward/sad face because everything bad in the world seemed to happen with the H and h. Ugh, I wanted to hit him.

I fucking hated Bryce, he wasn't just a bad brother and man but he also ruined Mel and Nathan's life. He deserved everything he got. Nevertheless, the other characters like Nathan's family are sweet, funny, and nice but Damn Tyler stood out to me - if I want a guy friend I want him to be like Tyler, supportive, loving, caring, and fuckass protective.

If it wasn't for the misunderstanding and drama, this would clearly have been a 4-star read. Regardless, the last 20% was so much better and sweeter - the couple was in love, and happy, and they had beautiful family moments. Both the epilogues were just perfect. I was happy to see them grow and expand their family after so many obstacles and issues.

Overall 3.5, definitely enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Alecia  Only1leesh .
268 reviews4 followers
July 16, 2024
Thank you Sadie for allowing me to be a part of your ARC Team - I truly loved every moment of Broken -PS and cried as I could relate to one part of this story.

My Review

Broken by Sadie Kincaid is the first installment in the Manhattan Ruthless Series, and it kicks off with an engaging blend of romance, drama, and unexpected twists.


Meet Nathan James, a billionaire attorney who seems to have it all—except for a wife to help continue the James legacy. Nathan’s father, wanting to ensure the future of their empire, proposes a solution: a marriage of convenience. Enter Melanie Edison, a veterinary nurse with a sharp wit and a no-nonsense attitude. Despite her troubled family dynamics, Melanie agrees to the arrangement. But what starts as a business contract soon develops into something much more complex and heartfelt, challenging both Nathan and Melanie's views on love and commitment.

Nathan James is a classic alpha hero—rich, handsome, and emotionally guarded. His dedication to his career and family legacy is admirable, yet it leaves him yearning for something more meaningful. His father’s request for him to marry and produce heirs is both a turning point and a catalyst for Nathan's character development. The portrayal of Nathan's internal struggle between maintaining control and letting his guard down is compelling and relatable.

Melanie Edison is a breath of fresh air. As a veterinary nurse with a traumatic past, she brings a grounded, genuine quality to the story. Her longing for a family and her dedication to her loved ones make her an endearing character. The dynamics between Melanie, her loving sister Ashley, and her best friend and cousin Tyler (aka Maverick) add depth to her backstory, making her a well-rounded and sympathetic heroine.

The chemistry between Nathan and Melanie is electric from the start. Their witty banter and the tension of Melanie’s no-sex-before-marriage rule create a slow-burn romance that kept me so intrigued and hooked. The evolution of their relationship from a mere contractual agreement to something deeply emotional and passionate is beautifully written.
Sadie Kincaid's ability to convey the complexity of their feelings and the gradual breaking down of their walls is a testament to her skill as a storyteller.

The secondary characters further enrich the narrative, especially Melanie’s tyrannical brother Bryce, whose presence adds an element of conflict and suspense. The supportive and loving nature of her sister Ashley and her best friend and cousin Tyler balances out the darker aspects of Melanie's family life, showcasing the importance of chosen family and true friendships.

Broken is a captivating start to the Manhattan Ruthless Series, offering a perfect blend of romance, drama, and emotional depth. Nathan and Melanie’s story is one of growth, love, and the unexpected ways life can break down our defenses to let in the possibility of true happiness. Sadie Kincaid has crafted a tale that will resonate with me long after turning the last page. I am SWOONING



This book is highly recommended for fans of contemporary romance looking for a story that combines a strong plot with well-developed characters and a heartwarming journey of love and self-discovery.
Profile Image for Kirsten Pettaway.
129 reviews2 followers
July 8, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

Finding out I was on the ARC team for this book literally was the highlight of the start to July.

The sign of a good author is being able to draw a reader in from the first chapter. Sadie did it on the first page. The five James brothers are about to give us a fun but emotional run for our money.

I'm most looking forward to Mason's story. I need a good mm romance. June 2025 is a lifetime away 🥲.

"He's very handsome", "Yeah, so was Ted Bundy" stttooooppp that was so funny. 🤣
Melanie is quickly becoming my favorite Sadie Kincaid FMC. She's independent, witty and seems like a good time.

The aftermath of their first date, had me giggling like a school girl. The banter, the fluff, ugh I loved it all 🫠!

Whenever I hear the song Yeah by Usher, I will remember Nathan and Mel's Zoo date, and I love that. And I suspect I will be giggling at Usher's concert next month during the song.

Nate Sawyer (Before Jamaica Lane) and Nathan James have officially ruined real men for me. Because no one will ever live up to this standard of man 🤧.

Another Iceman that's an undercover super freak, and I'm here for it ❤️.

Dear Lord, baby Jesus when will it be my turn for a man to cook me delicious food, while wearing only grey sweatpants 😭.

The third act conflict had me weak. I just didn't know what to do with myself. And yes I throw my kindle a couple of times.

Alexa play *play Quit Playing Games with My Heart* 🤧🤧

Sadie. Girl. Whenever I thought I could be happy for this couple, something tragic happens. And it was great writing, keeping me on my toes.

Now that's how your write a crawl to me scene, especially when the FMC makes the MMC return the favor. When cheeky Mel made Nathan crawl to her, just like he did chapters earlier, I squealed 🫣

The cameos in this book were everything. Each one made me squeal like a fangirl. Sadie did an amazing job intertwining most of her series into this book. While giving up small updates of those characters, and allowing this book to stand on its own

I laughed, cried, gasped and swooned. But overall want a wild and fun ride. I went in thinking this was going to be a enemies with benefits story, but boy was I wrong. A medium burn, that was sweet and romantic. And let me wanting more. Thoroughly looking forward to the rest of the brothers.

Great way to get me out of my pending reading slump. And I'm looking forward to Drake's book in December ❤️
Profile Image for Xratedreads .
198 reviews8 followers
July 20, 2024
Wow, finished this book last night and feel like I have a book hangover today. 😂😂 This book was amazeballs, I loved every moment of it. The emotions just leap off the pages, making you laugh and cry. Fair warning: if you start reading it at night, be prepared to lose sleep because you won't want to put it down!

Sadie never disappoints, and Nathan's story was everything I hoped for since meeting him in Lorenzo's story. (By the way, if you haven't read Sadie's previous series, you're seriously missing out!) I'm already excited about Nathan's brothers getting their own stories too. As always, Sadie delivers plenty of spice and a hot, dirty-talking alpha male! 🔥🔥🔥

The plot revolves around Nathan and Melanie, whose marriage of convenience is arranged by Melanie's brother and Nathan's father. (PS loved Dalton and would be cute to get a story for him too 🤣 😉) Their instant connection and playful banter were so well-written; you can see them falling hard and fast for each other while stubbornly refusing to admit it.

Nathan James is a billionaire high-powered lawyer with morally questionable clients. Despite having everything a man could want, when his father proposes a marriage of convenience, Nathan surprisingly considers it. Tired of the dating scene, he sees a business-like marriage as a practical solution. Nathan is complex — a softie at heart but with a definite edge that occasionally makes him frustratingly irresistible. When he calls her "corazon," it's swoon-worthy!
Melanie reluctantly agrees due to family pressure, despite not desiring such an arrangement. Melanie is a delightful character — hilarious, sassy, and full of sunshine, yet incredibly strong despite the hardships she's faced. Their chemistry is intense, their banter electric, and their journey from friends to lovers is beautifully portrayed. With Nathan's unwavering support, Melanie blossoms and overcoming family drama that threatens their happiness.
The supporting characters add depth and humour to the story, especially Nathan's brothers who I'm eager to learn more about in future books. Melanie's sister Ash and cousin Tyler also bring a lot to the table with their banter and supportive roles.
I devoured this book in just a few hours; it's a fantastic start to a new series. The blend of marriage of convenience, billionaire romance, witty banter, all the spice & sass, as well as the added family drama creates a rich and satisfying read. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fast ace spicy romance novel.

Thank you Sadie for the ARC ❤

Tropes
Billionaire Lawyer
Marriage of Convenience
Friends To Lovers
Found Family
Grumpy X Sunshine
Morally Grey MMC
Touch Her & ☠️
Spicy
Angst
Banter
Profile Image for Diana Barnes.
64 reviews1 follower
July 5, 2024
What A Journey!!!!

Since the first day I came across Lorenzo, I knew that Sadie K. Was going to be one of my favorite authors. She literally never disappoints!!! And Broken did not disappoint!!!!

OMG what a ride!!!

First, Nathan James had totally BDI vibes! lol all macho but so possessive of what’s his! I love it. Even though things did not started with love between him and Mel, their relationship was one of the charts!!! Since they met, their chemistry was off the charts and they knew were things were going!!!

Another thing I loved!!! The relationship between the James boys!!! They are all so different and somehow so the same and they love each other!!!

I really cannot wait for the rest of the series!!! This one is one of my top 10 for sure!!!

Well done Sadie babe! Well done as always!!!
Profile Image for Tamara Allwood.
50 reviews
July 24, 2024
✨ ARC Review for Broken by Sadie Kincaid ✨

We are welcomed back into Sadie’s world within New York but instead of the Ryan brothers this time we meet the first of the James brothers… and I don’t know if I was fully prepared for Nathan James 🥵🔥

Welcome to book 1 of the Manhattan Ruthless series!

🔥✨🔥✨🔥✨🔥✨🔥✨🔥✨🔥✨🔥✨🔥✨

Once life and work stopped interrupting my reading time (very inconsiderate if you ask me 😅) I was finally about to sit down and devour this book! I read most of it in just over one day!
This book has me feeling all the emotions - I was giddy and kicking my feet, laughing, crying, sweating, wanting revenge, and I needed to turn a fan on 🥵 even though it’s winter where I live.

Mel and Nathan start out in an arranged marriage that neither of them wanted. But life works in mysterious ways and they ended up realising they are perfect for each other. Now life isn’t perfect and these two definitely have a few bumps along the way - and Mel’s brother, Bryce, is the devil incarnate.
I love how Sadie writes her FMC’s. They are always strong and independent women who don’t need men to fight their battles, but sometimes they let them.
I also loved Tyler - he was such a good friend to Mel, and I hope we get to see more of him 🤞🏻

As with all Sadie books you can expect some top tier tropes:
💍 Billionaire Romance
💍 Arranged Marriage
💍 Touch her and 💀
💍 “My Wife!”
💍 Family secrets
💍 Found family/family is what you make it.
💍 Crawl to me…

*please check the T/W before reading*
Profile Image for Amanda.
156 reviews
July 24, 2024
4.5⭐️
Nathan James ❤️‍🔥 such a filthy mouth 😮‍💨
I loved Melanie so much the whole book through
Billionaire romance, arranged marriage of convenience, he falls first, spicy 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Third act break up that made me struggle with Nathan after loving him … did he redeem himself 😏

First in the Manhattan Ruthless series & Nathan has 4 brother’s 🖤
I read this so fast & can’t wait for the next book
Profile Image for KittyKate.
177 reviews1 follower
August 8, 2024
like chips

A book like chips. I binged them and now I’m still hungry. I liked this book but will probably never think about it again. It was fun while it lasted.
Profile Image for Natalie.
430 reviews17 followers
July 16, 2024
Received as an ARC.

🔥 Marriage of convenience
🔥 Forced proximity
🔥 Fake dating
🔥 Billionaire Lawyer MMC x Vet Nurse FMC
🔥 Cute dates
🔥 Banter for days
🔥 All of the spice

Honestly I don’t know where to start after this, I was not ready for the emotional rollercoaster that was Mel and Nathan’s story. It was absolutely heartbreaking but equally I laughed out loud at the banter between them at the start. The connection they had from the get go, despite how they met, was palpable. I found myself desperate for them to finally give into one another and when it did happen….Jeez it was worth it. I don’t think I’ve read a book as fast as I did this one in a while, which is honestly a testament to Sadie’s writing and ability to tell such a captivating story.

This wasn’t as dark as some of Sadie’s other books but it was potentially triggering for a lot of people so check if you need to beforehand. That being said I went in blind and felt it really added to emotional turmoil of their story.
Profile Image for Jen Herting.
87 reviews
August 18, 2024
a “top recommended book” about a woman who marries the billionaire lawyer for the mob …. time for me to put my kindle down and touch grass for a sec ✋🏼😭
Profile Image for Justine Ott.
160 reviews12 followers
July 16, 2024
Full experience on the emotional rollercoaster. This one hit all the feels. I loved the banter, love and heartbreak that made the love stronger. Mr. James is one hot shot Lawyer and when he wants his Corazon he’s even hotter.
Profile Image for Darcy’s Good Opinion.
378 reviews1 follower
July 6, 2024
5 ⭐️

MF
Marriage of Convenience
Morally Grey MMC
Touch Her & ☠️
Friends To Lovers
Found Family
Mature Aged Characters (38H/30h)
Spicy

Broken is book one in the Manhattan Ruthless series.

Nathan James is a hot shot lawyer for some of the country’s most infamous morally flexible citizens. He’s rich, gorgeous, and has everything a man could want but when his father proposes a marriage of convenience, he actually considers the idea. The endless dating cycle is getting old. A marriage run exactly like a business deal seems like a sound idea.

Melanie has the pedigree required but not the desire for such an arrangement. With unyielding family pressure, she agrees to meet Nathan and the two come to an understanding. She’s used to sacrificing her own needs for those of her family.

Nathan and Mel have intense chemistry, great banter, and a fantastic friends to lovers story. With Nathan’s unwavering support, Mel really comes into her own and shines. Nathan is the epitome of possessive, obsessive book boyfriends. The two face family dynamics and drama that threaten their relationship and happiness. It’s truly an us-against-the-world story that will touch your heart and keep you reading past your bedtime. You feel their emotions and want nothing more than for them to achieve their dreams. Prepare for all the feels.

The secondary characters were great additions and I look forward to reading more about them in future books.
July 6, 2024

"Broken" by Sadie Kincaid is a riveting dive into the world of complex relationships, intense chemistry, and intricate family dynamics. Set against a backdrop of wealth and power, this novel weaves a compelling tale that is both heartwarming and heart-wrenching.Kincaid masterfully crafts characters who are flawed yet relatable.

One of the novel's strengths lies in its dialogue. The banter between the main characters is sharp and entertaining, adding a light-hearted element to the intense emotional landscape. Kincaid's writing style is engaging and evocative, painting vivid scenes that draw the reader into the world she has created.

"Broken" is more than just a romance; it is a story of personal growth, overcoming past traumas, and finding love in the most unexpected places. Kincaid's ability to blend romance with deeper emotional themes makes this book a standout in the genre.

In conclusion, "Broken" by Sadie Kincaid is a must read! Its blend of a marriage of convenience, billionaire allure, sparkling banter, and family drama creates a rich and satisfying reading experience. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a romance novel with depth and heart.
Profile Image for Clairsreads.
240 reviews7 followers
July 16, 2024
I just don’t think Sadie Kincaid can write a bad book. I don’t think she can even write a mediocre book. There is nothing this woman can’t do or write and she can honestly do no wrong in my eyes. This was the first ARC I received after being selected for her official ARC team and I could not be more elated to be here 🤩

We’ve gotten glimpses of the high powered lawyer Nathan James throughout the Chicago Ruthless series as he’s the lawyer on retainer for our favorite mafia family. Getting to know him more intimately, he comes from a big broken family and his father demands that he settle down and produce some heirs with the match of his choosing. Once Nathan meets Melanie, he realizes he’s gotten a lot more than he bargained for with this potential arrangement. 💋

Melanie Edison has a certain loyalty and responsibility to her family that makes this arrangement a nonnegotiable for her. Coming from a very differently broken family. The trauma and baggage this girl faced and carried honestly broke my heart. Seeing her slowly open up to Nathan and find love throughout the heartbreak was a masterpiece. This girl had such a kind and warm soul and it was no surprise the way she was able to blend seamlessly into Nathan’s life while also challenging him in a way he never expected and had never experienced before.😅

I had a sneaking suspicion what was going to come but seeing it through to fruition didn’t break my heart any less. I found myself VERYYYYY misty eyed and wanting to literally throw my kindle at Nathan mfin James. My heart was in absolute pieces and my stomach felt like it was gonna fall out of my butt. BUT IT WAS ALL WORTH IT IN THE END!!!!! (I promise) 🥲
While this book was a lot less dark than her Chicago Ruthless mafia series, it had the same heart, emotion, action and plot that we have come to know and love from her work.

Honestly, I’d read Sadie’s grocery list if she sent it to me and probably rate it 5/5 stars.
Everything she writes literally knocks me on my ass and I cannot stop reading and finish the book in one sitting. Every. Single. Time. 😘

Profile Image for Katie Murphy.
727 reviews74 followers
July 6, 2024
✨ARC Review✨

First things first Sadie never fails to disappoint and this book is no exception. I have been so intrigued about Nathan’s story since meeting him and some of his brothers in Lorenzo’s story👀

This story follows Nathan and Melanie and long story short Melanie’s brother organises a marriage of connivence between Melanie and Nathan, for his own benefit. Basically the brother is an absolute horrible person and deserves every bit of Karma he gets🙄

Now this is definitely more of a fast burn story, as Nathan and Melanie both fall very quickly for one another. Before they get married Nathan takes Melanie on a wide range of dates and my heart was absolutely swooning😭

I absolutely adored Melanie, she is such a wholesome and strong individual and my heart absolutely broke for her so many times 💔 Nathan is again another book boyfriend added to my list, and when her calls her corozon, I was absolutely swooning😮‍💨

Another thing I also loved about this book was the side characters, such as Nathan’s brothers who I absolutely adore and cannot wait to find out more about, and also Melanie’s cousin Tyler. He was very supportive of Melanie, he was her family and her rock along with her younger sister Ash🖤 Also we got a few cameos from some characters from previous books🥹

Now I want to keep this review spoiler free but it is a rollercoaster, I was laughing, swooning, and crying all in one✨

Thank you so much to the author for providing this e-arc for my honest thoughts and I cannot wait to return back to this world💭
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