Smashed into Pieces

Clear Water Creek Chronicles #2

by Scarlet Blackwell

No longer available

- - -
Sheriff Brandon Schofield is smitten by the new arrival in Clear Water Creek, Finn Austen. But Finn is living in the house by the lake where a murder took place and his story is no less unhappy than the previous occupant's. Finn is on the run from a violent past and he trusts no one. Brandon is desperate to break down his defences and win Finn's love and trust but time is running out and perhaps he can only protect Finn for so long.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Gay, Abuse, Erotica, Romance, LGBT

193 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 14, 2011

Reviews

[Simsala · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another one of Ms. Blackwell`s mismatched couples in a story that felt rushed and dealt with the abuse/domestic violence in a former relationship theme all too lightly.At the end I didn`t have the feeling that this couple will make it but hopefully the sequel will be more convincing...

[Serena Yates · Rating 3 out of 5]

This second volume of the ‘Clear Water Creek Chronicles’ tackles yet another difficult topic. After the love-hate relationship between a gang-rape victim and the man who looked on without helping in the first book, this second story takes a closer look at abusive relationships. They are very hard to understand for people who have never experienced them. This book attempts to show some of the effects, and some of the steps an abused person goes through as they try to struggle free – which is very rarely successful and never, ever easy.

Finn has been the victim of sexual and physical abuse for ten years. That is a very long time. We never find out why he decided to run as far away from Iowa as he did this time, but when he ends up in Clear Water Creek, he still has no life. The problem is that he is too afraid, and he no longer knows what it's like to make his own decisions. He isn't able to trust anyone and even though Brandon offers his support repeatedly, Finn has no idea how to deal with anything.

Brandon is a good guy. He is extremely protective, and falls in lust and love very quickly. He has seen and dealt with a lot of abuse victims on his job, so he is pretty sure he knows the sort of thoughts Finn has as he tries to gain is trust so he can really help. Thank God he never gives up, no matter how often Finn rebuffs him.

This book is not a fun read, but it made me think. While I would classify it as a love story, it is not a traditional romance by any means. Yes, love is the force that drives the characters (more Brandon than Finn, initially), but there is so much more than love going on between those two. Giving an abused man new hope and making him want to try to live an independent life needs more than love, but it is a good, no, an essential, start.

[Nedra81 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful and sensitive topic of discussion brought to life with realistic actions by every character. Domestic violence is difficult to understand, even more difficult to comprehend why the victim stays rather than leaves, and Scarlet nails the answers within the context of the pages. There were numerous instances where I had to take a breather due to the realization of the situation and the intensity of the trauma for Finn.

“𝐈 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐈 𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐝 𝐈 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐮𝐩 𝐨𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐧. 𝐍𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭.”

Brandon was such an amazing person, never giving up on Finn, even though he was pushed away numerous times. Brandon understood the importance of consistency when dealing with an abuse victim, while also making sure Finn knew he was there to protect him. Their initial sexual encounter was that of a lonely man who needed the comfort from someone he was beginning to trust. After Finn was able to realize their connection was genuine and real, the possibility of a future becomes a reality.

[Ami · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finn Austen is on the run from his abusive partner, who treated him as punching-bag and other types of abuse for years. When Sherrif Brandon Schofield crosses path with Finn, he is smitten and determines to help Finn to get out from his shell.

"Clear Water Creek Chronicles" is probably the most difficult to love. The first book, Into the Light, contains gang-rape scene. Now this, it has domestic abuse theme. First, there is Finn (and his past) -- at the same time, Brandon also deals with a parallel case on his own, where a wife has been abused by her husband of ten years, but unwilling to press charges.

On one side, this is a "heavy" subject, and Ms. Blackwell presents the worst case of what will happen if one lets the abuse to continue (the woman is finally died on the hand of her husband). Therefore, I can understand how messed-up Finn is, as a character. It is not easy for him to trust other people or let himself believe that he is worthy of love. THAT, I like ... because some stories regarding domestic abuse seems to forget about this, and let the character easily fall in love like the traumatic event doesn't matter.

On the other hand, I'm not feeling comfortable enough with how Brandon pursues Finn. At few times, I feel like he is too pushy; even if he claims that he is willing to give Finn time. Plus, the fact that he has the same career like Finn's partner might not be too easy for Finn to accept, right?

So, this story is difficult. I'm not sure I believe in the romance enough -- I do hope that Brandon and Finn make it somehow.

[Serena Yates · Rating 3 out of 5]

This second volume of the Clear Water Creek Chronicles tackles yet another difficult topic. After the love-hate relationship between a gang-rape victim and the man who looked on without helping in the first book, this second story takes a closer look at abusive relationships. They are very hard to understand for people who have never experienced them. This book attempts to show some of the effects, and some of the steps an abused person goes through as they try to struggle free – which is very rarely successful and never, ever easy.

Finn has been the victim of sexual and physical abuse for ten years. That is a very long time. We never find out why he decided to run as far away from Iowa as he did this time, but when he ends up in Clear Water Creek, he still has no life. The problem is that he is too afraid, and he no longer knows what it's like to make his own decisions. He isn't able to trust anyone and even though Brandon offers his support repeatedly, Finn has no idea how to deal with anything.

Brandon is a good guy. He is extremely protective, and falls in lust and love very quickly. He has seen and dealt with a lot of abuse victims on his job, so he is pretty sure he knows the sort of thoughts Finn has as he tries to gain is trust so he can really help. Thank God he never gives up, no matter how often Finn rebuffs him.

This book is not a fun read, but it made me think. While I would classify it as a love story, it is not a traditional romance by any means. Yes, love is the force that drives the characters (more Brandon than Finn, initially), but there is so much more than love going on between those two. Giving an abused man new hope and making him want to try to live an independent life needs more than love, but it is a good, no, an essential, start.

[Meggie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm torn about this review. First Finn, as one of main characters in this story, is to messed up, to torn to pieces, as the story is titled. He was scared of everyone around him and it's logical considering his past. But I have to say, that I didn't much like him in second half of the story. He was just to negative in my eyes.
And Brandon he was just emotionally to pushy. Why on earth did he force himself over and over again on Finn even if he knew and saw how messed up Finn was ? That was just creepy in my mind... even if you're attracted to someone so much that you're blinded by it, you have to use your head, too. I mean theoretical, there is a new guy in town, broken, torn and blue before you and you want to show him how hot he is? Really? Where is so called lets be friends to build some foundation ? That was missing!
Finn as a character was afraid of Brandon because of his violent past in every way, but what did Brandon do, he thrown himself over Finn every time he had a chance. Because he didn't want to give up on Finn ? Really again!! Finn was new in town and this emotional bomb was just not realistic, at list from Brandon side. Brandon was to pushy, to rushed and to stuck on Finn as a hot, broken guy.

The plot was just to messed up for my liking.

[Norah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sheriff Of clearwater creek meets the newest member of his town ,Finn. Finn is running away from something, hes scared, bruised but is just far to gorgeous for the sherriff to ignore. This was an amazing story, It had me from the first words. I just Love a big strong man in uniform who wont give up on helping someone so in need of saving. Its full of the tug of war between the two men. I loved it, with just enough angst to make you keep turning the page and cheering for the sherriff to win his man.Its defianlty a book I will re read , I fell in love with both characters and look forward to maybe reading something more about them in the future

[Tracy's Place · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5 out of 5

[Chris · Rating 1 out of 5]

My major problem with this book was that it basically just took the love of a good man and some hot sex to cure ten years of emotional, physical (broken bones, burns), and sexual abuse. Oh, hell no.

[Cocktails and Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Cocktails

"Smashed Into Pieces" from Scarlet Blackwell was...unexpected? I had thought that it would be a romance story with some action thrown in. Instead, it turned into a crime novel along the lines of the "Prey" series from John Sandford with two men falling for each other in the course of the book. Don't get me wrong. I like crime novels and read them quite often, but I wasn't really in the mood for one. I wanted a love story between two men.

Sheriff Brandon is new in town and has developed an interest in Finn, a quiet, reclusive man who has moved into the house across the lake. It's obvious that he's on the run, and he wants NO part of the sheriff or anyone else in town...save for the nurse because he is injured in some way. Brandon doesn't really want to let up though. He persues Finn at nearly every opportunity, even investigating his past in Colorado.

This is where the story picks up, and I don't want to give too much away. The reason that Finn doesn't want to get close to anyone is because he doesn't want anyone to get hurt thanks to him. He continuously pushes Brandon away. Over and over and over again, in fact. I was getting really frustrated by that. I was screaming at my Kindle, "LET HIM IN FINN!!! HE ONLY WANTS TO HELP!!!" At one point, I thought that Brandon should just give up and find someone who would love him like he deserves to be loved, but against MY better judgement, he continued on.

Finn is so damaged that, when the man he's running from, shows up planning to take him back to Colorado, and probably kill him, he's just ready to lay down and accept it. This was also really frustrating. He just would not allow himself to be helped. I mean...COME ON!! This is even after he's been intimate with Brandon, and they're, for all intents and purposes a couple.

There was just a lot going on in this story, and it was brutal. So much more brutal than I expected. Certainly, abuse is never tame, but wow. Ms. Blackwell has a firm grasp on the subject matter, and she writes in such detail that I was actually sick to my stomach in certain parts. I'm serious. This book is not for the faint of heart, and it's most definitely not pretty. It's gritty and intense. If you go in, like I did, thinking you were going to get hearts and flowers, you are missing the mark. Instead, if you go in knowing it's a crime novel, you can appreciate it for what it is.


Domestic Violence is never ok. If you, or someone you know, is being abused, please call 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE).

Reviewed by Kenna for Cocktails and Books

[Ivka_s_knihou · Rating 3 out of 5]

hm... I'm trying to figured it out the review... I don't like to write bad reviews. So usually I'm not writing a thing when I have nothing good to say... I have issues with this book. Not so much as with Into the Light from this author, but they are still there.

I don't know what happened but the word "arms" really irritated me when I read the fifth time "arMs". Problem with editor??? But it's not the main problem.

First of all... I love Finn. His character is so messed up and so damaged. It really was very well written. His fears, his hesitation, his slowly blossoming passion for Brandon, his doubts over himself, his anger and especially the part after Dominic's death. I almost believed his character is so smashed into pieces, this book is not going to have HEA (and it would be a good ending for me and I think I would like it better, which is really a little messed up).

In my opinion Brandon is intimidating guy. He knows it. And he used it for his advantage. Like when he wanted to scare Finn when they first met. When he tried it on that nurse. And even if he's trying to watch himself, he's still doing it. The book has it's circle. Throwing himself at Finn. Scaring him to death. Apologizing. And tomorrow throwing himself at Finn again and scaring him again and so on and so on... Sometimes I had a feeling he's doing everything in reverse. He pushed when Finn needed time. And when finally Finn needed his help he ended it between them and almost got Finn killed.

God, I really have to stop. So... 3 stars ...just because this book was much better than the first one.

[Alina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific continuation to the series!

I loved Brandon and Finn just as much as Sean and Eden and it's saying something ))

Brandon doesn't have so much emotional baggage and anguish as Sean did, but Finn's probems are more than enough for the two of them. I think their relationship were portrayed very realistic. Brandon started caring about Finn almost from the beginning and that feeling soon became love, but despite being very patient, understanding and supportive he still very often despairs, thinks about washing his hands of Finn, because he feels he can't do anything to save him, coz Finn so violently refuses being saved. But still he rushes to the rescue with the first signs of trouble. Great and very likeable character :) Finn's troubled and sometimes it seems his behaviour isn't rational at all, what's with his strange connection with his domestic abuser Dominic and his seeming unwillingness to finally break free, but I liked how his behaviour was explained and although it still seems very foreign to me it helped to connect with him better.

Very appropriate ending, coz I think Finn wouldn't be able to move on if Dominic were alive - doesn't matter if he'd be in prison - so Brandon killing Dominic had been the only possible outcome to give a closure to Finn's abusive past and to give him and Brandon a new start. I loved the hopeful steps in that direction in the ending.

[Ery · Rating 2 out of 5]

Similar to its predecessor, this book is focused on a difficult/dark topic. While this novella didn't contain quite as much emotional impact (read: shock value), it was still a story that focused on personal trauma and the resulting drama.

Writing stories about such dark events and the fallout from them has got to be unimaginably difficult. Doing so in such a short story even more so. What I look for in these types of stories is the hurt/comfort, inner turmoil, and deep characterizations / growth resulting from the trauma. Unfortunately, the author barely scratched the surface in this piece. While all of the actions were there, I didn't really see into th MCs' psyches. In short, I didn't participate in their story, I just observed. Remotely.

The author addressed several of my grievances from the first novel, which I was happy to see. I still found it hard to believe the characters would act as they did, and the conflict seemed too easily resolved. I also had some minir issues with holes in the story (random aside: I may have missed it, but how did Finn initially get groceries? He had no phone and was afraid to go out, so they were delivered. Did he internet order them- which seems strange, especially if he didnt have a phone?) Unlike the first story, I wasn't invested in the characters' lives, and that is where this ultimately failed for me.

I may try one more of this author's books, but.... maybe not. Third time's the charm?

[Sue Milkovich · Rating 4 out of 5]

HARD TIMES

This is Book #2 of the CLEAR WATER CREEK SERIES. It is FANTASTIC!! SCARLET BLACKWELL is turning this small town upside down. This is fast paced and MAGNIFICENTLY written.
Being the new Sheriff in Clear Water Creek is a much slower pace for Brandon. A nice change of pace. Finn moved in across the lake from Brandon. He seems to want to go unnoticed and has a recluse quality about him. Finn has had a hard life and has the scars to prove it. He's unsure of his path and trusts no one. He knows he has a past he can't out run. These two stubborn men go through a constant push and pull. Brandon is determined to be the man Finn deserves. I really enjoyed this dynamic and these characters. This is an EXCELLENT Book. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND THIS CLEAR WATER CREEK SERIES!!!!!!!!!!
I received a free advanced copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[MM Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Domestic violence is horrendous and a subject that needs to be talked more and written about more. I'm glad that Scarlet Blackwell took on this subject because she's the perfect author to handle this with care and compassion along with excellent writing. You would not help but cry for Finn and other victims of domestic violence. And the real heroes are those who are patient and kind and understand what they are going through. Much like the characters like Brandon and his friends. Finn deserved to find someone like Brandon.

[Saskia Veldhuis · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. It's really impressive being able to write well about such difficult subjects and the portrayal of Finn’s mental and physical state is excellent. However I found Brandon too pushy at times and for Finn to go from being badly abused to having a physical relationship within a short period of time doesn't feel realistic. It was still a riveting read.

[Tyler Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deep and emotional, scarlet once again wows me with how well she can write gritty topics and make you feel like you’re there in the book with her characters. Although this book came with some tw I immensely enjoyed every second of it and couldn’t pull myself away.

[DLB2572 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hurt/Comfort

This is a great story that does get a bit painful to read. There are a few difficult scenes but they really do add to the intensity of the story. It is worth it to read this story.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

That story was too close to reality. I'm not speaking from experience but it made me look so deep into the victims minds that I really didn't need to, but it was good to know. At first when he decided to go back to his old life, I thought that Finn is such a dumb guy, but then I realized I really don't know how victims think. Not really. I get it from books, or TV, or interviews with victims, but I guess you don't really know how their minds work. I feel so bad for all people who are victims of domestic violence and I can only say that this books is not only entertaining for the rest of us, but a glimpse of hope for the victims. Because most of the times the hand that the sheriff offered many times, is offered in real life too, by people who will understand the victims and will help them, if they just accept the help.
Damn that book wrecked me way more than I expected it to. But it was wort it.

[Sue Milkovich · Rating 5 out of 5]

STUNNING!!

This is Book #2 in CLEAR WATER CREEK CHRONICLES. This is another book I did NOT put down! SCARLET BLACKWELL is a MAGNIFICENT writer. Brandon is the new Sheriff in Clear Water Creek. He's ready to settle into a quieter way of life. Finn is a man on the run. The base of this Book is domestic abuse. This Author takes great care with the implications surrounding this topic. I really loved this Book. It's fast paced and I read it in one sitting from beginning to end. I just couldn't put it down. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND THIS INCREDIBLE CLEAR WATER CREEK CHRONICLES!!!!!!!!!!

[Book Binge]

Brandon is the relatively new sheriff in town. When he discovers that there’s a new man in town and no one seems to know anything about him he goes about trying to get information. But from the get go I was curious as to his motivations. Yes, he needed to keep his town safe but there was the attraction that he felt toward this new man as well that had him butting into Finn’s business.

Brandon’s attempts at info are unsuccessful so he decides to go to the source. He pretty much badgers Finn until the man literally crumbles emotionally and tells him about how his previous boyfriend abused him. It’s horrifying and I felt so badly for Finn but instead of leaving Finn to deal with his personal demons Brandon is determined to keep him safe. He’s the Sheriff, I get that, but it was more than personal and Brandon was in love with Finn.

Finn was a broken man. He endured physical and emotional pain and anguish for 10 years until he finally got the nerve to leave. I understand that abuse victims get so beaten down that they don’t feel they’re worth anything to anyone so they stay with their abusers. I was so happy to see that Finn had finally broken away but the man just wanted to be left alone. But Brandon wouldn’t let him be. He kept at Finn and it made me a bit nuts. Brandon crowded Finn and took over at times like an alpha male and that was the last thing on earth that Finn needed. Sure Brandon felt bad about it afterwards but it didn’t stop him from doing it again and again. I can’t tell you how many times Finn told Brandon to just go away and leave him alone. Brandon started to seem more like a stalker to me than someone who was concerned about Finn’s well-being. And when Brandon declares his love? Oh holy crap, why? Not that Finn isn’t worthy but Brandon knew nothing about him as a person – nothing. How could he love someone he didn't even know?? Though there was an HEA it truly felt like a one-sided relationship to me (and even that I highly questioned) and that just doesn’t speak of romance in my book.

I’m sure this story was written with the intention of showing us that everyone needs and deserves love and that there’s someone out there for everyone but I just couldn’t drum up that feeling. As much as we’d like to believe it, loved does not conquer all.

Rating: 1.5 out of 5

This review was originally posted on Book Binge by Tracy.

[Charly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not long enough to do justice to the subject matter

Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.

Rating: 5/10

PROS:
- Brandon is a nice heroic figure. He is kind, gentle, and persistent almost to a fault in the face of blatant discouragement from Finn. Finn’s pitiful situation arouses a fierce protectiveness in Brandon, and I’m a sucker for fierce, protective men.
- I didn’t realize when someone recommended this to me that it was the second in a series. This story is a standalone, but the author also includes just the right amount of detail about the previous story to let clueless readers in on the background of the series without (I’m guessing) hampering readers who already know what’s going on with too much repetition.

CONS:
- The pacing of the relationship irritated me. There’s a very slow building of trust at the beginning, and then WHAM, the guys are getting physical. Then there’s a pullback. Okay, all of that made sense to me. Sometimes lust gets in the way of better judgment. But the back-and-forth continues for the rest of the story. By the end, I honestly wasn’t sure that I wanted the guys together. I figured if Finn was *that* intent on pushing Brandon away, Brandon ought to just stay away, sexual attraction or not.
- I understand that Finn has been through hell. I understand his reluctance to let anyone in emotionally. But he is an absolute jerk sometimes, and I grew weary of how stubborn he is about not wanting Brandon’s help when he so very clearly needs it.
- There’s an exchanged toward the end that turned my stomach. Literally made me queasy. I lost a lot of respect for one of the characters as a result of that scene.

Overall comments: Blackwell does manage to convey a lot of detail in a short amount of time here. The downside is that things feel clipped and underdeveloped. I don’t think this is a bad story. It’s just not nearly developed enough for how weighty the subject matter is. The psychological trauma Finn has experienced deserves a much longer book, especially if I am to believe that he has any real chance at emotional recovery. He’s still basically a basket case at the end.

[Neet · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this second stories in the clear water creek series hit me the hardest because I have known people who have been physically abused by those who claimed to love them. This is the story of Finn Austen who has come to hide in clear water in the residence of former owwner Eden house. Finn has suffered both physical and mental abuse for 10 years and has finally found the courage to leave. You may notice that I did not say lover nor partner, that is because I do not consider this man as either. At any rate the only relief Finn seems to get from the horrible memories of his abusers is getting drunk and that is where he runs into the new sherrif of water creek Brandon scchofield. Brandon is openly gay and fair minded instead of taking Finn to jail he gives him a warning and a ride home. Brandon then notices the bandages on Finn and his fear and skittishness. We then learn of Finn other scars and wounds at the hands of his abusive ex. Their has been such damage done to Finn in the hands of someone who professed his love it is sad. Finn feels worthless and not worthy of love much less friendship he feels isolated and stupid. There is plenty of violence in this book but you must remember that this is a story of physical abuse. I like the fact that Brandon feels it is duty as not only as the sherrif but as a man who wants a relationship with Finn to protect him. I like that this story does not tie everything into a big ribbon but leaves things as in real life a work in progress. I would reccommend this book with caution.

[Elisa Rolle]

An highly emotional story, Smashed into Pieces faces the issue of dependency from abusive relationships. The issue has no gender, and in this novel there are both a man and a woman who are abused by their partner.

Brandon is the new Sheriff of Clear Water Creek, a small town that is not exactly paradise, but at least Brandon is able to be an openly gay sheriff without much trouble. Brandon is not a poster boy for gay rights, but he is not even hiding. Who cares enough for him on a personal level does know, and all other people can guess and if they ask a direct question they will have a direct answer.

When Finn arrives in town, Brandon understands immediately that he is running away from an abusive relationship. At first interested in Finn from a professional point of view, Brandon soon becomes interested in a more personal way. I liked this side of Brandon, even if he is in a professional facility, he doesn’t let this forbid him to have feelings for Finn.

Brandon will start a slow but insistent courtship, the right way to go near to Finn. Finn is scarred, inside and outside, and even if he can see that Brandon is a different man, he is always a man, i.e. someone of the same gender of who hurt him. Even if he will let Brandon near, this doesn’t mean he is healed, the path will be slow and painful, and probably Finn will never forget his nightmares.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/1461176565/?...

[Edga · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this is a difficult read, it's well written, the pain and emotions felt by the main characters literally jump from the page. Finn starts off broken and paranoid, but with good reason. At the beginning of the story, he's keeping his head down and working hard to keep himself safe, tucked away in a small town. As it says in the blurb, Brandon sees Finn, and it is literally love at first sight. Unfortunately, for Brandon, Finn pushes him away time and time again, and this is the only problem I had with their story, I can’t tell you how many times Finn told Brandon to just go away and leave him alone. Brandon, despite his good intentions and kindness came across as pushy, I felt that he should've stepped back and kept an eye on Finn from afar for a while. Apart from this, I quite enjoyed the story. Be aware of the trigger warnings, Finn really goes through the mill. However, I did like that the ending is a hopeful one. He really is due a happily ever after. He’s lost ten years to a toxic, dangerous relationship. Now that he’s finally free —he has a long road ahead of him remembering who he really is. He’s scarred. But scarred doesn’t mean broken. Looking forward to the next book in the seried.

[Sheena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second in the Clear Water Creek series, it features a different couple from the first book and could be read as a standalone. First off, please heed the trigger warnings because they're there for a reason. This is a very dark MM romance featuring a broken man leaving a very bad situation and trying to escape that.

I wanted to love Brandon but honestly found him a little pushy and more than a little nosy - these are great traits in a sheriff though so it's not really a character flaw. I loved how much he just wanted to help Finn though, his protective instincts are strong. My heart went out to Finn though, he's in this situation through no fault of his own, it's not his fault his ex is an abusive asshole and I get how difficult it is to get out of a situation like that, and he was very brave to actually make that move. I just wish he'd have accepted the help that was offered, although again that's hard for a survivor and I get that.

Ultimately it's a hopeful ending, albeit more than a little dramatic but I really enjoyed Finn and Brandon's story.

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Cathy Brockman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Clearwater Creek series. I have to say even with a whole different cast of characters, its every bit as good as the first.
Brandon Shofield is the new sheriff in town (he he I just had to say that).Taking over after the last sheriff left with his lover leaving behind a lot of talk and mystery.
A new man comes to town moving into the house across the lake from him. Bringing in a mystery of his own. Who or what is Finn hiding from? Can Brandon break down his barriors both physically and emotionally and rescue him? Does Finn even want to be rescued? I’m not going to tell you. You will have to buy the book. I prose you wont be sorry.
I can tell you this if you like a really well written love story full of strong well developed characters, a little mystery and intrigue and some super hot mansex, plus a man in uniform, this is definitely one you want to pick up. I highly recommend this and the one before and the one after. Be prepared to get them all and read them all soon.

[Honey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm just not sure about this book. Connecting to the characters was hard since at times they didn't make sense. Like how Brandon pushed and pushed when he didn't actually know Finn or how to help him and then decided he was done with Finn after falling in love with him and the abusive ex intent on killing Finn showed up. Hard to believe considering what had happened recently on the job and how upset he was about it. I liked Finn but we never actually got to see him heal, he fought Brandon for the whole book and gave a complete 180 when Brandon professed his love. I understand the healing power of love just not a radical, uncoordinated change from NO to OK because of it when there hasn't been any type of disposition to accept it before.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stephanie M. This series is definitely taking me out of my comfort zone. This book was difficult to read. It focused on the abuse that Finn suffered during the last 10 years from a relationship with a cop named Dominic. He was intentionally burned, bones were broken, and a host of other physical brutalities. But none of them are worse than the emotional trauma that Finn suffered. At times I wanted to scream at him to allow someone to help but could understand how that would be just about impossible after being isolated and abused for 10 years. This story does have a HFN ending but it was rough getting to it.

[Brainorgan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really wish I hadn't read it, but I read the whole thing! I guess it was like a trainwreck, I couldn't get off, I had to see what happened. I liked the whole premise of the thing, abused man comes to town, rescued by sheriff, but I just thought there was no flow, no development - the first kiss seemed so premature to me. And the violence went too far for me.