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Pieces of Me: Obsession can be deadly
Obsession can be deadly…
Nobody knows that better than Shadow Harper. It seemed like a dream come true when a rich, suave older man noticed her during her second year of college. Stefan Stockman seemed to love her obsessively. He came into her life and swept her off her feet, seduced her, married her…and then slowly, eventually, that dream come true became a living nightmare.
Now, three years after she finally escaped him, she’s trying to put her life back together. Haunted by memories, struggling with post-traumatic stress, she spends most of her time locked away in her home on Pawley’s Island, a small town on the South Carolina coast. Her rare moments of joy come from her trips to the nearby beach.
She compulsively checks the locks on her doors, makes sure she has her cell phones—five of them—and if she misses something on her schedule, it throws her into a panic.
When she accidentally leaves a sketchbook on the beach, an anxiety attack seems imminent. Her art has become her salvation, her sanity, and losing even one sketch is like losing a piece of her soul. When she returns to hunt for the sketchbook, already fearing it’s gone for good, she’s surprised to find it still sitting there, saved by a sexy fellow beach lover—the mysterious Dillian Jenkins.
He’s brash, bold, brutally handsome…and gentle. He’s the exact opposite of the man who’d tormented her for years, and Shadow finds herself slowly, almost reluctantly, falling for him. Even obsessing over him.
When her ex-husband once again intrudes on the happiness she’s finally discovering, Shadow turns to Dillian. But will she find shelter there…or another betrayal?
Nobody knows that better than Shadow Harper. It seemed like a dream come true when a rich, suave older man noticed her during her second year of college. Stefan Stockman seemed to love her obsessively. He came into her life and swept her off her feet, seduced her, married her…and then slowly, eventually, that dream come true became a living nightmare.
Now, three years after she finally escaped him, she’s trying to put her life back together. Haunted by memories, struggling with post-traumatic stress, she spends most of her time locked away in her home on Pawley’s Island, a small town on the South Carolina coast. Her rare moments of joy come from her trips to the nearby beach.
She compulsively checks the locks on her doors, makes sure she has her cell phones—five of them—and if she misses something on her schedule, it throws her into a panic.
When she accidentally leaves a sketchbook on the beach, an anxiety attack seems imminent. Her art has become her salvation, her sanity, and losing even one sketch is like losing a piece of her soul. When she returns to hunt for the sketchbook, already fearing it’s gone for good, she’s surprised to find it still sitting there, saved by a sexy fellow beach lover—the mysterious Dillian Jenkins.
He’s brash, bold, brutally handsome…and gentle. He’s the exact opposite of the man who’d tormented her for years, and Shadow finds herself slowly, almost reluctantly, falling for him. Even obsessing over him.
When her ex-husband once again intrudes on the happiness she’s finally discovering, Shadow turns to Dillian. But will she find shelter there…or another betrayal?
180 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 25, 2017
151 people are currently reading
256 people want to read
About the author
Shiloh Walker
202 books2,436 followersHello... thanks for swinging by. I don't log into Goodreads much, so if you have questions, please visit my website to email me through my site.
Thank you!
My other me.... J.C. Daniels
And an experimental me that I put to sleep. J. Dallas
Bio...
Shiloh Walker has been writing since she was a kid. She fell in love with vampires with the book Bunnicula and has worked her way up to the more...ah...serious vampire stories. She loves reading and writing anything paranormal, anything fantasy, and nearly every kind of romance. Once upon a time she worked as a nurse, but now she writes full time and lives with her family in the Midwest.
To contact the author, please visit her website!
Thank you!
My other me.... J.C. Daniels
And an experimental me that I put to sleep. J. Dallas
Bio...
Shiloh Walker has been writing since she was a kid. She fell in love with vampires with the book Bunnicula and has worked her way up to the more...ah...serious vampire stories. She loves reading and writing anything paranormal, anything fantasy, and nearly every kind of romance. Once upon a time she worked as a nurse, but now she writes full time and lives with her family in the Midwest.
To contact the author, please visit her website!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
December 28, 2017
This was a very short (170 pages) and unsatisfying read. In 1st POV, the focus is more on the PTSD feelings of the main character and glossed over what could have been interesting aspects of the story. If you're an HEA romance reader, the story won't provide the ending you want. I think it may qualify as a pseudo HFN but I think you could argue even that. In fact, so many threads of the story were left unfinished, that I was left feeling like I read a cliffhanger. So I found the majority of the book unfulfilling and boring and the ending frustrating. It barely earned 2 stars. In fact it was very close to being a 1 star DNF.
April 21, 2017
Shiloh Walker has a gift for weaving suspense that has your eyes glued to the pages, Pieces of Me is no different. I loved the tone and vibe of the story despite not loving all the decisions the characters made or the ending. I still found it enjoyable and would definitely recommend it.
ARC provided by author through Net Galley in exchange for a honest review
ARC provided by author through Net Galley in exchange for a honest review
October 12, 2018
Rated 4 Stars
I really enjoy Shiloh Walker's stories. This one has been done plenty times before but I still liked reading her version.
The ex-husband was a monster! You'll be sitting on the edge of your seat with this one. The guy she meets at her new locale is a really good guy, and quite sexy too. There are definitely some HOT times in this one. There aren't any children involved though, thank goodness.
I really enjoy Shiloh Walker's stories. This one has been done plenty times before but I still liked reading her version.
The ex-husband was a monster! You'll be sitting on the edge of your seat with this one. The guy she meets at her new locale is a really good guy, and quite sexy too. There are definitely some HOT times in this one. There aren't any children involved though, thank goodness.
July 26, 2017
Whenever I see a new romantic thriller by Shiloh Walker I get excited. This is the spot where I love Ms. Walker's writing style the most. Her stories always manage to bring enough of that thrilling edge to the story while still being sexy and romantic.In PIECES OF ME we find our heroine a woman in hiding from her abusive ex husband. She has a lot of trauma to still get through and recover from, even years later. Drawing is her one outlet and it's the very thing that gets her close to the mysterious Dillian she's been lusting over and sketching for a while.
I was expecting a lot of unknown danger in this one and that's not quite the direction of this story. There's still some but quite as thrilling as I was hoping for and I guess it was a nice change of pace from what I was expecting, but also left me a bit disappointed. Our heroine is broken and fragile enough that it makes sense we don't need to pile that much more on her.
I had to admire how she's managed to survive on her own after something so traumatic. Coping the ways she has to. And slowly opening up to the touch of another man. But I also found some other things about her interactions with Dillian to be a little strange, such as how easily she trusted him when everyone else seemed to be suspect in her eyes. Shadow and Dillian had good chemistry together even if at first I thought he was moving a bit too fast and seemed too forward, but things made more sense in the end. I also really liked his character and how protective and respectful he was of her.
PIECES OF ME has a dash of thrill with a good dose of sexy, but it was just missing a few key points to make this a stellar read. Overall though, I still enjoyed it and can't wait for more from Ms. Walker.
*ARC provided by author
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August 28, 2017
This had the potential to be a really great thriller/romantic suspense. Tense and sexually charged, instead it fell flat for me. The heroine's behaviour didn't make sense, she had (justified) reasons to be distrustful and was suffering quite severely from PTSD and yet...she trusted the hero far too easily. I wasn't buying it. I didn't sense anything intense between them that would explain this sudden and inexplicable faith she has in him. In the end the only thing that seemed real was the heroine's mistrust and fear of the world, yet it didn't tally with her behaviour and events within the book.
July 12, 2017
Received an ARC for my fair review for netgalley. I don't even know how to put this into words. So the writing is pretty good, and it could have been superb, if we had gotten an actual book, with answers. When I first read the blurb, the first thing I thought of was sleeping with the enemy (I know I am dating myself) but anyway, I still love that movie, however it wasn't the same. Shadow was abused for years by Stefan, who was a lot older than her, of course the relationship did not start out that way, it was loving at first, and then it changed, then he was controlling, mentally and physically abusive. Luckily she was able to escape, and she did not know who to trust and with good reason. Eventually she meets Jenks, and this is where all my problems begin, (well that's a lie), one of my problems, she trusts him, why? she knows nothing of him, he keeps secrets, it is just lust, do you really want to take your life in your hands that way again? Is it really worth it? Can I really get a conclusion, to all my unanswered questions. I think I needed an Epilogue.
May 10, 2017
My Actual Rating: 2.5 stars
Pieces of Me is the story of Shadow Harper, starting with her uneasy life in South Carolina several years following her divorce to her horribly abusive and 15-years-older ex-husband, Stefan. He was never convicted due to his high-powered connections, and so Shadow lives a life of fear, distrust, and isolation. She is constantly watched by a neighbor paid to report back to Stefan, and has only two friends and her sketching to keep her company.
The oft-used single-line paragraph delivery works in spots but wears thin in others. It’s fine, and it does help with the pacing of the book, but there were times it felt overused. The cuss-word count wasn’t excessive, but there is occasional strong language (as well as some description of her past abuse) if you’re adverse to that.
Overall I enjoyed most of the story (and that cover art is amazing). I spent it wondering who really could or couldn’t be trusted, who was working with Stefan, how everyone would fare in the end. It’s obvious from the start that sh*t is going to hit the fan, but how and when that point comes, and the repercussions thereof, is a huge part of the journey. This is a story that will keep you entertained and in suspense.
I received an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Below the spoiler tag lies potential spoilers, arrrrrrrr!
Pieces of Me is the story of Shadow Harper, starting with her uneasy life in South Carolina several years following her divorce to her horribly abusive and 15-years-older ex-husband, Stefan. He was never convicted due to his high-powered connections, and so Shadow lives a life of fear, distrust, and isolation. She is constantly watched by a neighbor paid to report back to Stefan, and has only two friends and her sketching to keep her company.
“I ran away from him once, but he just found another way to torment me. That fear of him still haunts me, controls me.”Early in the story Shadow meets a man she’s been scoping out on the beach; though she admired him, she kept her distance, but fate has its way. We learn his nickname is Jenks, and though it takes a while for Shadow to let him in, once she gets involved she goes in fast. As you can imagine, her haunt of an ex-husband is not pleased with this development.
“A year ago, two years… the thought of letting a man touch me would have horrified me. But now I wanted it. I missed it.”There were some things that bothered me when it was all said and done. I found it bizarre that Shadow trusts in Jenks so easily after we discover how hard it is for others to gain her trust. There were a few unanswered questions I had, included at the end of the review as they may be spoilers. The book had no epilogue but it really would’ve benefited from one as the ending leaves the status of things unclear (more at the end of the review).
The oft-used single-line paragraph delivery works in spots but wears thin in others. It’s fine, and it does help with the pacing of the book, but there were times it felt overused. The cuss-word count wasn’t excessive, but there is occasional strong language (as well as some description of her past abuse) if you’re adverse to that.
Overall I enjoyed most of the story (and that cover art is amazing). I spent it wondering who really could or couldn’t be trusted, who was working with Stefan, how everyone would fare in the end. It’s obvious from the start that sh*t is going to hit the fan, but how and when that point comes, and the repercussions thereof, is a huge part of the journey. This is a story that will keep you entertained and in suspense.
“Safe? Safe is an illusion. There is no such thing as safe.”
I received an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Below the spoiler tag lies potential spoilers, arrrrrrrr!
July 30, 2017
My Review:
I'm going to tell you right up front that this is going to seem like a wishy-washy review. Shiloh Walker can write a mesmerizing story and I was completely caught up in Shadow's story, but it's not a happy one. Shadow has been horribly traumatized. And honestly this is somewhat of a theme with Shiloh Walker's books...her characters have lived through awful things. I know that, so when I was reading it and wishing that the book was just a little more uplifting, that was my fault. Shiloh Walker's don't leave you with a happier, lighter feel for having read them. They are dark and gritty.
But I did find this one more than a little depressing. And I think my real issue was that we didn't get any of the story through Dillian's point of view...and I get that there's a very good reason for that. But Shadow is just so broken...and then at times so trusting, too trusting if you ask me. The dynamic just didn't quite work for me.
But the book moves along and I kept waiting for the shoe to drop. In that regard, it's very well-written suspense. I kept turning the page waiting for the boogeyman to jump off the page and attack Shadow.
I hated how little was revealed about Dillian. I know that his reveal was supposed to be shocking, but besides his protectiveness about Shadow, there was really very LITTLE insight into his character. I hated that. I still feel like I have no idea who he really was or if he was the right guy for Shadow.
Overall, I liked Shadow. She's a strong character to have survived and overcome so many of her fears after all that she's been through. I loved her art and even her OCD and phobias made sense to me. A lot of other little things didn't make sense...most especially how her ex-husband was able to do the things he did without leaving any trace. That was never explained and it was all just too easy for me to buy.
The other thing that didn't work for me was that ending. It was abrupt and extremely unsatisfying. Nope, I was NOT a happy camper when I hit the last sentence in the story, and I'll tell you right now that dropped my rating on this book from a 4 star read to a 3 star.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I'm going to tell you right up front that this is going to seem like a wishy-washy review. Shiloh Walker can write a mesmerizing story and I was completely caught up in Shadow's story, but it's not a happy one. Shadow has been horribly traumatized. And honestly this is somewhat of a theme with Shiloh Walker's books...her characters have lived through awful things. I know that, so when I was reading it and wishing that the book was just a little more uplifting, that was my fault. Shiloh Walker's don't leave you with a happier, lighter feel for having read them. They are dark and gritty.
But I did find this one more than a little depressing. And I think my real issue was that we didn't get any of the story through Dillian's point of view...and I get that there's a very good reason for that. But Shadow is just so broken...and then at times so trusting, too trusting if you ask me. The dynamic just didn't quite work for me.
But the book moves along and I kept waiting for the shoe to drop. In that regard, it's very well-written suspense. I kept turning the page waiting for the boogeyman to jump off the page and attack Shadow.
I hated how little was revealed about Dillian. I know that his reveal was supposed to be shocking, but besides his protectiveness about Shadow, there was really very LITTLE insight into his character. I hated that. I still feel like I have no idea who he really was or if he was the right guy for Shadow.
Overall, I liked Shadow. She's a strong character to have survived and overcome so many of her fears after all that she's been through. I loved her art and even her OCD and phobias made sense to me. A lot of other little things didn't make sense...most especially how her ex-husband was able to do the things he did without leaving any trace. That was never explained and it was all just too easy for me to buy.
The other thing that didn't work for me was that ending. It was abrupt and extremely unsatisfying. Nope, I was NOT a happy camper when I hit the last sentence in the story, and I'll tell you right now that dropped my rating on this book from a 4 star read to a 3 star.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
July 25, 2017
Originally posted on NallaReads
Shiloh Walker can write some seriously dark romance. But she always finds a way to have it flow without pulling away from the suspense aspect. In Pieces of Me we meet Shadow who we learn, over a few chapters, has been on the run from her estranged ex-husband due to the extremely horrid abuse he put her through. Her way to cope: her sketchbooks that she feels comfortable enough to put it all out on paper. Every fear, every ounce of anger, and even the moments of lust she feels for the stranger on the beach she sees almost every day.
In a case of fickle fate, Shadow leaves one of her more risqué sketchbooks on the beach and it is discovered by none other than Dillian, the stranger she's drawn over and over again. Dillian takes the suggestive drawings in stride and knows that behind the quiet and scared woman is the artist behind his every fantasy. For weeks he spends the time to earn Shadow’s trust and pull out her story and learn the truth about why she’s on the run. But even prince charming has some secrets…. And Shadow has to navigate Dillian’s evasive answers especially when her ex-husband comes after her one final time.
Every page left me clinging to the edge of my seat and wanting to know how Shadow could ever find safety. Not only do Dillian and Shadow have some incredible chemistry, the mysterious man also has a secret I was dying to know! It boggles my mind how Walker always keeps the suspense looming without ever making the story line drag. With and ending sure to leave you wanting more this new suspense romance is definitely not like the others and will have you jumping at every sound in the night!
Shiloh Walker can write some seriously dark romance. But she always finds a way to have it flow without pulling away from the suspense aspect. In Pieces of Me we meet Shadow who we learn, over a few chapters, has been on the run from her estranged ex-husband due to the extremely horrid abuse he put her through. Her way to cope: her sketchbooks that she feels comfortable enough to put it all out on paper. Every fear, every ounce of anger, and even the moments of lust she feels for the stranger on the beach she sees almost every day.
In a case of fickle fate, Shadow leaves one of her more risqué sketchbooks on the beach and it is discovered by none other than Dillian, the stranger she's drawn over and over again. Dillian takes the suggestive drawings in stride and knows that behind the quiet and scared woman is the artist behind his every fantasy. For weeks he spends the time to earn Shadow’s trust and pull out her story and learn the truth about why she’s on the run. But even prince charming has some secrets…. And Shadow has to navigate Dillian’s evasive answers especially when her ex-husband comes after her one final time.
Every page left me clinging to the edge of my seat and wanting to know how Shadow could ever find safety. Not only do Dillian and Shadow have some incredible chemistry, the mysterious man also has a secret I was dying to know! It boggles my mind how Walker always keeps the suspense looming without ever making the story line drag. With and ending sure to leave you wanting more this new suspense romance is definitely not like the others and will have you jumping at every sound in the night!
May 17, 2017
I had mixed feelings on this book. I have always been a fan of Shiloh Walker. I think she is a very talented writer and a great storyteller. In this novel, I thought she did a good job about showing how someone can be so broken down by someone else and how that can have long term consequences. The overall story was full of suspense and drew me into Shadow's story. For me though, it was more gritty and dark than I usually like. I also felt like it needed an epilogue or something to let you know how everything turned out in the end. It felt unfinished to me and after be invested in Shadow's story I wanted to have more of conclusion for her. I wanted to know she found a real measure of peace and happiness.
June 1, 2017
***ARC received in exchange of an honest opinion***
This was yet another book where the idea is good, but the execution left something to be desired.
I didn't feel the connection between the main characters and it was almost on the verge of insta-love for my tastes.
This was yet another book where the idea is good, but the execution left something to be desired.
I didn't feel the connection between the main characters and it was almost on the verge of insta-love for my tastes.
July 30, 2017
So disappointing. This girl is TSTL, the guy was only okay, and the cliffhanger sucked. Would not recommend - a hundred other authors have done this plot a hundred times better.
March 26, 2019
Plenty of character development for the main character....but the supporting players wer one-dimensional, particularly the hero.
July 29, 2017
Disturbing, chilling, excruciating, titillating, heartbreaking, torturous-these are the emotions shown by the heroine of this book as she discovers who she is after years of being in an abusive relationship, starved, locked away but surviving the ordeal and moving forward.
It is three years later and Shadow has moved back to the home she feels most safe in. She has a routine; the doctors told her she suffers PTSD and OCD from her ordeal but the routine helps her stay safe. Each day as soon as the sun rises, she starts her day at the beach sketching the gorgeous man she can only dream and sketch him in erotic art form. Her art is her life and a way to deal with the panic that can overcome her. Her ex-husband still watches her from afar. He knows where she lives and even pays ex-cons to watch and record everything she does. Although she is free, she is still trapped.
This all changes when she meets Dillian Jenkins, a software designer with secrets of his own. He shows Shadow that she is not a victim and helps her to overcome her fear by being the survivor he sees. Each day and each protective action he displays; Shadow finds herself trusting him wholeheartedly but does she really know who he is.
I loved the story, it was beautifully written (which is the norm for Shiloh Walker novels) but the ending - why? Surely there should have been at least another chapter, something that allowed the standalone novella to be finished. I was disappointed which is why I have only rated it 4 stars instead of 5.
It is three years later and Shadow has moved back to the home she feels most safe in. She has a routine; the doctors told her she suffers PTSD and OCD from her ordeal but the routine helps her stay safe. Each day as soon as the sun rises, she starts her day at the beach sketching the gorgeous man she can only dream and sketch him in erotic art form. Her art is her life and a way to deal with the panic that can overcome her. Her ex-husband still watches her from afar. He knows where she lives and even pays ex-cons to watch and record everything she does. Although she is free, she is still trapped.
This all changes when she meets Dillian Jenkins, a software designer with secrets of his own. He shows Shadow that she is not a victim and helps her to overcome her fear by being the survivor he sees. Each day and each protective action he displays; Shadow finds herself trusting him wholeheartedly but does she really know who he is.
I loved the story, it was beautifully written (which is the norm for Shiloh Walker novels) but the ending - why? Surely there should have been at least another chapter, something that allowed the standalone novella to be finished. I was disappointed which is why I have only rated it 4 stars instead of 5.
July 27, 2017
I was riveted to this book and enjoying it very much...until the end. I couldn't believe that that was the end of the story. I'm not a big fan of not knowing if the characters get a HEA. In this one, they didn't ever really get a HFN. My only hope is that there could maybe be a sequel in the future since there are a lot of questions left unanswered. If I knew a sequel was in the works, I would have rated the book 4 stars.
TL;DR: I enjoyed the story, read it all in one sitting. Was expecting to rate it 5 stars until the end. It may be silly, but I want happy/positive/things-are-looking-up endings in the books I read.
TL;DR: I enjoyed the story, read it all in one sitting. Was expecting to rate it 5 stars until the end. It may be silly, but I want happy/positive/things-are-looking-up endings in the books I read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2017
Book Review of Shiloh Walker’s Pieces of Me
I am a huge fan of Shiloh Walker. I have been for a very long time, so when I heard about Pieces of Me I got excited. I love all of Shiloh’s series and had read a good number of her other works. The great thing about Shiloh’s work is that even within the same genre each story is unique. Shiloh is able to really encapsulate the feelings of her characters and this book did not disappoint. If you like romantic suspense novels, this is definitely a great read. This book has graphic sex and violence against women. While the heroine does a great job being a survivor, it could be upsetting to those who have experienced abuse.
You have the main heroine, Shadow Grace-A woman who has been broken so completely she doesn’t know how to survive. She struggles to make a life for herself while recovering from a traumatic experience that makes Russian prison camps look nice. Yet, as broken as she may be, she clings to her art and has the talent to bring beauty into an unforgiving world. Shadow isn’t fully healed but every day she is getting stronger and she dares to reach by starting to fantasize about a guy she sees on the beach regularly. Shadow barely dares to dream about a man, but for some reason, this one-well he sticks in her brain. And he doesn’t come out easy, even when fantasy starts to merge with reality and they meet.
The hero of our story seems perfect in so many ways. Strong, supportive and a little bit dark with a body that doesn’t quit, Jenks seems like the perfect man. As they start to build something together, he doesn’t fall apart when Shadow starts the revelation process, in fact he seems to stick a little harder. But he has a secret and once it is revealed-well things are not quite as simple as they first seem.
Of course, the past comes back to haunt Shadow and not only Jenks but some of the other friends she has made find themselves in danger. While Shadow know just how sick and depraved people can be, others doubt that it could have really been that bad. When the past swallows all of them whole, only a few will have the chance to survive. And after that—life will never be the same.
Shadow manages to rebuild herself and truly become strong, facing not only her past but her present and deciding that she deserves more than what Jenks can give. But when her past still threatens her, she finds that safety can be found in a strong partner and Shadow has to decide whether to stand on her own or chance being hurt again.
I am a huge fan of Shiloh Walker. I have been for a very long time, so when I heard about Pieces of Me I got excited. I love all of Shiloh’s series and had read a good number of her other works. The great thing about Shiloh’s work is that even within the same genre each story is unique. Shiloh is able to really encapsulate the feelings of her characters and this book did not disappoint. If you like romantic suspense novels, this is definitely a great read. This book has graphic sex and violence against women. While the heroine does a great job being a survivor, it could be upsetting to those who have experienced abuse.
You have the main heroine, Shadow Grace-A woman who has been broken so completely she doesn’t know how to survive. She struggles to make a life for herself while recovering from a traumatic experience that makes Russian prison camps look nice. Yet, as broken as she may be, she clings to her art and has the talent to bring beauty into an unforgiving world. Shadow isn’t fully healed but every day she is getting stronger and she dares to reach by starting to fantasize about a guy she sees on the beach regularly. Shadow barely dares to dream about a man, but for some reason, this one-well he sticks in her brain. And he doesn’t come out easy, even when fantasy starts to merge with reality and they meet.
The hero of our story seems perfect in so many ways. Strong, supportive and a little bit dark with a body that doesn’t quit, Jenks seems like the perfect man. As they start to build something together, he doesn’t fall apart when Shadow starts the revelation process, in fact he seems to stick a little harder. But he has a secret and once it is revealed-well things are not quite as simple as they first seem.
Of course, the past comes back to haunt Shadow and not only Jenks but some of the other friends she has made find themselves in danger. While Shadow know just how sick and depraved people can be, others doubt that it could have really been that bad. When the past swallows all of them whole, only a few will have the chance to survive. And after that—life will never be the same.
Shadow manages to rebuild herself and truly become strong, facing not only her past but her present and deciding that she deserves more than what Jenks can give. But when her past still threatens her, she finds that safety can be found in a strong partner and Shadow has to decide whether to stand on her own or chance being hurt again.
May 9, 2017
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Shadow Grace is a survivor. Having escaped her abusive ex-husband, Shadow tries to establish a new life for herself and battle all the demons from her past. Even as she meets Jenks, she knows her ex is still lurking about biding his time to lure Shadow back into his midst.
Confession, when I read the synopsis I thought of the movie Sleeping With The Enemy! That movie was so scary and so intense. The scene where she opens to the cabinet only to find all the cans perfectly lined up...it gives me the chills just to think of it! I envisioned this romantic thriller to have similar suspense and drama. Unfortunately it doesn't.
Pieces of Me was more of a raunchy romance than thriller and the romance angle felt wrong to me. I never bought into the idea that Jenks and Shadow cared for one another or had a lasting connection. It just felt like a sexual meeting of physical needs, not the intimate bond that the author eluded to. The ending was rushed, anticlimactic, and I closed the book feeling unsatisfied. I wanted so much more for Shadow; I wanted her to know the true freedom from her abuser which can only come from not allowing him to have any hold over her - not simply just coloring and cutting her hair.
The writing also felt very disjointed. A scene of intense interaction and dialogue would be broken by a tangent describing the contents of a refrigerator. Several scenes were interrupted with those random paragraphs causing the tension the author was creating to break.
What I did appreciate was the author's depiction of how abusers systematically devastate their victims. Yes the physical abuse is excruciating but the psychological abuse can devour someone. Shadow's ex-husband began to erase her as a wife, woman, and individual. Once she escaped that hell, she emerged as someone she did not know. Having to recraft herself and heal was a major undertaking.
Ultimately this is a work fiction and the accuracy of psychological abuse could not save the storyline.
Shadow Grace is a survivor. Having escaped her abusive ex-husband, Shadow tries to establish a new life for herself and battle all the demons from her past. Even as she meets Jenks, she knows her ex is still lurking about biding his time to lure Shadow back into his midst.
Confession, when I read the synopsis I thought of the movie Sleeping With The Enemy! That movie was so scary and so intense. The scene where she opens to the cabinet only to find all the cans perfectly lined up...it gives me the chills just to think of it! I envisioned this romantic thriller to have similar suspense and drama. Unfortunately it doesn't.
Pieces of Me was more of a raunchy romance than thriller and the romance angle felt wrong to me. I never bought into the idea that Jenks and Shadow cared for one another or had a lasting connection. It just felt like a sexual meeting of physical needs, not the intimate bond that the author eluded to. The ending was rushed, anticlimactic, and I closed the book feeling unsatisfied. I wanted so much more for Shadow; I wanted her to know the true freedom from her abuser which can only come from not allowing him to have any hold over her - not simply just coloring and cutting her hair.
The writing also felt very disjointed. A scene of intense interaction and dialogue would be broken by a tangent describing the contents of a refrigerator. Several scenes were interrupted with those random paragraphs causing the tension the author was creating to break.
What I did appreciate was the author's depiction of how abusers systematically devastate their victims. Yes the physical abuse is excruciating but the psychological abuse can devour someone. Shadow's ex-husband began to erase her as a wife, woman, and individual. Once she escaped that hell, she emerged as someone she did not know. Having to recraft herself and heal was a major undertaking.
Ultimately this is a work fiction and the accuracy of psychological abuse could not save the storyline.
August 2, 2017
I loved this book because the author took a different route.
In domestic abuse books i have read. The author always talks about the physical marks and aftermath.
But Ms Walker wrote about the emotional and mental marks left.
I know lots of readers found it lacking. That the author spoke about the abuse in past sense. In a third person perceptive. But I found it soothing. Personally I feel that the abuse was so vile and grity. That if the author had wrote it present then I could'nt unhinge myself from the abuse.
To then be hooked into romance between Jenkins and Shadow. Or the thriller of Stephens games.
I love reading dark books. But if the author had put the abuse present. Then I would feel like reading Obsession: Girl Abducted that book was so vile with details that I felt discounted with everything else.
I loved that Shadow was'nt fully depended on Jenkins . Yes he gave her confidence but he was'nt just her saviour. He was the waves in the sea. That surrounded Shadow like safety, made her feel.
But at the same time pushed her to face her fears.
I hope in the future the author writes another sequel. Or a epilogue there are too many questions to be answered.
Characters as I see.
Jenkins - http://pinterest.com/pin/318277898657...
Shadow - http://pinterest.com/pin/318277898657...
In domestic abuse books i have read. The author always talks about the physical marks and aftermath.
But Ms Walker wrote about the emotional and mental marks left.
I know lots of readers found it lacking. That the author spoke about the abuse in past sense. In a third person perceptive. But I found it soothing. Personally I feel that the abuse was so vile and grity. That if the author had wrote it present then I could'nt unhinge myself from the abuse.
To then be hooked into romance between Jenkins and Shadow. Or the thriller of Stephens games.
I love reading dark books. But if the author had put the abuse present. Then I would feel like reading Obsession: Girl Abducted that book was so vile with details that I felt discounted with everything else.
I loved that Shadow was'nt fully depended on Jenkins . Yes he gave her confidence but he was'nt just her saviour. He was the waves in the sea. That surrounded Shadow like safety, made her feel.
But at the same time pushed her to face her fears.
I hope in the future the author writes another sequel. Or a epilogue there are too many questions to be answered.
Characters as I see.
Jenkins - http://pinterest.com/pin/318277898657...
Shadow - http://pinterest.com/pin/318277898657...
May 5, 2017
First person look at a woman who survived hell and is trying to exist in a world where she knows monsters are real but she is trying to pick up the pieces and not let the darkness that shattered her world win.
My interpretation as I started reading this book was it was like a diary of a woman that had been beaten, scarred, raped and left with a reconstructed face that she didnt recognize. For the first 16 years of her life she was happy. Then her parents died. At 18 she left her guardian who showed her no love and bought a house on Pawney Island and lived free and fun life until she started college. At 20 she met fell in love with and married an older man and thus started her decent into hell which she didnt escape from until she was 25. Unspeakable things were done to her during those 5 years and now years after escaping she goes back to Pawney Island to try and put her life back together but she is still scared of the dark and knows he is still out there waiting and watching.
This story was not typical so in that fashion it doesn't have a typical ending. Shadow Grace Harper is a survivor though and she does face her nightmares by the end and even though its not a fairy tale ending its one I understand.
My interpretation as I started reading this book was it was like a diary of a woman that had been beaten, scarred, raped and left with a reconstructed face that she didnt recognize. For the first 16 years of her life she was happy. Then her parents died. At 18 she left her guardian who showed her no love and bought a house on Pawney Island and lived free and fun life until she started college. At 20 she met fell in love with and married an older man and thus started her decent into hell which she didnt escape from until she was 25. Unspeakable things were done to her during those 5 years and now years after escaping she goes back to Pawney Island to try and put her life back together but she is still scared of the dark and knows he is still out there waiting and watching.
This story was not typical so in that fashion it doesn't have a typical ending. Shadow Grace Harper is a survivor though and she does face her nightmares by the end and even though its not a fairy tale ending its one I understand.
June 6, 2017
Shiloh Walker always manages to weave a suspenseful romance that has you anxious to turn each page. In Pieces of Me, Shadow Grace is dealing with almost crippling anxiety and PTSD after escaping an obsessive and abusive ex-husband. She finds refuge in the beach and her drawings. When she accidentally leaves her sketchbook on the beach, she is besides herself until she finds it still on the beach, in the hands of Dillian. Dillian is as different from her ex as night is from day. Soon she finds herself beginning to feel the happiness she thought she would never feel again as she gets to know him. When her ex-husband finds her again, she fears everything she is beginning to feel and hold dear will be taken from her, unless she can trust Dillian. Will he step up and save Shadow or is he simply another man in her life who will disappoint her.
I really enjoyed this story. The suspense kept me anxious to find out what would happen next and I loved Dillian and Shadow's characters. Shadow was so strong, escaping her ex-husband and finding a way to live despite the terrible abuse she faced at his hands. Dillian was the perfect romantic hero. He was kind, compassionate and willing to help Shadow through her pain and be a support for her when she needed it.
I really enjoyed this story. The suspense kept me anxious to find out what would happen next and I loved Dillian and Shadow's characters. Shadow was so strong, escaping her ex-husband and finding a way to live despite the terrible abuse she faced at his hands. Dillian was the perfect romantic hero. He was kind, compassionate and willing to help Shadow through her pain and be a support for her when she needed it.
June 3, 2018
Twisty, romantic suspense…
The power of one human being over another. The psychological games that can be played. And when they turn deadly, the stakes just get higher… Shadow knows all about physical and mental abuse, she’s been hiding from a relationship that brought her to the brink of death and has left her clinging to a life she holds onto with a fragile thread. As her life is once again thrown into turmoil Dillian Jenkins may be a light in her world, or he could be the one to end it…
“It was just him and me, and that incredible kiss.”
This author knows how to dig into people’s heads – the good, the bad, the ugly – and reveal their truths. In this spine-tingling suspenseful read, that talent is on full display. I feel Shadow’s despair, her pain, as her past and her present snowballs into a litany of fear and danger. When Dillian shows up at her door, she is naturally wary but soon hopes, prays, he is what he is. A good guy, who will be there for her. It’s not always clear who is the bad guy in this twisty, turny story and the telling of it kept me on my toes throughout.
The ending left me unsettled. I guess that is not a surprise given the content and the curveball right at the end… There is more to this story, there has to be… ~Diane, 4 stars
The power of one human being over another. The psychological games that can be played. And when they turn deadly, the stakes just get higher… Shadow knows all about physical and mental abuse, she’s been hiding from a relationship that brought her to the brink of death and has left her clinging to a life she holds onto with a fragile thread. As her life is once again thrown into turmoil Dillian Jenkins may be a light in her world, or he could be the one to end it…
“It was just him and me, and that incredible kiss.”
This author knows how to dig into people’s heads – the good, the bad, the ugly – and reveal their truths. In this spine-tingling suspenseful read, that talent is on full display. I feel Shadow’s despair, her pain, as her past and her present snowballs into a litany of fear and danger. When Dillian shows up at her door, she is naturally wary but soon hopes, prays, he is what he is. A good guy, who will be there for her. It’s not always clear who is the bad guy in this twisty, turny story and the telling of it kept me on my toes throughout.
The ending left me unsettled. I guess that is not a surprise given the content and the curveball right at the end… There is more to this story, there has to be… ~Diane, 4 stars
May 16, 2017
ARC provided by author through Net Galley in exchange for a honest review
I have to admit that I am usually not a big fan of suspense and I am very limited to genres, but with this book I really stepped out of my comfort zone. It kind of made me realize that I haven’t really explored genres that I stay away from.
Plain and simple, it was different, and I read it in one sitting.
One thing I did not like was the ending, and that is the reason I gave this book a four star rating.
Nonetheless, this was intense and if you like romantic suspense you will enjoy it.
Have in mind that it deals with some heavy subjects like psychological and physical abuse.
Main heroine basically endured years and years of hell, in a marriage with a physically and emotionally abusive man. She is a scarred woman who's life is marked with dominance, captivity and extreme fear.
I don't want to reveal too much, but if you want to read something a bit darker than your usual reads, try this one. I took a chance, and that proves to me yet again that I need to make myself read outside of my comfort zone because I'm missing out on some great stuff.
I have to admit that I am usually not a big fan of suspense and I am very limited to genres, but with this book I really stepped out of my comfort zone. It kind of made me realize that I haven’t really explored genres that I stay away from.
Plain and simple, it was different, and I read it in one sitting.
One thing I did not like was the ending, and that is the reason I gave this book a four star rating.
Nonetheless, this was intense and if you like romantic suspense you will enjoy it.
Have in mind that it deals with some heavy subjects like psychological and physical abuse.
Main heroine basically endured years and years of hell, in a marriage with a physically and emotionally abusive man. She is a scarred woman who's life is marked with dominance, captivity and extreme fear.
I don't want to reveal too much, but if you want to read something a bit darker than your usual reads, try this one. I took a chance, and that proves to me yet again that I need to make myself read outside of my comfort zone because I'm missing out on some great stuff.
October 24, 2023
The heroine escapes a harsh past with a tyrant for a husband. What I wanted to know was why he married her out of all the women he met on a daily basis—that question is never answered and that hurt the story for me.
When we meet the heroine, she's escaped from forced captivity and is found by law enforcement. Fast forward, three years later and she's living a quiet life in a coastal town where her ex-husband has hired her neighbors to watch her.
She's a talented, well-to-do artist that makes her living designing for internet clients. She spends her mornings on the beach doodling in her sketchpad and her afternoons working on client projects. She's fascinated by a man that keeps to himself on the beach but fantasizes about him and what she'd like to do to him. He sparks her libido that's been missing in action for years. They officially meet when she goes to the beach to find her missing sketch book.
A conversation is started and they eventually become friends and then more. Letting someone in doesn't come without sacrifices. Her new savior has secrets that will either aid in her road of recovery or destroy her altogether.
When we meet the heroine, she's escaped from forced captivity and is found by law enforcement. Fast forward, three years later and she's living a quiet life in a coastal town where her ex-husband has hired her neighbors to watch her.
She's a talented, well-to-do artist that makes her living designing for internet clients. She spends her mornings on the beach doodling in her sketchpad and her afternoons working on client projects. She's fascinated by a man that keeps to himself on the beach but fantasizes about him and what she'd like to do to him. He sparks her libido that's been missing in action for years. They officially meet when she goes to the beach to find her missing sketch book.
A conversation is started and they eventually become friends and then more. Letting someone in doesn't come without sacrifices. Her new savior has secrets that will either aid in her road of recovery or destroy her altogether.
June 6, 2017
I'm hooked with the teaser as soon as I read it at NetGalley.
Shadow Grace Harper is a very beautiful name for a woman who have been imprisoned and battered by her lunatic and obsessive ex-husband Stefan Stockman. My heart goes to her bad experiences and her fear that is still with her. I'm glad that Shadow survive and ready to fight her ex-husband now.
Lobo aka Jenks aka Dillian is a hot and mysterious guy. I was surprised about his real identity. I also felt how broken, he is and I'm pleased that whatever happened, he still sticks with Shadow.
I enjoyed reading this psychological romance thriller, but the ending... Is there a part two? Is Shadow really will find justice for what happened to her?
Kudos to Shiloh Walker! Great job! Thank you to NetGalley and INscribe Digital for the ARC!
Shadow Grace Harper is a very beautiful name for a woman who have been imprisoned and battered by her lunatic and obsessive ex-husband Stefan Stockman. My heart goes to her bad experiences and her fear that is still with her. I'm glad that Shadow survive and ready to fight her ex-husband now.
Lobo aka Jenks aka Dillian is a hot and mysterious guy. I was surprised about his real identity. I also felt how broken, he is and I'm pleased that whatever happened, he still sticks with Shadow.
I enjoyed reading this psychological romance thriller, but the ending... Is there a part two? Is Shadow really will find justice for what happened to her?
Kudos to Shiloh Walker! Great job! Thank you to NetGalley and INscribe Digital for the ARC!
August 7, 2017
Shadow Harper is a shadow of her former self. Each day is a ritual she must go by to keep her sanity while her obsessed ex still manages to keep his hold on her. After accidentally leaving her sketch book at the only place she finds peace, the man she’s been secretly watching begins to slowly try to break into her shell.
This was such a great book. The author writes such a complex character with Shadow as she battles her PTSD and realizes she’s not the victim. The book wasn’t just about her battling herself but also her psychotic ex when nobody would believe her. I’ve read a lot of this author’s books and I think this is definitely my favorite. I highly recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book
This was such a great book. The author writes such a complex character with Shadow as she battles her PTSD and realizes she’s not the victim. The book wasn’t just about her battling herself but also her psychotic ex when nobody would believe her. I’ve read a lot of this author’s books and I think this is definitely my favorite. I highly recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book
July 6, 2019
Fantastic romantic thriller about a victim of a severely abusive marriage. Shadow got out alive, just barely. She now picks up the pieces of her life all while fighting OCD, PSTD and her ex watching her, terrorizing her, and waiting for another chance at her. She becomes romantically involved with Jenks all the while wondering how he can have feelings for such a fucked up woman. There is so much more here to the plot that I don't want to give it away. It's so we'll written especially her OCD tendancies. It's a miracle she escaped the terror simply to live a different kind of terror. I didn't give it 5 stars because the ending was a bit unique. But I think the ending is appropriate for the story. 4.5 Stars
July 9, 2017
My Review of Pieces of me by Shiloh Walker
My Rating 4.5 Stars
This was a suspenseful, obsessive story which kept me on my toes throughout the entire story. Shadow thought she had everything her heart ever wanted only to have the one person she trusted to take it all away, on the run hiding out from the abuser and always looking over her shoulder. The intensity of this story kept me waiting for the ball to drop. I enjoyed this book and will watch for more from this author.
** I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of his book in exchange for an honest review from the Publisher through Netgalley & the Author **
My Rating 4.5 Stars
This was a suspenseful, obsessive story which kept me on my toes throughout the entire story. Shadow thought she had everything her heart ever wanted only to have the one person she trusted to take it all away, on the run hiding out from the abuser and always looking over her shoulder. The intensity of this story kept me waiting for the ball to drop. I enjoyed this book and will watch for more from this author.
** I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of his book in exchange for an honest review from the Publisher through Netgalley & the Author **
July 26, 2017
Hmmm. If this is left as a standalone after the letter I'd be disappointed. It's an ok read but I wanted more in the thriller and suspense department. There wasn't all that much romance either. I felt like we were told what happened to shadow but I didn't really feel it. Just hearing repeatedly that Shadow struggled, had OCD, panic attacks etc and he had abused her - I think we should have been given more of a glimpse into Stephan. Some parts were washed over too much and others that were irrelevant were expanded. I was disappointed. 3 stars.
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