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Fragmented
Residing in the attics of our brains one finds an assortment of personal baggage, photo albums spilling with childhood memories, and family skeletons. Harper Dawkins has locked and sealed the door to her personal attic by moving out of state to attend college and dropping all contact with former friends and family. She’s even changed her accent. Be normal. Fit in. Blend into the it’s all she’s ever wanted. But Harper’s about to discover that while you may be able to divorce yourself from your past, you can’t run away from yourself.
In this psychological, romantic thriller from Eliza Lentzski, Fragmented blends high tension with the pursuit of an unlikely romance.
In this psychological, romantic thriller from Eliza Lentzski, Fragmented blends high tension with the pursuit of an unlikely romance.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 25, 2015
41 people are currently reading
214 people want to read
About the author
Eliza Lentzski
29 books846 followersEliza Lentzski is the best-selling author of sapphic fiction, romance, and erotica including the Winter Jacket and Don’t Call Me Hero series. A historian by day, Eliza is passionate about telling the stories of marginalized communities.
Born and raised in the upper Midwest—a landscape that often shapes her novels—Eliza now lives in Boston with her wife and their cat, Charley.
Born and raised in the upper Midwest—a landscape that often shapes her novels—Eliza now lives in Boston with her wife and their cat, Charley.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
January 16, 2019
For thriller fans out there, before you click read for free or purchase... the thriller element is the size of a flea. The romance however, it's good.
Ms.Lentzski has an unique talent, I always have some minor issues with her leads but their love interests are off the charts hearts' collectors. What makes this love interest extra special? She's a
paraplegic - outgoing, smart, independent, loves sex and the confident one in the relationship.
The storyline is okay, it's about the daily life of a college student who's family suffers from mental illness and she's afraid that she'll be getting it too. No earthquakes, no sparks, no Godzilla just some feel good romance and only ONE scary scene that happens at an ungodly hour and I read it at about the same time.
If you're looking for someone fictional to steal your heart, do check out Ms.Lentzski's work.
Ms.Lentzski has an unique talent, I always have some minor issues with her leads but their love interests are off the charts hearts' collectors. What makes this love interest extra special? She's a
paraplegic - outgoing, smart, independent, loves sex and the confident one in the relationship.
The storyline is okay, it's about the daily life of a college student who's family suffers from mental illness and she's afraid that she'll be getting it too. No earthquakes, no sparks, no Godzilla just some feel good romance and only ONE scary scene that happens at an ungodly hour and I read it at about the same time.
If you're looking for someone fictional to steal your heart, do check out Ms.Lentzski's work.
June 1, 2019
"...I would stare at myself for a few solid minutes to see if anything had changed from the day before as if I could visibly see the first signs of my hereditary madness creeping in. It was like assembling my battle armour before I stepped outside my apartment each day."
I actually quite enjoyed this book, my first by Ms. Lentzski. I always appreciate when authors write about mental health, and really empathized with Harper's fear of acquiring schizophrenia, a disease that has been passed down through the women in her family. The book had somewhat of an intense edge at times, making one wonder if Harper was facing reality or sinking into delusions
There were some parts of the story lines left too loose for my liking, and it could have been longer. There wasn't much of a thriller aspect, and some parts were rather weak. I did like that not only was mental health a main issue, but that one of the MCs was a paraplegic, who was actually quite the firecracker. The intimacy was fun and pretty steamy. Overall a good 3.75/5, and I look forward to checking out more by this author.
I actually quite enjoyed this book, my first by Ms. Lentzski. I always appreciate when authors write about mental health, and really empathized with Harper's fear of acquiring schizophrenia, a disease that has been passed down through the women in her family. The book had somewhat of an intense edge at times, making one wonder if Harper was facing reality or sinking into delusions
There were some parts of the story lines left too loose for my liking, and it could have been longer. There wasn't much of a thriller aspect, and some parts were rather weak. I did like that not only was mental health a main issue, but that one of the MCs was a paraplegic, who was actually quite the firecracker. The intimacy was fun and pretty steamy. Overall a good 3.75/5, and I look forward to checking out more by this author.
November 9, 2015
Good writing, great characters and an interesting plot.
June 16, 2022
Really difficult to review: good story, well written but brickwall ending times 2! What.... She gives us alternative endings. Weird. Lost two stars because of that.
February 18, 2015
Aaaaand: rant mode, activated.
I expected a lot more from a book by Lentzski.
To give you an idea of my experience with Fragmented, here's a comparison that I think sums it up quite well: you're in one of your favorite restaurants, and there's this new dish on the menu you can't wait to taste. Because really, the description alone makes your taste buds tingle. You order it, and when it arrives at your table, damn, it looks delicious. The way it calls you from the plate, and the way it smells. But when you start eating it you know something is off. It doesn't taste bad, far from it. The main ingredients are all there and it's pleasant, but there's something missing. Salt? Pepper, maybe? Or maybe there's too much stuff on your plate and the taste gets lost in it? You finish it because, well, it still tastes better than most meals you get at other restaurants, but you're so hungry you lick everything off the plate because you know you're not satisfied and you want more more more. In the end you're frustrated, because this is a gastronomic restaurant and you paid quite a lot for this meal, so you go home without leaving a tip.
Okay, basically that's it. But more concretely, Fragmented is a mix of thriller and romance and both parts are far from satisfying. The plot is interesting and exciting, the characters are too (Harper is afraid to have her mother's mental illness and Raleigh is paraplegic), it was a recipe for success. But the mystery part is a bit amateurish, and the romance part is just a bit dull.
Without revealing too much, I'll say that the reader does get very surprised throughout the story, and that's always a good thing in mysteries. But the ending was so rushed I was like "What? Really, this is it?".
As for the romance, I didn't like the characters as much as I thought I was going to, or as much as the other reviewers did. Raleigh is sweet but apart from being in a wheelchair, I have to agree with her on the fact that she is quite ordinary. Harper is my favorite of the two, because I love vulnerable characters, but damn, she's a tough nut to crack, and it's clear from the very beginning. This is something her friends and girlfriends complain about. And the thing is, the story is written in 1st person (Harper) but the reader really doesn't know much more that Harper's friends. Even in her narration, Harper is very mysterious, very subtle, very private. I'm sure it was done on purpose by the writer and that's actually a testament to her incredible writing, but it also means that it was impossible for me to feel close to her. I felt betrayed and frustrated, just like Harper's friends. I felt like I deserved to know more, that I deserved at least some intimacy! Nothing.
It didn't help that the love story wasn't that romantic, and it's partly because of that. I mean, it was okay, there was a veeery slow build up, some chemistry, but no overwhelming feelings. And to me that's pretty much all that matters in romance. The feeling that it's inevitable, that you couldn't be more safe in the other's arms but at same time the feeling that you're on the edge of a cliff. This is not that kind of "love". Actually the term is not even used in the book, I believe.
My favorite part of the book was the hot sex scenes. I know, how shallow of me, huh? but they're the only scenes that really made me feel things. Because Raleigh's condition didn't touch me much, nor did Harper's background story.
There were a lot of unresolved issues by the end of the story, and I believe it deserves a sequel. Or it should have been a lot longer. Or if Eliza was tired of her own story, she should have finished it off with an epilogue, at least.
In any case, Lentzski's writing is good. More than good. But in this book, it lacks passion. The emotions don't translate as much as in her other stories. If I hadn't known I would have assumed this is one of her first novels.
I expected a lot more from a book by Lentzski.
To give you an idea of my experience with Fragmented, here's a comparison that I think sums it up quite well: you're in one of your favorite restaurants, and there's this new dish on the menu you can't wait to taste. Because really, the description alone makes your taste buds tingle. You order it, and when it arrives at your table, damn, it looks delicious. The way it calls you from the plate, and the way it smells. But when you start eating it you know something is off. It doesn't taste bad, far from it. The main ingredients are all there and it's pleasant, but there's something missing. Salt? Pepper, maybe? Or maybe there's too much stuff on your plate and the taste gets lost in it? You finish it because, well, it still tastes better than most meals you get at other restaurants, but you're so hungry you lick everything off the plate because you know you're not satisfied and you want more more more. In the end you're frustrated, because this is a gastronomic restaurant and you paid quite a lot for this meal, so you go home without leaving a tip.
Okay, basically that's it. But more concretely, Fragmented is a mix of thriller and romance and both parts are far from satisfying. The plot is interesting and exciting, the characters are too (Harper is afraid to have her mother's mental illness and Raleigh is paraplegic), it was a recipe for success. But the mystery part is a bit amateurish, and the romance part is just a bit dull.
Without revealing too much, I'll say that the reader does get very surprised throughout the story, and that's always a good thing in mysteries. But the ending was so rushed I was like "What? Really, this is it?".
As for the romance, I didn't like the characters as much as I thought I was going to, or as much as the other reviewers did. Raleigh is sweet but apart from being in a wheelchair, I have to agree with her on the fact that she is quite ordinary. Harper is my favorite of the two, because I love vulnerable characters, but damn, she's a tough nut to crack, and it's clear from the very beginning. This is something her friends and girlfriends complain about. And the thing is, the story is written in 1st person (Harper) but the reader really doesn't know much more that Harper's friends. Even in her narration, Harper is very mysterious, very subtle, very private. I'm sure it was done on purpose by the writer and that's actually a testament to her incredible writing, but it also means that it was impossible for me to feel close to her. I felt betrayed and frustrated, just like Harper's friends. I felt like I deserved to know more, that I deserved at least some intimacy! Nothing.
It didn't help that the love story wasn't that romantic, and it's partly because of that. I mean, it was okay, there was a veeery slow build up, some chemistry, but no overwhelming feelings. And to me that's pretty much all that matters in romance. The feeling that it's inevitable, that you couldn't be more safe in the other's arms but at same time the feeling that you're on the edge of a cliff. This is not that kind of "love". Actually the term is not even used in the book, I believe.
My favorite part of the book was the hot sex scenes. I know, how shallow of me, huh? but they're the only scenes that really made me feel things. Because Raleigh's condition didn't touch me much, nor did Harper's background story.
There were a lot of unresolved issues by the end of the story, and I believe it deserves a sequel. Or it should have been a lot longer. Or if Eliza was tired of her own story, she should have finished it off with an epilogue, at least.
In any case, Lentzski's writing is good. More than good. But in this book, it lacks passion. The emotions don't translate as much as in her other stories. If I hadn't known I would have assumed this is one of her first novels.
October 28, 2023
Great read! 3.75
June 8, 2025
3.5 Stars
It was hard to find my equilibrium with this story. It took me a while to grasp the lay of the story where usually I knew where I stood as the story evolved.
The characters were very well written, the plot was interesting and the romance between the characters was convincing. Slow and steady and very hot.
It’s a different kind of story from Eliza Lentzski but I like it.
It was hard to find my equilibrium with this story. It took me a while to grasp the lay of the story where usually I knew where I stood as the story evolved.
The characters were very well written, the plot was interesting and the romance between the characters was convincing. Slow and steady and very hot.
It’s a different kind of story from Eliza Lentzski but I like it.
February 8, 2015
Another fantastic book from Eliza Lentzski. The flavor of this book is also very different from her other books, it's psychological suspense laced with romance. The synopsis of the book didn't give away much of the plot so throughout the book I was constantly wondering what is going to happen.
The story is written in Harper's voice, and intertwined with her thoughts. The writing flow seamlessly, leaving you thinking whether it is part of the plot, the reality or is Harper truly following her mom's footstep.
I also find the relationship between Harper and Raleigh very sweet and endearing, and I love Raleigh's innate calmness and strength. I'm not going to spoil any of the plot, but I think most readers will appreciate the beauty of the relationship between this pair.
A word of advise - do not attempt to jump the sequence reading this book, it will potentially kill the suspense!
The story is written in Harper's voice, and intertwined with her thoughts. The writing flow seamlessly, leaving you thinking whether it is part of the plot, the reality or is Harper truly following her mom's footstep.
I also find the relationship between Harper and Raleigh very sweet and endearing, and I love Raleigh's innate calmness and strength. I'm not going to spoil any of the plot, but I think most readers will appreciate the beauty of the relationship between this pair.
A word of advise - do not attempt to jump the sequence reading this book, it will potentially kill the suspense!
June 16, 2018
Ruby?
I’ve not read a book Eliza has written, I haven’t liked! This would have probably gotten 5 if I hadn’t read the alternate ending. That just left a huge cliffhanger and no update which is a bummer because I really like these two!
I’ve not read a book Eliza has written, I haven’t liked! This would have probably gotten 5 if I hadn’t read the alternate ending. That just left a huge cliffhanger and no update which is a bummer because I really like these two!
June 24, 2021
I have recently discovered this author and am currently working my way through the Don't Call Me Hero books, but took a break to read this standalone. Two interesting and damaged main characters, a psychological element and great writing made this a book I didn't want to put down.
November 27, 2023
this left me feeling underwhelmed and i also didn’t like the fact that there was an alternate ending i don’t think this book needed that at all
July 21, 2015
This was a good read. I can honestly say that I got scared as I read Harpers' thoughts on whats happening around her in the beginning. Her worries were really well written. In fact, the turn of events were very well written. I could never guessed what would happen next to Harper.
Would have given 5 stars but I thought Raleigh was a tad too perfect given the fact that she had her own problems, how could she have kept that good attitude ? I don't know.
Would have given 5 stars but I thought Raleigh was a tad too perfect given the fact that she had her own problems, how could she have kept that good attitude ? I don't know.
October 8, 2021
Plot: The book start just before a new semester at college. Harper is going to be busy with school work and babysitting and knows her relationship with her current girlfriend Jenn will suffer. Not long into the school year Jenn dumps Harper but Harper doesn’t really care because she is already interested in Raleigh, a wheelchair bound girl.
They flirt more and more before finally admitting their attraction. Harper runs away and later explains that schizophrenia runs in the female side of her family. She is worried that she is going to go crazy and doesn’t want to drag Raleigh into it. Raleigh convinces her to start dating.
Throughout the book Harper gets stalked and harassed. She is worried she is being paranoid and is starting to go crazy. She later finds out that her stalker and the person harassing her are two different people motivated by two different things.
When she confronts her harasser they attack her. She ends up hospitalized but safe and happy to know that she isn’t going crazy. She is ends the book happily devoted to Raleigh.
In an alternate ending Harper receives a new threatening text after both the stalker and the harasser have been caught. I have my theories about who is behind the continued threats but either way I choose to believe that Harper will not go crazy and that she and Raleigh will live HEA.
Characterization: Harper is a pathological liar. She is ashamed of her past and what it might mean for her future so she lies about a bunch of small things constantly to hide her true self. Throughout the book she learns to trust Raleigh in order to build a healthy relationship.
Raleigh is a strong person. She admits to being shitty in her past but has evolved into a strong character.
Writing: This was written in first person perspective from Harper’s POV. I noticed a typo in the book. The author also broke my personal rule of using the word “impossibly” to describe completely possible situations.
They flirt more and more before finally admitting their attraction. Harper runs away and later explains that schizophrenia runs in the female side of her family. She is worried that she is going to go crazy and doesn’t want to drag Raleigh into it. Raleigh convinces her to start dating.
Throughout the book Harper gets stalked and harassed. She is worried she is being paranoid and is starting to go crazy. She later finds out that her stalker and the person harassing her are two different people motivated by two different things.
When she confronts her harasser they attack her. She ends up hospitalized but safe and happy to know that she isn’t going crazy. She is ends the book happily devoted to Raleigh.
In an alternate ending Harper receives a new threatening text after both the stalker and the harasser have been caught. I have my theories about who is behind the continued threats but either way I choose to believe that Harper will not go crazy and that she and Raleigh will live HEA.
Characterization: Harper is a pathological liar. She is ashamed of her past and what it might mean for her future so she lies about a bunch of small things constantly to hide her true self. Throughout the book she learns to trust Raleigh in order to build a healthy relationship.
Raleigh is a strong person. She admits to being shitty in her past but has evolved into a strong character.
Writing: This was written in first person perspective from Harper’s POV. I noticed a typo in the book. The author also broke my personal rule of using the word “impossibly” to describe completely possible situations.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2023
What A Interesting and Adventurous Read!
I have become a big fan of Eliza Lentzski and decided to read some of her older work. This book was something. Mental illness and all that encompasses it can be scary and heartbreaking. The way the story was told and where it was leading had a lot of different roads which kept it exciting. Harper has lived that nightmare and yet she was still lovable and vulnerable. But when Harper meets Raleigh, things start to change around her and now she is wondering if maybe her mothers disease has caught up with her. Well written and I loved the alternate endings. I still preferred the original one. What a great job.
I have become a big fan of Eliza Lentzski and decided to read some of her older work. This book was something. Mental illness and all that encompasses it can be scary and heartbreaking. The way the story was told and where it was leading had a lot of different roads which kept it exciting. Harper has lived that nightmare and yet she was still lovable and vulnerable. But when Harper meets Raleigh, things start to change around her and now she is wondering if maybe her mothers disease has caught up with her. Well written and I loved the alternate endings. I still preferred the original one. What a great job.
October 29, 2024
I loved this book so much, Eliza has become a go to author for me and this appealed to me for a few reasons. Once again a different type of story that was very well done with a mystery element to add a bit of spice to the romance, the other factor for me is the record store in Memphis. I'm a huge vinyl junkie and I wanted to visit that store and spend a weekend diggin' crates, as a collector of rare soul records Memphis and Chicago are Mecca to me. I even enjoyed the idea of the alternate ending's; I saw a bit of devilment in Eliza doing that and it amused me.
October 6, 2024
Terror and Mental Illness
Harper had lots of secrets and guarded them well. When she meets Raleigh she is drawn to her. Raleigh was paralysed in an automobile accident and doing therapy while finishing college. Then Harper begins to get mysterious texts and a stalker appears. Is she finally giving in to the schizophrenia that has plagued the women in her family? A thriller and sapphic drama. Love the author.
Harper had lots of secrets and guarded them well. When she meets Raleigh she is drawn to her. Raleigh was paralysed in an automobile accident and doing therapy while finishing college. Then Harper begins to get mysterious texts and a stalker appears. Is she finally giving in to the schizophrenia that has plagued the women in her family? A thriller and sapphic drama. Love the author.
October 13, 2019
A suspenseful search for discerning reality & discovering love
This is an emotional & entertaining story with characters that are so authentic they truly become like real people that live in your world. Its sensitive approach & believably executed plot draws you in so subtle & effortless without you even realizing how committed you are.
This is an emotional & entertaining story with characters that are so authentic they truly become like real people that live in your world. Its sensitive approach & believably executed plot draws you in so subtle & effortless without you even realizing how committed you are.
October 5, 2017
A good read
A solid mystery/romance. I quite enjoy the books written by this author. Though one question was left unanswered in the end, it ties up nicely.
A solid mystery/romance. I quite enjoy the books written by this author. Though one question was left unanswered in the end, it ties up nicely.
November 4, 2017
Like all her previous works, it’s hard to put it down once you started reading.
August 21, 2018
Pretty good read. I liked the characters and the storyline kept me entertained.
September 27, 2019
This was an interesting story and one that needs a sequel. I did not care for the offered
alternative ending.
alternative ending.
July 4, 2021
Entertaining story
This was an entertaining book. It really was hard to put the book down. With all the twists and turns, I wanted to know what happened next!
This was an entertaining book. It really was hard to put the book down. With all the twists and turns, I wanted to know what happened next!
February 8, 2022
twisted romance
You won’t believe the plot of this thriller
Spicy romance intertwined with psychological mystery
Hits all the buttons for a great read
You won’t believe the plot of this thriller
Spicy romance intertwined with psychological mystery
Hits all the buttons for a great read
May 11, 2022
3.75 Stars
May 30, 2022
Very good reading, very interesting plot
March 20, 2025
I love how this books explores the vulnerability in a relationship and how your past and family dynamics can impact a relationship as well.
Good read.
Good read.
February 21, 2017
Not one of her best.
I have read many of this authors books, the Winter Jacket series more than once. I am not sure what this book was trying to achieve, it didn't work for me as a thriller, and it was so so as a romance. I usually really enjoy reading her books, but this one didn't do it for me.
I have read many of this authors books, the Winter Jacket series more than once. I am not sure what this book was trying to achieve, it didn't work for me as a thriller, and it was so so as a romance. I usually really enjoy reading her books, but this one didn't do it for me.
February 10, 2015
I have now read all Eliza's books and this is different from Don't Call Me Hero. This is a love story with a psychological twist.
Both characters, Raleigh and Harper, are both damaged goods in their own way. Raleigh may be damaged but she is very confident and on the outside very sure of herself. This is a very thought provoking book and has a lot of what if's. One of them being what would happen if this happend to me. This book is the closest book I could relate to and I loved it.
This book is full of love, life and tears and you are getting more than just a straight forward love story. With this author you get a book where all the characters have a well structured story line. Just remember that everything is not always as it seems
Both characters, Raleigh and Harper, are both damaged goods in their own way. Raleigh may be damaged but she is very confident and on the outside very sure of herself. This is a very thought provoking book and has a lot of what if's. One of them being what would happen if this happend to me. This book is the closest book I could relate to and I loved it.
This book is full of love, life and tears and you are getting more than just a straight forward love story. With this author you get a book where all the characters have a well structured story line. Just remember that everything is not always as it seems
February 19, 2015
I keep vacillating on how to rate this book. On one hand, I enjoyed the characters and the romantic aspect of the book. Harper and Raleigh together were a joy to read and I loved the dynamic of their relationship.
On the other hand, the rest of the plot seemed very thrown together and needed more direction. It seemed to come all at once and from all over the place. I think the ending left some loose ends and didn't really tie everything up the way it should have.
So, for me, I'm tied between 2-3 stars. Because overall the book was just "okay" to me, not great. But it wasn't horrible either.
On the other hand, the rest of the plot seemed very thrown together and needed more direction. It seemed to come all at once and from all over the place. I think the ending left some loose ends and didn't really tie everything up the way it should have.
So, for me, I'm tied between 2-3 stars. Because overall the book was just "okay" to me, not great. But it wasn't horrible either.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews