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Fragments of the Heart
Love can be the most thrilling expedition of all.
Archeologist Kelly Pierce lives for adventure, weaving a tapestry of exploration, seeking out artifacts that whisper stories of the past. Always ready for the next expedition, she never thought Oklahoma would be on her map.
Shawn Scott thrives in predictability. As Director of Descriptive Statistics, numbers are her world, but people? They’re a puzzle. So collaborating with a British archeologist is as incongruous with her routine as a desert oasis in the Arctic.
But when a new site is temporarily exposed in Alaska, Kelly and Shawn unite, racing against time to claim the artifacts. Amidst the treacherous terrain and chilling uncertainties, they grapple not only with the elements but with the awakening of emotions neither anticipated.
As danger looms, will they unearth more than artifacts or will the forces that brought them together ultimately tear them apart?
Archeologist Kelly Pierce lives for adventure, weaving a tapestry of exploration, seeking out artifacts that whisper stories of the past. Always ready for the next expedition, she never thought Oklahoma would be on her map.
Shawn Scott thrives in predictability. As Director of Descriptive Statistics, numbers are her world, but people? They’re a puzzle. So collaborating with a British archeologist is as incongruous with her routine as a desert oasis in the Arctic.
But when a new site is temporarily exposed in Alaska, Kelly and Shawn unite, racing against time to claim the artifacts. Amidst the treacherous terrain and chilling uncertainties, they grapple not only with the elements but with the awakening of emotions neither anticipated.
As danger looms, will they unearth more than artifacts or will the forces that brought them together ultimately tear them apart?
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2023
167 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
About the author
Ally McGuire
14 books74 followersAward winning author ALLY MCGUIRE lives in the UK with her wife. Social media frightens the bejesus out of her, as does the human race generally. She writes WLW fiction to escape into the far more pleasant world in her head.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
May 9, 2025
**'Telling a story is trying to entertain, be interesting and deliver images of that specific title to your many readers..'
Exhilarating read!
A nicely written love story that included a variance of good supporting characters. It's even more inspiring because of how the author handled the inclusion of a character who has asperger or was autistic into the storyline. Also, her (Ally McGuire) proficiency on everything about archeology and the sometimes dangerousness of their work.
Highly recommended book!
Exhilarating read!
A nicely written love story that included a variance of good supporting characters. It's even more inspiring because of how the author handled the inclusion of a character who has asperger or was autistic into the storyline. Also, her (Ally McGuire) proficiency on everything about archeology and the sometimes dangerousness of their work.
Highly recommended book!
November 1, 2023
Gripping adventure!
Kelly and Shawn are complete opposites thrown together when an archaeological site in Alaska becomes temporarily exposed. In a race against time, they must uncover the artefacts but avoid the lurking dangers of the climate and elements at the site and all that threatens to break the bond they’ve only just established.
A really exciting adventure with lots of heart stopping moments. I was excited by the premise of this story and from the very first meeting of Kelly and Shawn knew there would be fantastic moments of tension and others of companionship and understanding that would strengthen the chemistry they had. Fighting the elements in a typical climate it never easy when they take a turn but Kelly and Shawn were really putting their lives on the line. Kelly really thrived in the conditions as she was outgoing and unpredictable, which made me really feel for Shawn having fallen for her and then having to battle with emotion on top of her own uncertainties about lack of routine and having to work with other people.
Kelly really brought out something in Shawn when it hit crunch time. Shawn was trying to be brave and responsible, so was a risk to herself but luckily she was surrounded by people who wouldn’t allow her to do such things. When we hit right into the heart of this story, I admired how Shawn adapted and just got on with doing all she could to make sure she and Kelly were safe, and able to have success too. I was on the edge of my seat at these points, gripped by the nature of the events and hoping all their efforts, sacrifices and heartaches along the way would be worth it.
Great story, very intriguing and exciting with characters I just couldn’t help loving and admiring!
Kelly and Shawn are complete opposites thrown together when an archaeological site in Alaska becomes temporarily exposed. In a race against time, they must uncover the artefacts but avoid the lurking dangers of the climate and elements at the site and all that threatens to break the bond they’ve only just established.
A really exciting adventure with lots of heart stopping moments. I was excited by the premise of this story and from the very first meeting of Kelly and Shawn knew there would be fantastic moments of tension and others of companionship and understanding that would strengthen the chemistry they had. Fighting the elements in a typical climate it never easy when they take a turn but Kelly and Shawn were really putting their lives on the line. Kelly really thrived in the conditions as she was outgoing and unpredictable, which made me really feel for Shawn having fallen for her and then having to battle with emotion on top of her own uncertainties about lack of routine and having to work with other people.
Kelly really brought out something in Shawn when it hit crunch time. Shawn was trying to be brave and responsible, so was a risk to herself but luckily she was surrounded by people who wouldn’t allow her to do such things. When we hit right into the heart of this story, I admired how Shawn adapted and just got on with doing all she could to make sure she and Kelly were safe, and able to have success too. I was on the edge of my seat at these points, gripped by the nature of the events and hoping all their efforts, sacrifices and heartaches along the way would be worth it.
Great story, very intriguing and exciting with characters I just couldn’t help loving and admiring!
September 23, 2023
Fragments of the Heart by Ally McGuire is an interesting read that had me hooked from the start. A low angst, opposites attract romance with a nerdy/geeky character who likes to stay within her comfort zone and calls things as she sees them.
Shawn Scott is a straight talker who is only too aware of her quirkiness and awkward social behaviour. She loves the regimented routine in her life and job where she has a reputation for being top of her field.
Kelly Pierce is an archaeologist with her hometown in the UK. She has a life’s too short attitude and outgoing personality. During a dig, the immense number of finds calls for increased help to catalogue, cross reference and record findings. Kelly is requested to join forces with Shawn in America to complete the task. This is only the start of the adventure, as unexpected events draw them both to a glacier in Alaska.
I thoroughly enjoyed the character development. The pace of the book is good and keeps you turning the pages. Both Kelly and Shawn are both excellently written characters. As their friendship grows, you are left routing for their future. I also found Shawn’s best friend and colleague Bree interesting in her own right.
I received an ARC copy of this book for my honest review.
Shawn Scott is a straight talker who is only too aware of her quirkiness and awkward social behaviour. She loves the regimented routine in her life and job where she has a reputation for being top of her field.
Kelly Pierce is an archaeologist with her hometown in the UK. She has a life’s too short attitude and outgoing personality. During a dig, the immense number of finds calls for increased help to catalogue, cross reference and record findings. Kelly is requested to join forces with Shawn in America to complete the task. This is only the start of the adventure, as unexpected events draw them both to a glacier in Alaska.
I thoroughly enjoyed the character development. The pace of the book is good and keeps you turning the pages. Both Kelly and Shawn are both excellently written characters. As their friendship grows, you are left routing for their future. I also found Shawn’s best friend and colleague Bree interesting in her own right.
I received an ARC copy of this book for my honest review.
October 6, 2024
Good story, strong characters with excellent ensemble cast (Loved Bree, the best friend.) Sagged a bit in the middle but recovered nicely. Recommended
November 29, 2025
* steamy sapphic moments * UK accents * relatable sympathetic characters * unique plot * intelligent conversations * character growth * happy ending *
October 9, 2023
A truly engrossing novel which will have you reaching for your thermals, a hot drink and a warm blanket as Ally McGuire's immersive writing has you tangibly traversing the inhospitable landscape of Alaska.
There are two main characters; confident go-getter, and renowned archaeologist Kelly Pierce, who thrives on the next big adventure searching for stories of the past, and Shawn Scott - Director of Descriptive Statistics - a bonafide office dweller who thrives on a strict routine. Since Shawn is the best in her field, she finds herself thrown together with Kelly against her better judgment, and when a glacier starts to melt revealing long-buried artefacts, what happens next is far removed from what Shawn begrudgingly agreed to originally.
Fragments of the Heart is a fabulous read, an icily sensuous story - I found myself transported alongside Kelly and Shawn for every bitterly cold, treacherous moment of their journey in Alaska. This also means I got to vicariously experience all of the beautiful moments too; those once-in-a-lifetime views and discoveries, from the personal to the collective.
A great opposites attract adventure romance, with an engaging will they, won't they get together plot. I loved that Shawn is a handsome, adorable butch and neurodiverse so that readers get to experience in detail how she navigates the world. When Kelly's arrival created waves in that world, it was refreshing to see her handle Shawn's neurodiversity with understanding, gentle curiosity, and ultimately complete acceptance. Endearing qualities if ever there were any. (NB. kudos to the author for staying true to Shawn's innate nature from beginning to end, working with it rather than skimming over or around it).
The same goes for Bree who is an awesome support character; the best friend everyone should have. She's so likeable and fun, yet supportive of Shawn and her needs in all the right ways despite them being vastly different to her own. Plus, she gives the irrefutable masculine 'never fall in love' Chay, a run for her money; which is sweet to watch unfold.
I greatly appreciated that whilst the story is set in a harsh environment, this severity is balanced beautifully with the delicate softness needed to explore Kelly and Shawn's vulnerabilities, differences, and unspoken desires. The plot exhibits the perfect depth of character development, has great pacing, and is gracefully written; all around a fantastic story that should be on any sapphic romance lovers tbr list. Kelly and Shawn are a couple and for that matter part of a wider foursome, with whom I would genuinely enjoy going on more adventures.
An astounding romance story which is extremely worth a fragment of both your time and money, on a cold winter's night.
I recieved and ARC of this book from Butterworth Books in exchange for an honest review.
There are two main characters; confident go-getter, and renowned archaeologist Kelly Pierce, who thrives on the next big adventure searching for stories of the past, and Shawn Scott - Director of Descriptive Statistics - a bonafide office dweller who thrives on a strict routine. Since Shawn is the best in her field, she finds herself thrown together with Kelly against her better judgment, and when a glacier starts to melt revealing long-buried artefacts, what happens next is far removed from what Shawn begrudgingly agreed to originally.
Fragments of the Heart is a fabulous read, an icily sensuous story - I found myself transported alongside Kelly and Shawn for every bitterly cold, treacherous moment of their journey in Alaska. This also means I got to vicariously experience all of the beautiful moments too; those once-in-a-lifetime views and discoveries, from the personal to the collective.
A great opposites attract adventure romance, with an engaging will they, won't they get together plot. I loved that Shawn is a handsome, adorable butch and neurodiverse so that readers get to experience in detail how she navigates the world. When Kelly's arrival created waves in that world, it was refreshing to see her handle Shawn's neurodiversity with understanding, gentle curiosity, and ultimately complete acceptance. Endearing qualities if ever there were any. (NB. kudos to the author for staying true to Shawn's innate nature from beginning to end, working with it rather than skimming over or around it).
The same goes for Bree who is an awesome support character; the best friend everyone should have. She's so likeable and fun, yet supportive of Shawn and her needs in all the right ways despite them being vastly different to her own. Plus, she gives the irrefutable masculine 'never fall in love' Chay, a run for her money; which is sweet to watch unfold.
I greatly appreciated that whilst the story is set in a harsh environment, this severity is balanced beautifully with the delicate softness needed to explore Kelly and Shawn's vulnerabilities, differences, and unspoken desires. The plot exhibits the perfect depth of character development, has great pacing, and is gracefully written; all around a fantastic story that should be on any sapphic romance lovers tbr list. Kelly and Shawn are a couple and for that matter part of a wider foursome, with whom I would genuinely enjoy going on more adventures.
An astounding romance story which is extremely worth a fragment of both your time and money, on a cold winter's night.
I recieved and ARC of this book from Butterworth Books in exchange for an honest review.
April 6, 2025
I adored the descriptions and one particular mains reaction to situations. I adored the banter and the lack of cruelty behind them.
I found the tense scenes incredibly tense. I was very happy with the ending, the middle and the beginning……. So much so, I read the sample, ordered the book and didn’t stop till I finished! (Despite the fact I had a book already on the go) 4.5, not upgraded but as close as can be and if I’d been swept along by the intimate scene a bit more, it would have been!
I found the tense scenes incredibly tense. I was very happy with the ending, the middle and the beginning……. So much so, I read the sample, ordered the book and didn’t stop till I finished! (Despite the fact I had a book already on the go) 4.5, not upgraded but as close as can be and if I’d been swept along by the intimate scene a bit more, it would have been!
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July 7, 2025It’s not a great sign when you go to write a review and you realize that you can barely remember the book at all. I believe it was, maybe, just okay? Predictable? Pedestrian? Implausible? Yet I see that everyone else is raving about it. To be fair, I’ll skip the star rating and just leave this little note here to remind myself that I did indeed read it, and that it was solidly forgettable.
September 28, 2023
Ally McGuire wrote another fantastic book. The characters are smart and likable, the plot is engaging and exciting, and the whole journey is enjoyable. The novel was well-paced and I appreciated the chance to get to know all of the characters in a more mundane environment before the action really picked up.
Kelly Pierce is a field archaeologist and although she’s not quite Lara Croft, she is clearly a badass. She is confident, bold, and unapologetic about her work and her worth. She also is fiercely independent and nobody has had a chance of tying her down - she lives for the next adventure, always. Shawn Scott leads a team of data scientists who catalogs finds from archaeology digs around the world. She is very routine oriented, likes predictability and numbers, never lies, and is confident in her abilities and place. She self-describes as OCD a few times in the book, but I read her as being on the spectrum.
When Kelly makes a major find and is required to go to Oklahoma to help speed the cataloging, she doesn’t expect to actually enjoy being there. She especially doesn’t anticipate really liking working with Shawn and Bree, Shawn’s second in command - a fun and brilliant woman who has been Shawn’s platonic person since college. But Kelly finds Shawn’s quirks endearing and Shawn finds that Kelly takes her as she is, which has been unusual for Shawn. The frisson of chemistry is there immediately and builds over time. Just when you think you see how things are progressing, McGuire throws in a plot twist by way of an opportunity for Kelly to go to Alaska to very quickly dig (and then replace) Indigenous artifacts that are suddenly uncovered by a giant crevasse in a glacier. Kelly advocates for Shawn and Bree to come along and the book shifts into high gear, accelerating to the finish line in a way that makes it impossible to put down.
I loved that this book was an opposites attract trope between someone who is more or less the face of extreme archaeology and the data science nerd that creates the systems that allow everyone to see patterns and cross-reference finds to better understand past civilizations. As a former scientist, I read this as a bit of a love letter to discovery, science, and the nerds who make it all happen. I also enjoyed the dance that this relationship engaged in - there were lots of moments of push and pull, but due to Shawn’s need to be very clear about things and Kelly’s proclivity towards boldness, there weren't many questions as to where things stood, which was refreshing and underpinned the blooming relationship beautifully.
I received an advance review copy for free from Butterworth Books, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Kelly Pierce is a field archaeologist and although she’s not quite Lara Croft, she is clearly a badass. She is confident, bold, and unapologetic about her work and her worth. She also is fiercely independent and nobody has had a chance of tying her down - she lives for the next adventure, always. Shawn Scott leads a team of data scientists who catalogs finds from archaeology digs around the world. She is very routine oriented, likes predictability and numbers, never lies, and is confident in her abilities and place. She self-describes as OCD a few times in the book, but I read her as being on the spectrum.
When Kelly makes a major find and is required to go to Oklahoma to help speed the cataloging, she doesn’t expect to actually enjoy being there. She especially doesn’t anticipate really liking working with Shawn and Bree, Shawn’s second in command - a fun and brilliant woman who has been Shawn’s platonic person since college. But Kelly finds Shawn’s quirks endearing and Shawn finds that Kelly takes her as she is, which has been unusual for Shawn. The frisson of chemistry is there immediately and builds over time. Just when you think you see how things are progressing, McGuire throws in a plot twist by way of an opportunity for Kelly to go to Alaska to very quickly dig (and then replace) Indigenous artifacts that are suddenly uncovered by a giant crevasse in a glacier. Kelly advocates for Shawn and Bree to come along and the book shifts into high gear, accelerating to the finish line in a way that makes it impossible to put down.
I loved that this book was an opposites attract trope between someone who is more or less the face of extreme archaeology and the data science nerd that creates the systems that allow everyone to see patterns and cross-reference finds to better understand past civilizations. As a former scientist, I read this as a bit of a love letter to discovery, science, and the nerds who make it all happen. I also enjoyed the dance that this relationship engaged in - there were lots of moments of push and pull, but due to Shawn’s need to be very clear about things and Kelly’s proclivity towards boldness, there weren't many questions as to where things stood, which was refreshing and underpinned the blooming relationship beautifully.
I received an advance review copy for free from Butterworth Books, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 21, 2024
McGuire really demonstrates how fantastic she is at character work and setting - everything was so immersive in this story (where adults acted like adults btw). The main characters and the side characters were all multi-layered and nuanced and just really well-rounded characters. They made sense in their environments, and when they were out of their elements. This is the sort of rare romance novel where it's actually about possibly merging two people's lives and the difficulties surrounding that. Plus, it's got some really neat archaeology stuff and a very cool trip into some ice caves.
My only critique here is that Shaun is definitely autistic, and yet the book does that thing that a lot of media does in tip-toeing around using that label for one reason or another. Shaun's actions are chalked up to her anxiety and OCD (both of which I personally have) and yet these conditions do not manifest like autism (or other spectrum disorders). They can go together, but Shaun sees the world in a neuroatypical way that is best understood as autism. It was frustrating that the author didn't just call it what it is, though I suspect that was due to then having some responsibility within the text. Shaun here is often depicted as the one needing to most change. While Kelly embraces the different way Shaun sees the world, there is an undercurrent of Shaun needing to be the one to change most - which if its "just" anxiety/OCD that's less gross to suggest than if someone is autistic. This was also demonstrated in the way Kelly treated the crippling anxiety of a side character, with Kelly minimizing it and basically saying the character just needed to stop listening to her mother (who shared the same anxiety). Cool. Hadn't thought of that before- changing my thinking. My anxiety and OCD is cured now!
This was frustrating, in terms of representation, and I had hoped that there would be some pushback to Kelly of her learning that 'extrovert neurotypical' isn't The Best and Only Way, and while she embraced Shaun's atypicalness, her only major character evolution was her fear of commitment. So, I would have appreciated that addressed better in the text.
That said, I was able to enjoy the story and again, her world building is stellar. I would read more from McGuire.
My only critique here is that Shaun is definitely autistic, and yet the book does that thing that a lot of media does in tip-toeing around using that label for one reason or another. Shaun's actions are chalked up to her anxiety and OCD (both of which I personally have) and yet these conditions do not manifest like autism (or other spectrum disorders). They can go together, but Shaun sees the world in a neuroatypical way that is best understood as autism. It was frustrating that the author didn't just call it what it is, though I suspect that was due to then having some responsibility within the text. Shaun here is often depicted as the one needing to most change. While Kelly embraces the different way Shaun sees the world, there is an undercurrent of Shaun needing to be the one to change most - which if its "just" anxiety/OCD that's less gross to suggest than if someone is autistic. This was also demonstrated in the way Kelly treated the crippling anxiety of a side character, with Kelly minimizing it and basically saying the character just needed to stop listening to her mother (who shared the same anxiety). Cool. Hadn't thought of that before- changing my thinking. My anxiety and OCD is cured now!
This was frustrating, in terms of representation, and I had hoped that there would be some pushback to Kelly of her learning that 'extrovert neurotypical' isn't The Best and Only Way, and while she embraced Shaun's atypicalness, her only major character evolution was her fear of commitment. So, I would have appreciated that addressed better in the text.
That said, I was able to enjoy the story and again, her world building is stellar. I would read more from McGuire.
September 30, 2023
Fragments of the Heart is a romance that will have all the romantics amongst us taking deep breaths and hoping. Will they or won’t they get together? The ups and downs aren’t predictable at all.
The main characters give us such a contrast that when we start out, we can’t be sure they’ll ever manage to work together, let alone have a romance. Kelly the archeologist, loves the stories of peoples and cultures as she explores the world. She doesn’t settle anywhere. Shawn is a statistician, a creature of habit and routine, never moving far from her base in Oklahoma. Bree is a third character that deserves mention. She is Shawn’s work colleague and friend, and helps Shawn navigate her way through the world despite Bree not travelling at all.
How they all eventually work together and go on an adventure is the story that McGuire has woven together beautifully. The characters make the story work so perfectly and add an element of surprise and wonder that allow us to see the world through an unexpected lens.
For me, the highlight of the book is the writing. The book is littered with golden moments that bring humor and thoughtfulness to the story. For example, when her boss asks Kelly to go sit with a Descriptive Statistics Officer “Kelly held the phone away from her and frowned at it like it had turned into something strange, like a courgette.” Or “…I’d dance with you right now. The music of the spheres and the light show would be enough to hold you in my arms…magic in so many ways.” There are too many to show here and I couldn’t decide which fragments to pick. The only way to find them is to read the book and look for the deeper elements. You’ll love it.
The main characters give us such a contrast that when we start out, we can’t be sure they’ll ever manage to work together, let alone have a romance. Kelly the archeologist, loves the stories of peoples and cultures as she explores the world. She doesn’t settle anywhere. Shawn is a statistician, a creature of habit and routine, never moving far from her base in Oklahoma. Bree is a third character that deserves mention. She is Shawn’s work colleague and friend, and helps Shawn navigate her way through the world despite Bree not travelling at all.
How they all eventually work together and go on an adventure is the story that McGuire has woven together beautifully. The characters make the story work so perfectly and add an element of surprise and wonder that allow us to see the world through an unexpected lens.
For me, the highlight of the book is the writing. The book is littered with golden moments that bring humor and thoughtfulness to the story. For example, when her boss asks Kelly to go sit with a Descriptive Statistics Officer “Kelly held the phone away from her and frowned at it like it had turned into something strange, like a courgette.” Or “…I’d dance with you right now. The music of the spheres and the light show would be enough to hold you in my arms…magic in so many ways.” There are too many to show here and I couldn’t decide which fragments to pick. The only way to find them is to read the book and look for the deeper elements. You’ll love it.
October 6, 2023
Ally McGuire has written a romance novel that has you wondering from the beginning if the MC’s will ever get together! The characters are very well developed, and I got the feeling I was sitting with them listening to their conversations.
The plot is beautifully written and exciting. You really get a chance to know the characters before they were placed in the “action” portion of the novel. There are many highs and lows, and the scenery description brings a vivid picture to mind as it’s described.
There is Kelly, the archeologist, who is fiercely independent, confident, and knows her worth.
Shawn who is interested only in statistics and categorizing the artifacts found on the “digs.” and Bree who works with Shawn and really deserves to be mentioned with the two MC’s. Bree’s specialty is her photographic memory!
Just when you think you have the dynamics of the characters figured out, Ally McGuire writes a major plot twist when Kelly is called to Alaska to quickly dig and replace artifacts that are uncovered by a large crevasse in a glacier. Having spent time with Shawn and Bree, Kelly convinces her boss that they need to go with her so that everything can be catalogued on the site, and replaced where they were found.
The novel shifts into high gear and I found myself riveted and turning pages to see how it turned out. At that point, I couldn’t put the book down!
I highly recommend that you purchase this novel and guarantee you will not be disappointed!
I received an ARC from Butterworth Books.
The plot is beautifully written and exciting. You really get a chance to know the characters before they were placed in the “action” portion of the novel. There are many highs and lows, and the scenery description brings a vivid picture to mind as it’s described.
There is Kelly, the archeologist, who is fiercely independent, confident, and knows her worth.
Shawn who is interested only in statistics and categorizing the artifacts found on the “digs.” and Bree who works with Shawn and really deserves to be mentioned with the two MC’s. Bree’s specialty is her photographic memory!
Just when you think you have the dynamics of the characters figured out, Ally McGuire writes a major plot twist when Kelly is called to Alaska to quickly dig and replace artifacts that are uncovered by a large crevasse in a glacier. Having spent time with Shawn and Bree, Kelly convinces her boss that they need to go with her so that everything can be catalogued on the site, and replaced where they were found.
The novel shifts into high gear and I found myself riveted and turning pages to see how it turned out. At that point, I couldn’t put the book down!
I highly recommend that you purchase this novel and guarantee you will not be disappointed!
I received an ARC from Butterworth Books.
August 21, 2024
This was wonderful; it took me a while to get around to reading it, but I shouldn’t have waited!
I appreciated how the early going eased into the story and introduced the characters. It turned into kind of a slow burn, which I love. And Kelly and Shawn were great characters — very different, perhaps even opposites, but with a wonderful dynamic.
Then the story takes them to Alaska and changes gears a bit, but in a good way. It brought more adventure and danger to the story, which worked well with the established base to draw on. It introduced Chay, who also added a new element to the story, and along with Bree was a great side character to have.
Happily, after the Alaska trip plays out, there’s still a bit of time to decompress afterward and let the story play itself out. I guess beside the characters and the adventure, one of the things I really appreciated was the structure and pace of the story, which always worked for me.
One thing, though. The um, dedication? Maybe it should have been at the end instead of at the beginning of the book? Because the specific wording means something completely different afterward!
I appreciated how the early going eased into the story and introduced the characters. It turned into kind of a slow burn, which I love. And Kelly and Shawn were great characters — very different, perhaps even opposites, but with a wonderful dynamic.
Then the story takes them to Alaska and changes gears a bit, but in a good way. It brought more adventure and danger to the story, which worked well with the established base to draw on. It introduced Chay, who also added a new element to the story, and along with Bree was a great side character to have.
Happily, after the Alaska trip plays out, there’s still a bit of time to decompress afterward and let the story play itself out. I guess beside the characters and the adventure, one of the things I really appreciated was the structure and pace of the story, which always worked for me.
One thing, though. The um, dedication? Maybe it should have been at the end instead of at the beginning of the book? Because the specific wording means something completely different afterward!
October 3, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. I read a lot of books and this is in my top 3 for the year. I did not want it to end. Kelly and Shawn just need to continue on adventures. Kelly is an archeologist traveling the world from dig to dig. Shawn is also an archeologist. But her specialty is Descriptive Statistics. Cataloging the finds of others. Kelly goes to Oklahoma to help with descriptions of her latest find. Shawn is an absolutely adorable butch genius. But she has a problem with change and new people. Kelly is a femme at heart. There is such a depth of character to everyone. I felt like I knew them. I wasn't ever left wondering about any parts. The relationship between Kelly and Shawn was so delicious. Kelly just knew how to deal with Shawn's foibles. And I just fell in love with Shawn. I really wish I could be friends with Shawn and Kelly.
May 17, 2024
The first half of this story read like a typical romance but the second half had me on the edge of my seat. But what really held my attention was both main characters. It takes a lot for me to truly like a femme, but Kelly proved to be so different. She wasn't shy but she wasn't abrasive, either. She was intelligent yet compassionate. Shawn was a breath of fresh air! She had quirks, OCD & anxiety just being the tip of her neurodivergent self. Whereas Kelly was a roll with it type of person, Shawn needed structure, a plan, to allow her brain to comprehend what is, what was, what will happen. She was such a sweetie, but a damn badass when need be... and hot between the sheets.
Definitely worth the time to read.
Definitely worth the time to read.
September 30, 2023
I really enjoyed Ally McGuire's new book.
It brings the heat of a gorgeous opposites-attract romance. You’ve got plenty of dramatic tension and a nail-biting adventurous setting. There are snippets of detail which take you all over the world, living and reliving Kelly’s adventures.
But Shawn’s my favourite. Ally has depicted her individual personality and traits with such careful detail that her character jumps out of the page and we all fall her.
There’s also a beautifully crafted friendship between Bree and Shawn, which provides insight into Shawn’s world.
Curl up with a cup of something hot, and read this in a couple of sittings. You won’t regret it.
It brings the heat of a gorgeous opposites-attract romance. You’ve got plenty of dramatic tension and a nail-biting adventurous setting. There are snippets of detail which take you all over the world, living and reliving Kelly’s adventures.
But Shawn’s my favourite. Ally has depicted her individual personality and traits with such careful detail that her character jumps out of the page and we all fall her.
There’s also a beautifully crafted friendship between Bree and Shawn, which provides insight into Shawn’s world.
Curl up with a cup of something hot, and read this in a couple of sittings. You won’t regret it.
November 5, 2025
I enjoyed this book a lot. I did not like the first chapter at all - it felt like there was almost no setting of the scene, the dialogue and Kelly’s POV felt very brash and ‘in-your-face’, so I was not feeling optimistic about this book. Then we got to Shawn’s POV and I was invested.
Overall, I felt the characters were well thought-out and written. I loved the dialogue; I liked the pacing, and development of the relationship.
This is the first book of Ally McGuire’s that I’ve read and I now want to read her others. I would recommend this book, because I was hooked from Chapter Two and read it within about eight hours.
Overall, I felt the characters were well thought-out and written. I loved the dialogue; I liked the pacing, and development of the relationship.
This is the first book of Ally McGuire’s that I’ve read and I now want to read her others. I would recommend this book, because I was hooked from Chapter Two and read it within about eight hours.
September 7, 2023
I loved everything about this story and I couldn't put it down. It pulled me in and I almost felt like I was there with the characters during their conversations. The characters are well developed and the story itself is incredible. The story paints such vivid pictures and I can't say enough how much it feels like you're right there in the story. The chemistry between the main characters is off the charts and the way that Kelly gives Shawn a chance and see's past her differences is endearing. This book truly has everything and is an amazing read.
October 8, 2023
Excellent romance/adventure story
I cannot express how much I enjoyed reading about Shawn's journey with Kelly. The book was truly excellent with its action-filled plot and the remarkable personal growth of the characters.
I was so engrossed in the story that I found myself on the edge of my seat, turning pages without even realizing it. The book had me hooked from the very beginning, and it only got better with each passing chapter. However, I was a little saddened when it ended, only because I wanted more.
I hope there's a sequel that will allow me to spend more time with Shawn and Kelly.
I highly recommend this book.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
I cannot express how much I enjoyed reading about Shawn's journey with Kelly. The book was truly excellent with its action-filled plot and the remarkable personal growth of the characters.
I was so engrossed in the story that I found myself on the edge of my seat, turning pages without even realizing it. The book had me hooked from the very beginning, and it only got better with each passing chapter. However, I was a little saddened when it ended, only because I wanted more.
I hope there's a sequel that will allow me to spend more time with Shawn and Kelly.
I highly recommend this book.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
October 7, 2023
Ally McGuire wrote another fabulous book with well developed MCs and secondary characters. The chemistry is strong between the MCs. What angst is created between the characters is natural and well resolved timely. I loved the growth of characters. I also loved how both 1 MC and the best friend handled the other MC without being derogatory and letting them be themselves.
There were plenty of sparks, heat, and communication. I wish there was more book to enjoy. Ally McGuire is becoming one of my favorite authors and will continue to follow her.
There were plenty of sparks, heat, and communication. I wish there was more book to enjoy. Ally McGuire is becoming one of my favorite authors and will continue to follow her.
January 10, 2024
I sat on this for too long…
I had this in my queue for a while, but I waited to read it for some reason that I don’t understand. The way this author writes these characters and allows their own characteristics to develop its phenomena. I love the not the nascent generals that would become accustomed to, or switched up. Great book, great backstory great character moment. They doing did he call you to go to the driveway while I was waiting for Martin help happy birthday to you happy birthday to you happy birthday dear Tharpes happy birthday to you.
I had this in my queue for a while, but I waited to read it for some reason that I don’t understand. The way this author writes these characters and allows their own characteristics to develop its phenomena. I love the not the nascent generals that would become accustomed to, or switched up. Great book, great backstory great character moment. They doing did he call you to go to the driveway while I was waiting for Martin help happy birthday to you happy birthday to you happy birthday dear Tharpes happy birthday to you.
January 30, 2024
Awesome Story, Remarkable Romance
Ally McGuire has written a gem! I kind of don't have new or adequate words to describe it so I'll go with old ones, old but very true. This story is absolutely awesome and the romance is unusual and remarkable. I loved it.
I loved getting to see into a mind that functions a little differently but holds oh so much when given a chance to express itself. And to see a heart that was opened up by that unique mind. I love this story. Try it please.
Ally McGuire has written a gem! I kind of don't have new or adequate words to describe it so I'll go with old ones, old but very true. This story is absolutely awesome and the romance is unusual and remarkable. I loved it.
I loved getting to see into a mind that functions a little differently but holds oh so much when given a chance to express itself. And to see a heart that was opened up by that unique mind. I love this story. Try it please.
August 29, 2024
This was my favourite book! I especially liked how the author subverted the expectations we often have around more ‘masc lesbians’. Honestly brilliant, and have never seen that in any other lesbian romance novel.
I really liked both protagonists and how they pushed each other.
Was also very realistic that sometimes the more adventurous character got annoyed at the quirks of the very particular other main character.
Lovely writing and especially the last couple of pages had me glued to the pages!! You’ll see what I mean.
I really liked both protagonists and how they pushed each other.
Was also very realistic that sometimes the more adventurous character got annoyed at the quirks of the very particular other main character.
Lovely writing and especially the last couple of pages had me glued to the pages!! You’ll see what I mean.
October 8, 2023
Absolutely loved it!
This book had EVERYTHING that there is to love about a book: Very relatable MCs, the awesome best friend, adventure, neurodiverse representation, descriptive and engaging writing, multiple locations, some steam, and unusual occupations. I was excited to learn more about archaeology and thoroughly enjoyed this story. You know it’s a good one when you don’t want the story to end and wish it has 100 more chapters!! Get this book today, you won’t regret it!
This book had EVERYTHING that there is to love about a book: Very relatable MCs, the awesome best friend, adventure, neurodiverse representation, descriptive and engaging writing, multiple locations, some steam, and unusual occupations. I was excited to learn more about archaeology and thoroughly enjoyed this story. You know it’s a good one when you don’t want the story to end and wish it has 100 more chapters!! Get this book today, you won’t regret it!
November 21, 2023
Our organized lives
I enjoyed this book. The dichotomy between Kelly and Shane is so evident. What is not as clear is the skillful way the characters grow together especially in challenging times. Bree and Chay allow for a wonderful compliment to the primary characters. The fabulous writing by Ally McGuire takes us into the Alaskan glacial fields and ice caves using wonderful imagery. An escape you should allow yourself. Pick up Fragments of the Heart!
I enjoyed this book. The dichotomy between Kelly and Shane is so evident. What is not as clear is the skillful way the characters grow together especially in challenging times. Bree and Chay allow for a wonderful compliment to the primary characters. The fabulous writing by Ally McGuire takes us into the Alaskan glacial fields and ice caves using wonderful imagery. An escape you should allow yourself. Pick up Fragments of the Heart!
December 15, 2023
Has it all
Action drama, adventure, danger, romance.... This book has it all. I truly enjoyed the storyline as well as the characters. The attention to.detail in describing the sites was like experiencing it first hand. I loved that the main and supporting characters were so well developed. The chemistry between Shawn and Kelly was HOT!!! I think Ally is one of my new favorite authors.
Action drama, adventure, danger, romance.... This book has it all. I truly enjoyed the storyline as well as the characters. The attention to.detail in describing the sites was like experiencing it first hand. I loved that the main and supporting characters were so well developed. The chemistry between Shawn and Kelly was HOT!!! I think Ally is one of my new favorite authors.
December 29, 2023
a great adventure meets romance
I love how this book came together. It has a great adventure mixed with an excellent romance. I love how we got to see Shawn transform and honestly it didn’t bother me that it was never mentioned what her actual diagnosis might be. To me she is just a super intelligent woman who sees the world a little differently. It was my first book by this author but I look forward to reading more.
I love how this book came together. It has a great adventure mixed with an excellent romance. I love how we got to see Shawn transform and honestly it didn’t bother me that it was never mentioned what her actual diagnosis might be. To me she is just a super intelligent woman who sees the world a little differently. It was my first book by this author but I look forward to reading more.
January 22, 2024
Adventure and romance
Some romantic adventures have a great romance story with an adventure sideline. Some have a great adventure with a little romance. This has a strong love story with the characters involved in an exciting adventure. You get well developed complex characters, an interesting setting, and a life threatening situation. Ally McGuire takes you on a great ride you just don't want to end!
Some romantic adventures have a great romance story with an adventure sideline. Some have a great adventure with a little romance. This has a strong love story with the characters involved in an exciting adventure. You get well developed complex characters, an interesting setting, and a life threatening situation. Ally McGuire takes you on a great ride you just don't want to end!
November 8, 2023
Absolutely amazing
What a wonderful story with robust, complex, real characters. From the first word to the last, you’re swept along with everyone in a “just one more chapter” feeling. Join Kelly, Shawn, Bree, and Chay as they learn to redefine who they are, and how love isn’t a four letter word.
What a wonderful story with robust, complex, real characters. From the first word to the last, you’re swept along with everyone in a “just one more chapter” feeling. Join Kelly, Shawn, Bree, and Chay as they learn to redefine who they are, and how love isn’t a four letter word.
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