Wrecked

by Portia Moore

This is not your typical happily ever after...

Lauren Brooks wants to accomplish three things: escape the small town she grew up in, get accepted to her dream school in Chicago, and graduate without drowning in debt. Now, she's working her ass off to do just that.

With a full course load and a waitressing job at one of the hottest nightclubs in Chicago, she doesn't have time for distractions - namely, ones who only want to get into her pants. She's been burned before.

Only a fool goes for a second round... With just two semesters left until graduation, everything's on track. Until she meets Cal. Enter distraction. At six-foot-two, with ebony hair, deep grey eyes, and a smile that could hide an agenda, she knows he's trouble. And for the first time in her life, a little trouble might be just what she needs.

No, what she wants. It isn't like she'd ever marry the guy. Until she does.

What she thinks will be her happily ever after is only the beginning.

Cal has a secret. One that makes loving him come with a price, and being his wife costs more than she bargained for.

Genres: Romance, Ebooks

344 pages, Paperback

First published January 31, 2024

About the author

Portia Moore is an Amazon and iBooks bestselling author of romantic suspense, including the popular If I Break series, the Her series, and the Collided series, which combined have sold over one million copies across all platforms. Located in the chilly Midwest, her favorite vacations are anywhere that's hot and sunny with a beach, reading the same kind of heart-pounding, twisty, edge-of-your seat romantic thrillers that she loves to write. When that's not possible, she loves drinking wine, cooking (also with wine) and spending time with her little family of one human child and two furbabies, one that barks and one that meows.

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Reviews

[Sky • aquariusannotations · Rating 3 out of 5]

"It's funny how one day can change the whole course of your life. Not even a day really - just a few seconds."

While it was undeniably a page-turner, some chapters felt repetitive, primarily revolving around arguments followed by make-up sex. This pattern became predictable and detracted from the overall impact of the story. The long-awaited twist, which promised to unravel the mysteries behind Cal's life, ultimately fell flat for me. At one point, Cal jokingly says maybe he's involved with the mafia, and I found myself wishing the story had taken that direction—it would have been far more intriguing and added an unexpected layer to the plot.

The spicy scenes were well-executed. The ongoing mystery of Cal's life kept me hooked, making it hard to put the book down. The author's writing style was engaging, and the characters were well-developed, each with their own complexities and flaws.

Overall, while the twist was a letdown and some chapters felt repetitive, the book was enjoyable. The blend of romance, mystery, and drama made for an engaging read. Although it didn’t quite meet my expectations in the end, I still found it to be a worthwhile experience.

[Cheyenne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t know how to rate this.. I’m at a loss for words. Diving into book two immediately.

[QueenElizabeth Stead · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT IN THE ACTUAL FUCK. I read this in ONE sitting. I now have pressure injuries. I’ve bought the lot on kindle. And audible. And Christ on a cupcake I may buy them hard copy too and I’ve only done book one and the novella.

[Kaygen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Do yourself a favor and read A. Torre's A Divided Heart instead. THAT is how you write a story like this. SO well done. Unfortunatley, I read this book as well. Here's my review:

Horrible. So sad I bought this with my own money. The other books in the series got good ratings so I wanted to start at the beginning. SO sorry I did. The writing was like reading a teenager's attempt at writing a drama. We were forced to remain in the FMC's head the entire time and that was NOT a fun or even remotely interesting place to be. Lauren had zero redeeming characters that would make me want to empathize with her, like her, or even be remotely interested in what happens to her. All she did was giggle, look pretty, act stupid, rant, and cry. She never takes charge or her life or attempts to live on her own, so it's no surprise that when Cal goes out the door (each and every time), she falls into complete dispair. WEAK!

For his part, all Cal does is smirk, give a sexy smile, and constantly paw Lauren in between saying dickish things that I guess we're supposed to think are sexy (?). He is a moody son-of-a-bitch that left me wondering what in the hell Lauren found so compelling. Apparently, it was all about the hot factor. So, basically, both characters are plastic Barbies or cardboard cut-outs that the author then tries to move around and give lines to. The book reads just like that--as if we're watching a child play dolls and listening to/reading the words they put in these dolls' mouths. Making matters worse, it's always the SAME words over and over again and the same scenes over and over. I skimmed the last 30-40% of the book and lost nothing. I just read the dialogue here and there and was able to save myself more rage. (Look at my notes and you'll see I was on a rampage calling out the stupidity prior to that point).

Finally, I have no idea how Chris's DID is supposed to work. He says he wakes up with time missing, but Cal always mysteriously knows when to leave--when the transition is coming--or so we're supposed to think??? I'm guessing we'll learn that in subsequent books, but I'm not going to waste any more of my precious time on this train wreck.

[Emily Treloar · Rating 4 out of 5]

More of 3.5 but a twist I did not expect!

[Honey · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

Wow. This was such a whirlwind of a read- you’re in the past and the present alternating simultaneously, I loved it.
I can’t even say with certainty that I saw it coming, but once it was here I can’t believe I missed it. I’m still confused because why was there no mention of Cal stopping by after the birthday party? No mention of the bracelet? Surely he’s not gone if he did that, but no one noticed him missing?
I guess I hope they end up together, but at the same time I know he’s got his own life.

[MacAttack Kollath · Rating 3 out of 5]

It wasn't good but it wasn't that bad. Miscommunication is a big trope, which I hate, however it was eventually explained which made it more confusing. Hate the guy. Hate the girl. It was just a really confusing book.

[Kenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

(and also zero stars because I’m emotionally ruined)

First of all, I’m fucking crying. Second of all, I fucking hate this book and by that, I mean it was incredibly good and now I’m emotionally devastated.

I was not prepared. I thought I was ready. I was not. The twists? The emotional whiplash? The aching, raw humanity of every single character? I feel like someone scraped my soul out with a spoon and then whispered, “you asked for this.”

I am so sad. I am so mad. Did I mention sad? I want to throw this book across the room and then cradle it in my arms and whisper apologies. I loved every second. I hated every second. I need therapy.

If you’re looking for a book that will wreck you this is the one. Just make sure you hydrate and maybe scream into a pillow.

Portia Moore, you evil genius. I’ll never recover. I’m downloading the next one now.

[Alexy Peters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wasn't a fan of the writing style, It felt a bit redundant and slow at points, actually frustrating slow most of the time. I mean we get it the MMC is gone and you don't know where or what the hell he does then the MFC gets super toxic and lashes out, I don't need a billon chapters telling me that over and over. If it weren't for that it would be a 5 ⭐️ read for me. I'm trying to add in variety this year with my reading and this definitely checks that box. My heart broke with the plot twist and one of the characters ended up having a heartbreaking redeemable arch. I would recommend to someone who has time for a drawn out romance mystery. Now on to the next book in the series bc l'm a glutton for punishment and need more. Hopefully the writing improves in the rest of them.

[Chloe Stephenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a completely different genre and story type for me and I couldn't put it down.
The way it jumped from the start to the end of their relationship between chapters gave me such an insight into their life.
The ending shocked me and I was hoping against hope that the ending would be happy. But it wasn't, not in the way I wanted. It was a really bittersweet ending.
The story was well written and thought-out and the author told the story with such fluidity that jumping between the years was flawless.
I really enjoyed this story, hesitant to read anymore as I can't deal with an unhappy ending but Wel see.

[Kim C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow..

What a whirlwind this book was.

All I know is I got this book free on Stuff Your Kindle Day and halfway through I went and purchased the rest of the series because I just have to know. I need more.

I was captivated from the beginning. I could not put this book down.

I feel absolutely shattered with how this ended and I’m going to have to start book 2 asap.

Do not read this if you’re not prepared to purchase the rest of the series because I doubt you’ll be able to stop at book 1.

[Krystal Reyes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m skeptical to give it a 5⭐️ ONLY because I didn’t too much care for the multiple personalities twist, I wished it was something else. Even with that said I loved the boom it pulled me in from the beginning and made me not want to stop.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arhhhhh this book made me angry i guessed what was going on with Cal straight away but it stilled made me angry reading this but still loved it

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I randomly got this book on a Stuff Your Kindle Day and finally decided to read it. I was NOT expecting to get my heart ripped out of my chest.

[Christan Avery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put this book down!

[Meghan McLoon-Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ultimate roller coaster. Purchased book two immediately

[Roxanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF
Only got a couple of chapters in and it felt so repetitive. The author seems to be a good writer, very descriptive and all but there was very little movement in the story line that I read up to.

[Bewaji · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read my review of the first edition of this book.

[Amanda Corbin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book? The twist? Me sobbing? CHRIS?
On to the next book right away.

[Natalie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I nearly dnf, I skipped over a lot of the flash back chapters, I struggled with the outcome , just didn’t feel right to me.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing series!

[101books · Rating 2 out of 5]

Im sorry just no. loved the writing the chemistry loved everything up until the reveal. Just no.

[Hadley Barone · Rating 3 out of 5]

Found this for free on SYKD. Good, quick read, with an unexpected plot reveal which I loved. Not sure i’ll continue the series though!

[Cassandra Doon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a whirlwind of emotions from beginning to end. I downloaded it for free on Stuff Your Kindle Day, but halfway through, I immediately purchased the rest of the series because I couldn't resist finding out what happens next. From the very first page, I was completely engrossed in the story and could not put this book down. The ending left me feeling shattered, and now I have no choice but to start book 2 right away. Trust me, once you start reading this, be prepared to purchase the entire series because there's no way you'll be able to stop at just one book.

[Kennah xx · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ I picked it up, and then suddenly i finished it. And l let me tell you, it was an emotional journey!