A ROLLERCOASTER OF ENEMIES TO LOVERS WITH YOUR FAVOURITE ANTI-HERO! “She doesn’t know it yet, but she is already his.” He kidnapped me.That was how I met Atlas Hyde.A man known by many names and admired by all.But most didn’t know he was ruthless, conniving, and always got what he wanted.No matter the cost.I was a good girl.Never in trouble with the law.Never … wanted.
No matter the cost.
I was a good girl.
Never in trouble with the law.
Never took drugs.
Always did precisely what was expected of me.
Even with his hand around my throat and words that cut sharper than knives, I couldn’t help but wonder what happened to this beautiful man to make him that way.
That wonder disappeared when he threatened to kill my sister if I didn’t follow his dark demands.
The good girl I once knew had now been buried alive beneath this game of hatred and lust.
And I had a feeling Atlas Hyde never lost.
more
OMG well to start with I fell in love with Atlas I think from the start. This book had me hooked from the beginning, T.L Smith has a way with words! Wowza ! This bio is so captivating you don’t want to put it down I only did as I was sick as a dog, still am but had to finish it. Love Thea and Atlas and Tina. The ending WTF?? I need book 2 like now and I can not wait 5 star bl@@dy read. Definite must read this book you will enjoy it if u like a bit of darkness!
5 Stars
Heart Break Me was an addictive read that I couldn’t stop and just wanted more. I was left upset that I finished it so quickly. I want more, need more.
One to read…absolutely. Is TL Smith gonna mess with your heart…damn straight. Are you going to want more…..yep!
Another must read from me.
Hurry up I need the next one.
What a start to this duet this book is. I have never loved a character and hated them as equally as I do Atlas Hyde. From the very first appearance of him this book. I wanted to bodily hurt this arrogant pig of a man. Although he is beautiful, he is frightening and cruel like no other. I hope that he can eventually show he is more than that.
Theodora becomes a pawn in a game that was firstly created by her sister. But I am not so sure what we are being lead to believe, is indeed what first sparks what is really happening. Thea is a bold and ballsy character one that isn’t meek, she refuses to bow to Atlas even when she seems to be doing as much. Her rebel heart refuses to heal to his demands. Although like me, love and hate for him is equal.
This story is one that firstly needs to be read first hand and you need to go in with a open and kind heart. Atlas causes Thea to hate him, but she can’t help but to fall for this man. A man that hides behind a mask of hate. Atlas leads his life with great control and gets his way with fear and force.
This book is amazing. I am unsure what will happen in the next book but I know I can’t wait. I almost threw my kindle when I read the final page. This book keeps you on the edge of your seat and second guessing all the time. I recommend this book totally although the ending isn’t one that you will forgive easily. With that said it’s a total recommend from me. Bring on book 2
Heartbreak Me by T.L. Smith is book one in the Heartbreak Duet. This book will have you salivating from your very own finger tips and will have you devouring the authors words as you read through this book.
I had the pages read faster then a hoe spreads her legs, this book just captivated my attention. If enemies to lovers with a side of kidnapping, blackmailing is your type of thang. Then this book will be right up your alley.
I went into this book not knowing what I was going to expect, quite frankly I had only read the blurb and to be honest I was obsessed with this cover that I just had to read this book. This author has a way with giving us the most unexpected things when it comes to her books, in a way that’s what us readers love about her.
In this book we meet Atlas and Theodora and this is their perfectly imperfect love story. Sometimes the imperfect love stories are the best kind.
Atlas.. Holy Crap! I wouldn’t mind having a piece of that on me, with me, in me. He just oozes so much sex appeal with all those tattoos and those 2 nose rings. Atlas is a force to be reckoned with, he oozes power and when he wants something, he gets it. No matter at what cost. Thea was meant to be a means to an end, a debt that was to be paid. Little did he expect along the way that she would slowly sink your claws inside him and make him want her. Atlas is a puzzle that you can’t help but want to piece together to find out every piece that makes it whole.
“Atlas is a man who shows next to no emotion. But when you do get a glimpse of those very few other emotions—not the usual anger— you get lost in soaking it all in”.
Thea.. I may have a girl crush on her. She has absolutely no filter and speaks what’s on her mind and tells you like it is. She is so sassy, and will not take any crap from nobody especially Atlas. The man who holds the power of her in the crutches of his hands. Thea is so career driven that she has become so successful due to all the hard work she puts in. Along the way, lines become blurred. The hate she is feeling is slowly dissipating and feelings are coming on strong.
“Theodora has a temper, she’s feisty, and her eyes look at me as if she’s trying to work out my – best kept secrets”.
Together these characters are fire and ice, they are complete havoc but you can’t deny the attraction that these two have. It just intensifies each time they are in the same room. The look of hunger and the need to shed each other’s clothes off.
The twist and turns took me by surprise.. To be honest I wasn’t expecting them what so ever. It completely knocked me on my ass. All was going good and then wam, bam, thank you mam, a cliffhanger swooped in.
“Atlas did as he said he would. He’s heartbroken me, so now it’s my turn to heartbreak me”.
Prepare yourself for wanting more, needing more and begging for more. I only hope that the conclusion to Atlas and Theodora Story is around the corner.
This enemies to lovers story, is yet another classic bad guy-good girl jaunt with a heavy side order of steamy chemistry, that erupts into hot action between the sheets, and is everything we’ve come to expect from TL Smith.
The story opens with a kidnapped heroine who must pay for her wayward sister’s costly mistakes or said sister will suffer the consequences.
Of course good girl Theadora is going to agree to her kidnappers deal.
Only said deal means Thea is at the mercy of ruthless casino owner and quintessential bad guy, Atlas Hyde’s every whim.
It’s no surprise with this Stockholm Syndrome twist, that there’s to be chemistry between these two; only I really found it difficult to really feel it in the beginning though as the story unfolded and their rendezvous’s increased the connection did increase as well, though I still struggled to find the appeal.
Neither of these characters were easy to believe or like for me, and I usually LOVE TL’s hero’s, but here Atlas fell flat and Thea was a bit too much of a pushover for me personally.
As is her style, this author whips up the action around her main characters and her language and delivery is sharp; and you will have little trouble racing through this book.
But even with the cliff hanger ending, I’m not sure whether I’m invested enough in this couple for Book 2.
But each to their own, and there is still a lot in this story that will have Smith’s fans loving this one. Worth the chance. 3.5 stars
This was my first book by this author and although it took a few chapters to get pulled into the story once I did, I didn’t move until I read every last word.
Thea and Atlas had an intense chemistry that continued to grow and was clearly more than physical no matter how much they both denied it. The banter between them was like a ping pong match bouncing around hate, flirty and hot words tossed back and forth between them. My heart ached for Thea she was a good person and she didn’t deserve any of what happened to her.
I hope we don’t have to wait long for the second book in this duet I need answers
The author delivers one sexy, irresistible anti-hero that you will LOVE!!! And an ending that left me stunned!
Thea never expects to be kidnapped by the hottest guy she has ever seen. Her troubled sister really did it this time and now Thea is tasked with paying the debt to save her sister’s life.
Thea is sassy. She doesn’t care about the power that Atlas holds, she won’t take his crap. She’ll work off the debt, but she bends for no man. She is a successful, hard-working, good girl. She never expected to be in this situation. So what if she can’t stop thinking about tearing his clothes off? She just wants her life back.
Atlas is a force. He wields power like a seasoned warrior. He knows what he wants and he knows exactly how to get it. Thea was just supposed to be a means to an end. Nothing more, nothing less. He never expected her to get under his skin, so much so that he wanted to keep her.
The author will make you want him, even though you know he’s bad for you. Atlas is complex and won’t show his hand easily. Loyalty and the truth are things he demands. He is not a man you want to cross, but he is a man you can’t resist. Thea does her best, but even she cannot deny their chemistry. These two together are smokin’ hottt! Atlas is not an easy man to live with, but is he the man Thea can’t live without? Get swept into this enemies to lovers dark romance that will leave you shocked.
I don’t even know where to begin with this review. I was enraptured by this imaginative tale. So totally enamoured by Atlas and blinded by the masculine enigma that was he. He was a mystery that I obsessively tried to solve. What made him tick? Why was he the way he was? What could penetrate that seemingly immovable armour? I don’t know if I worked it out, but boy oh boy, did I have the best time trying. It was an effortless read for me. The only trouble I had was putting it down to deal with the necessities. I completely absorbed every word and it left me utterly breathless. I cannot wait to see what stunning events TL Smith will woo her audience with next. 5 stars.
I’m shocked and stunned!
And a hell of a lot amazed! T.L. Smith has again stolen my very breath while I read this fast-paced book. It’s all action and plot twists as we spend time with good-girl Theadora, drawn into an underworld of gambling, corruption, sex and lies.
She’s kidnapped and threatened, and she has no idea what is going on until she hears one name. Her sister’s. Now she has a debt to pay for a reason she knows nothing about, and doesn’t realise that she almost paid the ultimate price.
Atlas is king of his domain, and it stretches far and wide. He seems to expect a lot from her and what it is, she doesn’t know. She only knows she is paying a debt owed to him by her sister and everything she is doing seems to anger this beautiful man whose soul seems to be stolen straight from the devil himself.
Holy crap, I feel I could talk about this book and its’ twists forever. Hell, I don’t even know how I feel about a romance between a violent underworld criminal and a woman with a morally spotless record. All I can say is, that in this dual POV book, Ms Smith very succinctly put an almost disconcerted voice to Atlas as he can’t believe himself why he lets Theadora get away with any of the behaviour that he would’ve easily disposed of others for. She is unlike any woman he has come across before! And most definitely not like her sister who owes him big time! I’m not sure that I think Atlas is any sort of romantic anti-hero, but he intrigues me more than anything. I almost admire his odd type of honour.
As for Theadora, I believe she is strong, has a ‘normal’ moral compass, and I absolutely admired her. She certainly doesn’t make things easy for Atlas. I loved that about her.
This ends on a cliff-hanger and I know I bleat about hating cliff-hangers with the burning passion of a thousand sons, but I love TL Smith’s writing so much that there is no way I would miss out on getting my hands on her latest book!!! It’s worth it. It’s always worth it! 5 Stars
T.L. Smith sets the tone for Heartbreak me from the very first paragraph, setting us up for an intense, sexy, and dark story that keeps you guessing and moves at a breakneck pace….and doesn’t slow down. This first half of her new duet is as unpredictable and utterly addictive- but be forewarned, you end with more questions than answers in a jaw draw dropping cliffy.
Thea’s problematic half sister owes a debt to a very dangerous man- and as our story opens she’s in quite the precarious situation, kidnapped and at the mercy of some scary men. The sexy ring leader has some sort of cat and mouse attraction to her- and instead of killing her makes an agreement- she’ll work off her sister’s debt. Trouble is Thea will be working for the sexy leader Atlas- and their attraction is palpable and inconvenient, for them both. Thea doesn’t want to be attracted to a monster who has trapped her, and Atlas has rules that he doesn’t want to break for any woman- but Thea is just so tempting.
TL writes such a delicious alpha anti-hero in Atlas- or “Sir” to everyone but Thea. For much of our story, he’s aloof, arrogant, cold, and conniving. We know little of his motivation or history, even in his POV he seems restrained- but he’s clearly masterminding a larger game than just coercing Thea into servitude for her sister’s debt. He’s controlling, dominant, and SEXY AF despite his jerkiness, and the few glimmers we have of him showing care and tenderness towards Thea- his brief admittance of any emotion or compassion, show signs of him being the perfect alpha bad boy with a soft spot for his lady- but since this is a duet, we only see peeks of this, instead we get to swoon over hot sexy bedroom Atlas and dark, manipulative, and dangerous “shady business” Atlas. And those parts are yummy.
Thea isn’t what you think she’ll be- I expected a meek, innocent mouse based on the blurb- and she’s not that at all. She’s a firecracker- full of life and vitality. She’s self-assured and comfortable in her skin- she’s bold and vibrant. She’s also loyal, to a fault clearly given her predicament, to those she cares about, and at times a bit brash. She was a super entertaining foil to Atlas- soft enough to be dominated by him and to bring out his protective instincts but sharp and self-possessed enough to engage in delightful sparring, to make the push-pull believable. The physical chemistry between them is SCORCHING- I could feel the heat oozing off my kindle. Emotionally? I’m hoping we get more of that in Book 2. Atlas is intentionally distant as a character, so I expected to not really get “him.” Thea, on the other hand, is more developed and empathetic-but I’m not sure Atlas really knows her- not yet. But, this is also a duet, and given the fast and loaded plot in book 1, I’m guessing will get more of the emotional arc in book 2.
This story unfolds quickly- TL keeps the story moving and the twists coming. The intrigue is masterfully unfolded- we never know enough to really be clear on what the bigger picture really is, but TL drops subtle bread crumbs and paces out key revelations in ways that both keep the story moving but also keep us on our toes. We’re brilliantly left in the dark in a few key places, giving us as readers the chance to experience the disorientation and shock just as Thea does, which really creates a dynamic, tense, and unpredictable tone that only makes you turn the pages faster . From page one to the last page, you’ll be reeling trying to figure out just what Atlas is going to do to Thea, what is going on with all the people in Thea’s life, and what actually is the nature of his attraction to her.
Just when we start to have some emotional connection with these two leads as THEY have a key relationship development, our story catapults us into a shocking cliffhanger. It feels abrupt and confusing, I imagine intentionally- and you’re left wondering just what you missed- who you misread as a character and what really is going on. Can’t wait to pick up book 2 to find out just what the heck is going to happen- good think we don’t have to wait too long!
I am speechless!!!
I’m also in love with Atlas Hyde!!!
And I have a girl-crush on Thea!!!
Everytime I read a new story from this author, I’m transported, it gripped me so much so, that I physically couldn’t look away from the page…
Atlas has a darkness surrounding him but he pulls you in, he’s like a drug that you just can’t get enough off no matter how bad he is for you!! I love when there’s more to the badboy than just a pretty face and a fit bod!
Thea is kick-ass! She’s strong willed, smart, sassy, sexy and loyal – even when she shouldn’t be!! And I love that girl, I definitely would want her in my corner!!
(I hate when the main lady is a mouse!! It’s just so bla! Not Thea!)
As for the storyline?…you gotta read it! If your looking for a book that has a darkness around it, that has a power to pull you in, that’s mysterious, sexy and conflicting – then this is the book for you!
This is one of T.L. Smith’s best books yet – 5 well deserved stars!!!
*I voluntarily received an arc from the author and this is my honest review.
I thought I knew what to except after reading the blurb.
What I got was so much more!
Once I started reading I just couldn’t stop reading until I got to the end.
Then I went into shock at that jaw dropping “ending”.
Atlas is a fascinating man.
He’s secretive a bit mysterious and sexy as hell.
He dapples and has his hands in many different businesses.
Both legal and not so legal.
He isn’t a people person.
And trusts no one.
Relationships are definitely not his thing.
Hit it once is what he does and moves on.
I found him to be intriguing.
And something about him just drew me to him.
Atlas is complex and has many layers to him.
Theadora is my girl!
She’s beautiful and turns heads without even noticing.
She’s smart and an extremely hard worker.
Thea is loyal and will do anything for those she cares about.
Even to the determent of herself.
My girl is feisty and sassy.
She has a backbone of steel and goes head to head with anybody.
I loved the dynamics between Thea and Atlas.
From the seriousness of their relationship to their funny laid back moments.
Everything is always explosive with them.
Which keeps things intense and lively.
And their sexual chemistry and tension is off the charts hot!
Sparks not only fly.
They ignite and burn bright.
Now back to that ending we are left with.
Really Ms. Smith how could you just leave us with our jaws hanging open like that!?
Seriously though I did not see that coming and it was stunning!
Oh my freaking goodness. What?! That ending was not what I was expecting at all! I gasp in shock, mouth hung open for who knows how long. This story is breathtakingly good! Theadora and Atlas, they were hot together. They were oh so right and wrong and toxic and so much more.
They shouldn’t be together right?! He kidnapped her, threaten her, force her into a situation she didn’t ask for or want. He’s coldhearted and broken and dark and darn it, that means he’s perfect for us girls.
Thea and Atlas are so different, it’s like night and day. Which makes them a difficult pair but there’s something pulling them together. He can’t stay away and she doesn’t want him too, no matter what comes out of her mouth. Lol!
Also, her sister is a total B! I can’t stand her. How can someone be so evil?! Ugh!
Anyways, this was my first read from this author and she did not disappoint! I’m so happy I’ve found her. I instantly became a fan. I can’t wait to read more.
I’m not so patiently waiting for book 2! I. Need. It.
T.L. Smith has a way of weaving her stories so that you don’t see the shock twists coming. And boy do they come in Heartbreak Me.
This enemies to lovers, dark romance is a mind melding, page turning read that shocked me more than a few times, but I wouldn’t expect anything less from a T.L read.
Atlas Hyde is the anti hero, who exudes power and dominance in all things he does. He’s the guy who is making sassy Theadora Fitzgerald work off her sisters debt in any way he can get her too. Thea is a strong woman who isn’t happy being told what to do and when to speak. But she does it, for her sister. There is a strong chemistry between these two, that they both try to ignore. Spending more and more time together doesn’t help the ignorance.
Who is Atlas Hyde and why is he the way he is?
I’ve just read Heartbreak Me and I’m still not entirely sure of the answer.
I’m happy to say, Heartbreak Me is part one of a duet because after that cliffhanger ending, I’m definitely not done reading about these two yet.
Thea is a down to earth kind of girl, works hard and always tries to do the right thing. She’s a bit sassy and doesn’t hold her tongue.
Kidnapped and forced into the dark world of crime, because of her sister’s debt she’s now indebted to Atlas Hyde, and her world is turned upside down.
Atlas is a man who rules his world of drugs, gambling and prostitutes with an iron fist.
But can they survive each other?
Twists and turns along the way, Atlas is a man of few words and its hard to get to know him. Thea was sassy but at the same time she was meek and easy to control, which at times made me want to give her a shake. She seemed to just accept everything thrown at her.
The ending surprised me and felt a little rushed, with so much drama it felt a bit like a hot mess but still has me wondering what’s to come next !!
Decadent and Delicious
This book was my three D’s, decadent, dark, and delicious, and eventually the other D too. This book started out fast-paced. From the first sentences, the tone of the story was set and it progressed from there.
Theodora and Atlas were compelling and dynamic in who they were as characters, I appreciated that Thea, despite being a good girl, was no pushover. She had a fiery temper and didn’t hold back. Atlas was an enigma. Even still at the end of the book, I have no idea what he is all about. I hated him at times but mostly, I am trying to figure out what his game is. There has to be more to the blackmailing in him. There are a lot of pieces to the puzzle and I am pretty confused. some of the answers were given but not really in regard to the whole picture of what is going on.
This ends on a cliffhanger that left me really confuddled in regards to Atlas again. Looking forward to the next book. Off-topic, the steamy times, one in particular, were HOT.
I need more! This book captivated me from the start. It starts of with a bang. Our heroine Thea is kidnapped and forced to pay of the dept her sister made. It‘s a high price she has to pay and she goes through hell to help her undeserving sister.
T.L. Smith sucked me into this story with a strong, independant heroine who is one of the kindest people. Naturally she wants to save her sister. Even though the sister quickly becomes one of my least favourite characters.
Atlas is this very serious and dangerous guy. He owns alot of different companies including a casino where he sells drugs and women. He‘s such a dark character with a dark past that has yet to be revealed.
Both characters struggle heavily with their attraction to eachother and when more and more is unraveled it is undeniable that those to are destined to be with eachother. The first half of this duet ends with a cliffhanger which surprised me very since I didn‘t see it coming nor did I really understand the reasoning behind how certain characters reacted. But I hope it all will be uncovered in the next part.
5
This book was soo damn good! I needed a few days to get my thoughts together before I posted my review of this book. At first I wasn’t sure how I felt about Atlas. In the end I loved him. He was such a bada$$. I loved his inner dialogue as well as Theodoras. Now Theodora was such an awesome heroine. She loved and cared especially about her self centered witch of a sister. I can’t wait to see what happens next. I really loved her BFF. This was such a great book. I was sad that it ended in a cliffy but hopefully book 2 isn’t to far off. This book was definitely a top read for me.
I hopefully we get more back store on some of the secondary characters.
This is my honest opinion! I will definitely recommend to my reader friends.
Another amazing read from T.L. Smith! Heartbreak Me is an amazing start to the Heartbreak Duet. Smith knows how to hook me from start to finish.
Atlas Hyde and Theadora Fitzgerald had the pages sizzling. Their chemistry and attraction is off the charts. Their relationship is a bomb waiting to explode. And when it ignites everything goes up in flames. Atlas is a mystery of a man and Theadora wears her emotions on her sleeve. She’s quick tongued but loves unconditionally, even when it’s not deserved. These two could not be more opposite.
Everything about this book had me absolutely addicted. Smith delivered a well written, captivating plot with amazing characters. Heartbreak Me is dark, twisted and delicious. The farther I got into the book the more I needed more. And then there was that ending. It was torture.
Heartbreak Me is a dark, delicious, 5 star read.
This was very dark and twisted, I really enjoyed it! I need book 2!