A Touch of Snow

Extreme Risk #1

by Tracy Wolff, Anita Nirschl (Translator)

Z & Ophelia – können sie die Traumata der Vergangenheit hinter sich lassen, und in eine gemeinsame Zukunft blicken?
Eine Frau, die ihn eiskalt abblitzen lässt? Absolutes Neuland für Profi-Snowboarder Z Michaels, dem die Frauen sonst reihenweise zu Füßen liegen – die attraktive Barfrau Ophelia scheint immun gegen seinen Charme und Erfolg zu sein. Ophelia selbst kam nach einem schweren persönlichen Verlust nach Utah, um ihr gebrochenes Herz zu heilen. Obwohl sie sich stark zu Z hingezogen fühlt, kann sie einen Bad Boy wie ihn gerade nicht gebrauchen! Doch gelingt es der toughen Kellnerin schnell, hinter Z’s coole Fassade zu blicken – und sie bemerkt dabei, dass sich unter seiner äußeren Eisschicht ebenfalls eine traumatische Vergangenheit verbirgt …

Genres: New Adult, Romance, Sports, Contemporary Romance, Sports Romance, Contemporary, Erotica

353 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 4, 2014

About the author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Tracy Wolff is a lover of vampires, dragons, and all things that go bump in the night. A onetime English professor, she now devotes all her time to writing dark and romantic stories with tortured heroes and kick-butt heroines. She has written all her sixty-plus novels from her home in Austin, Texas, which she shares with her family. tracywolffbooks.com

Reviews

[Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾ · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book (at least for me) was a case of 'good idea, poor execution'.

2 stars

Having read a couple of Tracy Wolff's erotic romances, I was curious about this one. I wasn't thrilled with the other 2 books I read, but I liked the writing style, so I figured what the heck?



I hate, absolutely HATE giving poor reviews but in the case here there really wasn't one thing I liked about the book. I struggled from beginning to finish, finding any excuse to put it down. I'd read a chapter...



So what didn't work for me? A number of things.

THE DIALOGUE
There are some authors that can flip flop between genres without a problem. Then there are some authors that shouldn't. Tracy Wolff can write one hell of a steamy erotic romance. New Adult? Yeaaaa



The dialogue was very awkward. I don't know how to best describe it, other than saying at times it sounded like an adult attempting to speak like a teenager to sound cool. When was the last time you heard a 21 year old ask "So, you ready to blow this pop stand?" or how about "Dude, stop fronting." Right.


If I read "as if" one more time, I thought I'd lose it.

THE ROMANCE
First, call me nitpicky but what the heck kind of name is Z. I kept waiting to find out his full name but NOPE. Never happened. OK. Moving on.

I did not get the connection between Ophelia and Z. The book takes place over several days. In those days they go from Ophelia avoiding him at all costs, to sex, to I love yous being exchanged. Really? Z is supposed to be this serial womanizer yet in the span of a few days he knows Ophelia is the one. Oh and he's SO fantastic in the sack that she has 10 orgasms in one night.



I started to skim right around the 60% mark. The more I read, the more I'd lose my interest. Then Ophelia did something at the 85% mark that just boiled my blood and I.Was.Done. Ophelia,



I don't think she even deserved him at that point. The only silver lining for me was when Cam kicked her ass. At that point I almost wanted Cam to end up with.

This book read like it was following some sort of formula:


Introductions
Brooding
Some more stuff happens
Brooding
Sexual tension
Brooding
Sex
Some more brooding
ANGST
Some more stuff happens
Brooding
ANGST
Brooding
Brooding
I love you
A little more brooding



There is a slight cliffhanger at the end that doesn't effect the main couple's HEA. Will I be reading the next book, however?



***ARC courtesy of publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review***

For more reviews visit

[*J* Too Many Books Too Little Time · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5--Meh--Stars!!!



Eh....I wasn't really feeling this one. I never really connected with Z, the hero, or Ophelia, the heroine. I didn't like any of the characters really.

Z is an adrenaline junkie. He's a snowboarder who lives recklessly, carelessly and dangerously to numb the pain and guilt he carries around over a tragedy in his past. That and sex. He lost his virginity at 13.



He's had countless women since. But guess what...Z meets Ophelia and all of that changes.



Ophelia has also had her share of tragedy. She moves to Park City, Utah to escape it all. She's no stranger to adrenaline junkies....only she's sworn she's staying away from them. But guess what......Ophelia meets Z and all of that changes.



And we have another case of insta-love. They seriously knew each a matter of days...half of that time they didn't even like each other and the other half was spent having sex....where clearly Z is a Master in the sack. Ophelia has the multiple orgasms to prove it.



You faked at least one of those.

I just didn't find their connection believable at all. I didn't feel any sexual chemistry....something about the dialogue was just off for me. It was rather predictable as far as the NA/MA genre goes.

Things I did like:

Ophelia doesn't end up pregnant....so thank you for that.



The snowboarding setting...that was a bit different and interesting.

Overall it was really just an okay read for me. I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it. It was just meh.

ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

[Geri Reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 sad stars!

It happens all the time where a book blurb looks really, really good, coupled with an awesome cover and you get really excited to read it. But then when it start reading it, you feel like freaking Alice tumbling down the rabbit hole except that this book wasn't near as enchanting as Alice's wonderland. This book was pretty much...



Right from the get go, I felt more connection Z and Cam.(Cam is one of Z's best friends who is also a snowboarder who was in love with him) They had more chemistry. But it wasn't Cam but Ophelia, who was supposed to be Z's heroine. Sadly, I wasn't feeling Ophelia at all and it pretty much went downhill from there.



I spent much of this book skimming and mentally re-writing the story with Z ending up with Cam and Ophelia getting the boot.

Thanks J and Lana for letting me hang out in your buddy read thread. Flower Petal power, baby!! LOL!!

ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Wendy'sThoughts · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Twisty Turns and Stuff, Masked, Adrenaline Rush Stars
* * * * Spoiler Free-A 2014 Review
Are some people just destined to meet and be together? It is a question that ran through my mind while I was reading Shredded. These two people, as damaged and broken as they were... eventually became what each needed in order to break free from the past which was choking the life out of them.

Z Michaels is a snowboarding God; not because he can do easily do tricks that haven't been attempted yet ... or because he has the swagger and charm causing panties to drop as he walks by ....or even due to that fact his body could have been the model for the sculpture of David in Florence...no, he is this presence on the circuit because he really is that good but doesn't work it... he just tries to be part of the pack supporting his childhood friends Ash, Luc and Cam in their goals while fighting the self-loathing he feels every day.

Ophelia is a beauty… every fella’s wet dream… She is in Utah at this ski/ snowboarding resort to heal… heal her heart, mind, and body from the pain, inflicted guilt, and self-doubt. These two cross paths and we are taken on an adrenaline high of snowboarding, wanting, fearing of what one wants, and then the rush of what a deep connection between these two means.

We got to learn everything through dual points of view… love that by the way… and we are there every step of the way… what he is thinking when she tosses ice coffee down his pants… to her insight into Z’s behavior and vulnerability he hides from even his closest friends.

There is also the revealing of why these two are so closed off and what connects them deeply. Very serious issues are addressed and my heart went out to both of them. I felt for them and what they each had gone through…and they're coming together just made sense for me and put a real smile on my face.

This read was hot, sexy, then sweet, then back to friggin hot. And People the cover… just please do not get me started… I will whip out the fan in the middle of winter!

I must say I did not see the end coming… so technically the couple seems to have their end in this book; however, we were left with a major cliffy end for the secondary character and this crew… so another part of this series is on the way. I will be there as I am seriously invested in this group.

Shredded (Extreme Risk, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Shattered (Extreme Risk, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Slashed (Extreme Risk, #3)
Axed (Extreme Risk, #4)

Arc provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

[Duchess Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not going to do a recap...this book has a great blurb.

I really enjoyed myself while reading this. There was nothing that jumped out at me as way over the top. In the New Adult genre, this one seemed to follow some of the tropes but let's face it...they are tropes because they are popular. I LIKE the bad boy player meets good girl with secrets. And I really liked in this book how Z falls for his girl because she won't take his crap.

Z's stupid man whore status is a big turn off for Ophelia, a girl from out of town who is running from the tragic demons of her past. And yet, she wasn't really a good girl at all in her previous circumstance. She loved a boy who loved adrenaline. And their romance didn't have a happy ending, which is why she moved to Utah from New Orleans.

The setting...I love mountain settings, and when was the last time you read a book about snowboarding? I don't know if I ever have, and it was a great change. I'm not a skier OR snowboarder but the two times I have tried and failed I did pick up a little lingo, which showed up here.

Pow...means powder

And all of those numbers....1440's and 1260's...yeah, I know they mean something but I'm just going to concur with Ophelia when she says, "A bunch of turns and stuff."

Shredding is this:


So next time I go to Colorado, I'll do my best to shred some gnar pow-pow.



Let's hope there are guys like Z and his group of hot professional snowboarders waiting to teach me :D

The sex was hot and there wasn't too much of it. There was, of course, the initial heated looks between the two but I honestly wasn't feeling a whole lot of chemistry between Ophelia and Z up until the deed was done...which was kind of weird because their sort of pseudo-angry banter usually builds up to some explosive jiggy times. Once they hit the sack, however, I "got" it a bit more. Their secrets start to come out and the plot thickens.

I felt for Ophelia...her road to Utah was paved with heartache, and I think it was a really believable circumstance for that age. Boys will be boys and the rush of adrenaline will call to them. We girls love the bad boys, and often heartbreak comes with the territory. So her hesitancy in hooking up with yet another risk taker was understandable. Now, Z's past comes out more slowly but you get hints of it a little bit at a time. Talk about a tearjerker!

A couple of things that I wish there were more of: more details of their families and their past. We never learn much about Ophelia...no old friends or phone calls from home. She just packed up and moved to Utah and everyone seemed to forget about her. As for Z, he's a poor little rich guy and I wanted an end to this oddly apathetic relationship between him and his dad.

All in all, this was an really enjoyable read for me. It didn't blow me away but I never got bored and the ending leaves me playing grabby hands for the next book, which appears to be Ash's story.

ARC provided by Random House Publishing via Net Galley

[Carolina L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Do a bunch of turns and stuff."

It's books like this, that make me keep going.
When you pass 24 hours of the day thinking/dreaming about the book... it just means two things...
Or it was bad... or it was AMAZING!

Guess what? AMAZING! :D

In this book you get to know Z Micheals, a professional snowboarder, a well known "don ruan" with all his reputation around women. But Z is broken, and one of the most "heart-broken" guys I ever read about.
And then you have Ophelia, a beautiful, smart and broken girl who just wants to run from her past, and not think about the future!
Reading this you may think it's another cliché, that this is the same old story... but IT IS NOT!
At least not for me! This book is so much more!

This book is two broken hearts finding each other. Is the adrenaline of snowboarding with the fear of fall in love. Is you not knowing what to wait in the end... and it blows your mind!

I never had read something from Mrs. Wolff, but after this, she's definitely one of my favorite authors. The way she wrote this book, kept me clawed to it! And more than that...
Mrs Wolff with this book allowed me to dream...



***

ARC kindly provided from Random House via NetGalley.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

"...antiheroes actually make the best heroes."

Z and Ophelia are two shredded mirrored souls that find solace in one another. Z is "an asshole, a loser, a careless, reckless freak who doesn’t give two shits about himself or anyone else, but I am not a coward." He is the gloried adrenaline junkie who can get any girl he wants and rather pretend everything is okay, just as long as he has his women, weed and drink. Ophelia is passing through his ski town until she can fully heal and get back on her feet again, it’s only been eleven months but the pain is still fresh. One look at Z and she knows he is everything she doesn’t need in her life...

She might have told me off, but I felt the heat between us. Shit like that doesn’t just go away if you ignore it. It gets bigger, wilder. Hotter. Until the only way to put out the flames is to give in to them.

As stubborn as Ophelia and Z are, they recognize something within each other that they don’t want anyone else to see… they are both broken, but each dealing with their own past in different ways. Where Ophelia chooses to run away from anything that will make her feel and remember, Z punishes himself the only way he knows how, go balls-to-the-wall. Can they help each other move on from the past, are they strong enough together when they are so weak alone?

If you have a girl like Ophelia, you protect her, You don’t fucking put her in the line of fire. You fucking treasure her.

Shredded was a story about two broken kindred spirits, I wasn’t sure what I was getting into with this book, but once Z and Ophelia were on the same page, something just clicked for me, I got hooked in their chemistry, their playful banter and her take-no-shit attitude. She gave as good as she got and I admired her for it. Z was a tortured bad-boy that couldn’t see anything good in him, and my heart totally melted for him. I really enjoyed their story; it had the right amount of steam, fun and drama. Z and Ophelia’s friends, Ash, Luc and Cam were fun additions that balanced it out, even though at times I couldn’t make out what to make of Cam, she was sweet then she turned into such a bitch. Luckily it is a standalone read but we got a little preview of what’s coming next, can’t wait!

ARC kindly provided by Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

[[~Ami~]♥Sexy Dexy♥]

Its hard getting into a book after a 5 star read so this may be the case of "its me not you".

That said, I didnt find the story original, manwhore meets girl with issues/secret past. Writing wasnt spectacular either. It just gets to a point where I didnt care what happened to the heroine or when they get together.

ARC provided by NetGalley

[Kelli C · Rating 4 out of 5]

eeke..love me some Z! Full Review to post on NetGalley and www.thewindowseat13.com

This was suprisingly really good for me! i have been a bit of book let-down trail so thank you Tracy Wolff for delivering!

I wont give too much away, but i will say that Z and Ophelia are two lost damanged souls on the inside but strong and sassy on the outside! They compliment each other well and have great chemistry. Both are numb, seeking out something to feel, For Z it is adrenalin/a possible death wish, and for Ophelia is the heat that Z can provide! The story is fast paced, yet well devoped...im not big on love a first site, but i do appreciate Lust at first site...if emotion comes from that, well then i do appreciate it!

This story has sassy banter...cocky flirtation...and steamy intimacy, but more that that is has two likeable characters who "get each other." I liked their relationship, i liked the direction of the story, i liked the overall plot...for me, I will definitely carry on with this series.

FYI...little bit of a OMG cliffy, but only for supporting characters to set up book 2!

[Nikki · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at fuck if I remember....

Why did I read this book? Oh yeah, cause I liked the cover. Note to self: don't judge a book by its cover. EVER.

Cause yeah I was a little bit of this....


And a little bit of that...


Finally, yeah I'm done.


Fini.

[svenjalex · Rating 5 out of 5]

disclaimer: 5 sterne im genre. wenn man nicht sports romance oder new adult lesen will- don’t do it😂

dieses buch?!? es wurde 2014 erstveröffentlicht und ist damit der absolute beweis, dass bücher (auch in diesem genre) nicht besser sind, nur weil sie neuer sind.
es ist alles, was like snow we fall oder andere sports romances sein wollen.
mit dem grossen unterschied, dass sich hier mit dem sport auseinandergesetzt wurde und auch der sport seitenweise thematisiert wird. das buch macht ohne witz voll bock auf snowboarden!
der spice ist ok, die traumata der protas sind wie immer etwas unnötig aber trotzdem sehr gut ausgearbeitet. die protas sind ausserdem sympathisch und es gibt auch obligatorische toughe frauen. mir fehlt wirklich nix an diesem buch und ich freue mich so, dass es noch zwei weitere teile gibt!!

lest das anstatt icebreaker, like snow we fall oder was auch immer. ich finde es auch besser als crave von tracy wolff.
abzug in der b-note für seltsamen cliffhanger am ende und bisschen viel drama.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you ever read a book not knowing what to expect or not knowing what you'll get out of it?

That's this book for me. I didn't know the author. Didn't know what the book was about - I judged it by the cover ... Yup. I did. "Hot cover" can pull me in almost every time.

This book was about snow boarding...cool. I hadn't read one like this before.

3 guys & a girl. Cool.

Awesome writing. Fantastic words. Real feelings.

Everyone should read it.

Thanks to NetGalley & the publisher for giving me the chance! BRAVO.

[Laylaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars for this one! Ophelia is struggling with her new life, she has been in Park City for only 2 weeks and has been moved to 3 different positions at the resort. She is having trouble adapting to the cold and the people. She is trying to rebuild her life after a horrible accident took everything that she knew away. When she sees Z Micheals she knows to get as far away as possible. When he does his best to turn on the charm she finds herself dumping coffee on him and all he can do is laugh.

Z's friends are what everyone would want, they are loyal and they are protective of him. Plus they call him on his shit. They have also been with him through thick and thin, but Z is still covering up and putting on a mask in front if him.





Z is full of talent and his friend are pushing him into competing for the Olympic Trials but Z doesn't want the pressure, he snowboards to clear his head but it seems the only the way to clear his head is to take it to the edge.


Z is full of self loathing. He punishes his body and his mind to try and stay numb to his past. And it is messed up, he is carrying so much guilt and constantly looking for his punishment. Ophelia can see him a mile away, a reckless adrenaline junkie set on destruction. She lost someone close to her because of the self punishing and want no part of Z. Add to the fact that Z is a player and her warning bells are sounding the ALARMS!




The varying POV's of this story were both great and sad. I was glad to get a glimpse into Z's head. But what a sad, desperate place it is. I normally fly through books, but this one I paced myself and slowly ate up each page. Both Z and Ophelia are very much like Shakespearian characters as they both have tragedy in their lives. There is some definite angst between Z and Ophelia that is both gut wrenching and nerve racking but these two have so much going against them.




Even with their own personal road blocks they have an intense connection that is both emotional and physical. They have some serious steam factor for sure. There are a lot of highs and lows throughout this story but it is well worth the read.

I will warn you though, the book ends with a major event that sets the tone for book 2 which follows another character, and it is gut wrenching.

*This honest review was done in exchange for an Arc through Netgalley from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept and Tracy Wolff*

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grab your board and prepare for an incredible ride. Shredded combines the thrill of extreme sports with a moving, breathtaking, and intoxicating story.

Ophelia Richardson heads to Park City to help her aunt and uncle run a ski lodge. She is running from her past, but it seems she's caught herself in a loop of similar circumstances.

Z Michaels is at the top of the snowboarding circuit. Pulling runs no one would dare try. He has an unbreakable facade that he presents to everyone around him. But the beauty behind the coffee bar seems to see right through him.

Pulse pounding action and a brilliant and enthralling story, Shredded made me want to hit the slopes. Tracy Wolff takes us on a marvelous ride, giving us a front row seat for this rocky romance that is balanced with the perfect amount of heart ache but lets not forget about the sizzling sexual heat.

Don't miss Shredded, the first amazing story in the Extreme Risk series.

I received this ARC copy of Shredded from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept in exchange for an honest review. This book is set for publication February 4, 2014.

[.chel. · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5/5

This book immediately caught my attention based on the book blurb. As a snowboarder (nothing in the caliber of the characters), I was definitely looking forward to reading this one. However, I was quite disappointed on how the story unfolded and found the characters chemistry and dialogue quite lacking.

I also think the blurb may need to be revised as it mentions Ophelia’s ex as a “rich boy who couldn’t say no for an answer, nearly killed her in a jealous rage.” Based on how Remi, the ex was described, “jealous rage” isn’t quite the word I would use to explain what happened between them.

This book can be read as a standalone although this one does end with a cliffhanger to set up the stage for the character for the next book.

ARC provided by Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via Netgalley

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bundle up, we're hitting the half-pipe! Living life in the fast lane, adrenaline junkie, Z does everything in excess, from his daring in the half-pipe to his rep in the beds of countless, nameless women. He revels outwardly in being the hotshot, rich, bad boy, boy toy, but his recklessness is hiding nightmares from his past. Ophelia has faced the devastation of loving a larger-than-life bad boy before and it nearly killed her. When Z attempts to charm the pants off Ophelia, she turns the tables and her back on him. Game On, for Z. He wants Ophelia and is determined to break through her defenses, but will his reckless behavior stand between them?

Shredded by Tracy Wolff, the first installment in her new Extreme Risk series is charged with electricity, adrenaline, and romance, proving that sometimes, when that special someone comes along, the demons of the past can be exorcised in the light of a new future. Filled with great supporting characters that ooze loyalty to their friend, Z, there was no underlying subplot of jealousy among them, very refreshing. Z is damaged, yes, but his underlying caring and protective nature makes him a very likable character. Ophelia’s past is never gone into in great detail, but what is known made the cautious woman she has become, completely reasonable to believe. Maybe it takes a damaged soul to heal another.

Tracy Wolff has done a remarkable job of tying together an extreme sport, romance and acceptance of oneself while moving the story along and never letting it falter! Great writing, strong writing, I was almost shivering out there in the snow!

I received an ARC edition from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept Flirt in exchange for my honest review.

Series: Extreme Risk, Book One
Publication Date: February 4, 2014
Publisher: Flirt
ISBN: 9780804176842
Genre: New Adult Romance/Fiction
Available from: Amazon

[Hazel *Craves the Angst Reviews* · Rating 4 out of 5]

UPDATE: 1/18/15...Just re-read this one because I'm going into the second book for a review, then on to the third and I wanted to refresh myself with the characters. I think I actually enjoyed this read more the second time around. It was still a lot of fun and I enjoyed Z's character more now that I know his history. So I'd still give this one a solid 4 stars. Now on to the next...


(First read through: June 11-12, 2014)

Find This and Other Reviews At Craves The Angst.

Shredded is book one in the Extreme Risk series and is a New Adult, Sports Romance written by Tracy Wolff. In exchange for an honest review, I was gifted a copy from the Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept through NetGalley.

4 “Turns and Stuff” Stars!
Great Read That I Devoured In One Sitting!

The Review:
This was a different kind of read for me. I don’t usually read sports related reads, not because I don’t like them, they’ve just never been a priority on my list. But when I read the blurb for this one and the hero was a snowboarder, I just couldn’t resist. And I wasn’t disappointed. This was a fast, sweet read with a bit of angsts thrown in to make it an all-around fun read. I loved the mountain scenery, I enjoyed the characters and I really liked the story.

Story/Characters...
Ophelia has moved from New Orleans to Utah after a heartbreaking past that’s left her shaken. She needs to regroup and find herself once again and try to leave the events from a year ago, behind her. Working for her aunt and uncle at their ski resort, hooking up is the last thing on her mind, especially when notorious playboy with a streak of bad, walks in and starts hitting on her.

Z is known for his risk taking “turns and stuff” on the slopes as he snowboards his way through competitions and has the potential to be selected for the Olympics. He’s also known for his playboy ways and one night stands. He and his friends are at the mountain lodge for the snow and the training but that doesn’t stop him from grazing the vast fields of snow-bunnies, taking a different girl to his bed every night and partying hard every chance he gets. He’s running from a tragic past, one he feels guilt for and numbing the pain and living it up are his exits. What he doesn’t expect is to find the beauty behind the bar so captivating and when she flat out rejects him, going so far as to pour coffee all over him, he’s intrigued and amused.

Ophelia and Z rocked their scenes together. These two were smokin’ hot from the start with their heated looks and verbal foreplay. There wasn’t much in the way of sex scenes but there was enough sexual tension to captivate me and pull me right in. Ophelia and Z were fun and wild in their slow build towards a romance and I enjoyed every minute of it. The writing was smart, the scenes were sweet and fun and there was just enough angst thrown in with their pasts that it kept me glued to the pages, wondering where it was all going to lead.

Ophelia was a delight to read. She was strong and snarky and she was smart. She had standards and her character was challenging. I loved her interactions with Z and his friends.

Z was a hot mess. His past ate at him on a daily basis and he used partying and hook ups to numb the pain but what he really liked most of all was the adrenaline fueled risks he took on the slopes. This guy had absolutely no care for his safety at all and though the risks he took made him seem more alive and adventurous than most characters we read, it was also sad because you knew there was something dark lurking behind all that disregard for his life. He was testing fate and there was a deep part of him that didn’t care if he came out the loser.

I loved how these two changed each other and found a solace in one another. Ophelia needed that connection again and Z needed someone to pull him from the dark corners of his heart and mind.

I also loved the side characters. Z’s group of snowboarding friends rounded the story out and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!

Wish List...
There were only two things that I really had a problem with in this book. I loved that the author tried to include the name of the book, shredded, in the verbiage the characters used, but wow was there a LOT of times it was used. To many, in my opinion. And though I enjoyed the snowboarding terms, learning what tricks were called, I had to look them up so I understood what was being said. This didn’t annoy me so much as pull me from the story a little so I could properly imagine what was being played out.

The Wrap Up:
All in all this was a great read. It was never slow and it kept me interested all the way through and I even got the butterflies a couple of times so that instantly gives it a higher rating. I’m excited to go on to the next book and see what happens after that heartbreaking ending. Ash’s story is next and I’m sure it’s going to be a doozie!

[Fabi the G · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wtf??? Was isch das endi gsi? Bro? Also schlechter gahts au nümme. Jetzt gits e wiiteri Sob-Story..

[Michelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

Zeitverschwendung 🤡

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

'At first she was nothing more than a distraction. Then she was a challenge. Now... now she's still a challenge, but she's something else, too. Something more. The thought has me shifting uncomfortably in my chair. I never do more. I never even want more.'

Plot

Twenty-one year old snowboarder Z Michaels lives in Park City, Utah. Z is the bad boy of the town, and can have his pick of any girl. Underneath his bad boy persona however, lies a dark and troubled past,a past that haunts him every day.

Ophelia Richardson is unlike any girl that Z has ever met. She's the first girl that hasn't fallen at his feet in a long time. After Ophelia's adrenaline-junkie ex-boyfriend almost killed her, the last thing she needs is another boyfriend, especially one as arrogant as Z. But after spending time with him, Ophelia soon comes to realise that Z is not all he seems, and he may be more damaged than she is.

Z and Ophelia both have troubled pasts, and they find a connection unlike any they've felt before. But their relationship could start going downhill before it's even started, unless they learn to open up to each other.

My thoughts

I saw this book on NetGalley and requested a copy as it sounded just like something I'd enjoy reading. I was given a free copy to read by Random House, and started reading it about a week ago.

The fact that I read this during the Winter Olympics definitely made the book more enjoyable for me, as I've been watching snowboarding a lot over the last week. I was able to visualise some of the tricks that Z and his friends were performing, so this did make the book more enjoyable.

I liked the story in this book; both Z and Ophelia had shocking pasts, and when it all came out towards the end, some of it was genuinely shocking for me. I'd already guessed what was lurking in Z's past, but I wasn't expecting everything that came out at the end. His behaviour and his death-wish attitude made sense to me after discovering his troubled past.

Although I enjoyed the story, there were times when I was a little exasperated with the two main characters. I get that Ophelia is confused about liking Z, after her relationship with her ex-boyfriend, who seemed to have a similar death-wish. But after a few chapters of her saying how much she wanted Z, and then saying that she shouldn't, I was getting a little fed up. She could just be a bit repetitive for me at times, and I found myself thinking 'just make your mind up!'

I had a similar issue with Z, as he was always reflecting on what a failure he was, how much he hated himself, how much he didn't deserve to be happy. I understand that he's had a traumatic past, especially when I discovered the full truth at the end, but the self-loathing got a bit boring after a while.

The synopsis of the book needs to be updated, as parts of it don't actually match up to the story. The wrong synopsis didn't impact on how much I liked the book, as I didn't realise until after I'd finished the book and re-read the synopsis.

Overall, while I did enjoy this book, there were parts that started to get on my nerves. The story was good, and I enjoyed finding out about Ophelia and Z's pasts, which were great twists. My only downside was the characters sometimes annoying me, but other than that, is was a good and entertaining read.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars.

I absolutely adored Shredded, Tracy Wolff has put together a really enjoyable and slightly different read. I have to admit that I don’t really have any prior knowledge when it comes to snowboarding, and although I got a little lost on some of the terminology used with regards to it, I was enjoying Z (not sure whether we are pronouncing it Zed or Zee) and Ophelia’s story, so it didn’t really bother me.

I have to admit, after reading the synopsis I was expecting a tale full of angst and self-denial. And what I got was a well crafted piece of romantic fiction about two people in their early twenties trying to deal with the shitty hand of cards that life has so-far dealt them.

Ophelia – “It’s a long story”

Z – “Seems like we have a lot of those between us, don't we?”

Z Michaels (still don’t know whether he is a Zed or a Zee) has suffered the most unimaginable losses in his life and at a very young age, and has found the best way to cope with that and the subsequent abandonment of his father is too snowboard, drink, get high and have sex. Born and raised in Park City, Utah, he is something of a local celebrity on the snowboarding scene, along with his friends Luc, Cam and Ash.

Ophelia Richardson has moved from New Orleans to the resort owned by her Aunt and Uncle in Park City. After suffering her own devastating loss, she is looking to keep her head down, get on with her job and try and heal from her injuries, both mental and physical. Z is everything she wants to avoid, but also exactly what she is drawn to…

This is Z Michaels – The fastest zipper in the West.

There are some really great moments between these two in this book, I loved that they both saw what the other needed, and tried to support them in the best way.

Ophelia – “Why don’t you just let it go?”

Z – “Because I never let anything go.”.

As I have come to expect with a Tracy Wolff novel the sex is hot, original and expertly written. The story grabbed me, I liked the characters, and I eagerly await the next book in the series – Shattered, this will be Ash’s story, and I think it is going to be a heartbreaker!

The only niggles, (and they are very minor). There-is-a-lot-of-writing-like-this. And there was also a Lot. Of. Sentences. Written. Like. This. Too!

ARC provided via Netgalley, and it is my pleasure to provide the above honest review.

[Tina "IRead2Escape" · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Hotness rating 4 out of 5

Hold onto your Kindle you are in for a ride. Shredded is the first book of the Extreme Risk series by Tracy Wolff and it is awesome! I need to start off by saying this book doubly impressed me since I am so not a fan of the new adult genre. I have my sister to thank for telling me to get over my ambivalence regarding the genre and read this book.

Z Michaels has taken the snowboarding world by storm. He has it all - money, looks, devil may care attitude, and just enough mystery and tragedy surrounding his past to make the world fall at his feet. Women are a sure thing and he likes it like that. No strings, no drama, just one night and then on to the next. Meeting Ophelia was like a punch to the gut. He senses a common thread of pain between the two of them, as well as, a heat that can't be denied.

Ophelia Richardson is running from a pain that she can't seem to escape. She's suffered great loss and is trying her best to find her way back. If that means spending a few months in the God forsaken freezing climate of Park City, Utah to do just that then so be it. Meeting Z Michaels in all his cocky, adrenaline junky glory is turning her life upside down. She wants to heal and not repeat old mistakes. That definitely means staying away from men that are hell bent on killing themselves in the name of adventure. Yet, when she's with him he makes her feel alive, something she had her doubts could ever happen.

I absolutely loved this couple and I loved this book! I am not typically a fan of the New Adult genre because of the over-the-top angst that normally accompanies it. I am always left with the feeling that the characters in this genre create half their issues just by being dramatic. That was so not the case with this book. I understood and empathised with the fears that both of these couples had. They didn't create unnecessary drama and I never wanted to shake them and say "quit being your own worst enemy".

I would definitely recommend this book to any lover of high energy, heartbreaking, but worth the pain romance.

This book was provided to me by NetGalley.com in exchange for my honest review.

You can find this review and others at www.riverinaromantics.com

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

This is the third book and the third series that I have started of Tracy Wolff’s and I was blown away yet again by the amazing story she has written. Although I know next to nothing about snowboarding, I was drawn into the story by the amazing characters, the chemistry and the secrets they are keeping.

I loved how close Z was to his friends Ash, Luc and Cam; they have been his family since they were children. They are always there for him and support him in his darkest times. Z uses everything within reach to hide his true feelings: snowboarding, girls and even weed or alcohol. He just doesn’t want to deal with his past and is constantly looking for something to get his adrenaline pumping.

Ophelia has had her fair share of tragedy too. She has come to Park City to start a new life and to move past her fears. When Z, Park City’s ladies-man, approaches the counter at the coffee shop she works at, she knows she is in for an awkward conversation. The banter between these two was hilarious and I was happy to see that she didn't back down and she gave as gave him a run for his money!

Although their relationship started a little rocky, the connection between these two grew each time they were together. I could see the little shift in Z's attraction to Ophelia, and that she was not like other girls he hooked up with. I liked learning about snowboarding and hitting the slopes with Z. Seeing the emotions he runs through before and during the tricks that he performs. You can see how much he enjoys the rush.

I enjoyed how this book was told in alternating POV's. I was able to see what they were both were thinking, as well as being able to puzzle out what happened to them to make them as broken as they are. When their pasts were revealed I was heartbroken and wanted to wrap them both in hugs. I loved how Tracy told this story and am looking forward to the next book, especially after that ending!!!

Complimentary copy provided by the Publisher, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc provided by Net Galley for an honest review!

Okay it is official call me a Tracy Wolff fan!

I admit it , I am a sucker for a bad boy an Z Michaels is the epitome of bad boy, sexy, tattooed, huge ego, great body and a snow bunny magnet, but all of it is a cover for the real Z Michaels, the Z, who has so much tragedy in his past that he blames himself for; and as a result lives on the edge and punishes himself. Though Z has lifelong friends in Ash, Cam and Luc he just refuses to open himself up to them. Instead, he drowns his issues in liquor , drugs, women and dangerous stunts .
Z'slife is about to get twisted because the new girl n Park City , Ophelia Richardson , is not falling at his feet, she is actually oing very thing she can to chase Z away, which just makes her more desirable.Ophelia has her problems though. She is at Park City to recuperate from her own tragedy and her last boyfriend Remi!
These two tormented people fast become each others lifeline to spite Ophelia's effort to not get involved with another bad boy; Ophelia
Is is good for Z though because above everything else, Z loves women they should be treated right, he can not stand to see a women hurt. z desire to be a support for Ophelia leads him tobe better.

I had a hard time putting this book own I wanted to know their Demons I wanted to see if there was. HEA in store for them , it looks like you get one but the epilogue throughs youa little twist , sets up the next book for Ash and leaves you questioning how the latest is goingobe effect everyone else. I also loved the setting it was a nice change of pace, the Ski slopes in Utah ; different from so many stories that take place in large cities, corporate America or warm romantic vacation spots .

So if you would like a change of pace, a twist , turn and flip in the air, well Shred it and pick up " Shredded" !

[Kami Dodson-Perry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow ---- Okay, let me start by saying I need to learn a lot more about snowboarding. I love the X-Games but really have no idea what they are doing out there. They look good though.

This story is about Z and his past. There is a dark cloud that follows him. And when the cloud darkens it makes Z need that adrenaline rush to stop the darkness from taking over. It all centers around his sister April and Mother's death.

Ophelia enters Z's life and he is finding himself intrigued and very interested. Z can have any girl any time and any place but after meeting Ophelia he does not want any girl. So the goal is to get Ophelia interested. Z's first encounter with the new coffee house employee did not go so well.

Ophelia's past is sad. She moved to the lodge to start over. Her Aunt and Uncle own the lodge and gave her a job at the coffee house. Ophelia is trying to escape her high school boyfriend Remi's death and the scars it left her with emotionally and physically. But seeing Z and knowing his reputation made her mad at herself for being attracted to him. Another adrenaline junkie..... Just what she needs a bad boy with a death wish. Ophelia tries to put distance between her and Z but it does not work so well for her.

Z has caught Ophelia and after some bumps and a lot of bruises they seem happy. Z feels his dark cloud subsiding and seeks other ways to fight the ugly monster that is his past. Ophelia is working hard at remembering the good times with Remi and not the memories of the accident and the destruction it caused.

Together they will find happiness, peace, and tranquility with a shot of adrenaline for Z along the way.

The ending was surprising and sad. But it hooks you for that next Extreme Risk fix.

[Kellie Maddox-Ward · Rating 3 out of 5]

As someone who knows nothing about Snowboarding, I found this book quite interesting and well.. Kinda wanna learn too!

This book was good. Was it great? No sorry it wasn’t.. things were just missing…
Like Z was this intense thrill seeker… The only times I saw or felt that was when he was doing stupid shit on his board. There was no fast driving, no sky diving, no intense live life to the max things I assumed he would be doing.


Ophelia was kinda a bit of a downer for a while…. But then suddenly, I’m unsure exactly when, things just clicked.

The characters and story came alive. The broken Z and the broken Ophelia started helping each other get through the things from their past.
There was some serious tension and some hotter sex scenes!
Character banter was great. Ophelia started to be enjoyable to read about.
I did like the secondary characters and can’t wait to get to their books, and I am not 100% sure how I feel about Cam.
This is my third Tracy Wolff book and while I did enjoy it, I liked her other books better,
I will be continuing this series though, don’t worry.
It’s just that this was just ok. I say you should read it if you like Snowboarding and know the terminology.

~~I received and ARC from the publisher, via NetGalley for an honest review.~~

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

~*~My Thoughts~*~
A 5 Star Rating
Getting books from NetGalley i never know what to expect, its been hit or miss for me. This was a total hit. I loved this book. It had all the things that i love a brooding bad boy with tattoos and piercings named Z, an equally broken heroine that's not dumb, and hot sex. I'm pretty easy to please lol. The only things I didn't like were all the ski boarding references now i could have easily looked this stuff up so it wasn't a deal breaker or anything I'm just lazy. I was happy with Ophelia's description of jump in the air and spin around a bunch. All in all I'm so glad requested this book because it was awesome. Now go read it lol. Cant wait for book two which is Ash's story.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received an ARC from NetGalley for honest review.

For the record I hate New Adult Romance books. Most of them I don't finish cause I'm so bored. The reason I picked this one is because it's by Tracy Wolff and I haven't been disappointed by her.

I really enjoyed this book. I didn't feel like they were young adults just starting out and stupid in all their actions. I loved Z and Ophelia. They had been through so much, but held it together and are stronger with each other.

I just have one question...What does Z stand for? There is no way his mom named him just a letter.

And really it had to end with a cliffhanger...really. GGGRRRRRR!!!

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars. Good time to release this book as we are right in the midst of Sochi 2014. An ok read if you enjoy new adult. If you can barge, shred,1440 triple cork or YOLO flip then have a 'sick ride' with this one!

[MBR · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review: Shattered by Tracy Wolff

Rating = 3.75/5

Caliber SEAL: GOOD READ!

Final Verdict: Ophelia and Z makes for a haunting combination one that delivers a good story!

Review goes live at 00:00 hours MVT, February 6, 2014!