Shattered

The Koa Collection #5

by Becca Lamb

Asher Wallace has been struggling with a recent leg injury that has changed his life. While the doctors tell him it’s permanent, he refuses to believe them, biting back at anyone who has anything to say about it.

Lila Blake has been struggling since her divorce. Though over the heartbreak, she’s still unhappy with her life, lashing out at those who try to help her. When her inconsiderate new neighbors wake her for the second night straight with loud music at all hours, she marches down there to give them a piece of her mind. Asher is vulgar and inappropriate, and Lila refuses to let him phase her. What starts as an intimidating flirtation comes to a head when Lila accidentally sends Asher an explicit video of herself. While Lila finds herself caught in a net of blackmail and anger, she sees something in Asher that makes her feel alive, even if it’s hatred.

Lila knows exactly what she’s doing as she dances with the devil next door, but her friends disapprove of her behavior, putting a bigger barrier between them than ever. After she’s managed to push everyone away, she finds her life in jeopardy. And her only chance of survival?

Asher.

321 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 18, 2024

About the author

Becca Lamb is a Canadian author. She's always had a passion for storytelling, and creating well rounded, interesting characters. She's a sucker for a good love story, and especially loves a good dark romance.

Reviews

[Holly | Raise Your Words · Rating 1 out of 5]

Re-Review: ★​☆☆☆​☆​

Thank you to Becca Lamb for removing the main chapter that included graphic rape. Because Lamb listened to her readers, I did go back to finish this book. I really love Becca Lamb's work and will continue to read it, however, this book still was just not for me. This may be due to my own experiences with sexual assault, but I couldn't view Asher as anything but a predator. I did enjoy his turn around in the end, but that feels few and far between in real life.


| DNF @ 39% | ☆☆☆☆​☆​

Trigger warnings for Shattered: Graphic Rape, Dubious Consent, Drugging, Physical Torture, Offensive Language

Shattered is the fifth installment in the KOA series by Becca Lamb. Each novel in the KOA series follows a different member or members of the friend group utilizing KOA. In Shattered, we get to hear about Lila's story, which seems especially important after the events of Come To Me. In Come To Me, we see the events of Ian's love story, without Lila. In Shattered, we see the events of Lila's love story, without Ian.

I want to preface my entire review by saying I have loved Becca Lamb's previous books in this series. That being said, calling this a romance at all is a hard sell. Lila is raped, over and over, by Asher. This isn't even dubious consent, he literally DRUGS her without her knowledge. This is not love, this isn't even lust, this isn't even BDSM - this is rape.

I honestly just couldn't finish Shattered. I don't care how much trauma Asher has and is currently facing, he is a predator. Thank you to Becca Lamb and Literary Inspired for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

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[Shere · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me some time to warm up to Asher’s character, as I do normally love some cnc in my books. Asher did give me a few icks in the beginning but he does get better I promise. I was excited to read Lila’s story, as I wanted her to be happy. I was so impressed with her and how she handled events in her life ( hint go and read Come to Me) Shattered had me feeling all of the feels; icks, anger, sympathy and the occasional grin. Make sure to read through the TW before reading this, it is not for the faint of heart.

[Mars Rads · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

If you have read any of the KOA series by Becca Lamb, you are missing out. I am a big fan of this series, so I was excited to read Shattered, the fifth book in the series. I do have to warn you, this is not for everyone. Please check the trigger warnings. The KOA series is about people exploring themselves so you are not going to find the sweet, cute romance here. This one is dark and I love me a dark romance. I think the biggest rule when reading the KOA series, and it definitely applies here, is to not yuck anyone’s yum. This book will not be for everyone and that’s cool. Just move on. But I enjoyed it and thought Becca did a great job writing this.

Asher is not the sweet, loveable MMC. He’s a tattoo artist who, along with his best friend Bane, left town after Archer was caught having sex with the boss’s wife. Archer is hurting, physically and emotionally. He is suffering a disability after an accident and doesn’t want to accept that he won’t be the same. Honestly, I relate to Archer. I was an athlete my whole life before I was in a horrible accident and now my lower body is filled with metal and scar tissue. It is hard to accept that your life has changed and it can really mess with your head. That’s what we have with Archer.

Lila is divorced (her ex-husband’s story is in the previous book). They were both subs and that was not going to work. Lila is struggling. She doesn’t hate her ex or his new woman, but she wants hers. I think it is sometimes hard for people to wrap their brains around people with similar tastes as Lila, but I could appreciate her. She knew what she liked and what she wanted.

Shattered was well written and I enjoyed it. I know not everyone will but that’s okay. If there is anything we can get from the KOA series is that people have different tastes. But if you like dark, SPICY, and damaged people coming together to find what they need, this is a great book to read. Check the triggers and enjoy.

[Michelle Frater · Rating 3 out of 5]

From the outset, it's clear that the author has a remarkable command of prose, weaving a dark, atmospheric story full of gripping, unyielding tension. However, while the novel is touted as an enemies-to-lovers romance, I think it’s more accurate to approach it as extreme horror with a side of dark, unsettling romance—at least for the three quarters of the book. The dynamic between Lila and Asher is far from the typical, playful tension one might expect. Instead, it plunges into something much more sinister and, at times, deeply unsettling. Though I’m not one to kink shame, I’ve never been a fan of degradation/humiliation so, Lila’s almost compulsive attraction to Asher and her tendency to provoke him despite the danger felt disturbing on a level I could not comprehend. What Asher did to her crosses a line that made me question how far the boundaries of fiction can stretch. While the author hints at Asher’s injury as a reason for his behavior, it never quite justifies the extremes to which he pushes Lila. Yet, none of this compares to the visceral horror Lila faces when she’s taken by Rocco and Rooney. *** Spoiler alert *** Though Lila survives this ordeal, the rest of the novel feels like an anticlimax. While Asher's apparent "epiphany" hints at self-awareness of how horribly he's behaved, Lila grapples with her trauma—and here’s where I struggled the most. Despite everything she’s endured, Lila's desire to return to her previous dynamic with Asher felt inexplicable, and frankly, disquieting in many ways. It left me questioning what the story truly wanted to say about love, pain, and power.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[AussieBookAddict (Mel) · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Rating: ★★★★☆

Shattered by Becca Lamb is an emotional, addictive rollercoaster that pulls you in with its raw portrayal of two broken souls battling their way through life’s curveballs. Asher Wallace, fiercely determined to overcome a life-altering leg injury, is all grit and defiance. His stubbornness and rough edges make him the last person you’d expect to find a connection with, yet Lila Blake—a woman trying to piece her life back together after a messy divorce—soon discovers that the fire between them is undeniable.

Lila and Asher’s relationship starts with friction and animosity that quickly sizzles into something dangerously alluring. When Lila accidentally sends Asher an explicit video, their twisted flirtation takes a darker, tantalizing turn that keeps you eagerly flipping pages. Though the blackmail and hate-filled banter seem toxic, there’s an underlying spark that hints at the possibility of healing—if only they’d allow themselves to let go of the walls they’ve built.

Lamb has crafted characters that are deeply flawed but utterly captivating. Their journey is messy, intense, and unapologetic, with layers of anger, vulnerability, and unexpected desire that make for a binge-worthy read. By the time Lila’s life is at stake, you’re holding your breath, hoping these two damaged people can save each other before it’s too late.

If you’re looking for a romance that dives into the depths of human fragility and refuses to sugarcoat life’s harsh realities, Shattered is a must-read.

[Between The Sheets Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

So I don’t know where to start…this is a dark romance…emphasis on the dark.

I have read book one (Say When) so I felt like I knew what I was getting into. Although I haven’t read books 2-4, I don’t feel like I would have needed to for this plot.

I also read through triggers just so I have a heads up, but typically find I’m over prepared for what I’m about to read. I did not find that to be the case with this book and almost felt the content warranted stronger content warnings than outlined.

The writing itself and the bigger picture storyline grabbed me, but the details are where I nearly didn’t finish. I 100% understand that everyone’s tolerance is different and this might be a book for you, but please read the trigger warnings and realize that things might be more intense than outlined.

The family created through this series are the type I want to cheer for. The writing held me. The intensity of the dark parts (very questionable consent, in my mind there wasn’t any, and torture being the major ones) were too much for me. I did read the whole thing, and it does come together in the end but the middle is rough.

[Karen Sorg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this was heart catching. Asher and Bane were tattoo artists who worked for Rocco and Rodney. Both Rocco and Rodney were animals, but Asher and Bane did not know how bad. Asher did something stupid by trying to screw Rocco's wife Raven. Rocco and Rodney beat Asher and broke his femur badly. Asher and Bane left town and made their way into a small town. They move into a home next to Lila. They were loud and obnoxious. Macey a friend of Lila's was there when they were blasting their music at 1 in the morning. The cops were called and Lila, tiny and small, runs over there to tell them to turn down the music and bring back her chairs. Asher and Lila snark at each other for days. One day Rodney and Rocco show up at Asher and Bane's house while Lila was there. The next time they show up they spay something in Asher's face that knocks him out and they take Lila. Rocco and Rodney have a pay-per-view for torture on the dark web and they ask their viewers how to torture both Lila and another person. Must read for the rest.

[Rylee.booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC
I really enjoyed this book. I’m not gonna lie to you though it did take me some time to get used to the actions that Asher decided to do. Some things gave me the ick. but trust me guys this book is really good. Asher and Lila are both healing from somebody or something, and they’re both there for each other to do that. It was enemies to lovers. There was a lot of banter and it was very angsty. They always try to run up each other, which cracked me up. Seeing Lila find her like true passion with tattoos was really nice. Because you could just tell that she was unhappy with her nursing job. Asher hurt his leg and it never really truly healed. And he is very stubborn about it. But she finally gets to him and helps him. In the end, they live happily ever after which was nice to see.

Definitely check your trigger warnings before going into this book.

I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Michaela · Rating 5 out of 5]

We got dark on this one!!!! 🖤 🖤 🖤 For the love of all that's holy, please read the trigger warnings!

I love everything Becca writes and Shattered is no different! After Come to Me, Lila got exactly what she deserved and needed with Asher...plus some trauma neither of them should have experienced because none of Becca's babies deserve that 😭😭😭

Once again, all of her books are dark romance but this one does get darker and so PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS!!!!!! Without spoiling anything, the biggest difference between this and the first four are that in the others, any @bu$e is outside of the main couple whereas with this one, if you know Lila, you know she needs more dominant activity and she certainly gets it 😉

Again, I loved this book. One of the first things I loved is that Lila is not the heartbroken divorcée, she's angry that everyone doesn't believe her. And Turner in this book was both super cute and a pain in my butt. Asher also drove me nuts in many ways but horrible first impressions in books leave plenty of room for growth, that's all I'll say.

[Erin Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

READ THE TRIGGERS!!

I am a big fan of Becca, and have loved all of the Koa books! I went into this book knowing that it was going to be the darkest and most intense one yet, and it was. This book was not for me, Becca’s amazing writing style and vivid way of creating a picture of the scene made this book very intense in its depiction of physical violence. I am so glad that I finished the book and got to see Lila and Asher’s “happy ending” (they are happy at the end of the book but I feel like this term is very fairy tale coded and that is not what this is). Make sure you read the trigger warnings and reviews before starting this book, especially if you are not a dark romance reader normally or have not read the other Koa books. Shattered was incredibly well written, and I cannot wait to read Turner’s book as the finale for this series

[TrishSparklerReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

@TrishSparklerReads Bookstagram:

“Shattered” by Becca Lamb
Series: KOA Book 5
Genre: Dark Romance
POV: Dual

Rating: 4⭐️
Spice: 4🌶️
Darkness:5🩶

Highlights:
🖤Enemies to Lovers
🖤Black Cat/Grumpy
🖤MMC with Disability
🖤Dub Con/Non Con
🖤Major Trauma
🖤Hurt/Comfort


Thoughts:
This is one of the darkest books I’ve read but it was pretty good. There was lots of BD$M type spice and a surprising bit of action and suspense. This series is not for the faint of heart.

🛑Please read all the author warnings as many themes and events in this book could be triggering. There’s DubCon, Blackmail, Non con/torture (FMC/Not MMC), Murder.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[SabrinaBee · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was the most intense and heart-wrenching book in the series so far. Lila has always had a love for the darker side of sex and I feel like she's finally met her equal in Asher. I love their banter and attitude towards each other. They both have a lot of emotions they're dealing with and while not coping with them in the healthiest of ways, they're essentially able to get all of that out with each other and in the end, trauma bond. Oh man, the trauma. I'm able to read just about anything and this was right at the edge for me. Expect to be absolutely wrecked. It wasn't fun to read but this stuff happens. Getting to read about the aftermath and healing is the soothing balm from what the author puts you through. I thoroughly enjoyed this book despite how hard it was to read.

[Kayla Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow the 5th book in the KOA series and it had me chest clinching the most!

At first I truly couldn't decide if I liked asher or not and there were parts that were so dark that I didn't know if I could stand him but in the end, he was so beautifully broken and needed to hit the bottom to become someone Lila truly deserved

Lila went through so much through the whole series but this book was trauma packed and not for the light but amazingly written

I can not wait for the next and final book, not only because I love this series but because I'm dying for Turner to get his happy ending too!
Becca Lamb

[Carley Misener · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review:

5/5⭐️, 3/5🌶️

-Enemies to lovers
-Major Tràuma
-Journey of Healing
-Dàrk Romance
-Dual POV

This was so good, Asher found a family in Lila and her big group of friends. But the two of them together pull at the heart strings. The bickering they started out with was honestly kinda cute. It was a hateful bicker that i’d never want for myself but it just worked for them. There was points that I wanted to sob for them but passed that it was such a good read! This is the first of Becca Lambs and it didn’t disappoint! She has such a good writing style and it was so enjoyable. There’s some TW’s so I recommend reading those first, otherwise I highly recommend!

[ljamison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very dark book. I would suggest you read the trigger warnings before reading. Now I generally don’t read the warnings because they feel like a spoiler to me but some things that Asher did to Lila bothered me and made me slightly uncomfortable. It didn’t make me stop reading but it may be very disturbing to others. This is an enemies to lovers romance but some of their interactions or banter weren’t witty or cute but dark. Both Asher and Lila are trying to heal from something, and they are there for each other. The first half of the book it was a struggle to like Asher and eventually through lots of struggle and emotional upheaval Asher and Lila find their happy ending.

[Felony Rose PA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review for 🅢🅗🅐🅣🅣🅔🅡🅔🅓 by @beccalambauthor

Read your TW

“Do I like her? Not by an iota. But destroying her is going to be so much fun”

What can I say because has done it again with Ash and Lila.

Lila is on a path to self destruction and then meets Asher and things just click.

The push and pull that these two have together is intense, the feeling this book will have you going through.. you may want to scream one min and love them the next.

Andddddddd

As for Asher….. Well enjoy the ride you dirty little Sl*t 😘☠️🖤

[JM G]

I loved reading this book. Once I started reading Shattered, I didn't want to put it down. Lila and Asher keep you on the edge of your seat. The storyline grabbed my attention from the start. I don't want to spoil this book for anyone so I won't go into details. Please read the book summary for some information. Also, check your trigger warnings. If you are good with the trigger warnings, I recommend reading this book!

[Bonton · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was okay super intense. When I first started reading I was like okay not sure if I’m going to finish it or not. I stop reading it a few times but decided what the heck and finally finished it. The plot and character build up was good. I’m usually into BDSM books but this one was my least favorite of all books I have read but that’s my opinion.

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

[L KQ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beware Dubious Behavior

First of all, this story is not for everyone as the behavior of Asher and Lila border on an uncomfortable level. However, the story itself was well written, and the characters eventually got into a better dynamic, although it took a while. It is dark and suspenseful, with some dubious actions blending in with the chemistry between Asher and Lila.

I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily leave this review.

[Jaime Yates · Rating 5 out of 5]

This dark, bully romance book was a steamy page turner, and was Lila and Asher's story. The author did a great job of describing the characters and bringing them to life on the pages. I enjoyed how things between Lila and Asher evolved. There are some really dark parts so check the trigger warnings before reading! I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn't put it down. I was addicted and I was hooked from the first page. Highly recommend!

[Robbi LeLeaux · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who doesn't need a bad boy in their life? Asher is the epitome of that bad boy and Lila isn't scared of him. She is ballsy for sure. She never backs off where he is concerned. She dishes out the same as Asher. Will they learn to love past the hate? Death does strange things to survivors. Read trigger warnings for this one.

[Linsey Toney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shattered is a very dark spicy read. 18+ Please read warnings before you read this book! Your mental health matters! This book can be difficult for some readers. I really enjoyed this book! I think this is the best book I've read from this author so far! It's dark, and spicy with a great storyline, and characters.

[Micki-D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shattered really is the prefect title cause this book shattered me. I felt so much reading this book it gave me icky vibes at times. I wasn’t and Asher fan at first but I was I think I had a love hate relationship with him from the start. But what Lila when though man I felt for her. Sure she found her man and it was her time to be happy but damn.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always make sure to read trigger warnings!

Very well written. Easily one of the best books I’ve read. It was so hard to put down and I couldn’t read it fast enough!

I didn’t purchase this book to read. But am thankful I got the chance to read it. My review is voluntary

[Zaylor Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This series has been such a good one. Shattered is definitely a rollercoaster of events and emotions. I couldn’t put it down even when the trigger warnings were happening I had to know what happened next!

[Amber📚🥀 · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you have to break and hit rock bottom before you can heal - this takes you on the whole journey down before working to heal

[Noreen Bennett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not what I expected from this book. Found it much to violent and degrading not realising it was supposed to be
Endured, glad I did realising the gist of the story.

[Heather Santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Another amazing spicy adventure from an incredible author! The characters are so well written. Once I started reading this I couldn’t put it down! Amazingly written by a very talented writer!

[Michellelovesreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing book. Beautifully written. I’m excited for the next book

[LaRae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kinda a rough ride of emotions as two broken people battle it out! Intense book! Read trigger warnings and enjoy!