Shattered Dreams

Fire and Ice #6

by Tara Conrad

Running seems to be the theme of my life. I ran the day my sister was abducted. I ran from the pressure of living up to her memory. I ran from being told I was wanted. I ran from everything. I continued running straight into the arms of a sexy and confident Dominant who saw my broken pieces and offered me a place to heal and grow in my submission.
I was given a glimpse of a future I never dreamed possible, and I thought my days of running were behind me. But just as quickly as they came, my hopes and dreams shattered at my feet. While everyone around me celebrated, I suffered in silence. I was left with a single heartbeat frozen in time. Once again, I heard a familiar voice telling me to run.
Without an explanation, I left everything behind to try to outrun the suffocating pain. But I’m so tired of running. Will I have the strength to face him, and what will happen when he finds out what I’ve been hiding?
If you’re already a Fire and Ice fan, Brandon and Lana’s story is one you’ve been begging for. If you’re a newcomer, grab a copy of Shattered Dreams and start reading the sizzling series you won’t be able to put down.

Genres: BDSM

247 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 1, 2023

About the author

Tara Conrad writes sizzling, emotionally charged romances that blend passion, angst, and unforgettable love stories. From dark Irish mafia worlds to steamy second chances and spicy club romances, her books are filled with captivating plots, deep emotional connections, and characters who love hard—and fight harder for their happily ever after.

Tara is married to her real-life hero, George. They’ve been in love for over 30 years, and it was his encouragement that launched her writing journey. Their enduring bond inspires every story she tells.

Looking for your next binge-worthy romance?
Explore Tara’s best sellers now.

Reviews

[Jessica Sexton · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 ⭐️
2/5🌶️

This book is a little more into the background of Lana story, if you have not read the first books of the Fire and Ice series you can read this one without the others. But if you want to see a sneak peek into their story you can start with Alex and Natalie’s story in Submitting to Him. I love Lana and Brandon so much and it was interesting to see the events that lead up to Jelena’s Hope being created. I know this chunk of the series is going to have some struggles but I am excited to see where it goes!

[Lori Collins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shattered Dreams was my first book to read in the Fire and Ice series, however, I do feel like it read well enough as a stand alone.

Let me preface this review by saying BDSM is NOT my thing. If this is your thing you will probably enjoy this book more than I did. I’m more of a swoony, hallmark channel type of girl. With that said, I still enjoyed Svetlana’s background story.

Svetlana’s sister, Jelena is kidnapped by human traffickers, and Svetlana carries the guilt from the precious age of 10. Their Russian, mob boss, father, Maxim, makes it his life’s mission to find Jelena. Told by multiple POVs and alternating between the past and present, Shattered Dreams will tug at her heart strings. (And test your Russian language skills)

My favorite character, by far, was Svetlana’s assigned bodyguard, Pyotr. It felt like the healthiest relationship in the book to me; I’m always here for friend that has your best interest at heart.

As always be mindful of the trigger warnings:

Kidnapping
Human trafficking
BDSM

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an introduction to Lana’s backstory and how Brandon and her meet. It gives a lot of information about Lana and Jelena, her history in the BDSM community and where she is mentally when Brandon comes into her life. It makes a lot of things finally click if you have been following the Fire and Ice series. It also makes you CRAVE the next book. I absolutely loved It and can’t wait for the next book to see how their relationship progresses. Personally, I can’t wait to see the scene where Natalie comes back from finding out Tommy has been unfaithful from Lana and Brandon’s point of view!

[Arin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this book so much in my opinion this one explains a lot more shows us how everything started out before things get funny out of hand in the beginning of submitting to him. I love learning more about the characters and tragically they had to go through to make them the strong people we know and love. Not going to lie your need tissues for moments but overall it’s totally awesome and can’t wait for more let the sassy strong women continue among so much more is amazing and funny definitely a keeper with me always wanting more right away this series is such a adventure good and bad to read with so many up and downs that’s you get sucked in never wanting to book down until the very end! I hope the next book comes fast I love her bodyguard to I hope for a story on him also her parents how they got together and into the lifestyle someday this author is amazing!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sarah Cleland · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the introduction for Lana and Brandon’s series, this one is the first in their story but specifically focuses on Lana and her backstory. In it you read about Lana and Jelena and the heartbreaking events that lead to Jelena’s Hope being created, Lana’s history in BDSM and where it all started as well as the events leading up to her meeting Brandon. It was definitely not what I had expected when I found out we were getting Lana and Brandon’s story but it did not disappoint either. The emotions in this book are very heavy which caused me to read it a little slower than the rest but overall it was very well put together and enjoyable. Knowing what I know now about Lana has changed my perspective on her and leaves me anxiously waiting for the next book! Pay attention to the triggers before you dive in to this one but definitely make sure it’s on your list to read!

[Sonia N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! The series is so addictive!
This is Svetlana’s story and everything she has been through and thought she found herself. But it wasn’t her time yet. Then she meets Brandon and I am so happy, so excited for her and him! I enjoyed this book so much, the whole series should be read in order. Each book draws you in to the characters and their stories.
I eagerly look forward to reading more about Brandon and Lana’s story.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about Lana's background and Jelena kidnapping and how she deals with the trauma, also her path of being a submissive with Slava and how when brandon comes into the pic it was so interesting how everything is coming together and super excited to read the next book.I highly recommend reading the fire and ice series all of these books are fantastic.

[Hollie · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️
🌶️🌶️

The 6th book in the Fire and Ice Series. This book is all about Lana, Brandon and their story. From childhood trauma and growing up in the bratva, to starting her life in the world of submission. I’m looking forward to where the series is going to go and if you want a glimpse of Lana make sure to read the first 3 books in the series 🖤

[Staci Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another smash!

I found myself in tears more than once reading this book. The traumas described are heartbreaking. Tara Conrad’s writing evokes emotions that span the spectrum from sadness to pure delight, she makes you feel it all. I am looking forward to continuing seeing where the next book takes us.

[Tara Conrad]

We're getting closer to the release of Shattered Dreams!! Stay tuned to my social media for all the fun release activities and giveaways. If you want to be a part of this release, head over to DS Book Promotions to sign up for ARC's and other promo fun! https://forms.gle/CknrXAJh5NBdCqcA8

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an introduction to Lana’s story and all that she had endured. It’s honestly quite sad and I felt for her and her family. I struggled with the ending part where Alex is supposed to be her Dominant protector. He takes her to the Fire and Ice club and when she asks him to introduce her to his friends, he pulls her aside. I honestly disagreed with both him and Star. Where is the harm in introductions? What am I missing? It’s almost as if he wants to silence and change Lana. That to me is so beyond wrong in my opinion. If I was Lana, I'd tell him to take his collar and shove it where the sun doesn't shine. Then, Alex gives Brandon the okay to move forward, who is a master of a whip. WTF? He’s supposed to be keeping her safe, not getting her abused and scarred by a POS who gets their kicks out of whipping people. Certainly not my bag. While they may have things in common, I’d hate to see Lana getting abused especially after all she’s been through. I received an ARC copy.

[Readwithnikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I simply have to say. Tara's artwork for book pages never ceases to amaze me.
Like, until I started reading her books, I had no idea how much that tiny factor affected my rating and enjoyment of a book.
Now for the review. This book contains a lot of strong issues so read the trigger warnings. Shattered Dreams focuses on Svetlana's life from her early years to more recent events. Then we got cameos from characters from previous books and Brandon her possible love interest who was briefly introduced, and we learned a little about his history and the course that Book 2 will take. Before their romance takes off, it does end on a cliffhanger, and I believe that's my favourite aspect of the writing in this book. How Tara led us through the entire journey, giving us time to understand the backstory and form some connections with the characters without concentrating solely on the romance-related parts of the story. I'm eager to see how the story develops.

P.S. I loved Viktor's cameo appearance.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book started out a bit chaotic - my brain has always had a hard time keeping up with changes in time between chapters so I didn't love that aspect. I also felt like the background was a bit hard to nail down, there were some things that seemed like they were meant to be known by the reader already that threw me off a bit.
The whole thing with Lana and Slava was a bit extreme to me too. The contract only said through the end of her school term and even though they said they would discuss it again then, Lana's choice not to have that conversation seemed like enough of an answer to me. They clearly weren't on the same page but it felt to me like Lana's stance on the situation was pretty clear.
Other than those few things, this was a good book, as long as you are able to commit for the long haul - Brandon doesn't come in until near the very end of the book so if you are reading for Brandon and Lana's story you need to be ready to wait for the next book to come out too.
I did enjoy the dynamic between Lana and Pyotr; that felt very authentic and genuine as if they were siblings.
All in all, I would recommend this book if you are interested in a BDSM romance, as long as you are prepared to wait for the next book for anything substantial between Brandon and Svetlana.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this ebook and am voluntarily offering my review.

[Arin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this book so much in my opinion this one explains a lot more shows us how everything started out before things get funny out of hand in the beginning of submitting to him. I love learning more about the characters and tragically they had to go through to make them the strong people we know and love. Not going to lie your need tissues for moments but overall it’s totally awesome and can’t wait for more let the sassy strong women continue among so much more is amazing and funny definitely a keeper with me always wanting more right away this series is such a adventure good and bad to read with so many up and downs that’s you get sucked in never wanting to book down until the very end! I hope the next book comes fast I love her bodyguard to I hope for a story on him also her parents how they got together and into the lifestyle someday this author is amazing!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Silke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shattered Dreams is the 6th book in the Fire and Ice series, but it predates all the previous books. In fact it introduces both Alex and Victor and explains the events leading up to the founding of Jelena's Hope, so would be a good prequel to the series. While Shattered Dreams chronicles Lana's life from a small girl to a young woman, it barely introduces Brandon and ends on a cliffhanger before their romance gets started. Not what I expected from the first book in this couple's story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the sixth book in this phenomenal series, and this is Brandon and Lana’s journey. This is Lana’s backstory, and covers her journey from childhood into adulthood, and the one trait she has, if things get tough, she runs. This is a well written story, which is an emotional roller coaster, with family, friendships, tragedy, heartbreak, and love, which leads to an unpredictable and entertaining page turner, which ends in a cliffhanger, and I cannot wait to read the next book!
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Lynn Stifle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book #6 in the Fire and Ice Series and is Lana’s backstory. I really enjoyed both Lana and Brandon characters, and I especially loved Brandon, and I can’t wait to see what happens next with these two. Looking forward to what’s next.

[Jenny McCarthy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately this book didn't hit the spot for me... the character development was great but some of the dialogue felt forced and uncomfortable. I didn't feel any connection between the characters, other than between Svetlana and Maxim.

[Lori Hammons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lana's story is emotionally charged. I thoroughly enjoyed things from her point of view as a young girl to a young woman. I look forward to the rest of her story.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the back story of Brandon and Lana's story about bringing Lana's broken heart back to life. She has survivors guilt over her sisters death.

[Lori Laidlaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part 1 of a trilogy within the Fire and Ice series. Will review when I've finished all 3 books. Great so far.

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.