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The Shattered World #2
Surviving Seduction
Abduction was the only thing that could bring Selena out of hiding, and now, love is the only thing that can keep her that way. In a lawless world after the fall of civilization, most survivors band together, but even life in a community can be dangerous for a woman without a good man's protection. For Selena, Dan is that man.
Despite their love, she battles a persistent instinct to disappear again. At the height of her struggle, Jack, a charismatic and clever trader arrives and sets his keen sights on Selena. His dangerously bold efforts to seduce her turn her world upside down, and she finds herself powerfully drawn to his free spirited nature. While Jack promises Selena the life she craves, Dan pursues an opposite ambition that sends a shockwave through the lives of everyone in Brian's Crater. Meanwhile, someone is working in secret to sabotage his efforts, placing the entire community in mortal danger…
Despite their love, she battles a persistent instinct to disappear again. At the height of her struggle, Jack, a charismatic and clever trader arrives and sets his keen sights on Selena. His dangerously bold efforts to seduce her turn her world upside down, and she finds herself powerfully drawn to his free spirited nature. While Jack promises Selena the life she craves, Dan pursues an opposite ambition that sends a shockwave through the lives of everyone in Brian's Crater. Meanwhile, someone is working in secret to sabotage his efforts, placing the entire community in mortal danger…
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 26, 2011
11 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
About the author
Maia Underwood
3 books63 followersMaia Underwood is a self-published author who received a BA in environmental science with an emphasis in nature literature.
Read more about Maia on her website.
Read more about Maia on her website.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 28, 2011
Very enjoyable sequel to Surviving Passion. Like the first book, this one is fast paced with an interesting plot and lots of action. Selena, still backward and immature in her understanding of relationships is now living with Dan. However, she often remains overwhelmed by the force of his personality and still views him as almost superhuman. Theirs is an odd relationship between her uncertainty and his stoic, terse manner. I started thinking of him as a Clint Eastwood character from a 70's Western. Handsome, lethal, can't communicate worth donkey poop. Fortunately the two show growth and learn better ways to share their thoughts, feelings and concerns with each other.
The plot centers around plans Dan is trying to bring to fruiition that will provide their small community with greater security. Meanwhile Selena struggles with feeling trapped living in one place after spending most of her life on the move. Selena does have a TSTL moment that places her in great peril but it made sense given her issues and inner struggles.
I am looking forward to the next installment in Selena and Dan's story and seeing what new adventures they encounter.
The plot centers around plans Dan is trying to bring to fruiition that will provide their small community with greater security. Meanwhile Selena struggles with feeling trapped living in one place after spending most of her life on the move. Selena does have a TSTL moment that places her in great peril but it made sense given her issues and inner struggles.
I am looking forward to the next installment in Selena and Dan's story and seeing what new adventures they encounter.
July 3, 2012
I like the world Ms Underwood has imagined, even in its simplicity. But if the first book enthralled me with its story, this one left me cold.
I didn't connect with characters, above all the heroine who was transformed from a naive but strong woman into a classical fragile beauty. Jake, the other man, was simply too much and I wished for his death much before the ending. Nonetheless his move from jackass to jackal felt over the top to me.
Many undercurrent were confusing: what is she really looking for? Freedom? Equality in bed (is this it???)
The over all plot was interesting, but again the final battle was difficult to believe. It sounded confused and much more difficult than it could possibly be (given the odds).
Thanks Jamie for the loan.
I didn't connect with characters, above all the heroine who was transformed from a naive but strong woman into a classical fragile beauty. Jake, the other man, was simply too much and I wished for his death much before the ending. Nonetheless his move from jackass to jackal felt over the top to me.
Many undercurrent were confusing: what is she really looking for? Freedom? Equality in bed (is this it???)
The over all plot was interesting, but again the final battle was difficult to believe. It sounded confused and much more difficult than it could possibly be (given the odds).
Thanks Jamie for the loan.
September 20, 2011
Man, I really liked this sequel to Surviving Passion! But judging from the 1st chapter, I didn't think I would get into it. I know that the author needed to catch up anyone who hadn't read the first book in the series, but I felt that a bit more finesse could have been used to pull it together.
Now, once the action gets going this book is a hoot! Dan was less annoying to me in this version, and I love love love Jack. But then I always love the bad boys, don't I? The whole Grazers community stuff-- love it and loved all the new characters introduced there.
I am eagerly anticipating the next book in this series. Maia, hurry up and write it!
Now, once the action gets going this book is a hoot! Dan was less annoying to me in this version, and I love love love Jack. But then I always love the bad boys, don't I? The whole Grazers community stuff-- love it and loved all the new characters introduced there.
I am eagerly anticipating the next book in this series. Maia, hurry up and write it!
June 21, 2012
I'm still surprised that this sequel is so much better than the first book. There is so much going on. You're introduced to so many new characters. There are a lot of sneaky men, as well as a few scheming women. Each one of them puts so much strain on the story. There is a lot of tension. It's very fast paced and well written. It's so much more than Surviving Passion. Most authors don't improve that much between books ... but I'm so impressed with this book.
February 20, 2022
"He reached up to grasp her shoulders tightly and pushed her away abruptly. “I don’t know why you think I can do this,” he told her through clenched teeth.
“I know you can,” she whispered, rubbing his hands.
“Do you love me?”
The emotion in his eyes wrenched her gut. They slid closed when he answered, “I would die for you, Selena.”
“I didn’t understand fear until I met you, Selena,” he told her, his voice shaking. “Now it’s suffocating.” He drew a shuddering breath. “God I love you. I love you so much, it’s torture, even when you’re safe.”
"She knew that finding love in this world was difficult, but loving a man who could be trusted to the end was nothing short of a miracle. Dan was that man, and she would never stray from her promise. Only now did she truly understand how much he needed her, and how much she needed him."
June 29, 2014
I finished reading the book last night and what a doozy! The story was well written, characters were well developed, and there were some curve balls! I had to take a break for a minute while reading, because I was so surprised by what I was reading!
Selena is a bit more fragile in this book, and I read at least one review where someone was disgruntled about that. However, I felt that Ms. Underwood wrote a very believable and likable character. If you've ever experienced social anxiety or panic attacks yourself, you'd realize that although they can happen at anytime, they are generally brought on by being around other people. Selena had been living on her own for about four years, and suddenly living with a group of people would definitely bring on panic attacks if she'd never experienced them before.
I really enjoyed this book and am recommending the series to friends and co-workers. I hope Ms. Underwood will finish the third book soon. I am on pins and needles!
Selena is a bit more fragile in this book, and I read at least one review where someone was disgruntled about that. However, I felt that Ms. Underwood wrote a very believable and likable character. If you've ever experienced social anxiety or panic attacks yourself, you'd realize that although they can happen at anytime, they are generally brought on by being around other people. Selena had been living on her own for about four years, and suddenly living with a group of people would definitely bring on panic attacks if she'd never experienced them before.
I really enjoyed this book and am recommending the series to friends and co-workers. I hope Ms. Underwood will finish the third book soon. I am on pins and needles!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2011
I enjoyed this story as much as the first. Although, I will say it definitely had a lot more sex scenes than the first one did so, while I thought the first shouldn't really be considered a "romance" novel, this one definitely is. Not that that's a bad thing.
Overall, the book was well written and interesting. Heck, I read the whole thing in one day! Looking forward to a part 3, if there is one.
Overall, the book was well written and interesting. Heck, I read the whole thing in one day! Looking forward to a part 3, if there is one.
January 20, 2012
This book continued smoothly from the last book. I got to know Dan better which was exactly what I wanted. Loved it. I'm keeping an eye out for the next one.
January 2, 2018
i liked Dan but the heroine in this was ttsl. :(
this book was saved from the trash by a dream.
this book was saved from the trash by a dream.
September 5, 2011
I didn't realize that the sequel to "Surviving Passion" was available or I would have been ON IT! All the little loose details that had gnawed at me during the first book were neatly wrapped up with a bow on top. We were finally able to get a pulse on the male lead, Dan. His POV was really needing to be expounded and deepened in the storytelling and Underwood delivered.
Selena has begun a romance with her once-captor, Dan. Having been nomadic in the post-"crash" dystopian Midwest for years since the death of her parents, Selena feels an almost claustrophobic suffocation in transitioning to her new "settled" world with Dan. His overwhelming need to protect and possess her ( wow, did I dig this Alpha-male angle), heightens her sense of unease. When a wandering family invades their lives and a large traveling group of Grazers come near to their dwellings, motivations of all parties becomes suspect. Dan has a goal of civilization, unity and security with Selena's protection the prime motivator. Dan is reticent and has difficulty expressing his feelings and Selena doesn't want to appear like she lacks faith or is weak. Their challenge of effective communication causes [good] tension throughout the book.
What stands out with this author are the love scenes don't have that "formula" or "contrived" feeling. Her romance/sex/erotica sections are generous and read fairly real. She avoided almost all the "cliche" phrasing and descriptions that I am bored-to-tears with.
People that enjoy survivalist undertones/dystopian/adventure/western themes should really be pleased. This is billed more as an erotic romance but for me, it was a mixed-genre blend of the above. I love something that holds my attention. As an aside, it is obvious that Underwood has either spent or researched outdoor/naturalist/survivalist living. That especially rang true.
I feel like the characters are alive and not just in a book. I love when a book can make me feel realism to that degree.
Can't wait for book 3!
Selena has begun a romance with her once-captor, Dan. Having been nomadic in the post-"crash" dystopian Midwest for years since the death of her parents, Selena feels an almost claustrophobic suffocation in transitioning to her new "settled" world with Dan. His overwhelming need to protect and possess her ( wow, did I dig this Alpha-male angle), heightens her sense of unease. When a wandering family invades their lives and a large traveling group of Grazers come near to their dwellings, motivations of all parties becomes suspect. Dan has a goal of civilization, unity and security with Selena's protection the prime motivator. Dan is reticent and has difficulty expressing his feelings and Selena doesn't want to appear like she lacks faith or is weak. Their challenge of effective communication causes [good] tension throughout the book.
What stands out with this author are the love scenes don't have that "formula" or "contrived" feeling. Her romance/sex/erotica sections are generous and read fairly real. She avoided almost all the "cliche" phrasing and descriptions that I am bored-to-tears with.
People that enjoy survivalist undertones/dystopian/adventure/western themes should really be pleased. This is billed more as an erotic romance but for me, it was a mixed-genre blend of the above. I love something that holds my attention. As an aside, it is obvious that Underwood has either spent or researched outdoor/naturalist/survivalist living. That especially rang true.
I feel like the characters are alive and not just in a book. I love when a book can make me feel realism to that degree.
Can't wait for book 3!
February 24, 2015
This is a combined review for books 1 and 2. Read these if you are looking for a romance read and can stomach a wimpy h, not for a more detailed post-apocalyptic world or story. I couldn't finish but forced myself to skim the books.
SCROLL DOWN FOR SPOILERS BELOW
I found the h disappointing.... and annoying. She starts out as a supposedly self sufficient loner (but exotically beautiful ... gag) kidnapped by the H (broody alpha male, with mad ninja/combat skills and very little of interest to say). But as the story progresses it is harder to believe she ever survived so long ("dumb" luck). And of course when she does try to do anything dangerous/interesting/helpful, the H gets "mad".
The h also seems irrational. She was "hating" the H's bossy ways, and constantly running off. In the first book, she runs off, H chases her, and then there's a rape-y scene where she loses her virginity to him once he catches her. Ew. Didn't seem fully consensual. And then they're together???!!
In the second book, she's constantly crying, insecure, secretly having panic attacks, and still running off in a huff. Oh but she can work leather! And nurse! But you never get to hear details about her work beyond the surface. The "sex" is rape-y here too initially where the H seems to have a bondage kink, and the h doesn't know what the hell she wants. Then the more interesting "other guy", Jake, is never fully developed, and of course turns out to be a cad. And book 2 ends with the h getting a "revelation" that she doesn't "have" to let the H dominate her (um why didn't her strong self realize this when he had tied up her hands, and removed her pants for "sex" even though she told him she couldn't bc that time of the month meant a higher pregnancy risk. Ugh.)
Can't recommend.
SCROLL DOWN FOR SPOILERS BELOW
I found the h disappointing.... and annoying. She starts out as a supposedly self sufficient loner (but exotically beautiful ... gag) kidnapped by the H (broody alpha male, with mad ninja/combat skills and very little of interest to say). But as the story progresses it is harder to believe she ever survived so long ("dumb" luck). And of course when she does try to do anything dangerous/interesting/helpful, the H gets "mad".
The h also seems irrational. She was "hating" the H's bossy ways, and constantly running off. In the first book, she runs off, H chases her, and then there's a rape-y scene where she loses her virginity to him once he catches her. Ew. Didn't seem fully consensual. And then they're together???!!
In the second book, she's constantly crying, insecure, secretly having panic attacks, and still running off in a huff. Oh but she can work leather! And nurse! But you never get to hear details about her work beyond the surface. The "sex" is rape-y here too initially where the H seems to have a bondage kink, and the h doesn't know what the hell she wants. Then the more interesting "other guy", Jake, is never fully developed, and of course turns out to be a cad. And book 2 ends with the h getting a "revelation" that she doesn't "have" to let the H dominate her (um why didn't her strong self realize this when he had tied up her hands, and removed her pants for "sex" even though she told him she couldn't bc that time of the month meant a higher pregnancy risk. Ugh.)
Can't recommend.
August 21, 2011
I loved this sequel to Surviving Passion and I hope the author continues with the series.Selena is still trying to adjust to life in a settlement and her new love with Dan. Dan has decided to change some things about how they live.Selena and others are not so sure about Dan's decision and conflict arises from the results of his plans.
Selena often feels intimidated by Dan and the author does a great job of conveying Selena's vulnerability and worry of her relationship with him and her place in the settlement of the Crater. She's not comfortable telling him her true feelings b/c she's afraid it will make her seem weak. This is not the greatest review, but i'm late for a b'day party. But you must read! However, it's best to read Surviving Passion first.
Selena often feels intimidated by Dan and the author does a great job of conveying Selena's vulnerability and worry of her relationship with him and her place in the settlement of the Crater. She's not comfortable telling him her true feelings b/c she's afraid it will make her seem weak. This is not the greatest review, but i'm late for a b'day party. But you must read! However, it's best to read Surviving Passion first.
January 20, 2012
This was a great second installment to a really enjoyable series.Everything about this story was really good.This series could become addicting,I can see that this could go far beyond just 3 books,there are a lot of interesting characters in it that I'd like to get to know better, Amy and Cal being one of them.
Dan and Serena were a perfect couple, I fell more in love with them in this book.The romance was so sweet but there was a lot of heat between the two of them,I loved it.
I can't wait for the next installment.
Dan and Serena were a perfect couple, I fell more in love with them in this book.The romance was so sweet but there was a lot of heat between the two of them,I loved it.
I can't wait for the next installment.
February 10, 2012
So I like this one less than the first. In the first book Selena had some "cave girl" thing going on, she could do some damage and sort of can/take care of herself but in this one, not only she was insecure but she was irritatingly... dull. I found some of her actions/reasoning/reactions ridiculous.
August 28, 2012
I enjoyed this book much more than the first one in the series - Surviving Passion. I think the author has improved greatly between the 2 books. I definitely got caught up in this book and I cared for the characters, much more than I did in the first one. I'm only giving it 3 stars because, while it was good and I enjoyed it, it takes a bit more for me to give a book 4 stars.
September 8, 2019
Entertaining But OM/OW Drama Is The Story
I enjoyed parts of this. The fight scenes were especially good.
Other Man and Other Woman drama is the core story here, so if you hate that, stay away. There is a fake out dream scene - we are subjected to a sex scene with OM. Even if it isn’t real, we still had to read it.
If you enjoy OM/OW drama, go for it!
I enjoyed parts of this. The fight scenes were especially good.
Other Man and Other Woman drama is the core story here, so if you hate that, stay away. There is a fake out dream scene - we are subjected to a sex scene with OM. Even if it isn’t real, we still had to read it.
If you enjoy OM/OW drama, go for it!
September 21, 2012
Having read both books I had to get my two-cents in too. I loved this and the first book immensely. I couldn't put either one down till I finished them and then read them again I can hardly wait till Maia comes out with the next in the series. What's going to happen next?
September 11, 2011
Loved this! Interesting story and a page turner. I get so sucked into this story and find myself thinking about it for days after finishing the book. Can't wait for the next sequel.
December 30, 2015
First Time Read: 17/11 - 2011
November 20, 2014
Loved this sequel! So creative and engaging! I want the next book in the series!
October 10, 2012
Really good read love the new drama among the already messed up situation.
April 6, 2014
Great book. I love the story and the suspense had me at the edge of my seat. let's not forget the romance. Yowza...I just wish the third book was out already.
May 4, 2015
“That was when I decided you were mine. I knew it before you even saw me.”
Cany wait for the next one!
Cany wait for the next one!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews