Rules of Bennett: The Complete Collection

Rules of Bennett #1-3

by Ember Michaels

His rules are simple.
You will bow.
You will break.
You will obey.
Follow them, and you'll survive.
And if you don't?
He'll break you in ways that'll make you wish you were dead.
Do you think you can follow the rules and survive the devil known as Bennett Moreno?

The Rules of Bennett collection features books You Will Bow, You Will Break, and You Will Obey. It also includes Moreno Forever, an exclusive, full novel that leads into the World of Bennett spin off series that will only be available in this collection.

Genres: Dark, Erotica, Dark Romance

959 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 13, 2021

About the author

Ember Michaels is a dark fiction author from South Carolina. When she's not writing, you can find her binge-watching crime shows, hanging at the beach, and devouring books from her favorite authors! Be sure to follow her on social media!

Facebook: bit.ly/EmberMFB
Twitter: bit.ly/EmberMT
Instagram: bit.ly/EmberMIG

Reviews

[Varya · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5 ✨


Dnf @65%....which was somewhere near the end of book 3....which clearly shows that I am an idiot for not dnf'ing it earlier. 😑 That 1.5 star is only for 2 scenes....the dry ice scene and the chilli scene. Those murders were horrific and dark and lovely. Other than that, this story sucked...for me.

This book irritated me to no end and I could rant about a lot of things in the story such as:

1)Aurora's stupidity in signing documents without reading even after everything she went through, (I cannot be more real when I say she was an idiotically stupid idiot🤷)

2)The small supernatural elements added to this story, (why?!! What was the need?!!😬)

3) Bennett being an evil monster but not evil enough because he "cared"😒 (I never figured good demented monstrous psychopaths would be so rare)

4) Bennett, having the audacity to think he deserved a chance at forgiveness and love from Aurora after what he did to her

5) Aurora actually forgiving him

6) Savannah's acceptance of her shitty situation and feeling gratitude towards Bennett *eye roll*

7) The alter ego shit with Aurora. It was sudden, unexpected and frankly...very unwanted. (Since it didn't develop into a dissociative identity thing or went anywhere else 🙄.....I was NOT interested)

8) Bennett (and everybody else) MOANING AND WHINING about Bennett's dead ex during all three books. And how Aurora looked exactly like Stephanie. 🤦🤦(Give me a break)

but despite all that.......One thing I can very honestly say is Bennett and Aurora had an HEA in this book (I skimmed the end , sue me) which was neither deserved nor right.
I am just so angry after this book😥

[Valentina · Rating 5 out of 5]

So very entertaining

This riveting series traces the evolution of Bennett and Aurora in the foreground of the Moreno mafia family. It's spectacularly unapologetic; it's depraved; and in the end, it's strength and feeling. Bennett is the embodiment of the anti-hero I can't help but love -- ruthless, dominating, magnetic, and when he, as the mafia underboss (and later capo), collects on a debt, it's no holds barred. He takes it to the next level, whether exacted on his enemy or bending his little pet Aurora to his will.

Aurora, in yielding to the rules of Bennett, transforms into his worthy partner, his dark princess.

I like that this mafia story does not try to shy away from the darker themes: betrayal and retribution, violence, trafficking, mafia wars. It is raw and sometimes twisted. It also depicts a love story, fervent and at times passionately brutal. No one is exempt from the dark field of influence, including a tight set of side characters who added depth to the tale and who, with Morena Forever, set the stage for the new Fedeltà family and building of a mafia empire.

Still, expect some sardonic pockets of humor in this otherwise depraved tale. Bennett has some unforgettable stomach-clenching moments, both humorous and not so humorous. This story is dark; it's entertaining, and I love it. I can't wait for future books.

[Sheri Cordell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bennett Moreno, A Lovable Psychopath!!

This box set is a must have for fans of dark romance. Bennett Moreno is a psychopath you can’t help but love as the story progresses. Ember Michaels found a way to redeem Bennett somewhat and make him a lovable character in my eyes. He loves and protects what’s his at any cost.

In You Will Bow, Bennett takes Aurora captive and she is brutally taught his three rules and the consequences for failing to follow them.

In You Will Break, Aurora and Bennett uncover secrets that impact the tentative understanding between them. A common foe brings them together in a twisted manner so to speak in order to survive.

In You Will Obey, Aurora and Bennett’s odyssey comes to a conclusion with both sides making small concessions and sacrifices in order to save their twisted relationship. Aurora becomes Queen alongside her man Bennett to rule over the new organization that rises from the ashes of the old.

In Moreno Forever, Aurora and Bennett are trying to raise a family while getting the new organization La Fedeltá on its feet. Unfortunately old enemies with grudges are waiting for the opportunity to take Bennett down. One such enemy makes the fatal mistake of threatening Aurora and their son Liam. Anyone with half a brain knows you don’t go after the family of a mafioso with depraved and psychopathic tendencies.

I can’t help but love Bennett Moreno and his depraved ways. I was hooked right from the start and couldn’t wait for each book’s release. I didn’t think Ember Michaels would ever be able to make Bennett lovable in my eyes, but she did. And Aurora is a strong and resilient woman to have survived what Bennett put her through and come to love him.

This collection of books is brutal, twisted, and most certainly depraved at times but it also tells the story of a man who finds redemption with a woman strong enough to survive what he does to her and come to love him.

Bennett and Aurora’s story is not for the faint of heart. It is violent, brutal, and will take you places you never could imagine. I LOVE dark, twisted, romances and highly recommend this box set if you love them too. Ember Michaels is a genius and I can’t wait to read her next book in this new world she has created!!

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series was dark and so twisted and depraved. Definitely at the top of darkest and most disturbing books I’ve ever read. And I couldn’t read fast enough!

Writing and storyline were amazing and completely captivating. Unexpected twists and turns added to the intrigue and suspense.

Bennet is the definition of the worst possible anti-hero. He definitely has unique and unconventional ways of torturing and killing people. Aurora showed a good amount of strength and backbone while suffering through Benett’s degrading punishments.Author’s amazing writing made it like I was right there with Aurora feeling all the pain, despair and need for revenge.

I definitely had my doubts and didn’t think Bennett would be able to fully redeem himself. But Ember proved me wrong and made it impossible not to completely fall in love with Bennet and his dark, crazy psychotic self!
The ending will not appeal to everyone, but it was just perfect for Bennett and Aurora!
I was so proud of Aurora getting her revenge and her transformation to Queen of La Fedeltà was amazingly written! She definitely proved that she is the perfect match for Bennett!

Moreno Forever set the stage perfectly for future spin-off series.
I enjoyed getting to see Bennett and Aurora after their hea. Their struggles felt real and not just there for added drama. I was happy they managed to find balance between mafia and family life.
Now it’s time for Bruce, and after the shocking event in this novela, I can’t wait for his story!

This series for sure isn’t for faint hearted, but if you like dark, twisted reads, I cannot recommend this series strong enough!

[Debra Faccio · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is not a book for me, it is disgusting. I'm far from being a prude but this. No thanks I'm more discussed then anything I have started reading. Couldn't even get past the first chapter.

[deb · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don’t know if I should be insulted, disgusted or both.

I read the whole series with the hope that Aurora would triumph over the man who brutally raped her, raped her friend, killed her family and traffics women. Instead she falls “madly” in love and becomes a murderer and pimp. I don’t know if I should be insulted, disgusted or both. Trying to get my $9.99 back

[Maria (Ri) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read these a second time in the boxset and loved them just as much as the first time. This is not a faint of heart type of story. It is ruthless and will leave you questioning why it is so disturbingly good (I accredit this with the amazing author) and needing therapy. Possibly both.

You Will Bow
4.5 stars

Riveting, dark, and a little depraved. I might need therapy and I will never look at dry ice the same way. Even with the darker elements, this had great characters and action. I cannot wait to see what happens next.

Well played.

You Will Break
Sweet holy hell

This book is like jumping out of a plane wondering if you remembered to wear a parachute. This is dark Mafia at its finest. The violence is truly graphic. Yet, there is something about the story that draws me in. There is a history here, not just with the characters but in the families themselves. I'm in awe at how well this author tied the connection between Bennett and Aurora.

I'm looking forward to how this all concludes. There is an amazing foundation in play and I look forward to Wilson getting his comeuppance.

You Will Obey
4.5 stars

This is definitely a way to end this trilogy (plus the prequel). It still was mafia at its most depraved and dark. Going into this story, there was no mistaking the fact that the lead role was not all sunshine kisses, and unicorn hearts. He is what he is. The things he has done to Aurora were deplorable. However, there was something about him that I liked watching the author unravel. He had the potential to be softer, which was seen with his first experience in love. When that was ripped from him in a ruthless and brutal way, the man he has become to be known for from this series was left. I enjoyed watching the author give me those glimpses. I struggled more with Aurora in this book than Bennett which says something. My issues with the story actually came in regards to the final lead-up to the climax with Wilson. Even though that scene was gruesome, it was the interaction between the characters that left me wanting more. I wanted it fleshed out more.

Even with the few issues that I had with the story, I still have to hand it to the author for not only dipping her toes in shark-infested waters but for jumping in and swimming with them because she held nothing back. I applaud that because dark Mafia books shouldn't be all sweet and nice. I also really liked that the author stuck true to the three rules and titles of the books. I look forward to more from this author in the future.

Moreno Forever
Great additional conclusion to this story and a great segway into the spinoff series. This book was pretty tame, in regards to the main characters, and other than the violence and gore of being in a mafia family, it didn't have the true dark factor of the original stories. I have a feeling that will change with the direction that the author hinted that the consequences of this story will have in the future books. Even though the next book isn't the character that I want (I totally am wanting a Saint story) I think it will still be good. Hopefully, Saint will get his story eventually because he needs a HEA for him and Giselle.

For the purpose of my reading challenge, I am marking this box set as a book since book four, Moreno Forever, cannot be read elsewhere and each book in this series was around 25% of the book.

[Monal Jani]

So, first i have never read a story where the main protagonist is a rapist and he gets an HEA, i mean i have as i read dark romance but not legit rape, in this he literally rapes other woman. Usually he does that stuff with his own women, she says no but its dub con.

I may have DNF this book but i was curious to see how the author turns the MMC and what kind of a grovel would be enough for FMC to forgive him for what he put her through, especially in the first 2 books.

To answer that question, nothing, because their was no grovel, 🤦‍♀️ actually there is no love, i wish author had tried to develop love between them sooner rather than the fucked up things, then may be this series will be saved.

So, i stand by my opinion that this MMC do not deserve the HEA which is given by the author. I really wished that he would die in the end so that she could live peacefully.

But nope, they were lovey dovey and planning a wedding together.

So, why 1 star ??

Because i loved the MFC, she had her moments of stupidity but through her struggle she was written as a very strong and fierce character. I know in the end she came back to him, but it was more like i am having his child and he killed everyone that mattered to her and took away, in the literal sense, everything and things he put her through in book 2, I dont think anyone could come back from that but she did as strong and fierce, though she lost a part of herself.

I didnt felt the love between them at all. Not in a single moment. It was like he was delusional and she was trying to make something from a worse situation, as she had nothing left, even after she left him.

In the end, what bugged me the most that the MFC is one to order the underboss in their mafia to snatch a girl from their enemy and make her into pet for revenge, as it was done to her. Some kind of fucking full circle/ irony ����‍♀️ I was like, were you not there when everything was happening to you. And you want to inflict something similar on someone else. So i lost her too.

Hence i cut down 1 more star in the end.

I thought i have read the darkest with authors like sam Mariano, pam Godwin, K. V Rose, pepper winters and more.

But this was dark and demorality to another fucking level. The fucking rapist has an HEA. The nerve i tell you. 🙄🤬

Fuck my curiosity, i have to live with this book in my head, i pray i forget soon about this book, which is unlikely with the rage i am feeling. This book is insulting.

I mean i would have believed somewhat in their romance if their was a fucking grovel, but no no no “, he still beats and demines her in last book.

Yeah yeah i know he was better that book 1 and let her tie him up in book 4 too, but sex is not the solution.

You know what would have been the solutions, i have 5

1. He would have let her beat the shit out of him, so he couldn’t even move.

2. He should have been starved for a week with her eating in front of him.

3. He should have been strapped to a bench for 24 hours with a dildo fucking him continuously without any lube and posted a video online for world to see.

4. He should have been locked in a cage with nails overall, so he cant sleep and is made watch the woman he loves apparently fucking someone else and enjoying it multiple times.

5. He should have been given 40 lashes after all the above, so his fucking souls leaves his body.

Man i would give anything for this MMC to go through all the above and still be alive first of all and forgive her too.

So, this is a worst book, i curse the day i came by it to read it and curse my curiosity, that bitch never gets to make decisions again.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

If dark romance is your thing, then this is your author! I suggest reading Rules of Bennett Prequel prior to reading this wonderful box set, as that sets the scene and isn’t included in this set. The books that are included in this set take the reader on a devilishly dark ride, there are loads of triggers and great dark humor included from time to time. The main characters are perfect together and know how to push each other’s buttons.
Moreno Forever is only found in this box set and it is a must read as it continues where the original 3 books left off. For fans of the series and the characters it is absolutely a must have and is written in the same high standard and dark vein as the rest of the series.
I loved this series and I’m sad to have to say good-bye to these characters. This collection is dark, delicious and perfect!

[BooksBooksandmoreBooks69 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really hard book to read. So if you have triggers, please read the warning first. It’s not for the faint of heart!
I ended up really hating Bennett, to the point of hoping Aurora actually follows through with her vow of killing him!
He’s depraved, vile and downright nasty! The things he does to Aurora will have you griping your kindle and reading in disbelief!

I had no issues with the story. It’s your usual mafia boss nabbing a girl and turning her into his slave!
But it’s written so starkly that your going to need (a) alcohol (b) chocolate (c) a blanket or (d) all three!!

And I know it’s suppose to have a HEA, but I really did hope it works have gone the other way!!

It’s good read don’t get me wrong, it’s just a shock to the system!!

🦋

[Kelly Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed it but not for the feint hearted.
The first 2 books Bennett is just awful I don’t know how Aurora survived the hellish torture he put her through.
I didn’t hate him quite as much by the end of the box set but I never really forgot or forgave him for the first 2 books so I’m not sure how Aurora managed to.
I’m also still not sure how I feel about the person Aurora became in order to survive her hell.
I am looking forward to the next book tho and seeing what lies in store for Bruce and his utterly broken heart, even being a mafia killer Bruce seems like a real good guy in comparison to Bennett, but that could change.

[Gladys · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know, I'm kind of on the fence about this one. Overall, I thought this was an OK series. This is definitely not for every reader. There's plenty of dark content here that will push at your boundaries and maybe have you feeling uncomfortable. I read a lot of dark romances, so that was not an issue for me. What was a big problem for me was the characters and their relationship. Almost everything I read, I read for the romance and this series simply just didn't give me those kinds of feels. This is my independent, impartial review.

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rules of Bennett by Ember Michaels is the Complete Box set of the Rules of Bennett series.
This series is the story of Bennett and Aurora. Bennett is the dark anti-hero / mafia who you feel you might not like but he does grow on you. Aurora is our leading lady who grows in strength with each book. This titles that you are getting are as follows:
Book 1 You Will Bow
Book 2 You Will Break
Book 3 You Will Obey
Exclusive book for this set: Moreno Forever
Enjoyed this Dark Romance.

[Christine Rekman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this whole series packs a punch right to the heart. Took some time to like Bennett, he was so cruel to Aurora that forgiveness seemed impossible. Aurora was a beautiful strong woman who suffered at the hands of Bennett Moreno. But over time we learn more and more about his life and come to realise that he wanted to change and through Aurora he did. Just love the entire series and look forward to Bruce’s story next year....

[Angela Markus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rules of Bennett

This is the first book(s) I’ve read by Ember Michaels and WOW what a journey. The emotions I felt on this roller coaster ride was crazy. Bennett made me so angry with his cruelty to Aurora. Even though she was strong & fought him it was heartbreaking. I would have liked to see Bennet suffer a bit more than he did! I can’t wait to read Bruce’s story next. Ember I will definitely be reading more of your books. Great story & well written.

[Misty Schott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely not for the faint of heart!!

If you like wondering wether or not the main male character is even redeemable then this is a great series for you. Bennett will push the boundaries with all the horrible, unforgivable things he does to Aurora. This is a series that definitely has many scenes that may be triggering for some readers, you have been warned! Of course, if you are like me and love your stories super dark then this series is a must read!!!

[Karen Denise Foster · Rating 1 out of 5]

Don't waste your time.

I read the prequel to this series and loved it. The story had so much promise. Unfortunately, that story never materialized. The story was choppy, repetitive and unbelievable. The character's actions, reactions and emotions were ridiculous. AND the grammar errors drove me crazy! I had hopes for this series, but the shoes were just too big for the author to fill.

[Lynn Stifle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection includes You Will Bow, You Will Break, You Will Obey, and Moreno Forever. I absolutely loved this entire series. It’s fast paced, twisted, dark, and filled with action, violence, death, and sex trafficking. Let’s not forget about Bennett, he’s dark, dominating, and a brutal man, but I loved him anyway. A great collection and one I truly enjoyed.

[AV27 · Rating 2 out of 5]

If i never have to read about Stephanie again, it would be too soon. I get that she was his first love but.. Jesus! Enough already. I wish the author actually spent time developing the romance between Bennett and Aurora. And Aurora's dreams?.. the supernatural bits.. Just No! The dark themes of this book were good though.

[Thea™]

The Rules of Bennett collection features books You Will Bow, You Will Break, and You Will Obey. It also includes Moreno Forever, an exclusive, full novel that leads into the World of Bennett spin off series that will only be available in this collection.

[Mary Brodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing!! Was hard to put down!! Can’t wait for more!!

[April Cardenas · Rating 5 out of 5]

THRILLING!!!!

Bravo 👏 Bravo 👏 this whole series is remarkable. Emotions ripping at your soul. Suspense in every corner. Twisted in all the right places. Can't wait for the book .

[Rose Bush · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal read. Super dark and kept me hooked from page one! Highly recommend.

[Aubergine Queen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sorry but this us ridiculous, too annoying to enjoy

[Nish]

I seriously don’t know how to rate this book. I have mixed reviews about it. I can neither give bad nor good. So confused.

[Sarahbash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!

ThIs book is nothing like I've read before. And yeah it has major triggers for some people and it's hard to read some parts but I thought that this book was absolutely fantastic. Aurora and Bennett were amazing characters and so we're the supporting characters. So happy they got there HEA in the end after all they went through. The chemistry between Aurora and Bennett was 🔥🔥🔥🔥