What do you think?
Rate this book
Stolen Breaths #2
Shattered
Close your eyes for a moment and picture this.
A gorgeous redhead walks into a bar.
No, wait, a wedding reception.
A gorgeous redhead walks into a wedding reception. Poised, polished and flawless - on the outside.
He's tall, dark, and handsome, exactly like a fairytale prince and he won't take no for an answer as he leads her to the dance floor.
But this will be no ordinary dance and theirs is no ordinary story. What begins as rhythmic steps on a dance floor fluidly and beautifully becomes the rhythm of two hearts meant to beat as one.
Until the music stops.
In a moment everything she's put behind her comes crashing down, threatening to destroy what his love has helped repair and rebuild.
Life throws punches and it hits hard when you least expect it.
What they learn is that sometimes, in order to be truly whole, you have to first be shattered to your very core.
** This book is a STANDALONE novel featuring characters that were introduced in Stolen Breaths. It is a spin-off. Not a sequel.**
A gorgeous redhead walks into a bar.
No, wait, a wedding reception.
A gorgeous redhead walks into a wedding reception. Poised, polished and flawless - on the outside.
He's tall, dark, and handsome, exactly like a fairytale prince and he won't take no for an answer as he leads her to the dance floor.
But this will be no ordinary dance and theirs is no ordinary story. What begins as rhythmic steps on a dance floor fluidly and beautifully becomes the rhythm of two hearts meant to beat as one.
Until the music stops.
In a moment everything she's put behind her comes crashing down, threatening to destroy what his love has helped repair and rebuild.
Life throws punches and it hits hard when you least expect it.
What they learn is that sometimes, in order to be truly whole, you have to first be shattered to your very core.
** This book is a STANDALONE novel featuring characters that were introduced in Stolen Breaths. It is a spin-off. Not a sequel.**
ebook
First published October 13, 2014
6 people are currently reading
604 people want to read
About the author
Pamela Sparkman
7 books281 followersPamela Sparkman grew up in Alabama. She became an avid reader at a young age. The written word has always fascinated her and she wrote her first short story while still in elementary school. Inspiration for her stories always begins with a song. She believes music is the pulse of life and books are the heart of it.
When she isn’t writing, however, she’s spending time with her family and taking one day at a time.
https://www.facebook.com/pamelasparkm...
http://instagram.com/pamelasparkman/
When she isn’t writing, however, she’s spending time with her family and taking one day at a time.
https://www.facebook.com/pamelasparkm...
http://instagram.com/pamelasparkman/
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
October 14, 2014
**ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review**
Title:Shattered
Series:Stolen Breaths #2
Author:Pamela Sparkman and Deanna Gohn
Release date: October 14, 2014
Rating:4 stars
Cliffhanger:No
HEA:
This book does NOT have:
An alpha billionaire,
An alpha rockstar,
An alpha biker,
An alpha athlete,
An asshole, douchebag, or manwhore.
A heroine that doesn't know how to communicate,
A heroine that runs from her problems,
or a heroine that makes choices that make zero sense.
Did you get the hint that there's no alpha here? Or an unlikeable heroine? I know what some of you are thinking. Beta Hero? Sweet? *yawn* Ok, he might not be for everyone, but every time I read a book of this type, it feels so refreshing to add a little variety in what I read. Everyone loves a bad boy, but man, the sweet ones can melt your heart.
What this book DOES have is two people who you feel like you could meet and become best friends with. And a love story that's sweet, pure, (translate that to no erotic sex-no f-bombs or forbidden love aspects) and romantic in a way that brightens your day and puts a smile on your face.
Simply put, it's a straightforward love story about two people who meet, fall in like, into friendship, into an emotional free fall that neither are prepared for but not distance or time can keep them apart. And when their love and commitment is tested, ultimately, will they pass? For better or for worse?
Maggie is a vulnerable heroine, a woman who lacked love from her father as a child and abandoned by her mother. So she removes herself from the potential to be hurt. Deep down though, she wants something more than she's always had.
Joe and Maggie are the best friends of Cooper and Lily from book 1 and inevitably, their paths cross before their friends get married. There's something that immediately clicks with them although Joe can see that this unusual thing that's between them makes Maggie uncomfortable. But for the first time, she feels something-alive like she's never felt before.
It took my breath away. Then it was like he breathed into me, and I could breathe again, filling my lungs with something more than air, and I needed it like I needed oxygen.
I loved how they got to know each other as friends, while their attraction was still there simmering under the surface, they took the time to fall for each other's hearts rather than just their outward appearance. Joe's limitless stock of corny jokes and need to make everyone smile was adorable! He's the friend who's always by your side, fighting for you. Someone who you know you can count on. He was prince charming perfection.
"When you find someone who is willing to sacrifice his own happiness for yours, you've found your prince. All the kisses in the world won't make him something he isn't from the start."
Eventually, Joe breaks through to Maggie and their connection is a beautiful thing to see.
This isn't the start of their happily ever after, however. Unexpected events occur and they must both be strong enough to pull through and find forever.
I have to mention, Coop's grandmother was as adorable as ever. She's the rock of this group of friends. Loving, caring, and fibs without blinking an eye....
Did I mention she's a serious matchmaker who isn't afraid to orchestrate a situation that will put two stubborn people together? I think they've caught on to her devious ways though, so I'll be interested to see how she does her magic in the next book.
All in all, I enjoyed this book very much. It was super sweet and I loved spending more time with this close knit group of friends. Would I have liked just a tad more detail in their lovemaking? Sure, I admit it. It would've been nice. And the flashbacks that both Maggie and Joe had of their first night together was kind of broken up too much with flashing forward and back to her POV and then his. But other than that, I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a light read about a couple that doesn't need to pickup the book Relationships for Dummies. They're funny, loving, and above all, supportive. I can see this couple laughing and growing old together in my mind. They just made me smile.
FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON:
Title:Shattered
Series:Stolen Breaths #2
Author:Pamela Sparkman and Deanna Gohn
Release date: October 14, 2014
Rating:4 stars
Cliffhanger:No
HEA:
This book does NOT have:
An alpha billionaire,
An alpha rockstar,
An alpha biker,
An alpha athlete,
An asshole, douchebag, or manwhore.
A heroine that doesn't know how to communicate,
A heroine that runs from her problems,
or a heroine that makes choices that make zero sense.
Did you get the hint that there's no alpha here? Or an unlikeable heroine? I know what some of you are thinking. Beta Hero? Sweet? *yawn* Ok, he might not be for everyone, but every time I read a book of this type, it feels so refreshing to add a little variety in what I read. Everyone loves a bad boy, but man, the sweet ones can melt your heart.
What this book DOES have is two people who you feel like you could meet and become best friends with. And a love story that's sweet, pure, (translate that to no erotic sex-no f-bombs or forbidden love aspects) and romantic in a way that brightens your day and puts a smile on your face.
Simply put, it's a straightforward love story about two people who meet, fall in like, into friendship, into an emotional free fall that neither are prepared for but not distance or time can keep them apart. And when their love and commitment is tested, ultimately, will they pass? For better or for worse?
Maggie is a vulnerable heroine, a woman who lacked love from her father as a child and abandoned by her mother. So she removes herself from the potential to be hurt. Deep down though, she wants something more than she's always had.
Joe and Maggie are the best friends of Cooper and Lily from book 1 and inevitably, their paths cross before their friends get married. There's something that immediately clicks with them although Joe can see that this unusual thing that's between them makes Maggie uncomfortable. But for the first time, she feels something-alive like she's never felt before.
It took my breath away. Then it was like he breathed into me, and I could breathe again, filling my lungs with something more than air, and I needed it like I needed oxygen.
I loved how they got to know each other as friends, while their attraction was still there simmering under the surface, they took the time to fall for each other's hearts rather than just their outward appearance. Joe's limitless stock of corny jokes and need to make everyone smile was adorable! He's the friend who's always by your side, fighting for you. Someone who you know you can count on. He was prince charming perfection.
"When you find someone who is willing to sacrifice his own happiness for yours, you've found your prince. All the kisses in the world won't make him something he isn't from the start."
Eventually, Joe breaks through to Maggie and their connection is a beautiful thing to see.
This isn't the start of their happily ever after, however. Unexpected events occur and they must both be strong enough to pull through and find forever.
I have to mention, Coop's grandmother was as adorable as ever. She's the rock of this group of friends. Loving, caring, and fibs without blinking an eye....
Did I mention she's a serious matchmaker who isn't afraid to orchestrate a situation that will put two stubborn people together? I think they've caught on to her devious ways though, so I'll be interested to see how she does her magic in the next book.
All in all, I enjoyed this book very much. It was super sweet and I loved spending more time with this close knit group of friends. Would I have liked just a tad more detail in their lovemaking? Sure, I admit it. It would've been nice. And the flashbacks that both Maggie and Joe had of their first night together was kind of broken up too much with flashing forward and back to her POV and then his. But other than that, I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a light read about a couple that doesn't need to pickup the book Relationships for Dummies. They're funny, loving, and above all, supportive. I can see this couple laughing and growing old together in my mind. They just made me smile.
FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON:
December 8, 2016
Holy crap! And the award for the author who writes the most swoonworthy male lead goes to... Pamela Sparkman. Man, does she know how to write heroes. Here's a high-five ;)
I've only read two books by this author, but I can already feel that she'll be my go-to for comfort reads. Her novels really focus on the romance and I sometimes I need a simple, drama-free read where the MCs are faithful and not constantly running from each other. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with those types of books, I enjoy those, too. But sometimes you want a honest to goodness, simple romance. And Pamela Sparkman delivers.
I'm the first to admit that I'm not a huge fan of insta-love. I don't hate it, but I really have to be in the right mood to enjoy it. And enjoy it, I did :D
Joe and Maggie were just what I needed. I loved Joe's goofball nature and how he treated Maggie. He was so attentive and caring. You never doubt his love.
"She was Maggie, which meant she was everything."He really got Maggie to open up, and together they were perfect <3
There were some bumps, but even in their darkest times they're still adults about the situations. They open up to one another and don't run away for pointless reasons or "for the sake of the other person/the other person deserves better." No, they don't do any of that. They work for it, they want it.
"I want our happy ending, Joe. I want the fairytale."
The only reason it's 4 stars instead of 5 is because I felt it dragged in certain areas (but this could totally be my extreme ADD lately). But, as I said in my other review for the predecessor novel, if you enjoy sweet and swoon-worthy insta-love romances, this book (and author) are must-reads! :)
OH, and can we talk about the ending?! I loved the build up to Hayden's story. I'm already swooning for him with one sneak peek...
"If I had it my way, she would get sick of looking at me because I’d be around her all the time."And that Miss Sophie...
"Heads up. I saved the best for last."A PERFECT ending <3
February 17, 2015
Book – Shattered (Stolen Breaths #2)
Author – Pamela Sparkman
Publication Date – October 14, 2014
Genre –Romance
Type – Companion Series
Cliffhanger – No
Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars
Complimentary Copy generously provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
My Thoughts - Story
Holy Hell how I loved Joe…he was the epitome of a perfect man in this story. He was funny, swoon worthy and oh so lovable. Out of this book – I found myself chuckling with all the corny jokes he came up with. There was one that will forever be burned into my brain that I have shared with all my close family and friends. Let’s just say that it has to do with seagulls.
This was a cute love story and such an easy and quick read. The characters are easy to relate to and developed nicely through the story. They didn’t frustrate me nor did they bore me – that along with the story line!
Being my first book by Ms. Sparkman, I was floored with how she relates a story in her writing. This wasn’t over the top nor full of steamy, hot sex. Instead, we are pulled into a sweet romance between a boy and girl that is served on a silver platter. That being said, I can’t wait to find out what happens in the next book between Hayden and Beth.
I have to shelf this as my “Aww sweet” book.
Re-Cap
This is the love story between Joe and Maggie – a long distance relationship that has its ups and downs. Brought together by Cooper and Lily’s wedding (read about their love story in Stolen Breaths). It wasn’t love at first sight, this is a friendship that blossoms over time. Maggie struggles with past demons and with the help of Joe their bond grows into a solid love.
Reason for Reading – Blog Tour
Story – 4 out of 5 Stars
Steam – 3.5 out of 5 Stars
Angst – 4 out of 5 Stars
Writing – 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Content Flow – 4 out of 5 Stars
Told In – Dual POV
Heroine/Personality – Maggie – loved her, easy to relate with, down to earth
Hero/Personality – Joe – absolutely loved his personality and depth of love
HEA (Spoiler) -
Would Read More from Author? Yes
Recommend To – anyone who loves a developing relationship built from friendship
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
Author – Pamela Sparkman
Publication Date – October 14, 2014
Genre –Romance
Type – Companion Series
Cliffhanger – No
Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars
Complimentary Copy generously provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
My Thoughts - Story
Holy Hell how I loved Joe…he was the epitome of a perfect man in this story. He was funny, swoon worthy and oh so lovable. Out of this book – I found myself chuckling with all the corny jokes he came up with. There was one that will forever be burned into my brain that I have shared with all my close family and friends. Let’s just say that it has to do with seagulls.
This was a cute love story and such an easy and quick read. The characters are easy to relate to and developed nicely through the story. They didn’t frustrate me nor did they bore me – that along with the story line!
Being my first book by Ms. Sparkman, I was floored with how she relates a story in her writing. This wasn’t over the top nor full of steamy, hot sex. Instead, we are pulled into a sweet romance between a boy and girl that is served on a silver platter. That being said, I can’t wait to find out what happens in the next book between Hayden and Beth.
I have to shelf this as my “Aww sweet” book.
Re-Cap
This is the love story between Joe and Maggie – a long distance relationship that has its ups and downs. Brought together by Cooper and Lily’s wedding (read about their love story in Stolen Breaths). It wasn’t love at first sight, this is a friendship that blossoms over time. Maggie struggles with past demons and with the help of Joe their bond grows into a solid love.
Reason for Reading – Blog Tour
Story – 4 out of 5 Stars
Steam – 3.5 out of 5 Stars
Angst – 4 out of 5 Stars
Writing – 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Content Flow – 4 out of 5 Stars
Told In – Dual POV
Heroine/Personality – Maggie – loved her, easy to relate with, down to earth
Hero/Personality – Joe – absolutely loved his personality and depth of love
HEA (Spoiler) -
Would Read More from Author? Yes
Recommend To – anyone who loves a developing relationship built from friendship
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
October 20, 2014
4 - "Knock, knock," ... "Who's there?" Stars!
Sometimes you will sit down, pick up a book, and start reading with the expectation of being entertained, and maybe given the opportunity to step out of your normal day-to-day life, by taking a little bit of time to immerse yourself in the words and imagery provided by the author.
The funny thing about life… sometimes it has other plans for us.
Sometimes the author goes one step further and puts such an emotive and immersive piece together that you get completely sucked in to the story, its characters and the time spent reading feels like it has passed within the blink of an eye.
”I feel like I am dreaming with my eyes open when I look at you.”
Pam Sparkman has that ability, her books although at first glance seem pretty run-of-the-mill, boy meets girl, with some romance and a little drama thrown in. She always has a few little twists and turns that you don’t expect or see coming. This is the second book of hers that I have read, and been metaphorically knocked on my ass by!
Joe and Maggie feature in the first book in this series Stolen Breaths although they are very much secondary characters to Cooper and Lily’s story. This is their story and it focuses mainly on them and their families. Lily, Cooper, Ms. Sophie, Hayden and Beth are also running (figuratively) pretty much through Shattered as well though, and you can feel the depth and involvement of them all in each other’s lives through this book, and how close knit they all are. This type of series really works for me as a reader, each book is solely for one particular pair, but previous and future characters are very much involved in their story development as well.
”You’re kinda, sorta, basically, pretty much always on my mind.” …
“You’re kinda, sorta, basically, pretty much always on my mind too.”
This is a charming, thoughtful, well paced, love story. Joe and Maggie are a relatable, down to earth couple, and the events and situations that they find themselves in are believable. There is a very strong familial feel to this book and the series, for each of them as people, and through the group as a whole. Acceptance and forgiveness also play a part in their story, as well as belief, in themselves and in that we all have someone out there who is looking out for us.
”Everything will be as it should.”
I don’t think this is a book you can be disappointed in reading, it isn’t a balls-to-the-wall, overly sexual read, but it is a beautiful story, about two people coming together and becoming all that the other needs; there is very much a beginning, a middle and an ending, nothing and no one are left hanging, and Joe and Maggie are given the perfect HEA.
”You are my reason to smile,” … “Just you.”
I can’t wait to see where Pam takes us next with Beth & Haydn’s story, and I would like to thank her for providing me with an ARC of Shattered, it is my pleasure to provide the above honest review.
Sometimes you will sit down, pick up a book, and start reading with the expectation of being entertained, and maybe given the opportunity to step out of your normal day-to-day life, by taking a little bit of time to immerse yourself in the words and imagery provided by the author.
The funny thing about life… sometimes it has other plans for us.
Sometimes the author goes one step further and puts such an emotive and immersive piece together that you get completely sucked in to the story, its characters and the time spent reading feels like it has passed within the blink of an eye.
”I feel like I am dreaming with my eyes open when I look at you.”
Pam Sparkman has that ability, her books although at first glance seem pretty run-of-the-mill, boy meets girl, with some romance and a little drama thrown in. She always has a few little twists and turns that you don’t expect or see coming. This is the second book of hers that I have read, and been metaphorically knocked on my ass by!
Joe and Maggie feature in the first book in this series Stolen Breaths although they are very much secondary characters to Cooper and Lily’s story. This is their story and it focuses mainly on them and their families. Lily, Cooper, Ms. Sophie, Hayden and Beth are also running (figuratively) pretty much through Shattered as well though, and you can feel the depth and involvement of them all in each other’s lives through this book, and how close knit they all are. This type of series really works for me as a reader, each book is solely for one particular pair, but previous and future characters are very much involved in their story development as well.
”You’re kinda, sorta, basically, pretty much always on my mind.” …
“You’re kinda, sorta, basically, pretty much always on my mind too.”
This is a charming, thoughtful, well paced, love story. Joe and Maggie are a relatable, down to earth couple, and the events and situations that they find themselves in are believable. There is a very strong familial feel to this book and the series, for each of them as people, and through the group as a whole. Acceptance and forgiveness also play a part in their story, as well as belief, in themselves and in that we all have someone out there who is looking out for us.
”Everything will be as it should.”
I don’t think this is a book you can be disappointed in reading, it isn’t a balls-to-the-wall, overly sexual read, but it is a beautiful story, about two people coming together and becoming all that the other needs; there is very much a beginning, a middle and an ending, nothing and no one are left hanging, and Joe and Maggie are given the perfect HEA.
”You are my reason to smile,” … “Just you.”
I can’t wait to see where Pam takes us next with Beth & Haydn’s story, and I would like to thank her for providing me with an ARC of Shattered, it is my pleasure to provide the above honest review.
Read
July 15, 2015IT'S LIVE!!!!
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OH0HUCK - U.S.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0... - UK
http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00OH... - Canada
http://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B... - Australia
This is Book Two in the Stolen Breaths series and can be read as a standalone.
Shattered is Joe Carlisle and Maggie Malone's story. We first met them in Stolen Breaths, and now it's their turn to tell their story.
A story that is both heartbreaking and beautiful. A story that will shatter you. But it will also piece you back together in the most wonderful ways.
Told in dual POV.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OH0HUCK - U.S.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0... - UK
http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00OH... - Canada
http://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B... - Australia
This is Book Two in the Stolen Breaths series and can be read as a standalone.
Shattered is Joe Carlisle and Maggie Malone's story. We first met them in Stolen Breaths, and now it's their turn to tell their story.
A story that is both heartbreaking and beautiful. A story that will shatter you. But it will also piece you back together in the most wonderful ways.
Told in dual POV.
January 7, 2015
This book was simply amazing!!! Can't wait for all of you ladies to meet Joe more closely! He was out of this world! Totall Swoon! :D
Full Review Soon <3
Full Review Soon <3
October 14, 2014
FULL REVIEW NOW POSTED
Pamela Sparkman adds the second installment to her “Stolen Breaths Series.” She doesn’t disappoint and carries on the same wonderful qualities here that were found in her debut novel where she hooked me from the start. This story will send tingles down your spine and fill your heart with so many different emotions that you’ll be spinning. If you like contemporary romance, then you’ll definitely enjoy Joe and Maggie journey to a happily-ever-after. Every once in a while, I come across a book that simply steals my heart and makes me smile . . . the type of books that I call my “comfort” reads. I completely fell into my comfort zone reading this one.
The writing is a blend of all the extra special elements most readers demand in their favorite reads. Sizzling chemistry between the characters is honest and real, the cast of secondary characters lend fun, sparkle and support to the story that fuels a reader’s need to know more about them, and a storyline that captivates and enthralls. And Ms. Sophie is back! I love that little woman who always has a word of encouragement or a shove or a kick in the pants to get things moving along. She’s just about the best grandma ever! Sparkman’s magic potion for creating the heat, humor and heart is well-blended to provide readers with all those special “feels” they expect.
I loved every little thing about this book and especially Joe – and his silly jokes sealed the deal. He's the real deal. The man is truly a sweetheart. He’s a gorgeous male specimen, too. And he’s found his soul mate in the beautiful redhead named Maggie. Although she’s seen her share of rocky roads and her life has some rough edges, she’s strong and forceful when the chips are down and, when Joe needs her most, she’s rock solid and there for the long haul.
Romance is key but this story offers so much more. Sparkman has done a fantastic job in bringing real life issues front and center. And that’s about all I’m going to say because you'll want to experience every minute of Joe and Maggie’s ups and down in their shattered journey for yourself.
But just in case you need a little more encouragement, Joe asked me to pass along a little joke from him to you:
Knock-Knock
Who’s there?
Harry
Harry, who?
Harry up -- and get to know the real me in Shattered!
Joe and Maggie's story won't disappoint. It's a mixed bag of happy and sad, sexy and romantic, and heart-wrenching. But most of all -- its overflowing with hearts filled with love.
Note: I had the pleasure of beta reading for Pamela Sparkman on Joe and Maggie’s book.
Pamela Sparkman adds the second installment to her “Stolen Breaths Series.” She doesn’t disappoint and carries on the same wonderful qualities here that were found in her debut novel where she hooked me from the start. This story will send tingles down your spine and fill your heart with so many different emotions that you’ll be spinning. If you like contemporary romance, then you’ll definitely enjoy Joe and Maggie journey to a happily-ever-after. Every once in a while, I come across a book that simply steals my heart and makes me smile . . . the type of books that I call my “comfort” reads. I completely fell into my comfort zone reading this one.
The writing is a blend of all the extra special elements most readers demand in their favorite reads. Sizzling chemistry between the characters is honest and real, the cast of secondary characters lend fun, sparkle and support to the story that fuels a reader’s need to know more about them, and a storyline that captivates and enthralls. And Ms. Sophie is back! I love that little woman who always has a word of encouragement or a shove or a kick in the pants to get things moving along. She’s just about the best grandma ever! Sparkman’s magic potion for creating the heat, humor and heart is well-blended to provide readers with all those special “feels” they expect.
I loved every little thing about this book and especially Joe – and his silly jokes sealed the deal. He's the real deal. The man is truly a sweetheart. He’s a gorgeous male specimen, too. And he’s found his soul mate in the beautiful redhead named Maggie. Although she’s seen her share of rocky roads and her life has some rough edges, she’s strong and forceful when the chips are down and, when Joe needs her most, she’s rock solid and there for the long haul.
Romance is key but this story offers so much more. Sparkman has done a fantastic job in bringing real life issues front and center. And that’s about all I’m going to say because you'll want to experience every minute of Joe and Maggie’s ups and down in their shattered journey for yourself.
But just in case you need a little more encouragement, Joe asked me to pass along a little joke from him to you:
Knock-Knock
Who’s there?
Harry
Harry, who?
Harry up -- and get to know the real me in Shattered!
Joe and Maggie's story won't disappoint. It's a mixed bag of happy and sad, sexy and romantic, and heart-wrenching. But most of all -- its overflowing with hearts filled with love.
Note: I had the pleasure of beta reading for Pamela Sparkman on Joe and Maggie’s book.
July 18, 2015
Overall rating: 4.5 "Knock, Knock" stars!
Triggers:
HEA:
This book was a beautiful breathe of fresh air. I truly loved everything about it. Joe was the sweetest guy ever. There is really no mention of his sexual background, which I liked and it was the heroine, Maggie who liked to love them and leave them. And it's not like she LIKED to do that - she just didn't know how else to be with someone until she met Joe. They had a very sweet relationship. Joe was so funny with all of his one liner jokes. I have to say, initially I wasn't sure about Maggie. I didn't understand why she kept pulling away, but I have to say I ended up loving her.
Pamela Sparkman's books are not only beautifully written, but they have underlying positive messages about life, relationships and love. I love this group of family and friends. They are all there for each other through thick and thin. I loved how after everything Joe did for Maggie that Maggie truly stepped up to the plate for Joe when HE needed her. It was the perfect blend. The only reason I didn't rate this 5 stars (even though I rounded up) was because I would have liked to see more intimacy. Not necessarily more sex scenes or descriptive scenes. I actually don't mind fade to black scenes. Like when . Also, I am a fan of epilogues so that's my other reason for 4.5 stars.
I truly loved this book and the writing style. Joe will be a hard hero to top by far!
Triggers:
HEA:
This book was a beautiful breathe of fresh air. I truly loved everything about it. Joe was the sweetest guy ever. There is really no mention of his sexual background, which I liked and it was the heroine, Maggie who liked to love them and leave them. And it's not like she LIKED to do that - she just didn't know how else to be with someone until she met Joe. They had a very sweet relationship. Joe was so funny with all of his one liner jokes. I have to say, initially I wasn't sure about Maggie. I didn't understand why she kept pulling away, but I have to say I ended up loving her.
Pamela Sparkman's books are not only beautifully written, but they have underlying positive messages about life, relationships and love. I love this group of family and friends. They are all there for each other through thick and thin. I loved how after everything Joe did for Maggie that Maggie truly stepped up to the plate for Joe when HE needed her. It was the perfect blend. The only reason I didn't rate this 5 stars (even though I rounded up) was because I would have liked to see more intimacy. Not necessarily more sex scenes or descriptive scenes. I actually don't mind fade to black scenes. Like when . Also, I am a fan of epilogues so that's my other reason for 4.5 stars.
I truly loved this book and the writing style. Joe will be a hard hero to top by far!
October 14, 2014
I had the pleasure of being able to beta read this book, but I don’t normally like to do reviews based on that because by the time the book releases, things change and I always want my review to be based on the final content so that it can be as accurate as possible.
There have been so many wonderful reviews for this book already, so I’m sure there isn’t all that much I can say that hasn’t already been said, but I’m going to do my best to try.
You get to meet, at least in a smaller role, the character of Joe Carlisle in the first book Stolen Breaths. I will admit that while he did stand out to me at that point as a strong secondary character, I didn’t connect to him as much as I did with Cooper and when you think about it, that’s kind of the point. But he did leave a mark on my heart, a comedic and light hearted one and walking into this book, I expected more of the same and was given so much more.
I could sit here and tell you that Joe is hot and you just NEED to read for yourself to see it, but I don’t see Joe as hot. I just don’t. He’s beautiful, he’s enigmatic, and he’s a soul you just need to surround yourself with, but not hot. Hot is too basic a word. Joe Carlisle is everything you want in a book boyfriend, in a real boyfriend and quite frankly, exactly what I want in a future husband.
Funny, soft hearted, tough when he needs to be, a man with one of the best souls on the planet. He is all of these and more and when you read his story, you’ll see what I mean. He will make you feel, after you’ve managed to start breathing after he makes you laugh so hard you forget how.
Enter Maggie. A very unique person needs to be the female counterpart to Joe. Same as Cooper and Lily were, it needed to happen here and happen it did. Maggie is tough as nails, but also has a softer side that cannot be compared to any other before her. She’s the perfect depiction of heroine in my estimation and played perfectly off the kind of person Joe is.
Their love story is not an easy road, but it’s a definite road worth taking and every trial they went through and faced together only made the love they feel for one another that much stronger. It was one of the most beautiful love stories I have ever read and worth every laugh and tear shed.
Pamela Sparkman as I’ve said before writes magical romance unlike anyone before her and I know that at the end of the day, when I need that special something that not a lot of romances offer today, I only have to turn to her and I’ve gotten it in spades. Her books are love stories for the ages and ones that are so beautifully depicted that they make you complete and make you long for more at the same time. The best part about this book and the journey the characters take though is that it wasn’t done alone. Deanna, this is where I also have to bow to you. Thank you for working with Pamela and giving us the story Joe and Maggie deserved. You are a gem. Truly.
Have I said anything of substance that will make people want to go and pick up the book? I have no idea, but I can only hope that I have. I want this book to touch the world the same way that is has touched me, heart and soul and the way that it will for years to come.
Take a chance on the man I refer to as my Joe. I can promise you a beautiful love story that will move you and make you feel a myriad of emotions. As I’ve said before, it will shatter you just as the title says, but by the end will put you together again and make you even more complete then you were before. Joe and Maggie wouldn’t have it any other way.
There have been so many wonderful reviews for this book already, so I’m sure there isn’t all that much I can say that hasn’t already been said, but I’m going to do my best to try.
You get to meet, at least in a smaller role, the character of Joe Carlisle in the first book Stolen Breaths. I will admit that while he did stand out to me at that point as a strong secondary character, I didn’t connect to him as much as I did with Cooper and when you think about it, that’s kind of the point. But he did leave a mark on my heart, a comedic and light hearted one and walking into this book, I expected more of the same and was given so much more.
I could sit here and tell you that Joe is hot and you just NEED to read for yourself to see it, but I don’t see Joe as hot. I just don’t. He’s beautiful, he’s enigmatic, and he’s a soul you just need to surround yourself with, but not hot. Hot is too basic a word. Joe Carlisle is everything you want in a book boyfriend, in a real boyfriend and quite frankly, exactly what I want in a future husband.
Funny, soft hearted, tough when he needs to be, a man with one of the best souls on the planet. He is all of these and more and when you read his story, you’ll see what I mean. He will make you feel, after you’ve managed to start breathing after he makes you laugh so hard you forget how.
Enter Maggie. A very unique person needs to be the female counterpart to Joe. Same as Cooper and Lily were, it needed to happen here and happen it did. Maggie is tough as nails, but also has a softer side that cannot be compared to any other before her. She’s the perfect depiction of heroine in my estimation and played perfectly off the kind of person Joe is.
Their love story is not an easy road, but it’s a definite road worth taking and every trial they went through and faced together only made the love they feel for one another that much stronger. It was one of the most beautiful love stories I have ever read and worth every laugh and tear shed.
Pamela Sparkman as I’ve said before writes magical romance unlike anyone before her and I know that at the end of the day, when I need that special something that not a lot of romances offer today, I only have to turn to her and I’ve gotten it in spades. Her books are love stories for the ages and ones that are so beautifully depicted that they make you complete and make you long for more at the same time. The best part about this book and the journey the characters take though is that it wasn’t done alone. Deanna, this is where I also have to bow to you. Thank you for working with Pamela and giving us the story Joe and Maggie deserved. You are a gem. Truly.
Have I said anything of substance that will make people want to go and pick up the book? I have no idea, but I can only hope that I have. I want this book to touch the world the same way that is has touched me, heart and soul and the way that it will for years to come.
Take a chance on the man I refer to as my Joe. I can promise you a beautiful love story that will move you and make you feel a myriad of emotions. As I’ve said before, it will shatter you just as the title says, but by the end will put you together again and make you even more complete then you were before. Joe and Maggie wouldn’t have it any other way.
November 2, 2014
The first time I ever read a Pam Sparkman book it was cus of my best friend. She told me I needed to get into it not because it was romantic or anythin, but because there was characters in it that she knew I would love. Turns out this pretty girl knows me pretty damn well cus Cooper, Hayden and Joe were like my bro’s from other mama’s by the time the book ended.
I wanted Joe to get his own book. He’s a lot like me, but with a lot less language. His jokes are stupidly funny and that makes him likeable. Real. I was also pretty stoked for Maggie to be with the one he ended up with. I kind of dug her more than Lily in the last book an she was barely in it lol.
This book gave me a lot more than I was expectin but it made Joe even more real to me. That dude is my bro. Fact. And the way he helps Maggie and heals her while she does the same thing to him was fuckin epic.
Bein able to find the funny in the agony is fuckin amazin and true to a lot of guys I know but not something I think I could do personally. What Joe went through was brutal and would have broken me, no lie but I like the way it didn’t break him just made him even better.
If u can trust a fan dudes review u need to pick this book up. Its about more than just love and romance and its definitely different then the other books on the market today. Way better in my opinion because it gives u everythin u need in a book.
Pam and Deanna thanks for writin a book about me ;) lol
Hope this review doesn’t suck to hard. I tried. U ladies rock. Hayden ur up next man. Can’t fuckin wait.
I wanted Joe to get his own book. He’s a lot like me, but with a lot less language. His jokes are stupidly funny and that makes him likeable. Real. I was also pretty stoked for Maggie to be with the one he ended up with. I kind of dug her more than Lily in the last book an she was barely in it lol.
This book gave me a lot more than I was expectin but it made Joe even more real to me. That dude is my bro. Fact. And the way he helps Maggie and heals her while she does the same thing to him was fuckin epic.
Bein able to find the funny in the agony is fuckin amazin and true to a lot of guys I know but not something I think I could do personally. What Joe went through was brutal and would have broken me, no lie but I like the way it didn’t break him just made him even better.
If u can trust a fan dudes review u need to pick this book up. Its about more than just love and romance and its definitely different then the other books on the market today. Way better in my opinion because it gives u everythin u need in a book.
Pam and Deanna thanks for writin a book about me ;) lol
Hope this review doesn’t suck to hard. I tried. U ladies rock. Hayden ur up next man. Can’t fuckin wait.
April 29, 2015
This book was just as amazing as the first one! Joe and Maggie are wonderful!So beautiful! I think I went through 2 boxes of tissues and couldn't stop laughing :)I love this author she is an amazing writer. I really felt all the emotions all the love with Joe and Maggie and Lily and Cooper and I'm sure with Hayden and Beth ! I can't wait for Hayden and Beth!Thank you Pamela for yet another Beautiful, Soul wrenching , Heartfelt , amazing book!
July 29, 2014
LOVED IT!! I had the pleasure of beta reading this phenomenal book and I'm so in love with this book. You ALL need to read this book when it gets out!!! <3
October 21, 2014
Wow just wow . I loved this book from start to finish. I don't have the words to express how much I loved Maggie and Joe. It was an amazing read and I would highly recommended it.
November 6, 2014
I was given an ARC book for an honest review free of persuasion from the author or anyone else affiliated with this book.
CONTAINS SOME SPOILERS
This story has 2 different peoples POV. These are my favorite type of books to read, simply because you get to see what is happening from 2 separate angles.
This can be read as a stand alone book because it does follow different characters, however I do not recommend it because it is the second book in a series.
Have you ever loved someone so much you can't breath when they leave the room? The Stolen Breaths series is about more than that. It is about how you can love someone so much that it hurts to breath when they are not with you or you could say you do not feel whole with out them by your side once you have met them.
The first book Stolen Breaths was flat out amazing and I did not think I would like any other guys that Ms. Sparkman and Ms. Gohn came up with.Shattered rocked me to my core with heartache, with laughs and the fierce determination of a man who was capable of loving someone to excess but not afraid to show it.
Yes, Ms. Sophie is back and Yes she is back to her shenanigans! I love the way she handles relationships! I want a Ms. Sophie in my life and setting me up because she gets the best guys for these girls.
We met Maggie in Stolen Breaths. She is the female lead in Shattered. Maggie is this bright, witty, successful, red head who thinks she has it all figures out until she doesn't. This is when she meets Joe. Maggie has come to Nashville to be apart of Lily's wedding in book 1. In Shattered Maggie has gone back to Denver, back to her life as she knows it and back to forgetting all about Joe...or has she? Long conversations on the phone getting to know Joe and Christmas time spent back in Nashville with her dearest friends, she can no longer ignore her attraction to Joe.
Joe, oh the corny jokes, was introduced as well in Stolen Breaths. We got more of a glimpse of him in Stolen Breaths, however in Shattered we get to see what he thinks and how his mind works, and why those jokes. Joe has done all he can to not think of Maggie, until it he realizes that he needs to be friends with her first then maybe, just maybe she will love him like he loves her. Joe talks to Maggie every chance he gets, even falling asleep on the phone with her at times. After Christmas Joe realizes he can not live without Maggie..He will surprise her.
One envelope, one fateful day, one unexpected flight and their world will be shattered!
Can they recover back to where the love was? Can Joe and Maggie become one again? What happens to Maggie's dream of loving Joe? What is Ms. Sophie up to during the whole book?
You need to read this fantastic book to find out. For those wondering out there there is some language because an owner of a bar would curse and yes there is some sex,however there is NOT any full on descriptive sex scene. For that and the wonderful writing skills that drew me in and never let me go, I give Pamela and Deanna 5 stars! Keep an eye out for them!
I, personally, can not wait for the third book in the Stolen Breaths series, which is all about Hayden and Beth. Who knows..maybe if we try they might write Ms. Sophie a book...I would like to see how she was when she was younger and what she has had up her sleeve her whole life!
CONTAINS SOME SPOILERS
This story has 2 different peoples POV. These are my favorite type of books to read, simply because you get to see what is happening from 2 separate angles.
This can be read as a stand alone book because it does follow different characters, however I do not recommend it because it is the second book in a series.
Have you ever loved someone so much you can't breath when they leave the room? The Stolen Breaths series is about more than that. It is about how you can love someone so much that it hurts to breath when they are not with you or you could say you do not feel whole with out them by your side once you have met them.
The first book Stolen Breaths was flat out amazing and I did not think I would like any other guys that Ms. Sparkman and Ms. Gohn came up with.Shattered rocked me to my core with heartache, with laughs and the fierce determination of a man who was capable of loving someone to excess but not afraid to show it.
Yes, Ms. Sophie is back and Yes she is back to her shenanigans! I love the way she handles relationships! I want a Ms. Sophie in my life and setting me up because she gets the best guys for these girls.
We met Maggie in Stolen Breaths. She is the female lead in Shattered. Maggie is this bright, witty, successful, red head who thinks she has it all figures out until she doesn't. This is when she meets Joe. Maggie has come to Nashville to be apart of Lily's wedding in book 1. In Shattered Maggie has gone back to Denver, back to her life as she knows it and back to forgetting all about Joe...or has she? Long conversations on the phone getting to know Joe and Christmas time spent back in Nashville with her dearest friends, she can no longer ignore her attraction to Joe.
Joe, oh the corny jokes, was introduced as well in Stolen Breaths. We got more of a glimpse of him in Stolen Breaths, however in Shattered we get to see what he thinks and how his mind works, and why those jokes. Joe has done all he can to not think of Maggie, until it he realizes that he needs to be friends with her first then maybe, just maybe she will love him like he loves her. Joe talks to Maggie every chance he gets, even falling asleep on the phone with her at times. After Christmas Joe realizes he can not live without Maggie..He will surprise her.
One envelope, one fateful day, one unexpected flight and their world will be shattered!
Can they recover back to where the love was? Can Joe and Maggie become one again? What happens to Maggie's dream of loving Joe? What is Ms. Sophie up to during the whole book?
You need to read this fantastic book to find out. For those wondering out there there is some language because an owner of a bar would curse and yes there is some sex,however there is NOT any full on descriptive sex scene. For that and the wonderful writing skills that drew me in and never let me go, I give Pamela and Deanna 5 stars! Keep an eye out for them!
I, personally, can not wait for the third book in the Stolen Breaths series, which is all about Hayden and Beth. Who knows..maybe if we try they might write Ms. Sophie a book...I would like to see how she was when she was younger and what she has had up her sleeve her whole life!
July 17, 2015
*** I Love Story Time was gifted an ARC copy in exchange of an honest review ***
3.5 Stars
In an attempt to write this review while being completely honest, I will say that there were some parts of the story that I was struggling with. I read Stolen Breaths and I really enjoyed it. So, I thought that I would feel the same about this story as well since it continues with the same characters. However, I didn't enjoy it as much as I was hoping I would. I did still like Joe and his playful personality which continued to shine. I loved the jokes that he was always telling Maggie. I also liked that he not only had a playful heart, but a loving heart as well. He always knew what to say when it was time to show his true feelings towards Maggie...
"I'll never get used to someone treating me the way you do."
"It kills me to think that anyone would ever get a piece of you without appreciating what they were getting first. Don't do it again. Don't give away pieces of yourself to anyone who hasn't earned them. You need to get used to it. I don't want to be just someone. I want to be the only one. And I promise you, Maggie Malone, if you let me, I'll earn all of the pieces of you before I take a single one."
With that being said, there were parts in the storyline that I felt were a little slow. However, I did get pulled back in towards the end. The events that took place...I truly didn't see coming and it kept me interested. I would recommend this book to those that have read book 1 and who are planning to read book 3. I am looking forward to Skin Deep because I am interested in Hayden and Beth's story. There's something about Hayden that is intriguing and urging me to continue on to see what he's all about!
~Juls
April 21, 2017
Loved it! Shattered is such a beautiful love story. Definitely romance at it's best.
If you loved Stolen Breaths then you must read this. You won't be disappointed. Now I just have to wait patiently for Skin Deep.
If you loved Stolen Breaths then you must read this. You won't be disappointed. Now I just have to wait patiently for Skin Deep.
June 8, 2015
Sparkman has continued the Stolen Breaths Series in Shattered and done a wonderful job. The whole cast returns, but Maggie and Joe get the spotlight this time. The two are introduced and get to know one another pre and post wedding. Life before and after their meeting are pushed into their lives to make things a little more complicated. Then some BIG things happen and LIFE HAPPENS. Sparkman is awesome at writing multiple characters and weaving them into the next series. Shattered finishes strong and I can't wait to read the next one!
June 17, 2015
* * ARC given on behalf of obsessed by books for an honest review * *
I was so glad to see Maggie and Joe get their story told. Joe is a awesome guy, loving, faithful, very swoon worthy and we know how great Maggie is. These two are thrown together and things between them are on again , off again but the feelings the have for each other are very real and when life happens it's nice to have someone with you , I loved this book and we see some of the originals back. Pamela has done an awesome job. I could use more on every character.
I was so glad to see Maggie and Joe get their story told. Joe is a awesome guy, loving, faithful, very swoon worthy and we know how great Maggie is. These two are thrown together and things between them are on again , off again but the feelings the have for each other are very real and when life happens it's nice to have someone with you , I loved this book and we see some of the originals back. Pamela has done an awesome job. I could use more on every character.
February 18, 2015
This is a really beautiful romantic story. It's Joe and Maggie's story. It's a story of how a friendship can turn into so much more. Their journey isn't an easy one. The twists and turns will have you rooting for a happy ending for these two. Joe and Maggie are lovely characters. They come across as the kinda people you want to have as friends. I really liked the secondary characters as well.
This is a really great romantic story. I'm so looking forward to reading more of this series.
This is a really great romantic story. I'm so looking forward to reading more of this series.
July 16, 2015
Read my review and watch the TRAILER at
Sinfully Sexy
.
Shattered is a sweet and romantic story that will put a smile on your face and melt your heart. It’s a straight up contemporary romance. No unnecessary angst or billionaires, just an everyday story filled with excessive amount of sweetness and lovable characters. It’s a fairytale you wish you could dive into and meet your Prince Charming.
“When you find someone who is willing to sacrifice his own happiness for yours, you’ve found your prince.”
We first met Joe and Maggie in Stolen Breaths. Maggie is Lily’s best friend, and Joe is Cooper’s. Maggie and Joe meet when she comes to town for Lily and Cooper’s wedding. Their attraction to one another is undeniable. There are a few tiny problems though….one, Maggie is only visiting for the wedding…. and, two, she vowed a long time ago that she would never again let anyone hurt her. But, Joe isn’t giving up that easy. What they found together is too good to let distance be a factor, and Joe isn’t about to let a plane ride be a reason not to try. Plus Joe possesses a magic that lets him see the real Maggie, the one that she hides from absolutely everyone including her best friend, Lily. So with both problems solved, all that’s left is for Joe to show Maggie he’s worth stepping out onto the dance floor with. But, dancing can get difficult when the music suddenly changes. How do you keep dancing when the rhythm and pace aren’t something you can keep up with?
So what to say about Shattered? Hmmm. This one’s a bit difficult for me to explain because I really enjoyed it for the sheer fact that it is a simple love story with a hero that stole my heart. Sometimes I just need plain and simple without any unnecessary drama or mountains of emotional baggage piled on top of a horrible past. The way in which Joe and Maggie built their relationship is really refreshing. Determined not to scare Maggie off and to SHOW Maggie how he wants a relationship with her, he takes it slow. They just don’t jump into bed together….well, not really. They actually TALK (and text, which is quite funny and romantic). Yes, talk and take the time to learn about one another. You’d be surprised how interesting and emotional a story can be when the focus isn’t purely on the physical aspect.
Joe. Joe. Joe… Joe is the cornerstone of Shattered. He’s the guy you simply can’t get enough of – sexy, sweet, and charming with a capital C. He can put a smile on your face with his endless arsenal of corny jokes. He can make your heart melt with his sincerity. With a heart is as big as the sky, he’s loyal and caring. He’s the guy that makes everything better with the wink of any eye or just the flash of a smile. And if that wasn’t enough….. HE PLAYS THE GUITAR!
Joe may BE Shattered for me, but once again there’s an entire cast of endearing and lovable characters that warm your heart. From Cooper and Lily to Hayden and Beth, but Ms. Sophie certainly takes the cake. That sweet old woman could sell ice to an Eskimo and convince you that a bikini is proper attire for the ski slopes. If you think Ms. Sophie’s matchmaker meddling stopped at Cooper and Lily, think again.
If you’re looking for a light romantic read or something that will put a smile on your face, the Stolen Breaths series is certainly worth your time.
****An advance reading copy was generously provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
Shattered is a sweet and romantic story that will put a smile on your face and melt your heart. It’s a straight up contemporary romance. No unnecessary angst or billionaires, just an everyday story filled with excessive amount of sweetness and lovable characters. It’s a fairytale you wish you could dive into and meet your Prince Charming.
“When you find someone who is willing to sacrifice his own happiness for yours, you’ve found your prince.”
We first met Joe and Maggie in Stolen Breaths. Maggie is Lily’s best friend, and Joe is Cooper’s. Maggie and Joe meet when she comes to town for Lily and Cooper’s wedding. Their attraction to one another is undeniable. There are a few tiny problems though….one, Maggie is only visiting for the wedding…. and, two, she vowed a long time ago that she would never again let anyone hurt her. But, Joe isn’t giving up that easy. What they found together is too good to let distance be a factor, and Joe isn’t about to let a plane ride be a reason not to try. Plus Joe possesses a magic that lets him see the real Maggie, the one that she hides from absolutely everyone including her best friend, Lily. So with both problems solved, all that’s left is for Joe to show Maggie he’s worth stepping out onto the dance floor with. But, dancing can get difficult when the music suddenly changes. How do you keep dancing when the rhythm and pace aren’t something you can keep up with?
So what to say about Shattered? Hmmm. This one’s a bit difficult for me to explain because I really enjoyed it for the sheer fact that it is a simple love story with a hero that stole my heart. Sometimes I just need plain and simple without any unnecessary drama or mountains of emotional baggage piled on top of a horrible past. The way in which Joe and Maggie built their relationship is really refreshing. Determined not to scare Maggie off and to SHOW Maggie how he wants a relationship with her, he takes it slow. They just don’t jump into bed together….well, not really. They actually TALK (and text, which is quite funny and romantic). Yes, talk and take the time to learn about one another. You’d be surprised how interesting and emotional a story can be when the focus isn’t purely on the physical aspect.
Joe. Joe. Joe… Joe is the cornerstone of Shattered. He’s the guy you simply can’t get enough of – sexy, sweet, and charming with a capital C. He can put a smile on your face with his endless arsenal of corny jokes. He can make your heart melt with his sincerity. With a heart is as big as the sky, he’s loyal and caring. He’s the guy that makes everything better with the wink of any eye or just the flash of a smile. And if that wasn’t enough….. HE PLAYS THE GUITAR!
Joe may BE Shattered for me, but once again there’s an entire cast of endearing and lovable characters that warm your heart. From Cooper and Lily to Hayden and Beth, but Ms. Sophie certainly takes the cake. That sweet old woman could sell ice to an Eskimo and convince you that a bikini is proper attire for the ski slopes. If you think Ms. Sophie’s matchmaker meddling stopped at Cooper and Lily, think again.
If you’re looking for a light romantic read or something that will put a smile on your face, the Stolen Breaths series is certainly worth your time.
****An advance reading copy was generously provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
February 18, 2015
*ARC provided by author in exchange for honest review**
Oh this book :) I really enjoyed it. I liked this book even more than the first one, which I enjoyed a lot. It involves a lot of trust issues and some confidence. But it also includes a lot of love and sweetness. I just enjoyed it so much.
Shattered by Pamela Sparkman is the second book of the Stolen Breaths series, but I believe this can be read as a standalone, since it describes the story about two secondary characters from book one. This is a really entertaining book, one that will make you smile, even make you laugh. It was charming, and the development of both, the characters and the story, seemed to go just at the right pace. I actually wanted to get back to it every time I had to put it down.
“Sometimes all we need is a soft place to land when we fall.”
Ok, so, the story. We first meet Maggie on Stolen Breaths. She’s Lily’s best friend from college, and she’s a happy girl, always ready to spend time with her friends and have a good time. She has a hard time trusting people with her feelings though. She’s skeptical when it comes to letting others in. Every relationship she’s had over the years, have been completely meaningless. No guy has kept her attention enough to let him know the real her. I really liked her. I could see how much she needed real contact, and by that I don’t mean just physical, but an emotional contact, with someone real. Someone who cared about her. She’s not entirely confident about ever finding that someone, because the ones that should’ve stayed with her didn’t. So, I understand. I understand her hesitancy about people in general. But then, life shows her its beautiful side. I believe we just need to find the right people, and it may take a while, but they’ll come, eventually. We’re not meant to be alone, but we have to be able to see through people and give them a chance.
“When you find someone who is willing to sacrifice his own happiness for yours, you’ve found your prince. All the kisses in the world won’t make him something he isn’t from the start.”
Then we have funny, and sweet, and beautiful Joe. Oh, you sure are a swoon-worthy guy, one that will melt your heart. Joseph Carlisle is the guy that’s always trying his best to make everyone around him laugh. He may tell the lousiest jokes there are on earth, but his intention behind those jokes are just to get a smile out of you, so… how could you not laugh or even crack a smile? I just loved him. I loved his perseverance, and his confidence (not cockiness, there’s a difference) about who he was and what he wanted. There may have been a couple of downs in his life, but he always got the best of everything. He just gave some positivity to everything around him. He’s a wonderful friend and a really sweet boyfriend. He just melted my heart.
“So, what do you say when you’ve gotten everything you’ve ever wanted, and ever needed? You close your eyes, lift your fave up to the heavens, and say, ‘thank you’.”
Everyone in this story plays a big part of the development of every character. I loved the way they were all involved in each other, helping, caring, just being there for each other. I enjoyed every bit of this story. It was really interesting to see how much the characters grew, and how the story developed. It’s a really interesting story and I want to know more, specially about the other 2 characters we have left.
Oh this book :) I really enjoyed it. I liked this book even more than the first one, which I enjoyed a lot. It involves a lot of trust issues and some confidence. But it also includes a lot of love and sweetness. I just enjoyed it so much.
Shattered by Pamela Sparkman is the second book of the Stolen Breaths series, but I believe this can be read as a standalone, since it describes the story about two secondary characters from book one. This is a really entertaining book, one that will make you smile, even make you laugh. It was charming, and the development of both, the characters and the story, seemed to go just at the right pace. I actually wanted to get back to it every time I had to put it down.
“Sometimes all we need is a soft place to land when we fall.”
Ok, so, the story. We first meet Maggie on Stolen Breaths. She’s Lily’s best friend from college, and she’s a happy girl, always ready to spend time with her friends and have a good time. She has a hard time trusting people with her feelings though. She’s skeptical when it comes to letting others in. Every relationship she’s had over the years, have been completely meaningless. No guy has kept her attention enough to let him know the real her. I really liked her. I could see how much she needed real contact, and by that I don’t mean just physical, but an emotional contact, with someone real. Someone who cared about her. She’s not entirely confident about ever finding that someone, because the ones that should’ve stayed with her didn’t. So, I understand. I understand her hesitancy about people in general. But then, life shows her its beautiful side. I believe we just need to find the right people, and it may take a while, but they’ll come, eventually. We’re not meant to be alone, but we have to be able to see through people and give them a chance.
“When you find someone who is willing to sacrifice his own happiness for yours, you’ve found your prince. All the kisses in the world won’t make him something he isn’t from the start.”
Then we have funny, and sweet, and beautiful Joe. Oh, you sure are a swoon-worthy guy, one that will melt your heart. Joseph Carlisle is the guy that’s always trying his best to make everyone around him laugh. He may tell the lousiest jokes there are on earth, but his intention behind those jokes are just to get a smile out of you, so… how could you not laugh or even crack a smile? I just loved him. I loved his perseverance, and his confidence (not cockiness, there’s a difference) about who he was and what he wanted. There may have been a couple of downs in his life, but he always got the best of everything. He just gave some positivity to everything around him. He’s a wonderful friend and a really sweet boyfriend. He just melted my heart.
“So, what do you say when you’ve gotten everything you’ve ever wanted, and ever needed? You close your eyes, lift your fave up to the heavens, and say, ‘thank you’.”
Everyone in this story plays a big part of the development of every character. I loved the way they were all involved in each other, helping, caring, just being there for each other. I enjoyed every bit of this story. It was really interesting to see how much the characters grew, and how the story developed. It’s a really interesting story and I want to know more, specially about the other 2 characters we have left.
October 14, 2014
Stolen Breaths was a beautiful debut novel by a very promising author who was able to capture your heart and emotions with her writing and the characters that she created. When I found out that Pamela Sparkman was going to write a book about Joe and Maggie, I thought that it was going to be hard to beat Lily and Cooper’s story. Cooper was probably one of the sweetest characters that I have ever come across. With that being said, this book far surpassed anything that I could have hoped for. Oh, I already knew that the author was extremely talented, but the story, the characters, the emotion, the beauty of it -blew my mind. When a book can make you laugh on one page and cry on the next…you know that it is amazing!
What did I like about Shattered? It would be easier to say what I didn’t like about it, because I honestly can’t think of anything that I didn’t like. Joe. Ahh, I love Joe. He is an inherently good guy. A guy’s guy. The friend who would tell the cheesiest jokes to bring out a smile in someone and make them feel better. A good son, brother, uncle, best friend, and charmer. Seriously, what’s not to love?!
Maggie and Joe had an immediate attraction and a connection. Everybody has a story, a past…Maggie Malone is no exception. She has guarded herself against true feelings and emotions for most of her life. If she doesn’t feel anything, she can’t be hurt. It was an easy rule to live by until she met Joe. He had a way of bringing out the very best in Maggie. He made her feel things that she never thought that she would feel with someone. She wanted to let her guard down and just be…with him.
I’m not going to delve into the nitty gritty of the book and give anything away for anyone. Read and experience it for yourselves, you won’t regret it. The dialogue, the banter, and the connection between the characters is some of the best that I have read. It was so easy to be swept up into the story; to live, hurt, and love right along with the characters.
Shattered is a very well written book that will have you emotionally invested with every turn of the page. The story is intricately woven and well thought out. It goes so far above and beyond just your average romance novel. If you are looking for a book that will tug at your heartstrings, make you laugh, cry, swoon, and just make you glad to be a reader…then this is the book for you!
*5 Amazing Stars*
What did I like about Shattered? It would be easier to say what I didn’t like about it, because I honestly can’t think of anything that I didn’t like. Joe. Ahh, I love Joe. He is an inherently good guy. A guy’s guy. The friend who would tell the cheesiest jokes to bring out a smile in someone and make them feel better. A good son, brother, uncle, best friend, and charmer. Seriously, what’s not to love?!
Maggie and Joe had an immediate attraction and a connection. Everybody has a story, a past…Maggie Malone is no exception. She has guarded herself against true feelings and emotions for most of her life. If she doesn’t feel anything, she can’t be hurt. It was an easy rule to live by until she met Joe. He had a way of bringing out the very best in Maggie. He made her feel things that she never thought that she would feel with someone. She wanted to let her guard down and just be…with him.
I’m not going to delve into the nitty gritty of the book and give anything away for anyone. Read and experience it for yourselves, you won’t regret it. The dialogue, the banter, and the connection between the characters is some of the best that I have read. It was so easy to be swept up into the story; to live, hurt, and love right along with the characters.
Shattered is a very well written book that will have you emotionally invested with every turn of the page. The story is intricately woven and well thought out. It goes so far above and beyond just your average romance novel. If you are looking for a book that will tug at your heartstrings, make you laugh, cry, swoon, and just make you glad to be a reader…then this is the book for you!
*5 Amazing Stars*
February 14, 2015
Maggie is in town for Lily and Cooper's wedding. She and Lily are best friends and were roommates in Colorado before Lily's Dad passed away.
Cooper's best friends, Joe and Hayden are in the wedding party with Maggie and Beth. Beth is Lily's coworker. From the time Maggie gets into town, she spends time with all of them, sometimes at Joe's bar or at Lily and Cooper's.
After closing the bar one night, Joe walks Maggie to her car. He's taken aback when she kisses him out of the blue. Then she gets in her car and leaves. She doesn't speak to him again until the wedding reception.
Joe can't get Maggie out of his head. He asks her to dance at the reception. Afterwards she stays at Joe's house instead of Ms. Sophie's, since it is Lily and Cooper's wedding night.
Joe can't get Maggie out of his head and doesn't know what to do about it. Maggie is back in Colorado and can't get Joe out her head.
They both try to tell themselves this long distance relationship won't work. But Joe reaches out to Maggie with a phone call and this leads them to becoming friends.
Maggie comes to visit during Christmas and the feelings are growing stronger between the two. Ms. Sophie again brings these two together. Maggie stays with Joe, as Ms. Sophie is ill, that's what she tells the two.
Now Joe has to break the walls around Maggie's heart.
With an accident and the aftermath of that accident sends these two characters into a love so binding it hurts.
The love pours from Maggie and Joe, she is his strength when he needs it the most and he is there to catch her when her walls can't hold her up any longer. Maggie and Joe struggle to get through the emotional stress with their friends and family's support. This story is about friendship, love, family and strength.
Cooper's best friends, Joe and Hayden are in the wedding party with Maggie and Beth. Beth is Lily's coworker. From the time Maggie gets into town, she spends time with all of them, sometimes at Joe's bar or at Lily and Cooper's.
After closing the bar one night, Joe walks Maggie to her car. He's taken aback when she kisses him out of the blue. Then she gets in her car and leaves. She doesn't speak to him again until the wedding reception.
Joe can't get Maggie out of his head. He asks her to dance at the reception. Afterwards she stays at Joe's house instead of Ms. Sophie's, since it is Lily and Cooper's wedding night.
Joe can't get Maggie out of his head and doesn't know what to do about it. Maggie is back in Colorado and can't get Joe out her head.
They both try to tell themselves this long distance relationship won't work. But Joe reaches out to Maggie with a phone call and this leads them to becoming friends.
Maggie comes to visit during Christmas and the feelings are growing stronger between the two. Ms. Sophie again brings these two together. Maggie stays with Joe, as Ms. Sophie is ill, that's what she tells the two.
Now Joe has to break the walls around Maggie's heart.
With an accident and the aftermath of that accident sends these two characters into a love so binding it hurts.
The love pours from Maggie and Joe, she is his strength when he needs it the most and he is there to catch her when her walls can't hold her up any longer. Maggie and Joe struggle to get through the emotional stress with their friends and family's support. This story is about friendship, love, family and strength.
February 20, 2015
**Arc provided kindly by the author in exchange for an honest review.
4/5 Stars!
During the first few pages of this book, I knew I would be hooked. The way these two authors wrote had a very emotional tone, and that writing made me feel the words come to life and make me get a good idea of how Maggie is feeling. This isn't one of those books where you have an over-powering male lead and a female lead who makes the wrong choices.
No. This book was real. The feelings were real. The experiences, moments, conversations. Everything. Joe, he's fucking hilarious and I loveee his jokes.
|"Maggie, I wrote a song about a tortilla. Well actually, it's more of a wrap."
"Hey, Maggie, why does a seagull fly over the sea?Hayden rolled his eyes and Maggie's green ones met mine. "I don't know, Joe. Why does a seagull fly over the sea?"Because if it flew over the bay, it would be called a bagel!" |
See? That amongst a bunch others made me smile and fall in love with Joe, just like Maggie did. And I don't blame her, he's fucking gorgeous as well.
It's an emotional book, like I said. It may or may not make you cry. But please, don't let that stop you from reading it. I actually enjoyed this book because it gave me a break from all those insta-love and alpha male stories. It was sweet. Kind of how ideally most people fall in love. From friendship to being swept off your feet by love.
|"Don't steal my thunder, and before you say it again, i'm going to say it again. It's not cocky to want to dance with you. I am not cocky. I am just a guy, standing in front of a girl, asking her to dance with him."|
4/5 Stars!
During the first few pages of this book, I knew I would be hooked. The way these two authors wrote had a very emotional tone, and that writing made me feel the words come to life and make me get a good idea of how Maggie is feeling. This isn't one of those books where you have an over-powering male lead and a female lead who makes the wrong choices.
No. This book was real. The feelings were real. The experiences, moments, conversations. Everything. Joe, he's fucking hilarious and I loveee his jokes.
|"Maggie, I wrote a song about a tortilla. Well actually, it's more of a wrap."
"Hey, Maggie, why does a seagull fly over the sea?Hayden rolled his eyes and Maggie's green ones met mine. "I don't know, Joe. Why does a seagull fly over the sea?"Because if it flew over the bay, it would be called a bagel!" |
See? That amongst a bunch others made me smile and fall in love with Joe, just like Maggie did. And I don't blame her, he's fucking gorgeous as well.
It's an emotional book, like I said. It may or may not make you cry. But please, don't let that stop you from reading it. I actually enjoyed this book because it gave me a break from all those insta-love and alpha male stories. It was sweet. Kind of how ideally most people fall in love. From friendship to being swept off your feet by love.
|"Don't steal my thunder, and before you say it again, i'm going to say it again. It's not cocky to want to dance with you. I am not cocky. I am just a guy, standing in front of a girl, asking her to dance with him."|
November 15, 2014
You did it again!!! What a beautiful story.
This is about that love you build from a little light, that will worth every effort. This is about Joe and Maggie. She has a wall protecting her heart, and him with more bad jokes than water in the ocean, and not afraid to use them to make that wall fall into small pieces.
Maggie is a nice character, not over-dramatic. With issues like all of us. She had a hard childhood, some questions waiting for answers, and when she got them, well you are going to need some tissues.
Joe is amazing, when he met Maggie, something changed for him. I loved how he tried his best to be friends with Maggie first, even though he was feeling things for her.
The story has a good flow and I never felt like I needed to say "this is not making sense!!!". The last few chapters were lovely. I was a little bit scared of what was going to happen (you never know when the story is going to have this big twist), but I was never disappointed. I tried not to cry but again I failed. This author is gonna be the death of me ;)
With no more words to write and trying really hard not to say something about the plot, I will just say read it, you will love it.
P.S. The last scene was a can't wait for the next book!!!
This is about that love you build from a little light, that will worth every effort. This is about Joe and Maggie. She has a wall protecting her heart, and him with more bad jokes than water in the ocean, and not afraid to use them to make that wall fall into small pieces.
Maggie is a nice character, not over-dramatic. With issues like all of us. She had a hard childhood, some questions waiting for answers, and when she got them, well you are going to need some tissues.
Joe is amazing, when he met Maggie, something changed for him. I loved how he tried his best to be friends with Maggie first, even though he was feeling things for her.
The story has a good flow and I never felt like I needed to say "this is not making sense!!!". The last few chapters were lovely. I was a little bit scared of what was going to happen (you never know when the story is going to have this big twist), but I was never disappointed. I tried not to cry but again I failed. This author is gonna be the death of me ;)
With no more words to write and trying really hard not to say something about the plot, I will just say read it, you will love it.
P.S. The last scene was a can't wait for the next book!!!
May 22, 2016
4.5 fabulous stars...LOVED Joe and Maggie's heartwarming story
WOW, another fabulous read from Pamela Sparkman. This one was truly an emotional rollercoaster and I loved every minute of it. Loved Maggie and Joe's story, they both had their battles to fight but loved that they fought it together supporting each other, not pushing the other away. It was so refreshing to see this, to see the struggles they had to overcome but they did it together and it only made their bond and their love stronger. I loved that this wasn't the norm where secrets were kept or that they instantly fell in love once they met. There was the spark and the attraction and altough it happened over a short period of time, I loved how their relationship developed.
As corny and cheesy as they were, I have to say I loved Joe's jokes, it truly had me laughing many times through the book. I also really enjoyed the dynamic the author built between Joe and Maggie, there was no unnecessary drama added, just the right amount that fit the storyline perfect.
And best of all, we got to see more of Ms. Sopie. So if you haven't read Back to Yesterday. you definitely need to read it, then need to read these.
WOW, another fabulous read from Pamela Sparkman. This one was truly an emotional rollercoaster and I loved every minute of it. Loved Maggie and Joe's story, they both had their battles to fight but loved that they fought it together supporting each other, not pushing the other away. It was so refreshing to see this, to see the struggles they had to overcome but they did it together and it only made their bond and their love stronger. I loved that this wasn't the norm where secrets were kept or that they instantly fell in love once they met. There was the spark and the attraction and altough it happened over a short period of time, I loved how their relationship developed.
As corny and cheesy as they were, I have to say I loved Joe's jokes, it truly had me laughing many times through the book. I also really enjoyed the dynamic the author built between Joe and Maggie, there was no unnecessary drama added, just the right amount that fit the storyline perfect.
And best of all, we got to see more of Ms. Sopie. So if you haven't read Back to Yesterday. you definitely need to read it, then need to read these.
November 4, 2014
*****5 Knock, Knock, Who's There Stars*****
I really truly enjoyed this book. I laughed, held my breath, had a few tears and laughed some more. All wonderful things that make this book so great. The characters are all great and together they are even better. It's alwAys wonderful to find a loving, sweet and romantic love story.
Waiting for the next book and totally recommend.
I really truly enjoyed this book. I laughed, held my breath, had a few tears and laughed some more. All wonderful things that make this book so great. The characters are all great and together they are even better. It's alwAys wonderful to find a loving, sweet and romantic love story.
Waiting for the next book and totally recommend.
February 18, 2015
I loved it! Maggie and Joe are the sweetest! I enjoyed the mood of this story,Pamela and Deanna succeeded to make me read all this series! So well done!
Full review to come.
******************Book Blitz*************************
Shattered was just a loving, full of love story, focusing about Maggie and Joe’s relationship.
This book was like a song, you just have to swing into the rhythm, and once you started this book, you don’t want this to end.
This book doesn’t any crazy plot, alpha or billionaires men, just endearing characters, and the built of the relationship between Maggie and Joe’s. To strangers from « friends « , then to lovers.
It was kind of refreshing, seing how they first meet, and how Joe fell for her.
They met at their best friends’ wedding, as bridesmaid and best man. Joe works in a bar, Maggie is a photographer.
He’s the charmer, she’s the quiet one. She had insecurities, he was confident.
He loved making jokes, she enjoyed his attitude. She didn’t laugh much, he was the only one to succeeded it. They both felt the spark, but Maggie with her issues tried to fight it, besides that didn’t live next to each other, and when the wedding is over, everything will be going as it used to be.
This story was very interesting not for the dual POV, but in the way their relationship was built. It wasn’t like love at first sight, maybe for Joe (the sweetest male character I had to meet in a book), but how the interaction was settling naturally, without being fake.
In each chapter, they shared their feelings, with a sensibility that particularly touched me.
Maggie was so lost and her past "relationships" with men weren’t very successful, she let her last boyfriend using her. But Joe wasn’t like that, and his attraction to her was making him confused because Maggie was so closed up and didn’t want to scare her away.
But when she had to go back to their lives, they both felt empty. Joe couldn’t stop thinking of her and Maggie was avoiding the obvious. Hopefully he didn’t give up and through patience and confidence, he kept her in his sight. He was determined to be with her, even if he had to be friend with her first.
I think that they really have a fabulous chemistry and Joe made my heart swoon so many times and his jokes with Maggie made me also grinning from ear to ear, with a big smile on my face.
Joe wasn’t only sweet but sexy and hot! His ways to tease Maggie were definitely getting a room on fire!
Don’t forget the other characters : Cooper, Lilly, Hayden, Beth, Ms Sophie (tricky woman!), Joe’s parents, Maggie’s family. I enjoyed all of them such as Maggie and Joe.
It was like they were the chorus of Maggie and Joe’s love song. Friendship and family were an important part of this book and it was very well orchestrated, settled into their story. These parts were warming, funny, full of love and life.
They may had tough times but they didn’t let their issues get over them, they fought it, like life partners without crazy stuff between them. I was relieved to read that, without crazy exes or other stuff which could make this story less special. Dont get me wrong, this book wasn’t cheesy, it just made me happy, seing Maggie finding her HEA, because she suffered from her childhood, felt rejected, making her insecure and Joe was the only one to make her feel, make her so special that we can see that she was everything to her. With Joe Maggie became tougher, in a good way, opened up to him, letting him in her life. They were sparkling!
I didn’t read the first book and I didn’t bother me. But Pamela Sparkman and Deanna Gohn gave us an amazing good story that I added all ther books to my TBR! Just a beautiful story with endearing characters, so let yourself go into this story and give a try! Maggie and Joe are the sweetest! I was kind of sad to leave them but I just had to wait for Hayden and Beth’s story and just the blurb makes me want this book right now.
Full review here : http://aalyandthebooks.canalblog.com/...
Full review to come.
******************Book Blitz*************************
Shattered was just a loving, full of love story, focusing about Maggie and Joe’s relationship.
This book was like a song, you just have to swing into the rhythm, and once you started this book, you don’t want this to end.
This book doesn’t any crazy plot, alpha or billionaires men, just endearing characters, and the built of the relationship between Maggie and Joe’s. To strangers from « friends « , then to lovers.
It was kind of refreshing, seing how they first meet, and how Joe fell for her.
They met at their best friends’ wedding, as bridesmaid and best man. Joe works in a bar, Maggie is a photographer.
He’s the charmer, she’s the quiet one. She had insecurities, he was confident.
He loved making jokes, she enjoyed his attitude. She didn’t laugh much, he was the only one to succeeded it. They both felt the spark, but Maggie with her issues tried to fight it, besides that didn’t live next to each other, and when the wedding is over, everything will be going as it used to be.
This story was very interesting not for the dual POV, but in the way their relationship was built. It wasn’t like love at first sight, maybe for Joe (the sweetest male character I had to meet in a book), but how the interaction was settling naturally, without being fake.
In each chapter, they shared their feelings, with a sensibility that particularly touched me.
Maggie was so lost and her past "relationships" with men weren’t very successful, she let her last boyfriend using her. But Joe wasn’t like that, and his attraction to her was making him confused because Maggie was so closed up and didn’t want to scare her away.
But when she had to go back to their lives, they both felt empty. Joe couldn’t stop thinking of her and Maggie was avoiding the obvious. Hopefully he didn’t give up and through patience and confidence, he kept her in his sight. He was determined to be with her, even if he had to be friend with her first.
I think that they really have a fabulous chemistry and Joe made my heart swoon so many times and his jokes with Maggie made me also grinning from ear to ear, with a big smile on my face.
Joe wasn’t only sweet but sexy and hot! His ways to tease Maggie were definitely getting a room on fire!
Don’t forget the other characters : Cooper, Lilly, Hayden, Beth, Ms Sophie (tricky woman!), Joe’s parents, Maggie’s family. I enjoyed all of them such as Maggie and Joe.
It was like they were the chorus of Maggie and Joe’s love song. Friendship and family were an important part of this book and it was very well orchestrated, settled into their story. These parts were warming, funny, full of love and life.
They may had tough times but they didn’t let their issues get over them, they fought it, like life partners without crazy stuff between them. I was relieved to read that, without crazy exes or other stuff which could make this story less special. Dont get me wrong, this book wasn’t cheesy, it just made me happy, seing Maggie finding her HEA, because she suffered from her childhood, felt rejected, making her insecure and Joe was the only one to make her feel, make her so special that we can see that she was everything to her. With Joe Maggie became tougher, in a good way, opened up to him, letting him in her life. They were sparkling!
I didn’t read the first book and I didn’t bother me. But Pamela Sparkman and Deanna Gohn gave us an amazing good story that I added all ther books to my TBR! Just a beautiful story with endearing characters, so let yourself go into this story and give a try! Maggie and Joe are the sweetest! I was kind of sad to leave them but I just had to wait for Hayden and Beth’s story and just the blurb makes me want this book right now.
Full review here : http://aalyandthebooks.canalblog.com/...
November 17, 2014
I absolutely loved Shattered! It was just the most beautifully written love story, but I wasn’t surprised because after reading Stolen Breaths (book 1 in series), I knew this book would be nothing short of amazing.
Shattered is book two in the Stolen Breaths Series. It starts right where Stolen Breaths (book 1) left off. So, Shattered follows the relationship between Joe and Maggie, and goodness, what a beautiful, heartfelt relationship it was.
“When you find someone who is willing to sacrifice his own happiness for you, you’ve found your prince. All the kisses in the world won’t make him something he isn’t from the start.” -Joe
We met Joe’s character in Stolen Breaths, he was Cooper’s best friend, and Maggie is Lilly’s best friend. From the start, both Joe and Maggie have this connection, unlike anything they’ve ever felt before. Maggie tries hard to close herself off because she’s been hurt in the past, and Joe is just Joe. With his hilarious personality, and god like features, he’s hard to resist.
“He made me feel things I wasn’t used to feeling. No one had ever left me so flustered and so enamored at the same time. I wanted more. More of him. More of anything and everything that was about him. I think I needed it too, I just never knew how much.”
Maggie and Joe’s story might be my favorite. I connected to Maggie on a personal level. The things she’d been through in her past, I found myself relating to more than I even care to admit. Maggie was scared of loving anyone because being rejected from the ones you love is the worst kind of hurt you can experience. I understood that.
“I had recently faced things that I thought I never would and I had come out on the other side, realizing that I was a lot stronger than I thought. For the first time in my adult life I was truly happy and ready to make a major change; a major move.” - Maggie
Joe on the other hand just wanted Maggie to let him in. He knew he could never hurt her, he just wanted a fair shot.
“I feel like I’m dreaming with my eyes open when I look at you.”
The way both Pamela and Deanna wrote this book was just fabulous. I connected with every word written in this book. I couldn’t stop reading it. As we all know I love a good love story. Shattered made me fall hard; this book broke me and put me back together at the same time. The emotions coursing through my body while reading this book is hard to even explain. I was laughing, crying, smiling hard. I felt every single emotion known to man while reading Shattered. Both authors have a special way of writing. I didn’t know where one stopped and the other started. It all just meshed so well together. It goes without saying this book is a 5 star read. Shattered is a beautiful love story filled with emotion, heartbreak, and love. This story will make you cry your eyes out and in the next sentence, have you smiling so hard you feel like you might burst. I realize my review hasn’t done justice to how amazing this book is, so you just have to trust me and one click it. I promise you won’t regret it. It’s that amazing!
Pamela you already have me as a forever fan, and Deanna I am now a huge fan of yours. You girls should write together more often, because the writing style was just phenomenal.
<3 JMAC
Shattered is book two in the Stolen Breaths Series. It starts right where Stolen Breaths (book 1) left off. So, Shattered follows the relationship between Joe and Maggie, and goodness, what a beautiful, heartfelt relationship it was.
“When you find someone who is willing to sacrifice his own happiness for you, you’ve found your prince. All the kisses in the world won’t make him something he isn’t from the start.” -Joe
We met Joe’s character in Stolen Breaths, he was Cooper’s best friend, and Maggie is Lilly’s best friend. From the start, both Joe and Maggie have this connection, unlike anything they’ve ever felt before. Maggie tries hard to close herself off because she’s been hurt in the past, and Joe is just Joe. With his hilarious personality, and god like features, he’s hard to resist.
“He made me feel things I wasn’t used to feeling. No one had ever left me so flustered and so enamored at the same time. I wanted more. More of him. More of anything and everything that was about him. I think I needed it too, I just never knew how much.”
Maggie and Joe’s story might be my favorite. I connected to Maggie on a personal level. The things she’d been through in her past, I found myself relating to more than I even care to admit. Maggie was scared of loving anyone because being rejected from the ones you love is the worst kind of hurt you can experience. I understood that.
“I had recently faced things that I thought I never would and I had come out on the other side, realizing that I was a lot stronger than I thought. For the first time in my adult life I was truly happy and ready to make a major change; a major move.” - Maggie
Joe on the other hand just wanted Maggie to let him in. He knew he could never hurt her, he just wanted a fair shot.
“I feel like I’m dreaming with my eyes open when I look at you.”
The way both Pamela and Deanna wrote this book was just fabulous. I connected with every word written in this book. I couldn’t stop reading it. As we all know I love a good love story. Shattered made me fall hard; this book broke me and put me back together at the same time. The emotions coursing through my body while reading this book is hard to even explain. I was laughing, crying, smiling hard. I felt every single emotion known to man while reading Shattered. Both authors have a special way of writing. I didn’t know where one stopped and the other started. It all just meshed so well together. It goes without saying this book is a 5 star read. Shattered is a beautiful love story filled with emotion, heartbreak, and love. This story will make you cry your eyes out and in the next sentence, have you smiling so hard you feel like you might burst. I realize my review hasn’t done justice to how amazing this book is, so you just have to trust me and one click it. I promise you won’t regret it. It’s that amazing!
Pamela you already have me as a forever fan, and Deanna I am now a huge fan of yours. You girls should write together more often, because the writing style was just phenomenal.
<3 JMAC
March 4, 2015
Pamela Sparkman and Deanna Gohn have given us another beautiful story of love, strength and the power to keep living. We met Joe and Maggie in the first book Stolen Breaths. Joe was Cooper’s best friend and Maggie was Lily’s best friend and roommate. Maggie met Joe when she came for the wedding and the ties were formed between these two quickly.
Maggie knew what rejection was, her mom just left the family with no explanation when Maggie was young. Her dad began to drink and gave up on life and his kids. Her brother left as soon as he could so Maggie grew up feeling invisible and unloved. The men she dated never treated her with respect; they didn’t come around unless they needed something from her. It wasn’t until Joe showed her of her value that she began to think she deserved better, that maybe she even wanted better for herself. Joe was able to break her walls, without shattering her soul with his quick wit, stupid jokes and his undying respect and care for Maggie.
Joe knew what being loved was like. He didn’t have to deal with the rejection Maggie had felt, but he still feared being rejected by the one woman who made him feel alive. With the long distance between them he had to rely on getting to know her through phone conversations and his gut instinct. With the help of Ms. Sophie once again, he was able to get her in his home for Christmas, where the comedy began and the love started to grow out of control. No longer too afraid to tell her how he feels he opens the door and to his surprise she walks through it towards his love.
I loved the humor in this book. Joe and Maggie would go at each other with sarcasm and jokes making me break out in laughter at those two. Once again the characters are so well developed I didn’t even care about his good looks or her rich red hair. What I saw was a man who loved life; he loved the simple things, he wasn’t afraid to be a bit out there from having musicals on his iPod to a hanging penis Christmas ornament for his tree. He knows his Disney stories due to his nieces and he takes the time to make a little boy in the park feel like the most important person in the world. He won my heart because he was a good man not because of how he looked.
Maggie had me as a fan the moment she showed me her willingness to give love a chance, to know that the walls she created must be torn down. I absolutely love that none of the characters run or play victim in this series. The level of maturity in this series is a missing quality in books these days. She was compassionate and saw the real Joe behind the jokes and confidence he displayed. She was the lucky one to win his heart and she knew what a gift that was. She cared about others, she cared about love and most of all she learned to care about herself and forgive the past.
I can’t get enough of these stories from the Stolen Breaths series; both have been so beautifully written with characters that any reader can relate to. There are pure, wholesome messages and plots where you walk away feeling better about life and the world. What I love most about these two books is they give the reader a sense of home, comfort, acceptance and hope. Those qualities are hard to find in books these days but these two authors have managed to find a way give the readers this precious gift.
Maggie knew what rejection was, her mom just left the family with no explanation when Maggie was young. Her dad began to drink and gave up on life and his kids. Her brother left as soon as he could so Maggie grew up feeling invisible and unloved. The men she dated never treated her with respect; they didn’t come around unless they needed something from her. It wasn’t until Joe showed her of her value that she began to think she deserved better, that maybe she even wanted better for herself. Joe was able to break her walls, without shattering her soul with his quick wit, stupid jokes and his undying respect and care for Maggie.
Joe knew what being loved was like. He didn’t have to deal with the rejection Maggie had felt, but he still feared being rejected by the one woman who made him feel alive. With the long distance between them he had to rely on getting to know her through phone conversations and his gut instinct. With the help of Ms. Sophie once again, he was able to get her in his home for Christmas, where the comedy began and the love started to grow out of control. No longer too afraid to tell her how he feels he opens the door and to his surprise she walks through it towards his love.
I loved the humor in this book. Joe and Maggie would go at each other with sarcasm and jokes making me break out in laughter at those two. Once again the characters are so well developed I didn’t even care about his good looks or her rich red hair. What I saw was a man who loved life; he loved the simple things, he wasn’t afraid to be a bit out there from having musicals on his iPod to a hanging penis Christmas ornament for his tree. He knows his Disney stories due to his nieces and he takes the time to make a little boy in the park feel like the most important person in the world. He won my heart because he was a good man not because of how he looked.
Maggie had me as a fan the moment she showed me her willingness to give love a chance, to know that the walls she created must be torn down. I absolutely love that none of the characters run or play victim in this series. The level of maturity in this series is a missing quality in books these days. She was compassionate and saw the real Joe behind the jokes and confidence he displayed. She was the lucky one to win his heart and she knew what a gift that was. She cared about others, she cared about love and most of all she learned to care about herself and forgive the past.
I can’t get enough of these stories from the Stolen Breaths series; both have been so beautifully written with characters that any reader can relate to. There are pure, wholesome messages and plots where you walk away feeling better about life and the world. What I love most about these two books is they give the reader a sense of home, comfort, acceptance and hope. Those qualities are hard to find in books these days but these two authors have managed to find a way give the readers this precious gift.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews