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Lost in Oblivion #4
Shattered
Book 4 in the NEW ADULT rockstar series, LOST IN OBLIVION
He’s shattered…and she’s the only woman who can help him pick up the pieces.
Nick Crandall has everything he ever thought he wanted. Tons of money, a glamorous lifestyle, professional admiration for making music. But all his success doesn’t erase the memories of who and what he’s lost on the road to fame and fortune. Nor does it stop his dream from shattering, right before his eyes.
Until the person he least expects pulls him back from the brink.
Lila Shawcross is obsessed with her work, which includes managing the drama-prone members of Oblivion. She’s definitely not about to let a hot-headed, hard-bodied lead guitarist wreck her orderly existence or dilute her focus. So what if she’s never craved a man quite this much? There are just too many complications, including the gold band on her left hand.
Except Nick is determined to possess her…and what Nick wants, Nick gets. Because this time, he’s not walking away.
He’s shattered…and she’s the only woman who can help him pick up the pieces.
Nick Crandall has everything he ever thought he wanted. Tons of money, a glamorous lifestyle, professional admiration for making music. But all his success doesn’t erase the memories of who and what he’s lost on the road to fame and fortune. Nor does it stop his dream from shattering, right before his eyes.
Until the person he least expects pulls him back from the brink.
Lila Shawcross is obsessed with her work, which includes managing the drama-prone members of Oblivion. She’s definitely not about to let a hot-headed, hard-bodied lead guitarist wreck her orderly existence or dilute her focus. So what if she’s never craved a man quite this much? There are just too many complications, including the gold band on her left hand.
Except Nick is determined to possess her…and what Nick wants, Nick gets. Because this time, he’s not walking away.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 3, 2015
310 people are currently reading
1267 people want to read
About the author
Cari Quinn
124 books2,153 followersUSA Today bestselling author Cari Quinn grew up wanting to be a singer more than anything else. When she realized she probably wouldn’t be hired as the opening act for the Foo Fighters, she stopped singing and started writing. Now she happily writes about rock stars, MMA fighters, suited heroes, bodyguards and everything in between. And she blasts her music as loud as the neighbors can stand, because hey, she’ll always be a rock star in her own head.
She's also half of the duo Cari Quinn & Taryn Elliott, as well as one half of the USA Today bestselling author Taryn Quinn, who writes steamy small town romantic comedies (among other things.)
Visit Cari at www.quinnandelliott.com to sign up for her newsletter and visit the Word Wenches on Facebook, her fun, sexy reader group with Taryn Elliott! https://www.facebook.com/groups/34642...
She's also half of the duo Cari Quinn & Taryn Elliott, as well as one half of the USA Today bestselling author Taryn Quinn, who writes steamy small town romantic comedies (among other things.)
Visit Cari at www.quinnandelliott.com to sign up for her newsletter and visit the Word Wenches on Facebook, her fun, sexy reader group with Taryn Elliott! https://www.facebook.com/groups/34642...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
November 14, 2015
I have been a fan of the Lost in Oblivion Series from the very beginning. It’s since become one of my favorite rockstar romance series.
Shattered is the #4 book (there are a few novellas in between) in the series by Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott. And at last…..Nick and Lila’s story.
Nick Candrall, one of the band’s founders, lead guitarist and a bit of a jerk at times but I saw glimpses that there was more to this guy that what he projected….and now we get to understand the reason he hides himself from people, even those he loves and cares for.
He’s an interesting character, strutting around and pretending he cares for or about anything or anyone. His struggle to rise up from a very dysfunctional family and unhappy childhood had its ups and downs but he’s finally achieved his dream of being part of a successful and famous band. But the fame, money, women, drink and drugs have not brought happiness and love into his life. The only thing that has always helped him was the music.
Lila Shawcross has been with the band from the very beginning as their manager. Labeled as the “Dragon Lady” by the bandmembers, she has been the one keeping them in line, the person who manages their lives.
I have loved this character from page 1 of book 1!! Dressed in fitted suits, never a hair out of place and always with her IPad at her breast…….she’s a dynamo, takes no crap from the guys and she always has the final say. Through time, she has built a strong relationship with the bandmembers and become a good friend to the women in their lives.
Trapped into a loveless marriage, she’s focused on her career and becoming financially independent to be able to help her parents. Nothing will stand in her way to reaching her goal, not even the man she has always felt an attraction for.
On the surface, Nick and Lila seem to be the most unlikely people meant for each other.
They begin opening up to each other, showing their true feelings and vulnerabilities. Nick is determined to show Lila that they are meant to be with each other. She’s the one for him. The one woman he has been waiting for all his life.
I loved finally knowing the real Nick. The pain he carries inside for his dying father and sister, how caring and loving he actually is.
I really liked these two – in fact, I rather thought they were “perfect” together. Watching the prim and proper Dragon Lady coming out of her organized and so together shell!
The scenes with the band in concert takes you into another zone…you feel the excitement of the crowds, smell the sweat, hear the riffs, sense the energy……that’s how vividly the descriptions are. And getting together with the characters I have come to know and like….Jazz and Gray with their baby boy, Deacon and Harper with their little girl, Margo and Simon and his sideline career as a hot model!!!!
The dialogue and banter is funny, quirky and fabulous.
One of my fav scenes was Jazz asking Nick to hold her baby whilst she did whatever she does…..and giving it to Lila and watching her holding the baby……..sweet and so lovely.
Loved this book……HOWEVER………..I want to state right now that I was totally “pissed off” when I reached the last page………What, a cliffhanger!!!!! No!! I hate these things!!! I want the whole story in one go!!!! And now….I have to wait until 2016 for the second part of Nick and Lila’s love journey!!
It’s really unfair…so not on!!!
Anyway, if you love rockstars and their world….read this series!!! It’s a really good one!!!
Ending off with one of the quotes I liked:
My Reviews on the Series:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Shattered is the #4 book (there are a few novellas in between) in the series by Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott. And at last…..Nick and Lila’s story.
Nick Candrall, one of the band’s founders, lead guitarist and a bit of a jerk at times but I saw glimpses that there was more to this guy that what he projected….and now we get to understand the reason he hides himself from people, even those he loves and cares for.
He’s an interesting character, strutting around and pretending he cares for or about anything or anyone. His struggle to rise up from a very dysfunctional family and unhappy childhood had its ups and downs but he’s finally achieved his dream of being part of a successful and famous band. But the fame, money, women, drink and drugs have not brought happiness and love into his life. The only thing that has always helped him was the music.
Lila Shawcross has been with the band from the very beginning as their manager. Labeled as the “Dragon Lady” by the bandmembers, she has been the one keeping them in line, the person who manages their lives.
I have loved this character from page 1 of book 1!! Dressed in fitted suits, never a hair out of place and always with her IPad at her breast…….she’s a dynamo, takes no crap from the guys and she always has the final say. Through time, she has built a strong relationship with the bandmembers and become a good friend to the women in their lives.
Trapped into a loveless marriage, she’s focused on her career and becoming financially independent to be able to help her parents. Nothing will stand in her way to reaching her goal, not even the man she has always felt an attraction for.
On the surface, Nick and Lila seem to be the most unlikely people meant for each other.
Giving in to an explosive night of passion, they realize that there’s something deeper than just a sexual attraction.
They begin opening up to each other, showing their true feelings and vulnerabilities. Nick is determined to show Lila that they are meant to be with each other. She’s the one for him. The one woman he has been waiting for all his life.
I loved finally knowing the real Nick. The pain he carries inside for his dying father and sister, how caring and loving he actually is.
I really liked these two – in fact, I rather thought they were “perfect” together. Watching the prim and proper Dragon Lady coming out of her organized and so together shell!
And when the hotness for each other reaches a peak!!!! Wow, steamy, fun, wild and totally “sizzlingly” fiery. So more than ridiculously sexy!!!
The scenes with the band in concert takes you into another zone…you feel the excitement of the crowds, smell the sweat, hear the riffs, sense the energy……that’s how vividly the descriptions are. And getting together with the characters I have come to know and like….Jazz and Gray with their baby boy, Deacon and Harper with their little girl, Margo and Simon and his sideline career as a hot model!!!!
The dialogue and banter is funny, quirky and fabulous.
One of my fav scenes was Jazz asking Nick to hold her baby whilst she did whatever she does…..and giving it to Lila and watching her holding the baby……..sweet and so lovely.
Loved this book……HOWEVER………..I want to state right now that I was totally “pissed off” when I reached the last page………What, a cliffhanger!!!!! No!! I hate these things!!! I want the whole story in one go!!!! And now….I have to wait until 2016 for the second part of Nick and Lila’s love journey!!
It’s really unfair…so not on!!!
Anyway, if you love rockstars and their world….read this series!!! It’s a really good one!!!
Ending off with one of the quotes I liked:
My Reviews on the Series:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
August 28, 2016
I always sensed the tension between these two but I didn't quite know how they'd manage to finally get together. Although I'm not all that happy about Lila's situation when they do join, I'm glad these two are able to find their happy among all the drama going on around them. I am still very confused about what's going on with Simon. Not sure where that drama is spiking from as it seems unrelated to the problems he was having before. I'm sure it'll get sorted soon. I liked getting an update on the previous couples. The sexy times were great as always. The plot didn't feel as strong as others, but still good. Safety: Although there are no OW/OM for either, No rape or abuse.
November 8, 2015
Love will be denied no more. A story about self-discovery, full of sexy love and rock and roll.
Nick Crandall has come a long way from being the kid that played in dive bars and scrapping for change. Together with his band Oblivion he’s achieved the fame and fortune he always thought would fill in the holes in his life. There have been several bumps along that road, some more painfully tragic than others.
With their lead singer out on medical leave, they’re still struggling to fully cement themselves in an industry with a low attention span. But they’ve put themselves in the capable hands of Lila Shawcross, their work obsessed manager. A pair of hands Nick desperately wants on him. Can he convince her to give him a chance?
Lila is utterly focused and knows exactly what she wants: to succeed at her job and be free of her loveless marriage. The first is to help her family. Knowing she deserved better, the second is for herself. She can’t afford to waver from her path, not even for the impulsive, snarky, sexy man that’s argued with her on everything since the day they met and who’s gotten under her skin. No matter how determined he is.
I have read and appreciated Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliot’s individual work, but together this dynamic duo is incredible and made me a Lost to Oblivion fan right from the very beginning with their mesmerizing and engaging writing, and captivating characters and stories.
With Nick’s default mode set to a-hole, I can’t say I have been his biggest fan. But I had seen glimpses of a good guy, and enjoyed his banter and camaraderie with the band. I really wanted to get to know what would come of the animosity between him and Lila and confirm that his jerkish behavior was mostly a façade. Shattered gave me all that and more.
After circling around each other, Nick and Lila explode in fiery hotness which became even steamier because Lila’s inexperience made Nick’s alpha maleness come out. At the same time I loved that Nick allowed his vulnerability to show in front of Lila and that it was precisely this that made her fall for him.
They were perfect for each other and together they should have been “bulletproof” while navigating through the choppy life of a rock star with the added complication of Lila being their manager and going through a difficult divorce from to the band’s label owner. But the book ends with a cliffhanger leaving fans like me clamoring for Fused’s release in February 2016.
Finally, you can’t have a rock band series without a band. I loved catching up with Jazz, Gray, Simon, Margo, Deacon and Harper. It’s great how they’ve all formed a big family with girls rallying behind Lila and the guys ribbing Nick.
Shattered is novel 4 in the Lost in Oblivion series by Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott. This is Nick and Lila's story. Can be read as a standalone and then you can go back to read the rest, but it would benefit to read them in order. Told from both points of view, filled with incredible hot sexy times. It ends with a cliffhanger.
Rating 4.5 rock stars
Amazon -> http://amzn.to/1NAOc17
Author's pinterest story board -> https://www.pinterest.com/cariquinnau...
More reviews * Stalk us on FaceBook * As well as Twitter * Pinterest Board for Book Teasers
“He needed to feel every vibration of the strings. God, he wanted to climb into the music. To find a haven there that sure as hell didn’t exist for him anywhere else.”
Nick Crandall has come a long way from being the kid that played in dive bars and scrapping for change. Together with his band Oblivion he’s achieved the fame and fortune he always thought would fill in the holes in his life. There have been several bumps along that road, some more painfully tragic than others.
“The impossible doesn’t seem nearly as unlikely when no other options exist.”
With their lead singer out on medical leave, they’re still struggling to fully cement themselves in an industry with a low attention span. But they’ve put themselves in the capable hands of Lila Shawcross, their work obsessed manager. A pair of hands Nick desperately wants on him. Can he convince her to give him a chance?
“You’re supposed to give me a chance. Not because I want something from you, but because I want to give you things.”
Lila is utterly focused and knows exactly what she wants: to succeed at her job and be free of her loveless marriage. The first is to help her family. Knowing she deserved better, the second is for herself. She can’t afford to waver from her path, not even for the impulsive, snarky, sexy man that’s argued with her on everything since the day they met and who’s gotten under her skin. No matter how determined he is.
I have read and appreciated Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliot’s individual work, but together this dynamic duo is incredible and made me a Lost to Oblivion fan right from the very beginning with their mesmerizing and engaging writing, and captivating characters and stories.
With Nick’s default mode set to a-hole, I can’t say I have been his biggest fan. But I had seen glimpses of a good guy, and enjoyed his banter and camaraderie with the band. I really wanted to get to know what would come of the animosity between him and Lila and confirm that his jerkish behavior was mostly a façade. Shattered gave me all that and more.
“She was undulating against him, around him. Moving to a music that belonged only to them. One he coaxed out of her and made her feel every note of.”
After circling around each other, Nick and Lila explode in fiery hotness which became even steamier because Lila’s inexperience made Nick’s alpha maleness come out. At the same time I loved that Nick allowed his vulnerability to show in front of Lila and that it was precisely this that made her fall for him.
“They couldn’t have been more unsuitable for each other. He was brash to her reserved, gruff to her polite, rough to her smooth.”
---------------------
“Home wasn’t just an address. She didn’t know how she’d found it with him, this boy-man who infuriated her as much as he turned her on and made her laugh.”
They were perfect for each other and together they should have been “bulletproof” while navigating through the choppy life of a rock star with the added complication of Lila being their manager and going through a difficult divorce from to the band’s label owner. But the book ends with a cliffhanger leaving fans like me clamoring for Fused’s release in February 2016.
Finally, you can’t have a rock band series without a band. I loved catching up with Jazz, Gray, Simon, Margo, Deacon and Harper. It’s great how they’ve all formed a big family with girls rallying behind Lila and the guys ribbing Nick.
Shattered is novel 4 in the Lost in Oblivion series by Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott. This is Nick and Lila's story. Can be read as a standalone and then you can go back to read the rest, but it would benefit to read them in order. Told from both points of view, filled with incredible hot sexy times. It ends with a cliffhanger.
Rating 4.5 rock stars
Amazon -> http://amzn.to/1NAOc17
Author's pinterest story board -> https://www.pinterest.com/cariquinnau...
More reviews * Stalk us on FaceBook * As well as Twitter * Pinterest Board for Book Teasers
November 18, 2015
Shattered
An unbelievable close up look at the life of Nick Crandall. Wonderful. Never judge a book by its cover! Everyone has their own trials and challenges. Being an asshole to people could well be a defense mechanism! Hmmm. I love Nick and have from the start. I love the fact that Lila understands and takes him as he is. I’m shattered that it ended on such an uncertain note. I look forward to reading the next in the series and hope there is a future for my rockstar and his gal!
An unbelievable close up look at the life of Nick Crandall. Wonderful. Never judge a book by its cover! Everyone has their own trials and challenges. Being an asshole to people could well be a defense mechanism! Hmmm. I love Nick and have from the start. I love the fact that Lila understands and takes him as he is. I’m shattered that it ended on such an uncertain note. I look forward to reading the next in the series and hope there is a future for my rockstar and his gal!
April 2, 2016
First of all, Shattered is an apt description for how I felt when I had about 10 pages to go in the story and I realized that there was no way that things would wrap up in a happy ending for Nick and Lila. Sure enough - cliffhanger ending!! Because there was no warning of this in the blurb (and that's a big pet peeve of mine) I'm knocking off half a star. That being said, I can honestly say that this is my favourite of the series, one which has such an addictive style of writing that I devoured it all in one day. I didn't think it would be able to top some of the previous entries, but I was proved wrong!
This can be read as a standalone, but you'd benefit from reading previous entries in the series, as there are plot threads that continue from previous stories, and you'd get a sense of the up to now, rather disagreeable relationship between Lila and Nick. Some of that stems from Lila being married (and yes, she's still married though in the process of divorce now, from a marriage of convenience for the most part, so you don't get any cheating type of vibes in this one). Some of their animosity comes from her job - she works for the record company and is responsible for their image, publicity etc. Nick is solely concerned with making music and doesn't care about the rest of the trappings that go with it. In previous books in the series they were always at odds, and Nick's sexual escapes didn't endear him to Lila either (though in hindsight that was probably jealousy talking). Now they are at a crossroads - trying to get the band functioning again after Simon's health problems (encountered in his stories). Nick's dealing with family problems too - a drug addicted sister (bringing back harsh memories of his dead friend Snake) and his ill father. It's this vulnerability in Nick that really comes through in this story and makes him seem more human and less of a jerk than he's been portrayed previously. And it's this vulnerability that finally cracks Lila's shell and lets her deep attraction loose. One thing leads to another and they end up in bed together in some super steamy scenes, made all the more potent by Lila's lack of experience and Nick's willingness to make up for that. Carrying on a hidden affair (one that slowly leaks out to the other bandmates) is going to be costly - Lila's job and her divorce settlement are going to be on the line if her soon to be ex or her boss finds out what she's up to. But it's not enough to deter her from finally going after something for herself. Honestly, I loved Nick and Lila together, I think they bring out the best in each other. Of course as mentioned, things don't end on a happy note (gah!), so I'm highly anticipating the sequel to this, which will give their happy ending! 4.5 stars.
Favourite quote (post coitus) - from Nic: "Too late. I licked it. It's mine."
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the authors for review.
This review can also be found at : http://straightshootinbookreviews.com...
This can be read as a standalone, but you'd benefit from reading previous entries in the series, as there are plot threads that continue from previous stories, and you'd get a sense of the up to now, rather disagreeable relationship between Lila and Nick. Some of that stems from Lila being married (and yes, she's still married though in the process of divorce now, from a marriage of convenience for the most part, so you don't get any cheating type of vibes in this one). Some of their animosity comes from her job - she works for the record company and is responsible for their image, publicity etc. Nick is solely concerned with making music and doesn't care about the rest of the trappings that go with it. In previous books in the series they were always at odds, and Nick's sexual escapes didn't endear him to Lila either (though in hindsight that was probably jealousy talking). Now they are at a crossroads - trying to get the band functioning again after Simon's health problems (encountered in his stories). Nick's dealing with family problems too - a drug addicted sister (bringing back harsh memories of his dead friend Snake) and his ill father. It's this vulnerability in Nick that really comes through in this story and makes him seem more human and less of a jerk than he's been portrayed previously. And it's this vulnerability that finally cracks Lila's shell and lets her deep attraction loose. One thing leads to another and they end up in bed together in some super steamy scenes, made all the more potent by Lila's lack of experience and Nick's willingness to make up for that. Carrying on a hidden affair (one that slowly leaks out to the other bandmates) is going to be costly - Lila's job and her divorce settlement are going to be on the line if her soon to be ex or her boss finds out what she's up to. But it's not enough to deter her from finally going after something for herself. Honestly, I loved Nick and Lila together, I think they bring out the best in each other. Of course as mentioned, things don't end on a happy note (gah!), so I'm highly anticipating the sequel to this, which will give their happy ending! 4.5 stars.
Favourite quote (post coitus) - from Nic: "Too late. I licked it. It's mine."
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the authors for review.
This review can also be found at : http://straightshootinbookreviews.com...
June 5, 2017
I have been waiting for the couple to happen since the beginning. I always thought there was a bit of tension between Nick Crandall and Lila Shawcross, but I had no idea just how much tension there could be.
These two are freaking explosive. They are magnetic. They are drawn to each other despite knowing they shouldn't be.
Despite fighting it.
Despite the ring around Lila's finger.
This is one of those books that you have to read if you're opposed to cheating. You have to read it because you have to see Lila's life with her husband. You have to see what she's enduring.
And then you have to cheer for her and Nick. He's my favorite. I may have said it before about the other guys, but let's be honest, Nick is the man. He's the best. He's so freaking intense and in control and demanding.
He's every bit that dirty rock star fantasy you have in your mind right now. Picture it. Then grab this book.
These two are freaking explosive. They are magnetic. They are drawn to each other despite knowing they shouldn't be.
Despite fighting it.
Despite the ring around Lila's finger.
This is one of those books that you have to read if you're opposed to cheating. You have to read it because you have to see Lila's life with her husband. You have to see what she's enduring.
And then you have to cheer for her and Nick. He's my favorite. I may have said it before about the other guys, but let's be honest, Nick is the man. He's the best. He's so freaking intense and in control and demanding.
He's every bit that dirty rock star fantasy you have in your mind right now. Picture it. Then grab this book.
March 17, 2021
Shattered by Cari Quinn & Taryn Elliot just blew me away! It was magical - unrequited love acknowledged, returned & then the world around them is shattered like shards of glass.
I received an ARC from the authors in exchange for an honest review & since I was not familiar with the series I was a little doubtful : after all who starts an established series at the 7th book ? Hhmm - me, that's who! It was a risk, a small one, but it was so worth it.
These 2 authors are brilliant in their own right & together they are awesome. I am unashamedly in book-love with Nick; the scenes between him & Lila were sizzling & his realisation of making love to her brought me close to tears in the best possible way.
Do not miss out on reading this story... If you are already a convert to the Lost in Oblivion series you'll be delighted that it's out. If like me, this is a new series, read it right now & then go back to the start & read the earlier books because we'll have to wait till February next year to find out what's next. Go right now & snag Shattered, you'll definitely enjoy the read.
I received an ARC from the authors in exchange for an honest review & since I was not familiar with the series I was a little doubtful : after all who starts an established series at the 7th book ? Hhmm - me, that's who! It was a risk, a small one, but it was so worth it.
These 2 authors are brilliant in their own right & together they are awesome. I am unashamedly in book-love with Nick; the scenes between him & Lila were sizzling & his realisation of making love to her brought me close to tears in the best possible way.
Do not miss out on reading this story... If you are already a convert to the Lost in Oblivion series you'll be delighted that it's out. If like me, this is a new series, read it right now & then go back to the start & read the earlier books because we'll have to wait till February next year to find out what's next. Go right now & snag Shattered, you'll definitely enjoy the read.
November 2, 2015
You can start the series with this book if you like, but all the foreplay happened in the earlier books -- that's where the fuse was lit.
Shattered starts with the BOOM and doesn't look back.
Nick and Lila finally acknowledge the sexual tension we have seen throughout the rest of the series. Even if you're not that fond of "Nick the Dick" (I wasn't) or "The Dragon Lady", you will love the way that Cari and Taryn bring them together. The story-line between the two, as well as the incendiary sex will leave you wanting more.
If you haven't started the series yet, don't be afraid of starting with this one. Then go read the rest of them -- you'll be a groupie in no time! If you've been a loyal Oblivionite all along, you will NOT be disappointed with this book.
I know I had a better appreciation for Nick at the end of the story, and I can't wait to read the next part of their tale in Fused.
I was given an ARC of Shattered in exchange for my honest review.
Shattered starts with the BOOM and doesn't look back.
Nick and Lila finally acknowledge the sexual tension we have seen throughout the rest of the series. Even if you're not that fond of "Nick the Dick" (I wasn't) or "The Dragon Lady", you will love the way that Cari and Taryn bring them together. The story-line between the two, as well as the incendiary sex will leave you wanting more.
If you haven't started the series yet, don't be afraid of starting with this one. Then go read the rest of them -- you'll be a groupie in no time! If you've been a loyal Oblivionite all along, you will NOT be disappointed with this book.
I know I had a better appreciation for Nick at the end of the story, and I can't wait to read the next part of their tale in Fused.
I was given an ARC of Shattered in exchange for my honest review.
March 9, 2017
I was looking forward to finally reading Nick's story and Cari & Taryn did NOT disappoint. The snarky, sometimes asshole that is Nick Crandall finally got uncovered and we find out what makes him tick. In spades! The sexual tension that has reverberated between him and Lila Shawcross, the Dragon Lady, all through this series finally is let loose and it was well worth the wait. Holy crap was it. Just WOW.
Loved everything about it and as usual the writing was top notch and so very engaging and HOT. REALLY HOT! Absolutely cannot wait for February and the final installment of the Lost in Oblivion series and at the same time I'm dreading the end of these so awesome characters. I've been an Oblivionite since the start and will always LOVE these guys and girls.
Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Loved everything about it and as usual the writing was top notch and so very engaging and HOT. REALLY HOT! Absolutely cannot wait for February and the final installment of the Lost in Oblivion series and at the same time I'm dreading the end of these so awesome characters. I've been an Oblivionite since the start and will always LOVE these guys and girls.
Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 5, 2017
Nick and Lila's story. Nick is the lead guitarist of the band Oblivion. He is also the last single band member. Lila is the bands manager and works for Ripper Records. Nick has always had a thing for Lila. Lila is married, and has filed for divorce from her cheater husband and they haven't lived together for six years.
The band is at the Blue Rhino, where they started their careers. Nick is backstage where he is listening to a message left by his sister. She tells him their dad is in the hospital and to please come. Nick reminisces his past life with his sister and dad. The choices he made and what has happened since those choices. Lila is there and observes the changes in his face and reaches out to him. Nick turns and tells her "don't."
Gray asks Nick if he's ready and he replies "Let's do this."
These pages contain one person, trying to make changes to her life and continue to protect her herself and family. The other, knows what he wants, but doesn't know how to do it. He has a sister and dad that are lost to drugs. Nick has a reason for his broodiness, Lila has a reason for her coldness and when they finally come together, they mesh into a story, with so much hot sex that someone might get burned.
From the first page, these ladies create another story that you just have to turn the page, read the next chapter and can't put down until the last page has been read. They create lives within the pages that you just have to know what happens next.
The band is at the Blue Rhino, where they started their careers. Nick is backstage where he is listening to a message left by his sister. She tells him their dad is in the hospital and to please come. Nick reminisces his past life with his sister and dad. The choices he made and what has happened since those choices. Lila is there and observes the changes in his face and reaches out to him. Nick turns and tells her "don't."
Gray asks Nick if he's ready and he replies "Let's do this."
These pages contain one person, trying to make changes to her life and continue to protect her herself and family. The other, knows what he wants, but doesn't know how to do it. He has a sister and dad that are lost to drugs. Nick has a reason for his broodiness, Lila has a reason for her coldness and when they finally come together, they mesh into a story, with so much hot sex that someone might get burned.
From the first page, these ladies create another story that you just have to turn the page, read the next chapter and can't put down until the last page has been read. They create lives within the pages that you just have to know what happens next.
November 1, 2015
After dancing around their attraction for each other for the entire series, we FINALLY get to see Nick & Lila heat up our kindles!!! Holy crap, was it ever worth the wait!
That isn't to say that they don't have their problems, though... between their professional ties and the fact that Lila has an absentee husband, things are definitely on shaky ground. Especially when Simon is still having issues with his voice.
What happens when everything comes to a head? I guess you will need to read it to see.
That isn't to say that they don't have their problems, though... between their professional ties and the fact that Lila has an absentee husband, things are definitely on shaky ground. Especially when Simon is still having issues with his voice.
What happens when everything comes to a head? I guess you will need to read it to see.
January 22, 2016
I'm so glad I don't have to wait too long for the rest of Nick & Lila's story. I'll be on pins and needles until Feb 2.
November 2, 2015
I was given this AMAZING story as an ARC in exchange for a honest review. I DO NOT like that this series is ending
November 21, 2019
Shattered
I didn't like this one as much as I've liked the other books in this series. I'm not quite sure why...
Maybe it's because I didn't really feel Nick and Lila together. I get that there was an unspoken attraction between them...but I couldn't quite buy the way they came together all of a sudden.
Maybe it was the thing with Lila and her estranged husband. Martin is a total ass. We don't get the details of the prenup between Lila and Martin, so I don't quite understand the full ramifications of Lila having a relationship with Nick at this point, especially seeing as Martin has been cheating for years. This situation makes Lila seem weak to me, and I can't do weak/wimpy heroines.
Maybe it's the stuff with the band. I can understand Simon's desire and determination to sing, but dude...get over yourself. If it's just the one song... even though it's Oblivion's signature song... don't sing that song...or follow orders and stop trying to sing before the medical leave is up. I love Simon, but placating him is hurting the band.
I think this book is all "waiting-for-the-other-shoe-to-drop"...with some requisite dirty stuff...but waiting for something bad to happen had my nerves strung out. Which can be both a good thing and a bad thing.
And there are lots of bad things that could happen: What's going to happen with Nick's dad? Will his sister go to rehab? Will Lila lose her integrity, her reputation...or even her job? Will Martin give Lila the divorce or will he rake her over the coals? Will Oblivion survive? Will Nick and Lila?
I'm on to the next book to hopefully find some answers to these questions.
Maybe I'll feel differently about Nick and Lila after the next one...
Maybe.
I didn't like this one as much as I've liked the other books in this series. I'm not quite sure why...
Maybe it's because I didn't really feel Nick and Lila together. I get that there was an unspoken attraction between them...but I couldn't quite buy the way they came together all of a sudden.
Maybe it was the thing with Lila and her estranged husband. Martin is a total ass. We don't get the details of the prenup between Lila and Martin, so I don't quite understand the full ramifications of Lila having a relationship with Nick at this point, especially seeing as Martin has been cheating for years. This situation makes Lila seem weak to me, and I can't do weak/wimpy heroines.
Maybe it's the stuff with the band. I can understand Simon's desire and determination to sing, but dude...get over yourself. If it's just the one song... even though it's Oblivion's signature song... don't sing that song...or follow orders and stop trying to sing before the medical leave is up. I love Simon, but placating him is hurting the band.
I think this book is all "waiting-for-the-other-shoe-to-drop"...with some requisite dirty stuff...but waiting for something bad to happen had my nerves strung out. Which can be both a good thing and a bad thing.
And there are lots of bad things that could happen: What's going to happen with Nick's dad? Will his sister go to rehab? Will Lila lose her integrity, her reputation...or even her job? Will Martin give Lila the divorce or will he rake her over the coals? Will Oblivion survive? Will Nick and Lila?
I'm on to the next book to hopefully find some answers to these questions.
Maybe I'll feel differently about Nick and Lila after the next one...
Maybe.
September 14, 2016
This review was originally posted on Delighted Reader
Here we go again. The last member of the rock band Oblivion to fall in love and they gave me a cliffhanger again. Ok, that's the worst part, so I guess since I had all the books, it isn't quite so bad as all that.Through the series, the heat between Nick Crandall and Lila Shawcross has been shimmering through heated arguments. The two don't seem to like each other at all. He pushes the buttons she leaves open and she puts him his place as the band's manager. She says left and he says no way. They both adamantly deny there is any attractions and for Lila, it isn't something that can happen with the gold band on her left hand. The band isn't in a good place and the future isn't rosy. Tensions are high. The book left me Shattered just like the title.
Married at a young age to a man she truthfully loved, but who also saved her families' orchard, Lila knows about commitment and betrayal. After two years of fake marriage and a miscarriage, Lila moves out to make her own way, but stays married to keep her parents from losing it all. Six years later, she is trying to get the divorce, her husband doesn't want. He wants the protection of marriage to keep his many liaisons and mistresses in line. Any hint of Lila having a relationship will give him grounds to rip her whole life away from her. Ripper Records is her life blood. Music feeds her soul, but she has no talent. Managing the bands who have it all, makes her feel she is a part of something great. Lila has come off as a stuck up, all together, poised manager with brass balls. With this story we see she is on the cusp of losing it all from her abusive husband and a double-edged sword. We see a real woman. One I wasn't sure I would like going into this story.
Nick really is a dick. Sorry for that. He hasn't been a favorite character of mine. Quick to jump off the deep end on very little information, he just came off as a jerk most of the time in the past stories. Now as I came to know Nick, I would say he isn't as bad as he comes off, but he isn't really someone you want to be around unless you are in his inner circle. Well, there is a lot more to Nick than meets the eye. Like Simon, his home life was pretty bad. A drug/alcoholic father who never thought much of him is dying. Nick has a twin sister also dealing with addiction that he hasn't given up hope in helping. The guitar is his escape, his talent and his soul.
Nick and Lila expose their souls to each other and come together in an explosion of bodies mingling. One thing Nick is really good at...taking care of the woman's pleasure and with Lila so repressed it ends up being like a volcano exploding. The two are drawn to the forbidden part of the relationship. Trying hard to be cold, when they are nothing but hot together. Each feels some betrayal on certain levels through the entire story. Nick isn't happy that Lila is still married while Lila doesn't feel married after years of being on her own. The two are no doubt in love, but with Lila's need to keep it secret, Nick feels like a dirty little secret.
The band is under pressure to release a new single to show they are back, but Simon is throwing attitude back at them. He's scared and feels the pressure to perform. A huge wedge is forming between best friends and Nick feels powerless both with the band and in his personal life between Lila and his sister. Things are spiraling out of control and Nick isn't sure he wants off the ride.
The story ends in a cliffhanger. Yep, once again I am running to get the next book because I am so impatient. Good thing I came late to the series and they are all out or I would be going crazy here!
Shattered changed my view of Nick. While I can't say I love him, I can say I understand why he is the way he is and that he stands by those he loves. Lila is loyal and hard. She is also selfless with faced with her family losing it all. I loved getting deeper into this couple and seeing what makes them who they are. No I must run off...need to get you the review of the next book before you think I left you in a cliffhanger!
Lost in Oblivion Series - Catch up today!
Review: Rocked by Cari Quinn Taryn Elliott - Deacon and Harper's Story (no cliffhanger)
Review: Twisted by Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott - Jazz and Gray's Story (no cliffhanger)
Review: Untwisted by Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott - Follow up story to Jazz and Gray (no cliffhanger)
Review: Destroyed by Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott - Simon and Margo's story (cliffhanger ensues)
Review: Committed by Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott - Short story for Simon and Margo (no cliffhanger)
April 15, 2023
A rabbit whole I can’t seem to climb out of
I really don’t know why I keep reading. I feel like the stories should be better and hope that they will get better but they don’t. I have skimmed 7 of the 8 books. There is an interesting concept buried under all the unnecessary sex and rock star temper tantrums it just never comes together.
The author builds these characters and establish their personalities and then change them in there own stories. The only characters that remain the same are Deacon and Harper.
For this book. I hate when they take a well organized, determined, straightforward, no nonsense person and make them a mess. Lila’s character is demolished in this book and I hate that every five secs everyone kept bringing up the fact that she is married.
I think I can quit. As much as I would like to see their HEA and see them overcome their issues. I just can’t. Once the characters have sex they are all pretty much the same from one book to the next. It copy and paste. I just want to know if the band actually makes it but what ever…..
I really don’t know why I keep reading. I feel like the stories should be better and hope that they will get better but they don’t. I have skimmed 7 of the 8 books. There is an interesting concept buried under all the unnecessary sex and rock star temper tantrums it just never comes together.
The author builds these characters and establish their personalities and then change them in there own stories. The only characters that remain the same are Deacon and Harper.
For this book. I hate when they take a well organized, determined, straightforward, no nonsense person and make them a mess. Lila’s character is demolished in this book and I hate that every five secs everyone kept bringing up the fact that she is married.
I think I can quit. As much as I would like to see their HEA and see them overcome their issues. I just can’t. Once the characters have sex they are all pretty much the same from one book to the next. It copy and paste. I just want to know if the band actually makes it but what ever…..
January 4, 2023
I'm always impressed when authors can take a character that you really don't like and make you see another side to him and Cari Quinn did that magnificently in Shattered. Nick one of the founding members and lead guitarist has pretty much been an a$$hole from the first book, I'm sorry but it is true. His dealings with Lila Shawcross their boss as part of Ripper Records have been heated to say the least. Lila always professional and cool and Nick unprofessional as hell and all mad heat, so when that bubbles over into something more, I don't think anyone was surprised. What did surprise me was seeing so many different sides of Nick in this story and the fact that Lila understood him more than anyone in his life ever has including his best friend (who won't speak to him). I loved this book more than I thought I would the first time I read it and after many re-readings I appreciate how much the author let us see Nick down to his core.
June 15, 2017
Oh Lord help me
Nick who I did not like very much has totally changed my mind through this book we found out a lot to what he did go through and has gone through with family and friends . Nick finds himself drawn to the one woman he isn't supposed to want but does that stop our Nick check no!!!
Lila who is a force to be reckoned with will keep her boys in line even if it means crossing a line with Nick..... However you will enjoy this book because once again they all go together and we just see in to all there lives and how they are their for one another!!!!!
Nick who I did not like very much has totally changed my mind through this book we found out a lot to what he did go through and has gone through with family and friends . Nick finds himself drawn to the one woman he isn't supposed to want but does that stop our Nick check no!!!
Lila who is a force to be reckoned with will keep her boys in line even if it means crossing a line with Nick..... However you will enjoy this book because once again they all go together and we just see in to all there lives and how they are their for one another!!!!!
February 9, 2018
The build up to this book certainly did not disappoint. I have been curious about Lila and her marriage since she was introduced in the first book and I definitely did not expect her situation at all. Nick is one complicated human. At times his selfishness and general a**h*le behaviour made me hate him, and his past/present did not give him an excuse to be so cruel to his bandmates. However, by the end I had warmed up to both him and Lila significantly and I cheered hard for their HEA. Although I am disappointed the book ended on a cliffhanger ;)
October 18, 2016
**WARNING! CLIFF HANGER ENDING!** Nick n Lila. Polar opposites n yet when they come together, it's magical. This couple also has the most hardship working against them that I've ever seen, from Nick's family health problems to Lila's jerk-off "soon-to-be ex-husband" (supposedly). Don't fully understand wtf Lila's husband won't give her her damn divorce. Total jackass! Throughout this series, Nick has been a total jackass but I knew he was using it as a defense mechanism, considering how he n his twin sister grew up. That being said, when you do finally start seeing the other side of him, he takes your breath away, especially w/ that dirty mouth of his lol. Lila's inexperience of relationships/ sex kinda amazed me considering the fact of how she was pushing Margo to go back for Simon but absolutely looking forward to the second part of Nick n Lila.
October 14, 2019
Obsessively good
Can’t fault this series or authors at all. I love Lila who comes over more mature than her years, but she is just kickass wonderful and so strong. Nick takes some warming up to but he’s still a good character. Ends on a bum note and you have to wait till the next for a conclusion, but still worth it. Highly recommend
Can’t fault this series or authors at all. I love Lila who comes over more mature than her years, but she is just kickass wonderful and so strong. Nick takes some warming up to but he’s still a good character. Ends on a bum note and you have to wait till the next for a conclusion, but still worth it. Highly recommend
October 22, 2017
I hate cliffhangers! I do not want to HAVE to buy the .5 version just to finish the story. I would rather it just be included in the book. It was a good story and on-track for five stars. Now, I'm so disappointed I'm only giving this book 3 stars.
October 11, 2020
Wow just WOW
This story was exciting, entertaining and so moving!!!!. It has everything one could ask for in a Hot as hell romance story. These 2 ladies are fantastic storytellers and PHENOMENAL writers😍😎.
This story was exciting, entertaining and so moving!!!!. It has everything one could ask for in a Hot as hell romance story. These 2 ladies are fantastic storytellers and PHENOMENAL writers😍😎.
March 3, 2017
Loved this book
February 18, 2018
4 Stars
April 28, 2018
Loved it!
Rereading! Still love the oblivion crew so much! Nick especially! Lila just needs to let go of some of her hangups and live for herself instead of everyone else!
Rereading! Still love the oblivion crew so much! Nick especially! Lila just needs to let go of some of her hangups and live for herself instead of everyone else!
June 12, 2019
Luv hurts!
July 21, 2021
The one
Oblivion is Nick’s culmination of a dream. Lila is an excellent Manager and a wonderful woman. Now Nick and Lila story is beginning…
Oblivion is Nick’s culmination of a dream. Lila is an excellent Manager and a wonderful woman. Now Nick and Lila story is beginning…
October 27, 2024
Mostly sex. Skimmed a lot. Only to follow the band's story.
November 3, 2015
Slick's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
To say I’ve been waiting for the heat between Oblivion’s guitarist Nick Crandall and the band’s manager/label liaison Lila Shawcross to finally come to a head is putting it mildly, I wanted this story and it was so worth the wait, but all is not well in Oblivion’s world and their relationship can spell disaster in more ways than one. Shattered left me just that; this book was a roller coaster of emotions from start to finish, there were highs and lows and to be honest I’m a bit scared at what might happen next not only to the relationship between Lila and Nick but to the band.
Married at 18 to a man who saved her parent’s farm left Lila in a loveless marriage to a man who verbally abused her and whom she’s lived apart from for the last 6 years of their 8 year marriage. Determined to finally get the happiness she deserves Lila has filed for divorced but her husband is making things difficult and has threatened her with financial ruin for her and her parents if she proceeds. Being married keeps him from having to thwart off being tied down by the numerous mistresses he’s kept over the years, but she’s done and wants out. I’ll be honest, at the start of this series I didn’t like Lila very much but as the series has gone on it has been pretty obvious that she wasn’t happy in her life, that there was more to her story than meets the eye and that despite everything she would give her life for the band’s she has helped as part of Ripper Record’s team. In this book we see a very different side of Lila; she’s stripped of her business persona and we see the woman who gave so much to help her parents, a woman who has fallen head over heels for a man who doesn’t think he’s good enough for her and a woman who is sacred to death of losing it all because of her vindictive soon to be ex-husband. We saw her sad, lonely and vulnerable but we also saw her full of life, love and the possibility of a future she’s only dreamed about
.
Nick has never been a favorite character of mine and most of the time his jerk behavior ticks me off beyond belief. I knew there had to be more to him, I knew there were secrets lurking that made him behave the way he did and we get to see up close and personal just what drives him not only to be the best guitarist he can be, but in the way he helps those struggling with substance abuse to get help. What I loved was seeing Nick shed that hard outer shell and expose his soft underbelly to Lila. He really let her see all there was to him and he wasn’t afraid to show and tell her exactly how much she means to him. Nick crazy in love with a woman is a sight to see and it was a breath of fresh air, even though he still had plenty of jerk moments in this story.
While there was a lot of band business happening in this story with Oblivion’s return to the stage and plans that had to be made and altered, this book never lost focus on the growing relationship between Nick and Lila. While it killed Nick that Lila is technically still married, he refuses to let his feelings for her go unnoticed anymore. Lila struggles with them being together not because she’s still married because in her mind it has been over for 6 years but because of the threats her husband has made. This made being together somewhat difficult, but the time they did carve out together was magical, beautiful and wonderfully sexy. There is no doubt the feelings these two have for one another run deep, but between Lila’s not so single status and the band needing at least one single member to draw in the female fans they are forced to keep things behind closed doors. There’s also the fact that Lila could lose her job if their relationship was made public. Life is far from perfect for these two and only time will tell if they can make it work.
Once again authors Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott have offered up spectacular story filled with so many emotions that I am on overload, but I wouldn’t have missed Shattered for anything and am anxiously awaiting Fused to see what happens next.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
To say I’ve been waiting for the heat between Oblivion’s guitarist Nick Crandall and the band’s manager/label liaison Lila Shawcross to finally come to a head is putting it mildly, I wanted this story and it was so worth the wait, but all is not well in Oblivion’s world and their relationship can spell disaster in more ways than one. Shattered left me just that; this book was a roller coaster of emotions from start to finish, there were highs and lows and to be honest I’m a bit scared at what might happen next not only to the relationship between Lila and Nick but to the band.
Married at 18 to a man who saved her parent’s farm left Lila in a loveless marriage to a man who verbally abused her and whom she’s lived apart from for the last 6 years of their 8 year marriage. Determined to finally get the happiness she deserves Lila has filed for divorced but her husband is making things difficult and has threatened her with financial ruin for her and her parents if she proceeds. Being married keeps him from having to thwart off being tied down by the numerous mistresses he’s kept over the years, but she’s done and wants out. I’ll be honest, at the start of this series I didn’t like Lila very much but as the series has gone on it has been pretty obvious that she wasn’t happy in her life, that there was more to her story than meets the eye and that despite everything she would give her life for the band’s she has helped as part of Ripper Record’s team. In this book we see a very different side of Lila; she’s stripped of her business persona and we see the woman who gave so much to help her parents, a woman who has fallen head over heels for a man who doesn’t think he’s good enough for her and a woman who is sacred to death of losing it all because of her vindictive soon to be ex-husband. We saw her sad, lonely and vulnerable but we also saw her full of life, love and the possibility of a future she’s only dreamed about
.
Nick has never been a favorite character of mine and most of the time his jerk behavior ticks me off beyond belief. I knew there had to be more to him, I knew there were secrets lurking that made him behave the way he did and we get to see up close and personal just what drives him not only to be the best guitarist he can be, but in the way he helps those struggling with substance abuse to get help. What I loved was seeing Nick shed that hard outer shell and expose his soft underbelly to Lila. He really let her see all there was to him and he wasn’t afraid to show and tell her exactly how much she means to him. Nick crazy in love with a woman is a sight to see and it was a breath of fresh air, even though he still had plenty of jerk moments in this story.
While there was a lot of band business happening in this story with Oblivion’s return to the stage and plans that had to be made and altered, this book never lost focus on the growing relationship between Nick and Lila. While it killed Nick that Lila is technically still married, he refuses to let his feelings for her go unnoticed anymore. Lila struggles with them being together not because she’s still married because in her mind it has been over for 6 years but because of the threats her husband has made. This made being together somewhat difficult, but the time they did carve out together was magical, beautiful and wonderfully sexy. There is no doubt the feelings these two have for one another run deep, but between Lila’s not so single status and the band needing at least one single member to draw in the female fans they are forced to keep things behind closed doors. There’s also the fact that Lila could lose her job if their relationship was made public. Life is far from perfect for these two and only time will tell if they can make it work.
Once again authors Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott have offered up spectacular story filled with so many emotions that I am on overload, but I wouldn’t have missed Shattered for anything and am anxiously awaiting Fused to see what happens next.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
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