Razed

Barnes Brothers #2

by Shiloh Walker

Tattoo artist Keelie Jessup can handle that someone else has claimed the man of her dreams. She’s just not pleased with her remaining options… Keelie doesn’t believe in the “perfect man.” But the men who are worth the trouble are usually taken—like her business partner Zach Barnes. After a string of bad luck and the lost chance with Zach, Keelie decides that maybe flying solo—and living with suppressed desires—is the key to happiness. As a photographer, Zane Barnes has an eye for the human form, and his eyes can’t get enough of Keelie’s curves. Unfortunately, Keelie is like most women—always fawning over his little brother, Zach. Zane is about ready to give up, but then a few stolen moments at his brother's wedding have him thinking maybe there's a chance there after all. Now he just has to prove that the perfect man does exist...for her.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Adult, Love, Romantic Suspense

321 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 2, 2014

About the author

Hello... thanks for swinging by. I don't log into Goodreads much, so if you have questions, please visit my website to email me through my site.
Thank you!

My other me.... J.C. Daniels

And an experimental me that I put to sleep. J. Dallas




Bio...

Shiloh Walker has been writing since she was a kid. She fell in love with vampires with the book Bunnicula and has worked her way up to the more...ah...serious vampire stories. She loves reading and writing anything paranormal, anything fantasy, and nearly every kind of romance. Once upon a time she worked as a nurse, but now she writes full time and lives with her family in the Midwest.

To contact the author, please visit her website!

Reviews

[♥Rachel♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zane Barnes and Keelie Jessup have known each other for the last six years, and Zane has been yearning for Keelie almost as long:

He’d been feeling it burn on his side almost from the first time he’d seen her.
Need. Lust. Plenty of it.
But Keelie was oblivious.
Suddenly, though, she wasn’t quite as unaware.

Too bad Keelie’s has only had eyes for Zane’s younger brother, Zach. But now that Zach’s married, a spark finally ignites between these two and Zane moves in determined to show Keelie he’s the man for her.

Keelie did have a crush on Zach until she kissed him and felt nothing. However after years of Zane asking her out as a joke (so she thinks) she finally opens her eyes and realizes the electric chemistry they have together, nothing she ever felt while kissing Zach! They share a passionate encounter at Zach’s wedding, but Keelie is still hesitant to take things further.

I’ve always had a thing for a sexy guy in glasses, the Clark Kent type, and so Zane Barnes already piqued my interest. Add in the fact he’s been pining away for Keelie for years while she crushed on his younger brother and I was totally rooting for him to get the girl! I just knew Keelie would fall hard if she opened her eyes to this hottie in disguise. But more than a pretty face, Zane was a caring brother and sweet man. After their encounter at the wedding, Keelie backed off, so instead of pushing Zane made the decision to take it slow and show Keelie she’s much more than a casual hookup. Zane’s in for the long haul and so he’s willing to take it one step at a time with Keelie, coaxing and seducing her little by little.

Shiloh Walker sure knows how to write scenes with sizzling sexual tension and build up that made my heart thump! Zane drove Keelie mad with desire and I definitely felt the effects! A slow scorching burn indeed! Zane didn’t want any chance of spooking Keelie off and he was patient enough to for his plan to work. Love a man who will take his time to do it right!

There is a reason behind Keelie’s hesitancy, an event in the past that makes her feel less deserving of happiness and love. I adored Zane for being supportive and understanding, something that came easily for him due to some of his own dark experiences. Zane promised to share some of it with his family after the courageous steps Keelie took, and I’d like to know how that went. Maybe we’ll find out in the next installment? As a side note, I’d LOVE a story with Toria, Keelie’s childhood friend. So much potential there!

I haven’t read the first book in this series, Wrecked, but fans will be happy to know that Zach and Abby, the couple from that story, are very much present in this installment, as is Travis, one of the other Barnes’ brothers. The Barnes Brothers are a tight knit brood, and you can tell they all care about each other. In between all the smack talk, that is.

Razed was a moving story of unrequited love turned into a heady, all-consuming romance! I can’t wait for the next installment, Busted, which focuses on Trey Barnes, a widower with a five year-old son.

A copy was kindly provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Brianna (The Book Vixen) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review copy provided by publisher

Why I Read This Book: I read and enjoyed Wrecked , the first book in this series, and I’ve been waiting for Razed for a year and a half now.

What I Liked: Keelie’s feelings for Zach (the guy who co-owns the tattoo shop with Keelie, who also happens to be Zane’s brother) weren’t easily dismissed but at the same time I was glad that she finally realized there was no chemistry between them. She had to sort through her feelings and realize on her own that the two of them were not meant for each other.

Keelie has a secret in her past she’s been trying to distance herself from but she comes through when someone needs her help. Keelie has this tattoo with the quote “Storms make trees take deeper roots”. This didn’t make sense to me at the time, but later on when parts of her past were revealed it all came together.

Zane was very perseverant when it came to Keelie, without being annoying. There was a mutual attraction between the two and when Keelie didn’t initiate a relationship, Zane made a move.

After the secrets spilled out, I liked Keelie and Zane even more. Kellie is very down to earth and a low maintenance kind of person living well below her means. But I can see where the guilt was holding her back from enjoying life. The reason and way Zane got into photography was very touching. He, too, has secrets in his past that were heartbreaking to read.

What I Didn’t Like: The first half of the book was slow for me but it really came alive in the second half. I was also a bit disappointed we didn’t get a steamy photography session with Zane and Keelie, with him being a professional photographer and all.

Overall Impression: Razed was a good read, though the first half of the book did drag on a bit. I will most likely skip the next book in this series, Busted, because I don’t think I’ll be able to emotionally handle Trey’s story, with him being a widower, especially when there’s a child involved. I am, however, definitely interested in reading both Travis’ and Sebastian’s books, the latter I am hoping will be a celebrity/commoner trope, which is one of my favorites.

[Saly · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 stars

[Anna's Herding Cats · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ooooo now...that was good time! Razed was such a fun romance and damn it had me smiling like a fool for most of it. 

I loved these two. Zane's had a thing for Keelie for years without her knowing. She always just thought he was joking when he made comments about dating her but oh he has had it bad and the two together definitely have some fireworks happening. I loved watching them start to figure out their relationship. Keelie who tries so hard to not form bonds and hold people at a distance and Zane who has his own issues but a huge support system with his brothers (who were a freaking riot!). There was a sweetness to these two that just grabbed my heart and had me smiling. They had some pretty funny moments too.

"You're onto me." Anais grinned and moved out of his way, throwing herself onto the long, low couch that ran along the length of the window. 

Zane made his way over to Keelie. She glanced at him. "Onto her, huh?"

He braced his hands on the counter on either side of her. "I'd rather be on you."

She went red, that blush that fascinated him so much spreading across her face. Her eyes narrowed. "You've known me long enough to know how mean I am, right?"

He grinned.

"Good. Don't start. Not here."

Both Keelie and Zane had some secrets which were interesting to see uncover. Darkness they both keep under lock and key from their childhoods. My heart really broke for both of them. They're great people that have just been through a lot in their lives. They're creative in their own ways--he's a photographer and she's a tattoo artist, caring and with huge hearts. Just loved them.

While I loved the romance and and the journey these two went through I think my favorite thing was all of the Barnes brothers (Zane's siblings) as a whole. These guys are close and know each other and seeing their different relationships was so entertaining. How they'd tease each other or have throw downs and drive each other crazy but under it all are a rock solid family that was there for each other. I really can't wait to see what happens with each of their stories.

Really, Razed was just a blast. I missed reading book one but will definitely be going back and then auto-buying every book from here on out. It was just a lovely read. From the romance to the setting and the secondary characters and the painful drama from the past it was all beautifully crafted and melded together for a seriously fantastic read.

If you like contemporary romance with just a little heat (and some great sexual tension) Razed is definitely one to check out.

[TinaNoir · Rating 2 out of 5]

Closer to 2.5 stars.

After reading and really enjoying the previous book in this series, Wrecked, I rather waffled on whether or not to read this one. My reason? I didn't really like Keelie.

Keelie is the heroine in this book and was a supporting character in the previous book. In the first book she thinks she is in love with Zach (hero of Wrecked) and she is rather contemptuous of Abigale (the heroine of that book) for not realizing Zach was in love with her. Actually she is downright rude. But even without her 'tude toward Abigale I couldn't really warm to her in that book and wasn't actually looking forward to her being the heroine of her own book.

But I like this author so I wanted her to win me over.

She didn't.

This wasn't a bad book. But it didn't suck me in or even make me really love the two mains as a central couple.

Zane is the hero in this book and oldest brother to Zach from the previous book. He also has a major thing for Keelie. Ironically, since she kinda sneers at Abigale for not realizing Zach loved her, Keelie really has no clue that Zane has a yen for her.

I liked Zane. I thought he was a good center for the book. Unfortunately, I could never see the spark between him and Keelie. They felt rather perfunctory. Unlike the previous book where I think the author really sold the desperate love Zach felt for Abigale, I didn't get even half of that from Zane/Keelie.

Added to that, I still couldn't warm to Keelie. Honestly, I found her, well, unattractive. I think on some level I have to be attracted to both the hero/heroine in order to feel their attraction for each other. The author doesn't have to make them breathlessly beautiful to make me feel attracted to them, there is just something in the writing that makes them appeal to me on a virtual-physical level. It can be looks, sure. But it can also be a certain charisma or force of personality or even a turn of phrase that just captures them for me. But I couldn't make it happen with Keelie. Just could never picture her in my head that way.

And she had a big secret. Which when all is revealed you're like "Wha....? That's it?" At least I was.

This was a alright. But I definitely didn't enjoy it anywhere near as much as I did the first book.

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved it! Can't wait for more of the Barnes brothers!

Here is my full review, posted on my blog - Ellie Reads Fiction
as part of the Blog Tour. There is a giveaway going on that you don't want to miss :)

I haven't yet read the first book in the Barnes Brothers series but I loved this one will be going back the first as soon as I can. We meet the heroine, Keelie, in the previous book, and I as far as I understood her role was rather central but we learn everything we need to know about it in this book, so reading the series out of order was no problem for me.

This an intense, passionate love story with some angst and not too much drama, just the kind I enjoy. The strongest element was the depth of emotion Ms Walker has giver the characters. Their feelings seem real and easy to relate to.

Both characters have their demons to deal with. Keelie's past is rather painful and she still struggles with it which prevents her from living fully in the present. Her difficulty of letting go and moving one seemed over the top towards the end. Zane was the most patient and supportive man you can imagine and Keelie's continuous insistence on keeping him at a safe distance became annoying at some point.

I really liked Zane, especially his caring and supportive attitude towards everybody in his life and Keelie in particular. He was no controlling and possessive alpha male, but rather a smart loving man, giving his love and time and attention to all the people who mattered in his life. He was the sensible brother, always reliable and smart, never acting stupid or irrational, a figure everybody looked up to Still, he took his time taking his life in his hands and going for what he loved both professionally and personally

I liked how Ms Walker brought some serious issues amidst the romance in her story and blended them seamlessly with tender romantic gestures.

There is a lot to look forward to with the rest of the Barnes brothers, what we saw of Trey and Travis makes me excited to read their stories as soon as possible. In short, a recommended read for fans of contemporary romance with interesting characters and strong plotline, mixing fun and passion with some serious issues being discussed.

[Maggie Boyd · Rating 3 out of 5]

Keelie thought she loved Zack but the awkward kiss they shared convinced her that was definitely not the case. Now sitting at Zach's wedding she is wondering if she will ever find her own "The One". In the meantime, she agrees to dance with Zack's older brother Zane. The dance leads to an explosive kiss full of stars and (possibly) angel song. But Keelie isn't ready for all the emotions this brings up and avoids Zane for three months. Then a bad date goes really wrong and Zane is suddenly there to lend a helping hand. Keelie, of course, tells him she could have handled it herself. Later that night she realizes how ungrateful she sounded and runs out to his condo to apologize. One more explosive kiss and Keelie is ready for some real action. Only Zane isn't. He wants time. Time where they share a coffee, time where they have lunch, time where they tell each other stuff - he wants her.

The two begin a slow, sweet courtship with lots of stops, starts and surprises along the way.

The story was okay. Keelie is the typical Walker hot mess heroine, Zane the hero who puts her back together emotionally. I wasn't very impressed with Keelie's big secret but that's probably because this was such an average romance novel I had guessed most of it.

[Darcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't think this one was much until all the secrets started coming out. I get that Zane had a crush on Keelie, it was sort of cute. But Keelie was so hot and cold about him, very wishy washy. Once they felt safe enough with each other to spill their secrets you can see how well matched they were.

Zane's secrets were startling, but I loved that even as a kid he stood up for what was right. It was too bad that he couldn't share with his family because I know his family would have supported him and been proud of him.

With Keelie's secret it seemed to be her downfall, one more thing that really changed her, caused her to become the Keelie we knew. I loved that in the time between Keelie became strong enough to do the right thing and love how this brought her back to a long lost friend. Keelie's last secret she shared with Zane about who her father was made me smile, it was so perfect for them!

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Razed picks up where Wrecked leaves off. An emotional and intense love story about a young woman whose crush marries someone else and the man who wants to prove to her that her HEA is standing right in front of her. Sexy and humorous with some heartbreaking reveals. Keelie and Zane have some fabulous chemistry and sexual tension that rides the reader to the very end.

[Valerie · Rating 3 out of 5]

So. Yeah. This is a hard review to write. There are a couple things I liked and a lot I didn't like. Here goes.

Things that didn't work...

I prefer first person writing. I've come to be okay with some third person writing. But the style of this books third person writing just didn't work for me. It had that omnipresent thing going. In everyone's head and jumping around a lot. It made me dizzy. I spent way too much time trying to keep it straight who's head I was in at any given moment. I don't enjoy books that have me thinking so much that I'm not just sailing through the story.

Then there was the feeling of things taking forever to happen. Keelie has a secret past. And we don't get the last piece until the very end. It's woven through the story, revealed a piece at a time. While that might seem interesting and dramatic to some, it just annoyed me. By the time I knew the whole story, I was like meh about her pain. I'm pretty sure that wasn't what was supposed to happen. The story just dragged too much.

And speaking of Keelie. I didn't like her. She's tough and there's a reason she is. But she can be down right mean too. She pushed Zane away so much, I'm not sure what kept him coming back.



There's a couple of things that weren't tied up in the story. I'm sure it's setting the stage for the next book but one thing in particular seemed oddly dangling. I don't like that.

Things that did work...

Zane. Love him. He's this guy that a lot of people misunderstand. They think one thing about him when they see the glasses wearing photographer but really he's this super hot guy that has all the right words and moves. I loved that he wore glasses and was practically blind without them. I love that he had to ask Keelie to help him find said glasses after a passionate encounter had them lost. I love that he cooks for her. I love that his dreams and plans were tied up in her. I love how he risked and kept coming back for more because he was sure about Keelie. He just kept trying.

I enjoyed that this is a series about a bunch of brothers. Those are always fun. It was easy to read this one without having read the first.

Oh, and the passion between these two - so hot. Zane is trying to go slow and he has this girl on a slow, painful burn. Those parts were very yummy.

The second half of the story picked things up and I enjoyed it more but in the end, this one really wasn't my thing.

I'm sure anyone who has read and enjoyed the first book will enjoy this one. Fans of this author will like it too. And if you love that third person vibe with some yummy heat, then you'll like it too.

[Cocktails and Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Razed is Zane and Keelie's story, the second in Walker's Barnes Brothers series. I did not read the first book, but it was referenced enough in this one for me not to feel lost.

Zane is attractive and on the sensitive side. Keelie is attractive and jaded. Both of them have secrets. Keelie finds it hard to let go of her secrets and move on with her life. With Zane's love, Keelie begins to see that she is deserving of a life and worthy of love. She then gains the courage to confront the demons of her past.

I found it difficult to get into this story. It wasn't anything Walker did wrong, I think I just found it a bit too predictable. It seems like there's a formula for this type of story and I am finding it repetitive. I am sure fans of Walker will enjoy this one...the Barnes Brothers seem to be irresistible.

Reviewed by Joelle for Cocktails and Books

[Pamela(AllHoney) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second book in Shiloh Walker's Barnes Brothers series. For the past three years Zane has known he wants Keelie Jessup. But he lives in another town and Keelie has always said no. But at his brother's wedding, Zane feels he might just have a chance. Maybe. Anyway, he quits his job and moves to Arizona to pursue a career in photography. Keelie has issues and has kept her distance. But Zane may be the one that can break through.

I have to admit that I almost gave up on this one. It started slow for me and I wasn't sure I wanted to keep going. But I have really liked Shiloh Walker's work in the past so I kept on. It improved and if it wasn't for the slow start I would have given it 4 stars instead of 3.

[Book Reading Gals · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Razed
Series: Barnes Brothers Book #2
Stand Alone Title: yes
Author: Shiloh Walker
Genre: Romance
Blurb: Tattoo artist Keelie Jessup can handle that someone else has claimed the man of her dreams. She’s just not pleased with her remaining options…

Keelie doesn’t believe in the “perfect man.” But the men who are worth the trouble are usually taken—like her business partner Zach Barnes. After a string of bad luck and the lost chance with Zach, Keelie decides that maybe flying solo—and living with suppressed desires—is the key to happiness.

As a photographer, Zane Barnes has an eye for the human form, and his eyes can’t get enough of Keelie’s curves. Unfortunately, Keelie is like most women—always fawning over his little brother, Zach. Zane is about ready to give up, but then a few stolen moments at his brother’s wedding have him thinking maybe there’s a chance there after all. Now he just has to prove that the perfect man does exist…for her.
Favorite quotes: “I’m just trying to see the picture that’s so obvious for you. I mean, I’ve been trying to get you to go out with me for…hell, three years now, if I remember right.”
“Because I do. I’ve all but been your slave for the past three years, Keelie. You just never noticed.”
Thoughts: This book was just pure magic…I couldn’t have found a more perfect book with all the elements I love! Zane is totally ga-ga over Keelie, yet still has that silent front that hides his real emotions and thoughts. But he also knows when to lay it all on the line. Zane is like the epitome of the perfect male lead/hero/book boyfriend. Keelie is the perfect match, too, though she has a few hang-ups…yet, she still manages to be such a strong character.
I hadn’t read the first book…not yet anyway!.....but it was easily read as a stand alone. Believe me though, not only will I go back and grab book one of this series, but I will be following the series from now on!
Rating: A+
Review by: Sarah
http://www.thebookreadinggals.com

[미셸 (Undeniably Book Nerdy) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the first book in the Barnes Brothers series (Zach and Abby's story) Wrecked last year and I quite enjoyed it so I didn't hesitate to pick up Razed, the second** book in the series.

Razed is Zane (a freelance photographer) and Keelie's (who co-owns a tattoo parlor with Zach) book. They were introduced in Wrecked, and even though Keelie had a huge crush on Zach, there was tension between her and Zane. That tension made me eager to read their story.

Zane liked Keelie for years and he asked her out every once in a while only to get rejected. Razed opened up at Zach and Abby's wedding, and of course, Zane and Keelie were there. They had a hot encounter and suddenly Keelie couldn't stop thinking about Zane. Sure, Keelie admired Zane's work and found him attractive, but she never took him seriously when he asked her out over the years and her focus was on a different Barnes brother, Zach. But since their encounter at the wedding, she realized that she and Zane had the chemistry she never had with Zach.

It took me a while to really get into Razed. One hundred pages in and I was still unsure about Zane and Keelie. Zane had liked Keelie from afar for the passed three years and it's great that he's finally making his moves on her. But I couldn't really get a handle on his character. He had this aloof air about him and he was definitely keeping something back. Keelie was very attracted to Zane, but she ran hot and cold. I dislike wishy washy characters so I couldn't really warm up to her character either for the longest time.

Both Keelie and Zane were keeping secrets. And when the secrets began to come out, especially about Keelie's past, that's when I finally got more into the story and connected with Zane and Keelie's characters.

I did find Zane's character refreshing. These days it seemed that every hero in romance is an Alpha. Zane was not. He was a quiet, sensible man. He cared for and was supportive of his brothers--he was the responsible, level-headed one. The way he pursued and courted Keelie--he knew when to pull back and he never tried to push her or control her and I really liked how sweet he was.

Keelie's character did grow on me. She had kind of a prickly personality and didn't let anybody come close because of what happened to her. It was great watching her character change as she dealt with her horrible past and how her relationship with Zane let her open up. But leading up to that, I just got annoyed with her when she kept pushing Zane away even though he did nothing to deserve it.

Even though I had a hard time getting into the story for about a third of the book, Razed ended up being a good read in the end. I really like the dynamic between the Barnes brothers and the glimpses we got of the others left me intrigued. I will be keeping my eye on the third book in the series. I did like Wrecked a bit more than Razed but if you read Wrecked and liked it, then Razed is definitely worth picking up.


**You do not need to read Wrecked in order to enjoy Razed, but you'll enjoy Razed more if you do. Zach and Abby return as secondary characters and Zach was mentioned quite a bit.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have not yet met a Shiloh Walker book that I did not like. She never fails to captivate my attention at a rather quick rate. Razed is certainly no exception to this rule. I was captivated by Keelie and Zane from the beginning of the book. I enjoyed this book so much I just don't know where to start.

What I really liked about Razed was that it was a really sweet and steamy romance story. Zane does so many wonderful things to try to show Keelie just how much he does care for her. Keelie isn't looking for romance right now and really doesn't want anything to do with a relationship. A relationship with her boss' brother isn't any where on her radar until one steamy kiss leads to more. Oh my once these two start to warm things up things get hot, really hot.

Keelie is a strong independent woman that does things her own way. She has already made the mistake of thinking she was in love with someone when she really wasn't it. I loved this girls feisty attitude and her ability to kick butt when needed. She's funny and sweet, and feisty and mean all wrapped up in one package.

Zane is a sweet guy that has been through a lot. He grew up in the shadow of his brothers' spotlight. He had a few issues from childhood and has always stood up for the underdog. He has been crushing on Keelie since they met. The problem is he hasn't been able to grab her attention long enough to show her. However one steamy kisses changes things a lot. Zane is one of those sweetheart guys that a girl just can't help but love. He can also fight dirty if need be.

I really enjoyed getting to know Keelie and Zane. They both have a few issues from their past that they have to overcome in order to help make their relationship together work. Keelie has a few trust issues and Zane has to prove that he is the guy to make her feel secure.

There is plenty of drama and a few mysterious things going on. I don't want to tell you too much about those, you'll have to read the story to see what happens. I will tell you that I was quickly flipping pages to see what was going to be revealed next.

Razed is part of the Barnes Brothers' series, however I have not read the first book. I didn't find that I had any problems reading this as a stand alone. I can't wait to read more about this wonderful family. I have a feeling there are more great stories to come and I will be anxiously awaiting their release.

I always enjoy Ms. Walker's work. She she always creates a fascinating story lines. Her characters are always entertaining and have interesting issues and charisma that you just can't wait to learn more about then. She adds in some great drama to keep me turning pages, and some steamy scenes to keep things warm and toasty.

If you are already a Shiloh Walker fan like me, you are going to enjoy this great story. If you haven't yet had a chance to read any work by Ms. Walker, try this one.

I was given the opportunity to read this great book so that I may share my thoughts with you. As always it has been my great pleasure to share my thoughts with you on Razed.

[Francesca the Fierce (Under the Covers Book Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars



If you like the rock-type, strong and supportive heroes, then look no further than Zane Barnes. The glasses and the tats make for a sexy contrast, and add to that his personality and I was falling hard and fast for him. Zane has had a crush on Keelie for the longest time but first he thought she had a thing for his brother. After that fell through for her, he saw his chance to ask her out finally. But she never took him serious. Living far away didn’t help, so he’s ready to make the changes needed to go after everything he’s wanted in life, love and his career.

I have a thing for books with girls that work at a tattoo parlor. I admit it. They’re usually strong and a little kickass. Keelie is that but with a soft center. In the first book, I didn’t feel that way. But as I learned more about her, I started to warm up to her. She’s been hurt by her past and is looking for a new life away from that. A life that she can’t fully live though, or her past might come back and haunt her. I ended up liking Keelie a little less than I was expecting, though. I think some things from her past and her emotions could’ve been developed a little bit more.

While they both had sad stories in their past, I don’t think it dragged the book down. The serious was dealt with and we were left with plenty of sexy and sweet. The two of them together were nothing short of cute. A perfectly matched couple, helping each other heal. However, in my case, the spark that keeps me coming back to finish reading a book was just not quite fully there for me. It was an enjoyable read, but it wasn’t a must-finish-this-now-before-I-can-get-any-sleep.

As always, I enjoy Ms. Walker’s writing style and the way she weaves emotions throughout the story. Usually dealing with some tougher subjects, as she did in this book.

*ARC provided by publisher

[A.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walker just went ahead and one upped Wrecked and came up with this riveting piece of perfection.

The amazing content and the amount of talent and originality Walker put into writing Wrecked reverberated onto Razed...and then some.

These characters had wonderful character development; such vivid peraonalities with haunting pasts and a somewhat stable present life, and last but not least, a prominent future.

There were many promising moments with these characters. They would come across along the way some decadent situations and come through the only way Walker could make them out to.

Razed is running on some sort of parallel with Wrecked, read both stories to see what I mean. However, there are different turn of events created that are even more nerve-wrecking, drowing-in-passion love scenes, and just all around more entertaining. And to think topping Wrecked was a challenge not possible to surpass, I recomment not betting on it.

There are books that are so amazing that you either:

- read so fast, turning the page, craving to know what happens next
- read so slow, soaking in every word, and dreading the end

I, somehow, did both. I'd catch myself reading so fast, so I'd stop and read over again slowly. But then there were times I read too slowly that I would speed up again.

I can't wait for the the next installment of the series!.

[Hilda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Razed was a good book if not a bit hard to get into because of how slow things progressed. Aside from the tattoos and bad-ass-factor to the characters, the story was fairly predictable for even someone who's never read a Shiloh Walker novel before. Keelie has a lot of issues to work on and Zane seems to have the patience of a saint to deal with her. I can't say I would have had the same patience! Zane's tall, dark and mysterious air contributes to his attractiveness. You know that he's the quiet and nice Barnes brother but not much else. He's an aspiring photographer who's looking to settle down and he wants Keelie to settle down with. It's fairly straightforward what happens from there. That being said, I still enjoyed the book and the story!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zane´s had his sights on his brothers co-owner and tattoo artist Keelie for years, and at his brothers wedding he finally gets his chance to make a move.
Keelie´s been on her own for so long, that when Zane gets too close she can´t help but try to flee. But he makes a lasting impression before she can run.
Both of them got painful pasts, but together they slowly start to heal.
Until the past makes an appearance..
Contemporary romance, smutty fluff and angst in a great combo, and a family of brothers I can´t wait to see more from!
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

This is why I don't read contemporary romances. I really enjoyed the first one in this series but I almost quit on this a few times and when they finally revealed the "twist" the female character had seen a friend get raped by her step-brother when she was 16 and she had not fought hard enough to see her get justice, even though the girl's scum bucket father took money from her step-dad to pretend it never happened I felt like I was watching an ABC after-school special.

Oh and her dead father invented something special so she's an heiress too!

sheesh.....

This had to be my first book of 2015.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like Wrecked Razed is a tumultous family oriented dramatic contemporary romance which will leave you by turns laughing and crying as Keelie, Zane and the rest of the characters charm you as well as entertain.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

The backstory did not go where I was expecting it to and that was kind of great. Less great, was that I didn't really ever properly connect to the couple. I just didn't think there was enough there to develop them. Too much looking back and too much looking forward. The book wasn't enough theirs.

[Patti · Rating 2 out of 5]

This just really didn't do anything for me. I usually love her stuff - she wrote one of the hottest books ever - but this was so blah.

[Issa · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

[Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really like this series. Can't wait for Travis' book. His will be best

[Andrea · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5
I didn’t like that she had kissed his brother, and almost ruined his relationship with Abby, the girl he just got married to. I’m not a fan of the woman liking his brother, and this went farther than that because she kissed his brother which was taking it too far. I decided to look past it though because of Zane’s feelings for her, and I knew her feelings for Zach obviously weren’t real. It was proven when she hadn’t felt anything from their kiss.

At the wedding Zane said her dress matched her blue left eye, like her eyes are different colors. I didn’t know if it was a typo or if she had two different colored eyes. It wasn’t said until later that she had one chocolate eye and once ice blue, and I think the main character’s eye color should be dispensed with sooner than that, esp the oddity of having eyes that are two colors. While reading I definitely felt like I was coming into the story in the middle, like maybe this was the second in a series and I had missed out on a lot.

There was a good set-up to their relationship, tension, her noticing how good-looking and muscular he is when she hadn’t before. I did think they went too far though. It went from dancing together to going outside for some air, to kissing and then he’s touching her and bringing her to her peak, and his brother is looking for him and they duck into the rock wall to hide. It went too far too fast, way too soon in the book, but I looked forward to the sexual tension and how they were going to act around each other after he touched her intimately. I was let down in the respect as it took quite a while for them to touch again and all of the romance was gone as the shyness and problems came in where she didn’t want to open up. Her style was way different from mine, the tattoos and the nose ring and the platinum blond and black hair. Not the usual character I read about, and the language and bad attitude really put a damper on it. I thought she was going to be likable but she had an abrasive personality.

2 months earlier she’d kissed Zach thinking she’d liked him, but hadn’t felt anything. I’m wondering if she knew that Abby liked him, or he liked Abby, because it seems a little homewrecker to me and it would’ve been nice to know that she didn’t know about them and their feelings for each other, but that wasn’t said so it left the impression that she was trying to come between them and get Zach for herself, which didn’t make her likable. Zane had wanted her for three years, so there were some deep feelings on his side that I liked. He had always asked her out on dates and had tried harder since their kiss at the wedding, a dozen times over the years, six since the wedding.

I liked when Zane was jealous when Keelie went on a date, and when he came to the tattoo place where she works they dropped their phones and got them mixed up. He got all of the reminders that her friend Anais had put into her phone, about having a drink on the date and to not expect anything, and Zane is thinking that she should expect a lot. She should expect someone to be nice to her and everything. Then he gets the reminder set to tell Keelie not to give her a date a blow job no matter how hot he is. He’s jealous and mad and wanting to punch the guy, has to keep his emotions in check. When he gets to the restaurant he hears fear in her voice as she’s standing in the parking lot; he hurries and she’s kicking a guy because of course he got physical with her, thus giving Zane a chance to get all masculine and come to the rescue to finish the guy off and protect her. Keelie says “I had it under control, you know,” which wasn’t the reaction I was expecting her to have after he sort of saved her. It’s the personality coming out again; she did a lot of things the opposite of what I thought was the appropriate reaction.




I really liked the part where she goes to the loft later that night to apologize for it. She wraps her legs around him and he takes them off, saying he doesn’t want it to be a quick f***. She’s hurt at first, rejected, then she asks how much he can see without his glasses. He tells her not much unless it’s in front of him and she takes his glasses off and kisses him. She tells him she’s never had casual sex, then puts his glasses on the counter and leaves. He goes to get them and trips over a barstool. That was funny how she’d heard it and as she’s walking outside he opens the window and says you’re a brat. That was a cute scene, and there were some humorous statements and things to come, but I must say I got very tired of them together. Zane says he wants five minutes of her time, they go out on a date, all very boring, nothing happening. All Keelie does is look down, blush and get all embarrassed and shy. Fine, because I’m the same way but even I got impatient and wanted her to stop being so embarrassed and make some progress with him. She can kiss him and come onto him strong one second, then she’s acting the little bashful girl that can’t take a complement or hear him say anything sexual without getting too embarrassed.

I didn’t like that Zane takes pictures of women and models look at his body and he’s used to it, and he even took naked pictures of Abby, his brother Zach’s wife.
It was cute when Zane was talking to Anais, the woman who works with Keelie, and he figured out the reason she suggests the men get their crotch pierced and everything is just to get a rise out of them. She says Zane is onto her. Keelie says “onto her, huh?” and he says “I’d rather be on you.” She ruined it by saying “you’ve been around me long enough to know how mean I am, right?” He grins and she says “Good. Don’t start. Not here.” She could’ve just left it at the blush and not said that to shatter the romantic moment.

Any time he did or said something sweet she was pulling away, saying something mean or rude and putting him off. I just didn’t like her and it got so much worse as I read. Near the end of the book she’s still got a bad attitude and getting onto him when he’s doing nothing wrong. She gives him a key to the house she bought and doesn’t think he understands, says he’s making it hard on her and she’s trying to say she loves him and all that. What a winning personality and sunny disposition. It’s no wonder he likes her…wait, why does he like her? I know he made a comment about the first time he met her, his brother Zach had wanted him to let her practice a tattoo on him and he didn’t want to, because he knew having her hands on him would affect him, then he’s mooning over her for 3 years despite her constantly turning him down. I just didn’t see the attraction, mostly because I wasn’t attracted to either one of them. I didn’t like her clothing style, appearance, language, attitude, disposition, personality, anything. And Zane just became kind of pathetic to me, not manly and just letting her make all the decisions while he watched from afar. Not an attractive couple. Gone was all the promise of chemistry in the beginning. The last or whatever of the book was dominated by her horrible, life-altering problem that didn’t even need to be in here. This wasn’t the story of them falling in love, this was the story of Keelie confronting her past and pushing away Zane. Not romantic at all.


The way they touched in the beginning of the book would imply things were going to get a lot hotter and sexier, right? Wrong. That was the hottest they got. She pictured giving him a blow job for precisely one second after he walked into the shop after Anais mentioned the subject, so I’m like, okay, something to look forward to. Nope. Zane mentioned things he wanted to do to her, positions, touching her, even taking naked pictures of her. Heck, taking any pictures of her, maybe a hot photo shoot was on the way. Wrong again. No photo shoot, he never even snapped one picture of her. They didn’t do any of the things that were mentioned; it was such a tease. And the very first time she goes to the loft to see him she stays the night with him and they shower together! Except the author cut it off right after he said he wanted a shower with her and didn’t give us any details at all about it. Who does that? I thought this book was going to be explicit about sex, but that was sooo not the case. It was lukewarm with nothing but drama about the past that wasn’t even that bad. So she saw someone get raped, tried to help but let adults talk her out of it. It’s not like she was the one that got raped. By the way she was acting I thought her stepfather or stepbrother had raped her, not that she walked in on her stepbrother raping her friend, hit one of his friends with a vase and took her home. And Zane, the one that used to get beat up for being gawky and wearing glasses, who went around taking pictures of everyone else being hurt and picking fights with the bullies, then egging his brothers into fighting with him to account for the bruises he’d gotten from other people. Like, that is why they’re emotionally scarred?? It’s not even that bad to me! Then Keelie is telling him to tell his family, which was bossy to me and not her business, but anyway, that promised some emotional element to this book, but he never told them in here. It was left off that he would. Another letdown, one of many.
The book had a steady downward slope. It got worse and worse until by the end I was so ready to be done with it that I hurried through. They never had sex again after the night she stayed with him, great idea for a romance book that’s supposed to have, you know, romance. Her friend Victoria that had gotten raped puts in an appearance, but she wasn’t likable either and the scene was just disappointing and no emotion. Keelie had asked Zane for one of his prints and she had sent it to the rape center that Victoria is running and had donated money. Keelie was already done for a long time ago in my eyes so none of this had an effect on me, and their relationship was so utterly boring I didn’t care what happened.

Finding out at the very end that Keelie had tried to come between Abby and Zach, and that she hadn't liked Abby and I remembered she had called her a name, something about being spoiled or girly or something at the wedding I think, just made her that much more unlikable. Who tries to break someone's relationship up by kissing the guy knowing another woman loves him? Talk about messed up, and a home wrecker. I never understood the appeal of wanting one brother and then getting with the other brother. Seems like a lot to me to get over, knowing the woman originally wanted your brother and kissed him. But to each his own I guess.

They got someone with the blonde hair and even a nose ring on the cover, but got a guy that didn’t wear glasses that were so much a part of Zane. There were so many mistakes in this book, words repeated, the wrong words used, heck, even one time Zane was called Zach. Pg. 52: “Zane let himself into Zach’s old loft. The place was empty since Zach and Abby had started living together. Collapsing against the door, Zach pulled of his glasses.” Actually, there’s two mistakes here. That’s supposed to be “off” not “of.” And how does the main character get called by another person’s name? Who is reading this thing before it’s printed that didn’t notice the main character was called by his brother’s name? There were dozens of mistakes all throughout this book like this that were glaring in their wrongness. All it would’ve took was for one person to read through this thing once before publishing it so readers can have something correct to read. This was riddled with typos that took away from the reading as I had to re-read and try to make sense of things and figure out what it was supposed to have said. The conversations were also hard to follow and it was difficult to tell who was speaking. She would have one person say something, and then break to a new line, so I’m naturally assuming it’s another person speaking since we’re on the next line. It was the same person speaking, she just broke off to a new line, Idk why. I never understand why people do that. If one person is speaking put their entire dialogue together so we don’t think another person is speaking and then have to go back and re-read after realizing it was the same person talking all along. Bad typing and just bad writing killed this book. Idk how many times one of these characters sent another a “dark look.” It was used over and over. And Zane and Keelie touched each other the same way all the time. She’d put her hands in his shirt, he’d run his lips over hers, put his forehead to hers. I got so sick and so bored with all their little touching. Like, use some synonyms or have them touch each other in a different way. All the same feelings, all the same touches, all the same ways of saying things. Synonyms, people, synonyms are our friends! They prevent things from being repetitive and monotonous and boring! Use them!

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Keelie Jessup: loving father who divorced and got full custody of her when she was two - mother was selfish, a cheater, locked her in a closet when she wanted alone time with a lover... father a prolific and profitable inventory; father died when she was 10, she went into foster care, though has a large trust fund; mom 'recovered' her when she was 15, bringing her into home with politician stepfather and creepy son; she witnessed / interrupted the son in the middle of raping a classmate... but because of their influence, and the girl's father accepting a payoff from the dad, he got away with it, and Keelie felt guilt; her lawyer (her father's lawyer) protected her trust, and her as best he could; she left home, changed name, wanted nothing to do with them; now reserved, has trouble with relationships; a tattoo artist - partner to Zach Barnes (gave him money for business); anonymously gives money where needed - as with co-workers teen daughter who needs money for summer program - and she gives money to school for a dozen students to go : )

Zane Barnes: raised in loving family... but he was the geek, and was bullied growing up - a secret he never shared; he photographed the wounds (he didn't want to forget), and created tussle with a brother or two to hide the bruises; He has pursued photography part time, though works as bartender for 10 years; he's been attracted to Keelie for 6 years - the last 3 years, asking her out regularly... she says no, until the wedding...

Brother Zach is getting married to his high school sweetheart; a small hiccup when Keelie, thinking she was in love with Zach, got caught kissing him - it worked out between Zach and Abby, and Keelie learned there was no zing with Zach.... at wedding, she's feeling sorry for herself, and drags Zane outside with her... where they exchange kisses and a bit more, and she is reacting to him!!

So Zane decides it's now or never... he gives up his bartending job, and is moving to Tuscan where he will pursue photography and Keelie...

and Keelie is a tough nut to crack... she's afraid of her feelings, and shuts down...

but with persistence, gentleness, coming to her rescue - they move slowly into a relationship... sharing pieces with each other that they never shared with anyone else... when her step family seems to have a bead on her (i'm not sure why they were still trying)... and she finds out he's being tried for rape - she decides she must testify against him about his past... and does so...

Last scene is when she returns home, having testified... and he picks her up... she takes him out to an old, beautiful, run down house on the outskirts of town (he doesn't yet know she has money)... she tells him she loves him, she feels at home with him, she loves this house and wants to buy it... in his mind, he's reshuffling his money, putting some things on hold, etc - because he wants her happiness... and then finds out she has more then enough to buy it and they look forward to a full life ahead of them!!!

[Barb Shuler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to InkSlinger PR for introducing us to Shiloh Walker’s Razed and providing us an ARC in return for an honest review. This is a new author and a new series for us as well. Thank you Shiloh Walker for an amazingly good story!

Keelie Jessup and Zane Barnes have known each other for years. His family is a constant in and out of her life since she works with Zane’s younger brother Zach. They are partners -as in his business partner- in the tattoo world. Running your own business is cool. They get to do what they love and then she gets to make others lives just as colorful as her through her work.

After a long time of not seeing each other Keelie and Zane see each other at Zach and Abby’s wedding. What starts out as a little talking in the outside garden turns into a heated encounter between them both. Whoever said weddings were boring? Well if you are Keelie you get your world rocked by your superman at a wedding. Pressed up against a wall. (Thuds) All in all it was a good wedding even if Keelie’s heel broke and she busted up her ankle. Zane for the time being made it better. How could it not? Was she comfortable around them all and the lovey dovey wedding stuff, not really but she was still there. but then again, who really is all comfy like at a wedding? Unless it’s yours that is. I know I am not a fan of all the hoopla but I attend them as it is deemed necessary. (laughs) Seems Keelie and Zane have a lot of pent up tension that needed to explored but when they all go their separate ways again life kinda goes back to normal.

When Zane shows up in Tucson again with big news. He has decided to move to Tucson and make this his new home. Open up a photography studio and … be closer to Keelie. Is he doing it all for her? No but then again yes. He wants to be doing it all for her. She is his inspiration to finally be the man he wants to be. While visiting the shop Zance catches Keelie at a bad time. Seems her co-worker Anais has set her up on a blind date. (gags) Those are never fun. But thanks to fate or even divine intervention Zane and Keelie have to see each other again that night. Seems when they bumped into each other as they walked out of the shop they switched phones. He couldn’t have shown up at a better time. The asshole Keelie was on a ‘date’ with decided he didn’t want to let her go. He thought attacking her would get him what he wanted. But.. her superman came in and kicked his ass. Saving her from being hurt. Keelie, unlike other girls really isn’t used to the whole damsel in distress thing but she is glad Zane was there.

Zach shows his worry for his big brother while trying to stay objective… but when its obvious to them all that Zane and Keelie are interested in each other a protective edge comes over him for both his brother and the woman he considers a sister. Tension runs high for a while but in the time it takes it to sink in that ‘hey, they both want this” Zach relaxes. As they try to work on their relationship small bits and pieces of their pasts come to the forefront. Can they move past them? Can they adapt to them? How will the other react to them? We all have a dark side, something about us no one knows but for Zane and Keelie what they hide from everyone they are also hiding from themselves. Its what runs them, what makes it so they can go out into the world face the people that they do and hold their heads up. What is in your past shapes the you of today and for both Keelie and Zane that is strong people. Both with values, inspirations and has then both looking for what only the other can provide. Even if they don’t really see that to start with.

When Zane shares a part of his life through his photography, his early days as a child in school who was picked on, bullied and beat up daily. The part of him no one knows about it stirs emotions in her. Her past comes to the surface, you get to see her blossom from a scared child who hid for the last few years to a woman determined to make a difference in someone else's life. To help those that needed it. To rise from the ashes of despair and heartache to become an advocate and to stand for justice.

I have to say I am very pleased with this book. Being a newbie to the whole romance genre I was afraid this book would be full of sex and soap opera drama.. well we have drama but its real drama. When I say real its things that actually happen. Real life situations with real emotions behind them. Keelie and Zane both had my heart clenching with the emotions that went through me through this book. I can say that their story is not all easy and falling into each others arms kind of story. They have to work to be together, to see that this is what they need and want. In order to keep the plots big “boom” under wraps - because I won’t ruin it for anyone - I only told what I could. This novel is one that I think will be on the reading lists of anyone who wants a good story, great characters and an ending that melts your feels into a sea of yumminess.

Its definitely one I can see myself rereading in the future. And I know someone that this book will inspire in the way that nothing can keep you down if you don’t allow it. I will be passing this book name around. And adding this author to my list of people to keep an eye on.

[TinaMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zane has been in love with Keelie for three years and is finally going to go after what he wants, her and his photography career. She is a tatoo artist with secrets and has no filter and runs from all Zane might mean to her. When these two connect, it's hot and steamy. I really liked this couple.

[Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keelie and Zane have a lot of really dark secrets that they hide from everyone. Protecting themselves from people they love becomes harder once they start falling in love.