Shattered / Gifted (Lost in Oblivion) by Cari Quinn & Taryn Elliott-reviews

Shattered / Gifted (Lost in Oblivion) by Cari Quinn & Taryn Elliott-reviews

Shattered Gifted

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ShatteredSHATTERED
(Lost in Oblivion #4)
by Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 3, 2015

He’s shattered…and she’s the only woman who can help him pick up the pieces.

Nick Crandall has everything he ever thought he wanted. Tons of money, a glamorous lifestyle, professional admiration for making music. But all his success doesn’t erase the memories of who and what he’s lost on the road to fame and fortune. Nor does it stop his dream from shattering, right before his eyes.

Until the person he least expects pulls him back from the brink.

Lila Shawcross is obsessed with her work, which includes managing the drama-prone members of Oblivion. She’s definitely not about to let a hot-headed, hard-bodied lead guitarist wreck her orderly existence or dilute her focus. So what if she’s never craved a man quite this much? There are just too many complications, including the gold band on her left hand.

Except Nick is determined to possess her…and what Nick wants, Nick gets. Because this time, he’s not walking away.

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REVIEW: SHATTERED is the fourth full-length installment in the contemporary, adult LOST IN OBLIVION erotic romance series co-authored by Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott focusing on the members of the rock band Oblivion. This is guitarist Nick Crandall, and band manager Lila Shawcross’s storyline. SHATTERED can be read as a stand alone but for cohesion and backstory, as well as Nick and Lila’s history, I recommend reading the series in order as all of the previous couples play a secondary and supporting role.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Nick and Lila) SHATTERED follows the forbidden relationship between Oblivion’s guitarist Nick Crandall, and their manager Lila Shawcross-Lila is married, and although she is for all intents and purposes separated from the man in question, there are reasons that her affair with Nick can never be made public. Lila’s ice-cold exterior hides a sensitive and damaged soul.

For months Lila and Nick have butted heads due in part to Nick’s attitude, and Lila’s ‘Dragon Lady’ managerial skills as it pertains to the band’s public relations and personal lives. But Nick’s reputation as a man-whore; a sexually aggressive rocker has played havoc with Lila’s thoughts and ideas about Nick. As their relationship begins to develop, Nick and Lila’s feelings and emotions for one another grow deeper but Lila’s broken marriage and Nick’s past keep rearing their ugly heads. Meanwhile, Nick’s family life continues to implode as he finds himself falling for the same old scams and heartbreaking betrayal brought about by his father and sister back home. We get up close with Nick as the demons from his past continue to control his present.

The relationship between Lila and Nick has been building for several story lines. Nick and Lila’s rapport with one another has been acrimonious and antagonistic. Lila blames Nick for a number of the band’s problems, and Nick sees Lila as a controlling shrew. The $ex scenes are erotic, sensual and provocative.

All of the previous story line couples play a secondary and supporting role as we get reacquainted with Deacon and Harper, Gray and Jazz, Simon and Margo.

SHATTERED is an erotic tale; the introduction to Nick and Lila’s forbidden romance that finds two people lost in a world of broken promises and broken hearts, misunderstandings, and betrayal. The premise is engaging, captivating and inspiring; the characters are colorful, dynamic and animated; the romance is provocative and intense. SHATTERED ends on a cliffhanger-there is more Lila and Nick to come.

Reviewed by Sandy

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GiftedGIFTED: Lost in Oblivion Christmas
Lost in Oblivion 4.2
by Cari Quinn / Taryn Elliott
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic romance

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ABOUT THE BOOK Release Date December 16, 2015

All he wants is Christmas with his band and his girl…and a strand of pearls.

Rock star Nick Crandall is determined to make this Christmas the best of his life. So what if his beloved band, Oblivion, may be on the rocks? So what if his girl, Lila Shawcross, the band’s manager, has been freezing him out for days without telling him why? And hey, who needs snow anyway? In Southern California, it’s always hot.

Especially when the band gets back together for their kind of misfit family Christmas, and Nick and Lila reunite for one steamy night…

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REVIEW: GIFTED is a short Christmas story from Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott that focuses on Nick and Lila’s tumultuous relationship during the Christmas holidays. The timeline falls between SHATTERED November 2015) and FUSED (February 2016).

It is Christmas time. The members of Oblivion have gathered for a family celebration, and Nick has yet to buy gifts so he embarks on a Christmas Eve shopping spree with Jazz, in the hopes of finding the perfect gift for Lila Shawcross-the band’s manager- and the other members of the band. Told from dual close third person perspectives (Lila and Nick) GIFTED is a sweet story line that follows Nick and Lila several days after the events and cliff hanger ending of SHATTERED wherein Nick is unaware of the events that transpired to push Lila in another direction. Nick’s gift to Lila will play an intricate role in tying Lila to his heart-a string of pearls that is representative of their relationship.

All the members of the band Oblivion play secondary and supporting roles; there is a new introduction to the Oblivion family; and Lila leaves Nick to believe in a future with the woman that he loves. The $ex scenes are erotic and inventive.

GIFTED is a sweet story about the joy and magic of Christmas; a glimpse into the dynamics of the band; the family of your heart; and friendships that will last a lifetime

Reviewed by Sandy

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Shattered (LOST #3) by Cynthia Eden-a review

SHATTERED (Lost 3) by Cynthia Eden-a review

Shattered

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 27, 2015

Criminal psychologist Dr. Sarah Jacobs is all too familiar with the kind of bad boys who belong behind bars. But the dark, dangerous man she meets in the New Orleans underworld is a new kind of ruthless, and all too irresistible.

Jax Fontaine doesn’t claim to be a good guy, but he’s loyal to his own code and brutally honest about what he wants. He and Sarah may be worlds apart, but when they’re skin to skin, nothing matters but the heat between them.

And when a deranged killer targets Sarah, Jax will do whatever it takes to keep her safe.

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REVIEW: SHATTERED is the third instalment in Cynthia Eden’s contemporary, adult LOST romantic suspense series focusing on the men and women of LOST (Last Option Search Team). This is criminal psychologist Dr. Sarah Jacobs, and dark and dangerous businessman Jax Fontaine’s storyline. Although SHATTERED is the third in the series, it can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.

Told from several third person perspectives SHATTERED focuses on a killer who has targeted both Sarah Jacobs and Jax Fontaine. Sarah’s past is mired in death; a guilt she harbours for the sins of another, and with it comes Sarah’s resolve of acceptance for something of which she was never responsible. When a series of copy cat killings hits too close to home, Sarah finds herself partnered with Jax Fontaine -a man with an even darker past and dangerous secrets. As the threats against Sarah begin to escalate, the police begin to look at Jax as a possible suspect when all of the clues lead back to the man in question.

The relationship between Sarah and Jax is one of mutual attraction. The sexual energy is palpable; Jax is a man who knows what he wants, and he wants Sarah for now and in the future. Jax is an enigma; a sexy but dangerous man whose power and energy commands respect as well as doubt about his true intent. The $ex scenes are provocative and seductive. Sarah and Jax were first introduced to the reader in the previous story lines when Jax’s prior relationship with Emma Castille (Twisted #2) resulted in jealousy and emotional turmoil for Emma and former FBI agent Dean Bannon. Forensic specialist Victoria Palmer’s story is building; her attraction and potential future with former detective Wade Monroe is gathering steam; Victoria may be a serial killer’s next intended victim-a serial killer that is all too familiar to Victoria Palmer.

SHATTERED is a fast paced, intense, romantic suspense storyline with a series of twists and turns; a thriller where there is more to the story; a mystery about the who, where and why. Cynthia Eden pushes the proverbial envelope with her amazing ability to keep the reader in suspense until the very end.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Series Spotlight

BrokenBroken
LOST #1
by Cynthia Eden
Genre: adult, contemporary, romantic suspense
Release Date: March 31, 2015

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 31, 2015

The first novel in New York Times bestselling author Cynthia Eden’s sizzling LOST series introduces the Last Option Search Team, an elite unit that must protect the only surviving victim of a serial killer.

Ex-SEAL and LOST founder Gabe Spencer is accustomed to the unusual in his job. But when knockout Eve Gray steps into his office, he’s rattled. For the mysterious woman is a dead ringer for the heiress thought to be the latest prey of the serial killer who goes by the name Lady Killer.

When Eve awoke in an Atlanta hospital, her past was a blank slate. Then she recognized her own face in the newspaper and vowed to learn the truth. Determined to confront the nightmares hidden in her mind, she never expects to find a partner in Gabe.

As Gabe and Eve work together, their explosive attraction becomes irresistible. Gabe knows that his desire for Eve is growing too strong, bordering on a dangerous obsession, but nothing pulls him away from her. And when another Eve lookalike disappears, Gabe vows to protect Eve at all costs. While Eve may have forgotten the killer in her past, it’s clear he hasn’t forgotten her.

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TwistedTwisted
LOST #2
by Cynthia Eden
Genre: adult, contemporary, romantic suspense,
Release Date: April 28, 2015

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About the book: Release Date April 28, 2015

In the second seductive LOST novel from New York Times bestselling author Cynthia Eden, an obsessed Last Option Search Team agent goes looking for trouble—and finds her in the Big Easy.

Dean Bannon comes to New Orleans for one reason only: to track down a missing sixteen-year-old girl. That’s before he meets the drop-dead gorgeous con artist who makes him want to lose his legendary control.

With her past, Emma Castille doesn’t claim to be psychic. She just notices things other people don’t. Like the fear in a runaway’s eyes—or the pain in an ex-FBI agent’s heart. Her chemistry with Dean is blistering, but Emma follows her passion . . . not someone else’s orders.

Then a madman breaks into Emma’s home and leaves a twisted message: You’re next. Now Dean refuses to let her out of his sight until he pries every last secret from her full, sexy lips. And suddenly Emma’s aching to give him everything he wants.

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Shredded/Shattered (Extreme Risk #1 & 2) by Tracy Wolff-reviews

Shredded/Shattered (Extreme Risk #1 & 2) by Tracy Wolff-reviews

Shredded and Shattered banner

SHREDDED
(Extreme Risk #1)
by Tracy Wolff
Genre: contemporary, new adult, romance
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 4, 2014

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ShreddedTwenty-one-year-old professional snowboarder Z Michaels is the bad boy of Park City, Utah. He’s always had his pick of any girl in town—and on the competition circuit. But underneath his cool exterior is a young man in turmoil, trying to take the edge off tragedy by overindulging in sex and shredding the slopes. In fact, Z’s reckless behavior is a thinly veiled attempt to blunt his emotional suffering with physical pain.

Ophelia Richardson isn’t like any girl Z has ever met. Though she’s from New Orleans high society, she’s no Southern belle—and she’s not shy about being miserable in frozen, godforsaken Park City. But laying low is her only option after her ex, a rich boy who couldn’t take no for an answer, nearly killed her in a jealous rage. Following that terrifying encounter, the last thing Ophelia needs is a boyfriend—especially one as rich and arrogant as Z. But Ophelia soon discovers that he isn’t what he seems. If anything, Z may be even more damaged than she is.

Tormented by their pasts and feeling alone in the world, Z and Ophelia find a connection unlike any they’ve ever known. But with Ophelia hiding the details of her life in Louisiana and Z’s death wish reaching terrifying new heights, their relationship seems to be going downhill before it even begins—unless they can find the strength in each other to trust, grow, and love again.

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REVIEW: SHREDDED is the first storyline in Tracy Wolff’s contemporary, new adult EXTREME RISK snowboarding series. This is Z Michaels and Ophelia Richardson’s story. Z is the bad boy of the snowboarding circuit with a dark and tormented past. Ophelia is a young woman on the road to both physical and emotional recovery following a horrific accident one year earlier. The storyline is told from two distinct first person POV-Ophelia and Z.

The focus of the storyline is on the building relationship between Ophelia and Z and, Z’s determination to push himself to the limits of his capabilities. As an extreme snowboarder Z constantly places himself in dangerous situations including a late night ‘jump’ off a mountain that could have ended his life. But it is these types of suicidal actions that will push Ophelia in another direction when Z’s need for the rush hits too close to home. Ophelia has already experienced the life and death situation of someone she once loved and she has sworn never to watch another friend self-destruct while she sits in the passenger seat-along for the ride.

The relationship between Z and Ophelia is confrontational in the beginning as Z’s reputation with woman and sex precedes his bad boy persona. Z pushes all of Ophelia’s buttons noting that she holds a secret almost as dark as the secrets from Z’s past and it is with this realization that Z can be both sympathetic and empathetic when the truth is finally revealed. But Z will continue to push the boundaries of his sport and in this Ophelia may be pushed right out of his life.

All of the secondary characters-Z’s friends Ash, Cam and Luc-as well as our leading couple have yet to grow up. Their immaturity fuels the lifestyle and public perception that is extreme sports-alcohol, drugs, nameless sex and risk taking. Ophelia runs when she is needed the most; and Z’s past drives the dangerous life style that is extreme snowboarding.

Tracy Wolff brings the world of snowboarding onto the pages of SHREDDED with references to the famous and the infamous; snowboarding terminology; and the Olympic trials and extreme snowboarding games. We are pulled onto the slopes, the half-pipe and the snow covered mountains where Z and his fellow athletes hone their skill and risk their lives for the ultimate thrill and the chance to be the best.

SHREDDED is a new adult storyline but the writing style was a little choppy. The language was stilted and at times felt forced as though the author was unsure how to proceed with the conversations. Yes, extreme sports have their own style of speech and terminology but the language or usage felt disconcerted at times. The synopsis (storyline blurb) does NOT match the premise and should be edited as the reference to Ophelia’s ‘ex’ is not at all what the storyline reveals.

Overall, SHREDDED is an interesting and timely storyline that ends on a cliffhanger. While one couple gets their happily ever after another young boarder will have his entire life destroyed in the blink of an eye.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

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SHATTERED
(Extreme Risk #2)
by Tracy Wolff
Genre: contemporary, new adult, romance
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 20, 2014

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ShatteredAsh Lewis has poured every last ounce of his blood, sweat, and tears into reaching the very top of the professional snowboarding world—until the unthinkable happens. After the biggest competition win of his career, Ash’s mother and father are killed in a tragic accident. Unable to handle the idea of going back out on the snow to pursue the dream his parents shared with him, Ash feels that he has no choice but to walk away from snowboarding forever. Then he meets Tansy Hampton.

Wild, fun, and impulsive, Tansy has a different look and a new passion every week. As a cancer survivor who spent the past several years waiting to die, Tansy has a fresh perspective on life—even if she doesn’t have a clue about what she actually wants to do with it. But she’s determined to find out, and that means making the most of her time while she still can.

From the very beginning, their chemistry is intense. But while Ash can’t stop chasing the ghosts of what can never be, Tansy stays firmly focused on the possibilities the world holds for her—and for them. She’s already picked up the pieces of one shattered life. Now she’s determined to help Ash do the same.

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REVIEW: SHATTERED is the second storyline in Tracy Wolff’s contemporary, new adult Extreme Risk series focusing on a group of extreme professional snow boarders. This is snowboarder Ash Lewis and nineteen year old Tansy Hampton’s story-a story of grief, recovery, acceptance and moving forward. Although it is the second in the series, SHATTERED can be read as a stand alone without too much difficulty.

Told from alternating first person POVs (Tansy and Ash) the focus of the storyline is Ash Lewis-a one time, up and coming snowboarder whose life was shattered the day his parents were killed on their way to his Olympic qualifying trials. Not only did Ash lose his parents but his fourteen year old brother was left paralyzed as well. Ash’s guilt eats away at his heart, his soul and his existence. When the Make A Wish foundation approaches Ash to grant a snowboarding wish to a dying teen, Ash refuses because he believes snowboarding and thusly himself are the cause of his parents’ death and his brother’s injuries.

Tansy Hampton’s first Make A Wish assignment is Ash Lewis. A dying fan’s wish is to meet and watch Ash on the snowboarding half pipe but Ash is shrouded in so much guilt that he is unable to grant the wish. With the help of Ash’s friends, Tansy is able to give young Timmy his dream but Ash is reluctant to hit the slopes. What ensues is an eight day trip to the Andes Mountains of Chile and a developing relationship between Tansy and Ash.

The attraction between our leading couple is immediate but Ash has spent the better part of the previous six months whoring around to forget about the lives lost and shattered. The sex between Ash and Tansy is sensual, innocent and provocative. Tansy is an inexperienced female with a secret that she hopes to keep buried but an unexpected turn will force Tansy’s secret to be revealed.

The secondary characters include Ash’s fellow snowboarders Luc, Cam, X and Ophelia and, Ash’s brother Logan. Logan and Ash’s relationship is strained and a good portion of the storyline focuses on Ash’s guilt, angst and emotional stability. The world building continues with the familiarity of the friends and the snowboarding experience, language and scenery.

SHATTERED is a story of one man’s guilt, grief and inability to move forward and in this, much of the novel is angst ridden in Ash’s self deprecation, self loathing and misdirected anger. Although his brother is alive, Ash cannot see past the paralysis and, the wheelchair is a daily reminder of everything he and his brother have lost.

Tracy Wolff has written an emotional and heartbreaking story about death and grieving. It is difficult to say how long or how much grief is too much but each individual must learn to accept a loss before moving on. SHATTERED will show one man that he is not the only person suffering in a world of hurt and pain and, there are others who are suffering right along with him.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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