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How the Mind Breaks

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*This is a dark erotic romance with a psychological twist*

A dark past.
A devastating secret.
Two broken people.

Tia is focused on revenge, but she knows everything isn’t what it seems. With a painful past that continues to haunt her, she needs vengeance. As her sanity becomes more fragile, there’s only one person who can heal her. But it’s the one person she doesn’t want to allow inside her shattered psyche.

Braxton has been trained to kill, fighting on the front line. On returning home, he finds another war ravaging his world. Tia stumbles into his life, unraveling parts of him he’s kept hidden for so long.

As they venture through a dark, sordid path filled with vengeance and blood, they know there’s no way out, but to complete their mission.

Journey with Tia and Braxton as their story unfolds and the truth is revealed. It’s definitely not one you’ll be expecting!

196 pages, ebook

First published February 18, 2020

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About the author

Dani René

112 books2,293 followers
Dani is a USA Today Bestselling Author of dark and deviant romance with a seductive edge.

Originally from Cape Town, South Africa, she now lives in the UK where she explores old buildings and cemeteries while plotting her next book.

When she's not writing, she can be found binge-watching the latest TV series, or working on graphic design either for herself, or other indie authors.

She enjoys reading books about handsome villains and feisty heroines, mostly dark, always seductive, and sometimes depraved. She has a healthy addiction to tattoos, coffee, and ice cream.

You can find more information on her website, www.danirene.com, or find her on social media, Instagram and Facebook being her favorites. Along with her newsletter, which you can sign up for here - https://bit.ly/DaniVIPs

Find me online: Facebook Page | BookBub Page | Instagram | Amazon Page | TikTok | Pinterest

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5 stars
111 (48%)
4 stars
53 (23%)
3 stars
42 (18%)
2 stars
16 (6%)
1 star
7 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
Profile Image for NiCoLeTa E. {Addicted To Books}.
1,415 reviews85 followers
February 24, 2020
***4 "Vixen!!!" stars***

!AVAILABLE NOW!



"In our brokenness, we've found solace."

And that's how someone's mind can break...
And with a very good reason, i have to say!!!!
I think that if i went through the ugly things that Tia got through, my mind would also break and not only that!!!
Thankfully, Tia's spirit didn't break and Dani René sent us into a wild ride where the half time, my mind was hurting really badly, trying to understand why the hell Tia's mind was breaking!!!

"I was broken. My mind was broken. I've always known it."

This is Tia and Braxton's story!!!
A story full of pain and loss...
A story of revenge...
Unknowingly, their revenge had the same receiver and these two somehow ended up together...
She didn't want to, cause she was feeling that Braxton could have some power over her feelings, but still... she couldn't stay away from him...
He had to focus on his revenge, but that woman was intriguing him in more ways than he wanted to admit and he could recognize that her mind was hiding secrets...
Secrets that he wanted to unravel!!!

"You seem very intent on running, bit I'm determined to catch you."

"There's a darkness in his gaze that calls to mine. It drags me in and magnetizes me."


This story in a way, it was crazy... And full of malice!!!
Honestly, i can not understand how out there, are existing this kind of people...
People that can take everything from the one person that they should have protected...
And I'm pretty furious with these kind of monsters...

"I'm destructible. Memories, my past, everything makes me fragile. It's how my mind breaks when I go back there."

"He fucking ripped me apart. My body is not whole. My heart is not whole. And my mind... well, you know what my mind is like."


Our heroine went through some very nasty and ugly things...
As her memories were coming back to her, my heart was hurting really badly for her...
But still... That girl had fire inside of her....
They broke her body, soul and mind... But never her spirit!!!
And that was enough to make her want to fight back...
Add to that, a strong and protective man who is determined to be around her and help her and you can understand what's the deal in here!!!
Those two together were pure fire...
They had ugly scars inside of them, but together they could heal...

"She's my salvation. I can't offer her the same because I'm her damnation. I don't know how we'll survive this."

"His soul is there, calling to mine. We need each other to survive."


Well, i won't say more...
Only that Tia's broken mind was a terrifying place to be in...
Honestly, in the first half of the book, i was sooo frustrated...
And then came the second part and it broke me in a way...
Dani René knew what she was doing with this story!!!!
Surely, this was a dark romance suspense.... So...
I'm Nicoleta and I'm good! Or not???

"Do you think I'll ever have a normal life?"
"You can, Tia, but you need to find your anchor. You need to find it and hold on. Do not run into that place inside your mind..."


***I received an ARC in the eschange of an honest review.
Profile Image for Kim BookJunkie ~ Editor & Proofreader.
1,995 reviews56 followers
March 8, 2020
I had conflicting feelings about this book....

I thought the storyline/premise was incredibly innovative and unique. Dani gives the female main character a mental health diagnosis that is surprisingly believable, yet as far as I know, is not an actual diagnoses. I am a licensed mental health clinician (yes, I now proofread and edit, but that’s what I used to do), and as far as I know, Tia’s disorder is a figment of Dani Rene‘s fabulous imagination. The terminology used to describe Tia’s condition are real terms, making the symptoms and the character’s symptoms and behavior even more believable and realistic (while also making me wonder if there is a new diagnosis out there I’m not aware of!! So cool!! I was also very impressed by the twists and turns in this book. I love when I think I know where the story is going but later find out I was totally wrong, which is exactly what happened here! Nothing about this book is predictable!!!

The main problem I had with this book is that I didn’t connect with the characters. I didn’t feel an emotional connection to any of them. I don’t know if it’s because there wasn’t enough character development or what it was, but I wasn’t sucked into the story or excited to find out what would happen next. This also could be because of the way the story is told; there’s a lot of back-and-forth. Not only do we have scenes from the character’s past and present, but there are also flashback scenes to childhood. It’s told clearly, and it wasn’t confusing, but the present scenes felt like they took place in the past, and the past scenes like they were happening now even though this wasn’t the case.

In addition, I occasionally found scenes that I felt were too “convenient“. For example, at 86% I also found typos and a few gaps in the storyline like Braxton saying they drag Miguel “toward the rope hanging from the ceiling” then saying the following about Miguel: “...with the help of Grant, we heave him up and latch the rope to a hook in the ceiling.” Just minor details, but things I noticed. Overall, this is a really unique, interesting story, and the sex scenes are off the charts HOT!!!
Profile Image for 25 Readings Or More.
693 reviews150 followers
March 7, 2021
4.75

This book drained me, and after two days i still don't know how i feel about It.
It's so much more than i could have thought.
It's hard, raw, painful but steamy too.

Between Braxton and Tia there's that kind of connection that comes from a deep pain.
A connection only two broken souls can shared.
Their passion, their hunger for each others is the only way to find a peace they no longer know.....
In the end vengeance will not be the cure for their shattered hearts and minds.

I loved everything about this book: the dark, the erotic and the psychological aspects were perfectly orchestrated.
The transition between past and present, although confusing at times, has created a fast pace that makes you want to keep reading.
Here Dani is never predictable and in fact until the end I was not sure of anything.

It's definitely a story worth to read!
Profile Image for Kelly_Reads_Books.
1,958 reviews147 followers
March 16, 2021
This story was gut wrenching and emotionally draining.
What Tia has endured is ghastly and grisly, and so startling and disturbing, I don't know how she has survived.
In Braxton she finds light to her darkness, but fear keeps her chained to her past and embarrassment keeps her stuck there, not able to share what happened to her. Both of their pasts throw them together in a future that is doubtful and unknown. But will their love survive the secrets and dangers that swirl around them?
How the Mind Breaks characters are broken and fragmented people being put back together!
Profile Image for Mandie.
692 reviews34 followers
February 13, 2020
Wow, this book was completely mind-blowing! Totally unexpected! It was a twisted, earth shattering complex story that I couldn’t put down!!
Profile Image for Amara.
598 reviews62 followers
April 8, 2020
MF Dark romance

A short read with an ex military hero and a girl who escaped from a family or cartel dealing with human trafficking. She has some mental issues but it's a nice little story.
Profile Image for Philomena Callan Cheekypee.
3,918 reviews405 followers
February 18, 2020
I’m in awe of this author. No matter what she writes I want to read it as I know I’m gonna love it. How the Mind Breaks is an amazing story.

Tia and Brixton. Wow. Two amazing characters. So many feels while reading this. The author portrayed the characters in such an excellent way that I was going through the feels with the characters.

When I started this I knew I wasn’t gonna put it down until I’d finished so be warned... make sure you’ve got the time to read this in one sitting.
Profile Image for Jac K.
2,194 reviews296 followers
April 9, 2020
Free to read with KU, How the Mind Breaks is a dark psychological thriller following an ex-military hero, and a girl running from her human trafficking family; both are harboring secrets, and bent on revenge. Although entertaining, I found this book confusing as hell. The book switches from past to present, as you follow the couple’s story, and try to figure out what the hell is going on. On top of that Tia has mental illness issues so you’re dealing with that aspect as well.

It’s fast paced, so it did keep me interested. Tia and Braxton have a bit of an insta-love connection, and there is plenty of sexy time, but the plot is heavier on the suspense side. (rather than the romance) Bottom line- If you like dark, twisty, suspenseful thrillers with loads of sexy time…give this one a try. There are tons of great reviews out there.

February 20, 2020
How the Mind Breaks by Dani Rene was an immediate 5 star read for me, from start to finish. ‘Erotic, dark romance with a psychological twist’ described this book perfectly!!!! I was hooked from page one and by the time I reached the conclusion I was totally in shock!! I mean, mouth wide open, stunned, and taken back by the twists and turns.

I am someone who has read so many books that I am rarely truly shocked by the ending of a story; I can usually figure out at least some of where the plot is headed. Not this time!

This story was so well thought out and the way the plot lines unraveled were so smart. I was unable to put this book down because I just had to know what happened next.

‘How the Mind Breaks’ is a 5 Star, must read book...immediately! Be ready to stay up all night reading and get ready for twists that will leave you in shock!

~Lynne J.💜
Profile Image for Madeleine.
3,790 reviews10 followers
February 7, 2020
Wow! What an absolute mind blowing, dark, twisted, crazy, psychological read. Loved Braxton and Tia right from the beginning and was rooting for them the entire time. You will not be able to stop reading.
Profile Image for Kinky Minx .
184 reviews6 followers
February 20, 2020
Thank you to the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

5 breaking stars

How the mind breaks is another definitely read from Dani Rene. The plot is dark and twisted, totally blown my mind off.

Tia and Braxton both been through enough difficult task in their lives. Will actually say their hearts and minds are long broken and thank goodness they found each other to heal the scars and wounds.


Highly recommended.
You will never want to miss this.


Profile Image for Diana.
651 reviews175 followers
February 19, 2020
Delightfully Dark. What a Read!!!!!!
*arc generously provided by the promo team in exchange for an honest review*

description

“[H]e got a soul as sweet as blood red jam
And he shows me, he knows me, every inch of my tar black soul
He doesn't mind I have a flat, broke-down life
In fact, he says he thinks it's what he might like about me
Admires me, the way I roll like a rollin' stone.”

Off To The Races – Lana Del Rey

What’s this book about? (I'm trying to give as little spoilers as possible)
Guys, go into this not knowing what’s going on. I paid little attention to the blurb, so when I read it, it took me a couple of chapters to get what’s going on.

This isn’t my first Dani René read. The name has stuck with me over the years although I’m pretty sure I’ve only read one or two of her works! I need to read more ASAP.
This is a delightful dark read – not delightful in any sense other than the romance between Tia and Braxton and the fact this is distinctively EXQUISITE!!!! This was Dark Romance of the darkest shade!
Tia has such a dark and PAINFUL past. I felt incredibly sorry for her. I loved how she was on her revenge streak in this story. The evil witch in me wants these broken characters to fight their doom and to fight it BAD.
Braxton had this charming side to him – say what you want about how he worded it, he was still charming. His teeny tiny obsession slash crush on Tia is adorable. If I were to compare and contrast who had the worst past out of these two, Tia or Braxton, I wouldn’t know what to tell you really. It was a heartfelt read and my heart broke MULTIPLE times. These two had undeniable chemistry and their love was deep and mysterious.
The model of friendships and family is tested thoroughly in this story. Betrayal. Abuse. Love. Kindness. There was no black and white. It was a thorough ride, dark and gloomy.
The twists were unbelievable! I normally see twists coming, but this time around there was one in particular I DIDN’T EVEN THINK ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF HAPPENING! It left me shook.
This read is perfect for lovers of DARKNESS and STEAMY ROMANCE that have no problem reading about hardcore trigger topics! Not for the faint of heart, loves!

description

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Profile Image for Tisha.
934 reviews
March 29, 2020
I’m clearly in the minority here... and really if it hadn’t been for the remaining chapters I would’ve agreed with the majority.

Essentially I went into this story blindly, which I’m glad I did. The beginning of the book was really intriguing. I stayed up til 1am, just sucked into this world and trying to figure out where the author was going.

And then... once I figured it out. It became redundant and anticlimactic at the end.

I literally hit “finished” on iBooks and thought “that’s all?!”

This was my first Dani René book and I’m sure it won’t be my last. I just wished you wouldn’t have ended the story with fluff. This couple didn’t need a stereotypical HEA, they needed dark and twisty. IMO
February 19, 2020
Confessions 5 Stars

🥀🖤𝓒𝓸𝓷𝓯𝓮𝓼𝓼𝓲𝓸𝓷𝓼 𝓞𝓯 𝓐 𝓑𝓲𝓫𝓵𝓲𝓸𝓹𝓱𝓲𝓵𝓮 𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀🖤🥀

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 𝟓/𝟓 𝓞𝓿𝓮𝓻𝓪𝓵𝓵 𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰: How the Mind Breaks by Dani René is a dark psychological romance told in dual POV, flipping between past and present, and with an ending that you’ll NEVER see coming!

Braxton and Tia have both suffered from traumatic events in the past that have made them the people they are today. Leaving both of them seeking revenge for the ones that have lost. But unbeknownst to them, Braxton and Tia’s past are entwined more than either is aware and things are about to get a whole lot more complicated…
❝𝑯𝒆 𝒇𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒓𝒐𝒌𝒆𝒏 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒔 𝒎𝒆 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍 𝒘𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒆 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏.❞


Dani René is a favorite author of mine and she has completely outdone herself with How the Mind Breaks . René has created a captivating and beautifully written storyline that will keep you right on the very edge of your seat, begging for more with every twist and turn.
❝𝑨𝒅𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒔, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒔 𝒑𝒖𝒓𝒆. 𝑨𝒔 𝒊𝒇 𝒉𝒆’𝒔 𝒈𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒎𝒆 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒄𝒍𝒐𝒖𝒅𝒔 𝒎𝒚 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒅.❞
I’m still a newbie when it comes to psychological romances but most of them are dark and dirty, and anyone that follows my reviews knows that I’m all about the dark and dirty! How the Mind Breaks is a DARK read. It is NOT an easy read. It’s twisted, and it’s dark but it’s also so much more than that. It’s unlike anything I have ever read.
❝𝑰𝒏 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒃𝒓𝒐𝒌𝒆𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔, 𝒘𝒆’𝒗𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒐𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒆.❞
If you are a fan of dark reads or psychological thrillers, then you are NOT going to want to miss How the Mind Breaks .

❝𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒆𝒆𝒎 𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒐𝒏 𝒓𝒖𝒏𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝑰’𝒎 𝒅𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒄𝒉 𝒚𝒐𝒖.❞
💙 (𝓗) 𝓗𝓮𝓻𝓸: Braxton Carter *SWOON* Brax is EVERYTHING! He’s sexy as sin, strong and loyal to a fault. No matter how many times Tia tries to push him away, he refuses to give up on her. But Braxton is no stranger to danger and he’ll be damned if he lets Tia go. Although he’s fighting his own demons, he’s determined to help Tia take down hers.
❝𝑽𝒊𝒙𝒆𝒏, 𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒎𝒆 𝒊𝒏. 𝑷𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆! 𝑰’𝒎 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒈𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒐𝒇𝒇 𝒔𝒐 𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒊𝒍𝒚. 𝑰’𝒗𝒆 𝒔𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒔. 𝑰’𝒗𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒃𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆𝒔. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝑰’𝒎 𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆. 𝒀𝒐𝒖, 𝒎𝒚 𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒕 𝒈𝒊𝒓𝒍, 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰’𝒗𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉.❞


❤️ (𝓱) 𝓗𝓮𝓻𝓸𝓲𝓷𝓮: Tatiana Alvarez, I love a good strong heroine, and Tia is the strongest! When Tia was young she went through something so traumatic that her young mind fractured. She’s far from “normal”, but after everything she has been through, how could she be? Tia may be broken, but she’s a survivor. She’s brave, sometimes too brave. But I love her feisty, defiant self.
❝𝑩𝒓𝒂𝒙 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒉𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒎𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅. 𝑯𝒆’𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒌𝒆𝒆𝒑𝒔 𝒎𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚.❞


🔥🔥🔥🔥 𝟒/𝟓 𝓢𝓽𝓮𝓪𝓶 𝓕𝓪𝓬𝓽𝓸𝓻: Together, Brax and Tia are a force to be reckoned with. The steamy scenes… intense, passionate, and SMOKING HOT! Braxton is her anchor and Tia is his Vixen and somehow the two of thems broken pieces fit perfectly with one another.
❝𝑯𝒆 𝒕𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒔𝒊𝒏— 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒉 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒊𝒎— 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒔𝒐 𝒕𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒍𝒗𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏.❞
🌪 𝓒𝓵𝓲𝓯𝓯𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓰𝓮𝓻 𝓦𝓪𝓻𝓷𝓲𝓷𝓰: Nope, no cliffhanger. After a whole lot of suspense and secrets, Tia and Brax’s story wraps up perfectly.

❝𝑯𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒍 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆, 𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆. 𝑾𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅 𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒗𝒆.❞
⚠️ 𝓣𝓻𝓲𝓰𝓰𝓮𝓻 𝓦𝓪𝓻𝓷𝓲𝓷𝓰: There are difficult subjects that could be considered triggers. This is a DARK read with PLENTY of triggers, there is a warning so please take heed to it! If you would like to know more about what those triggers are, feel free to DM me!
❝𝑶𝒖𝒓 𝒇𝒂𝒊𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒚 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒖𝒏𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝑰 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰’𝒅 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒆 𝒊𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒆𝒍𝒔𝒆. 𝑰𝒕’𝒔 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒂𝒔 𝒊𝒕 𝒊𝒔.❞
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Profile Image for ReadingInPyjamas.
577 reviews
February 17, 2020
OMG, Dani Rene took it to a new level. How The Mind Breaks had my head spinning and my heart hammering like crazy. It was a total mind fuck.

"Addiction comes in many forms, but this is pure. As if he's going to save me from the darkness that clouds my mind."

Tia and Braxton are two deeply emotionally scarred people. They’re both seeking revenge on the man that destroyed their lives and will do anything to make sure he will pay for his sins. But beyond their need for revenge, they also feel a strong connection to each other. Braxton becomes Tia’s anchor to reality. Her mind is fragile, the horrors she’s been through during her childhood wreaked havoc on her psyche and when things go spiraling down she needs him to pull her back to the surface. And Braxton, although he’s also dealing with his own problems, is there for her when she most needs it. The sexual tension and the chemistry between them are off the charts and their relationship starts off based on raw need but quickly develops into so much more.

"He tastes like sin, but he also tastes like salvation."

The situations presented are disturbing but fascinating at the same time because they are relatable. I couldn’t put the book down until I finished it. The writing style got me enthralled, the story is told from dual POV with the timeline alternating from past to present. The action is fast-paced and the plot is intriguing with many twists and turns. I honestly didn’t know how the story would end, and I wanted so badly for the protagonists to get a chance at a HEA.

Overall this was a fantastic read, a wonderful dark romance with a psychological twist that will definitely keep you guessing. I highly recommend it!


*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.*
Profile Image for dais.
744 reviews77 followers
January 19, 2023
This is dark, emotional, raw, painful, steamy and completely mind fuckery.
When Dani said that the story of Tina & Brax would mess with you, she definitely wasn’t lying.
I feel torn apart inside, this story and the pain they both endured broke me. I honestly couldn’t put this book down, I read it in ONE SITTING. My hands weren’t just glued to the book, I was sucked in from the very first page and there was no escape. I completely lost track of time and what was going on around me. When I say that this story sucked me in, I mean it had it’s claws in me so deep that there was no escape. This book was just absolutely flipping incredible. Like there are so many things I could say about it but I don’t want to ruin it for anyone… so all I’m going to say is, READ IT. Go into it blind and have tissues ready as I sobbed multiple times and I was not prepped for it so I’m now sat here writing this review with tears/mascara streaming down my face… happy tears because that ending was everything, I mean omg my heart is filled with so much love and joy rn. I’m still devastated over the death, betrayal and pain they experienced but their love for one another was so pure and they fought so hard for each other.
Oh fuck I’m crying again…
anyways JUST READ IT 🖤
Profile Image for Sophie Ruthven.
1,963 reviews139 followers
February 12, 2020
4 and a half stars.
Wow what a mind twister of a book.
Every page will keep you guessing of what's going on.
Hope there's a follow up as there was so much going on that by the end you still feel like you are asking lots of questions.
Flabbergasted at some of them. Just how?????
Definitely a must read for those who think they are good at picking where the book is going, trust me, you won't with this.
Brax and Tia are perfect for each other, as the story flicks between past and present watch them figure things out and evolve.
Revenge can often be sweeter when you work as a team.
Profile Image for Fantasy Land Romance Reader.
2,821 reviews68 followers
February 24, 2020
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Jesus, I can not even explain to you what I read. The good thing about a review is I really don't have to. I just have to explain my feelings. How the Mind Breaks broke me then put me back together.

How the Mind Breaks is NOT a normal romance read. It is not full of rainbows, romance, flowers, or even a normal connection between the main characters. This book goes so much deeper than any of that.

Braxton & Tia's love goes all the way down to the cellar level. These two are broken in ways that only another broken person can understand, not fix. Because there is no fixing, there is only understanding and love.

If you are looking for a story that will bring you into darkness and help you find light in the end, this is the story! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!!
Profile Image for Sanda.
57 reviews7 followers
April 28, 2020
Really good twist on mental illness and mental health in general.
Profile Image for Renee.
4,181 reviews55 followers
February 18, 2020
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

A dark past. A devastating secret. Two broken people. Tia is focused on revenge, but she knows everything sin't what it seems. With a painful past that continues to haunt her, she needs vengeance. As her sanity becomes more fragile, there's only one person who can heal her. But it's the one person she doesn't want to allow inside her shattered psyche. Braxton has been trained to kill, fighting on the front line. On returning home, he finds another war ravaging his world. Tia stumbles into his life, unraveling parts of him he's kept hidden for so long. As they venture through a dark, sordid path filled with vengeance and blood, they know there's no way out but to complete their mission.

If you have been looking for a really good, heart pounding, dark psych thriller then you have found it here. You guys this book is so so freaking good. It is dark and twisty and will have you not putting this book down. I fell so in love with Tia and Braxton and man do these two really have the story to tell and things to go through and they will blow your mind. Dani Rene' is always the dark author that delivers in spades and How the Mind Breaks will go down as one of my favorites that she has ever written.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.6k reviews163 followers
February 19, 2020
"A dark past.
A devastating secret.
Two broken people."

Seriously though, this is pretty much this book right there. How the Mind Breaks surrounds Tia & Braxton, and that's all the detail I'm giving. See, there's that very first sentence that gives the why of me going this direction, "*This is a dark erotic romance with a psychological twist*" And trust me, Dani Rene takes it next level. This means there are so many twists & turns that even a mere f-bomb dropped doesn't do it justice. Ms. Rene is diabolically brilliant with all her dark & twisty talent, which feeds my dark & twisty self so well that I can't move afterwards. Those who don't really do dark, well, maybe you stay away because there are moments that got me, though I'll read it again & again to make sure that I didn't miss anything. Next up is the heat, and OH MY HELL was there heat so HOT that my kindle barely escaped destruction from exploding into flames. And just when you think you know what's going to happen, you realize that you never not once actually knew crap! This is the best type of story in my opinion, so I'm ending with HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMENDING TO ALL WHO ARE BRAVE ENOUGH!
Profile Image for Judy.
154 reviews4 followers
February 20, 2020
Braxton & Tia's story is unlike anything you'll ever read! I've read a lot of romance books, but I have to say psychological romance is in a class of its own & Dani Rene is one of its queens.

An epic twists full of turns that consume your every thought & leaves your head spinning!
"A dark past. A devastating secret. Two broken people."

Tia believes her mind is permanently broken & she is convinced that letting Braxton get close will only hurt him, but Braxton doesn't give up!

Braxton is every readers dream boyfriend! He is strong, sexy, dirty & most importantly he is loyal. He wants Tia and he goes after her with everything he's got.

The chemistry between them is off the charts! The love scenes are intense, raw, & so filthy. Yet so overwhelming with passionate emotions.

This is a soul crushing gut wrenching kind of story. That its characters steal your heart & refuse to let go! "Will a broken mind mend a shattered heart?" You'll have to read to find out!
Profile Image for Gwen Shafer.
1,886 reviews27 followers
February 12, 2020
Mind blowing. I honestly did not know what I was getting into before I read this one. But let me tell you once I started this one I could not put it down. I read this one in one setting. It was a must to read at one time because it had me hooked. I had to find out what was going to happen with these characters. This storyline is out of the water amazing. Reading this story brought chills down my back. Experiencing what Tia went through and goes through over and over was heart wrenching. But then Brax comes into her life and changes things. He is her light in the dark if she would let him be. Brax has his own demons that he is dealing with. But he is determined to help Tia. But there are so many elements that bond these two together that make this story amazing. I loved every page turning twist and turn. The chemistry is off the charts amazing, the suspense will knock you off your feet, what happens with Tia after meeting her father will have you in tears. But through it all Brax is right there. I loved this one. It was amazingly written from beginning to end. If I wasn't already a fan of Dani's I would be after reading this one. Highly recommend this one. An absolute must read.
Profile Image for Night Owl Book Blog.
193 reviews7 followers
February 18, 2020
Dani Rene is an undisputed Queen of dark romance. If there were ever any questions about it then How The Mind Breaks just blew them out of the water. With a lot of twists and turns in this dark world created by Dani, Tia and Braxton are both broken, damaged souls but their love knows no bounds. Everyone should have a Braxton to love them no matter what. Dani Rene really knows how to write so that her words sear into your soul. Her characters are raw but real. This book is a psychological romance and while it’s very dark it ultimately gives a beautiful message that love can conquer all but it’s a painful, messy journey to get there.
Profile Image for Yoneidis.
1,891 reviews7 followers
February 21, 2020
This book tells the story of Tia, a woman focused on revenge with a nightmare past. "She’s broken, so fucking broken.” And the story of Braxton, who works for Retribution.”We’re an elite squad of ex-Marines who feel that something needs to be done with the depraved, violent things happening in our city, and our country.” Both want revenge on the same man, and they end up falling in love.
But this is not a fairytale, there are many despicable, horrendous moments in Tia’s memories that makes you want to hug her and comfort her.
The story is told by Tia and Braxton POV’s and mixing events from the past with the present. Also due the mental state of Tia you will also have the voice in Tia’s head who talks with her during certain stressful moments.
Also very hot scenes between Tia and Braxton.🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

“Fuck nice, Tia. I don’t want to be nice. I’m not a nice guy, and if you say it, I’ll drive down there right now, I’ll bend you over that fucking bar counter, and I’ll shove my dick so deep inside you that you’ll feel me in your goddamn throat. I’m going to get inside your mind, Vixen. The same way I’m going to climb into your body. I’m going to make you come so hard you’ll forget your limitations, your barriers you like to keep up. I’ll break them down. I’m not scared.”

“Long nights of imagining my fingers digging into the smooth skin of his shoulders, scratching my nails down his back as he rams into me, have haunted me. His filthy words send me over the edge, and I shout out his name like a prayer. Simply put, he’s made for fucking.”
Profile Image for Belle's Book Labyrinth.
172 reviews89 followers
February 20, 2020
This is seriously some deep, terrifying dark stuff! And I loved it!! I always wondered how some people can be truly evil to others and how those victimized by such evilness don’t lose their spirit, especially once the mind, body and soul has broken down. One thing that comes in mind would be revenge. But mix in an undeniable attraction between two tormented individuals, it will take you on one hell of a psychological and crazy ride. It’s twisted, unpredictable, and it will blow out your mind. 5 stars for me!
Profile Image for Michelle Austin.
2,738 reviews41 followers
February 12, 2020
How the Mind Breaks was a thrilling and twisted 5 star read.
Wow, where to start with this review, my head is still spinning.

My emotions were all over the place while reading Tia and Braxton’s story.
Tia is out for revenge, her father is an evil man and she has plans for him when she finally finds him. The things this poor girl went through was heartbreaking.

Braxton is a trained killer, and has his own plans for vengeance. He wants Tia but there’s a slight problem, she is dating his best friend who doesn’t deserve her. So he is waiting in the shadows until she realizes her mistake. When these two finally connect, it’s worth the wait. They really turn up the heat and give us a heck of a steamy scene.

Both Tia and Braxton are perfect for each other, they both are broken and need each other to heal. Will Braxton see Tia differently if he knows her secret? Will she ever get a HEA?

Overall this was a great read. Dani has once again pulled me right in with her writing. This book has several twists and turns and some shocking reveals. Just when you think you know what’s going on you find out you are completely wrong. I need more from these two. Dani has delivered another must read book, 1-click and get started today.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Jennifer  Tyronney.
163 reviews3 followers
February 12, 2020
How the Mind Breaks is a dark psychological romance full of pain anguish and emotional torment. It was simultaneously heart wrenching and beautifully romantic at the same time.

Tia is a woman who has seen more trauma than anyone should and her mind has shattered in order to hide from her past. Nothing in her mind will protect her from a real past that might catch up with her though.

Braxton is dark, driven by rage and the need for revenge. Tia has fallen into his world and he is consumed by her. Together they must fight demons of the mind and real life monsters. Both as dangerous as the other.

This story is told from multiple points of view, bouncing from the past to the present and back again. The pieces of the jigsaw, only falling into place as the story reaches its thrilling conclusion.

This story is gripping from the outset until the very last page. A definite must read!
February 16, 2020
A fantastic story of erotic mind- fuckery

Wow so I feel any review I do for this book could never do it justice, this is an absolute masterpiece of a psychological romance and wow does Dani keep you on your toes.
With every new revelation comes a new twist that you never see coming!!!!

An truly brilliant read with a strong set of super sexy characters that will keep you on the edge of your seat and anxiety levels high......enjoy!!
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