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Living Art #3
Unlocking His Shutter
Shutter, a man shrouding in darkness, leads a solitary life. One he is content with, until he witness’s his nephew, Fear, fall in love. Shutter sees what life could be like if he follows the light and opens his heart.
Drake, a man with a mysterious past, has been accepted into a family that helps him escape the nightmares of his childhood.
Together they face every obstacle and with the help of a loving, yet crazy family, they are forced to walk through hell to get to the future they both deserve.
It’s not an easy journey to their happily ever after but once there, both men know it was worth every single step.
Drake, a man with a mysterious past, has been accepted into a family that helps him escape the nightmares of his childhood.
Together they face every obstacle and with the help of a loving, yet crazy family, they are forced to walk through hell to get to the future they both deserve.
It’s not an easy journey to their happily ever after but once there, both men know it was worth every single step.
- GenresM M Romance
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 28, 2017
11 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
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September 14, 2018I started this book a few days ago and realized I didn't remember a thing about these characters from previous books. So, I decided to refresh my memory by rereading book 1.
I just want to say this. The subject matter in this one had some great potential. There could be plenty of angst from several different angles. There's Shutter's past, Drake's past, the introduction of Daniel and then just all the other characters and their stories. But this was a prime example of telling not showing. The execution of the story arc lacked. I hate to be negative but this could have been so much better.
What we do get is OTT cliff notes version of a story. When you say "we had a conversation about..." (fill in the blank), give me the conversation. I want to know what was said and done. When Drake left, where did he go? What did he do? He was gone for several days but we don't know anything about his trip. What happened to Drake in the past was touched on and again, cliff notes version. How I want to know the story, the whole story. I didn't need details of his but there were so many things left out.
I think I mentioned in book 2 about Fear's sister doing a complete 180 in her behavior. It was briefly touched on, and I mean like one or two sentences. So, she was just jealous? What??
Like I said, the actual ideas for these stories are great and could be very interesting. But the execution is lacking. I am not even going to rate this even though I read the whole thing. But I think I will stick to my comment on book 2 and not bother with reading any more in this series.
I just want to say this. The subject matter in this one had some great potential. There could be plenty of angst from several different angles. There's Shutter's past, Drake's past, the introduction of Daniel and then just all the other characters and their stories. But this was a prime example of telling not showing. The execution of the story arc lacked. I hate to be negative but this could have been so much better.
What we do get is OTT cliff notes version of a story. When you say "we had a conversation about..." (fill in the blank), give me the conversation. I want to know what was said and done. When Drake left, where did he go? What did he do? He was gone for several days but we don't know anything about his trip. What happened to Drake in the past was touched on and again, cliff notes version. How I want to know the story, the whole story. I didn't need details of his but there were so many things left out.
I think I mentioned in book 2 about Fear's sister doing a complete 180 in her behavior. It was briefly touched on, and I mean like one or two sentences. So, she was just jealous? What??
Like I said, the actual ideas for these stories are great and could be very interesting. But the execution is lacking. I am not even going to rate this even though I read the whole thing. But I think I will stick to my comment on book 2 and not bother with reading any more in this series.
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December 9, 2017So I go into these book KNOWING they are over the top and full of soap opera like drama. I know this. But this book was so far into the drama that my head hurt. I’m not going to rate it because it wasn’t bad, I just really don’t know how to rate it.
July 26, 2025
Alright, so Unlocking His Shutter... let me tell you, this book is a ride, but not in the fun theme park way. It’s more like an emotional rollercoaster that doesn't give you a break. By the time I finished, I legit felt like I’d been through a storm. For most of the story, I was just sitting there thinking,
“Can these poor characters catch a break?!?”
You can totally see the spark between them, but by the time you reach the ending? I was just sitting there like, “Wait... that’s it?”
The pacing? Oh man, it’s like someone hit the fast-forward button and just kept pressing it. Problem after problem, like they couldn’t catch a single breath. It keeps you on the edge of your seat for sure, but after a while, I started feeling like I was drowning in drama. The author really doesn’t give you much of a chance to just breathe. It’s like running a marathon without getting to stop for water, and I didn’t even get a damn medal at the end.
And don’t even get me started on the ending. It was like a giant To be continued!” sign slapped me in the face. I was like, “Wait, seriously?!?” After all the intense build-up, I was expecting some kind of solid conclusion, but nope! It felt like waiting for a big finale and then, poof, someone yanked the plug. Super frustrating.
Look, I’m not saying the characters don’t have potential, they totally do. But by the end, I was like, “Are we there yet?” They’re so close, but not quite at the point where they can make it work. It’s like watching two people trying to build something but getting their timing all wrong. They’re doing the emotional heavy lifting, but they're still not in the right place to actually build something solid yet.
I get that the relationship isn't the main focus here, and honestly, that worked for the plot. But it doesn't stop me from hoping that future books will finally give these two the closure they deserve. They've been through so much, I just want them to have a happy ending where they actually get a HEA. It’d be nice, you know?
In the end, this is intense as hell. If you're all about raw emotions and cliffhangers, you’ll probably be into it. But fair warning: you’re gonna be left hanging at the end, and it’s like the author’s just teasing us. I’m really hoping the next books give these characters the growth and closure they deserve.
The pacing? Oh man, it’s like someone hit the fast-forward button and just kept pressing it. Problem after problem, like they couldn’t catch a single breath. It keeps you on the edge of your seat for sure, but after a while, I started feeling like I was drowning in drama. The author really doesn’t give you much of a chance to just breathe. It’s like running a marathon without getting to stop for water, and I didn’t even get a damn medal at the end.
And don’t even get me started on the ending. It was like a giant To be continued!” sign slapped me in the face. I was like, “Wait, seriously?!?” After all the intense build-up, I was expecting some kind of solid conclusion, but nope! It felt like waiting for a big finale and then, poof, someone yanked the plug. Super frustrating.
Look, I’m not saying the characters don’t have potential, they totally do. But by the end, I was like, “Are we there yet?” They’re so close, but not quite at the point where they can make it work. It’s like watching two people trying to build something but getting their timing all wrong. They’re doing the emotional heavy lifting, but they're still not in the right place to actually build something solid yet.
I get that the relationship isn't the main focus here, and honestly, that worked for the plot. But it doesn't stop me from hoping that future books will finally give these two the closure they deserve. They've been through so much, I just want them to have a happy ending where they actually get a HEA. It’d be nice, you know?
In the end, this is intense as hell. If you're all about raw emotions and cliffhangers, you’ll probably be into it. But fair warning: you’re gonna be left hanging at the end, and it’s like the author’s just teasing us. I’m really hoping the next books give these characters the growth and closure they deserve.
November 30, 2017
This series is life.
I am so in love with every single one of these guys it is insane. I did not think I had it in me tinish it. I hurt so badly for them, all of them but especially the kids... Lucian and Daniel. I did not expect the level of ugly face crying from this book.
First, we remember Drake of course and Shutter from previous books, but we didnt know how troubled Shutters life was and how incredibly heartbreaking Drakes was.
I honestly dont even have words for it. I really dont. I feel like I have the worst hangover and its killing me. I did not think Id ever be this invested in a series of fictional people, but I honestly have no words.
I love Shutter/Ryder. He was amazing and patient and careless and he loved Drake so completely and unconditionally that it was impossible not to love him. He loved his family so much and everything was about them....always.
Blake loved his family, the ones that had chosen him. They were all crazy but the way they were all there for each other was.....amzing.
I loved seeing all of them and I honestly didnt miss Haley at all, I hope she stays away.
All of these guys have been through so much that they need some smooth sailing or a while.
My heart breaks that places like the camp that these kids were sent to, actually exist. It makes me sick to my stomach that there are such places with such parents that would do things like that to their children. As a parent, it hit me hard... I wish wed have gotten more justice for these
peole and say them all suffer more, but... I have to have something to look for in next book, I reckon. I cant wait for it!!!
I cant say enough good things about this book. I loved every second of it, even the parts I hated.
This one will be one that sticks with me for a really long time and Im thankful or that.
5 well deserved, amazing stars from me.
I am so in love with every single one of these guys it is insane. I did not think I had it in me tinish it. I hurt so badly for them, all of them but especially the kids... Lucian and Daniel. I did not expect the level of ugly face crying from this book.
First, we remember Drake of course and Shutter from previous books, but we didnt know how troubled Shutters life was and how incredibly heartbreaking Drakes was.
I honestly dont even have words for it. I really dont. I feel like I have the worst hangover and its killing me. I did not think Id ever be this invested in a series of fictional people, but I honestly have no words.
I love Shutter/Ryder. He was amazing and patient and careless and he loved Drake so completely and unconditionally that it was impossible not to love him. He loved his family so much and everything was about them....always.
Blake loved his family, the ones that had chosen him. They were all crazy but the way they were all there for each other was.....amzing.
I loved seeing all of them and I honestly didnt miss Haley at all, I hope she stays away.
All of these guys have been through so much that they need some smooth sailing or a while.
My heart breaks that places like the camp that these kids were sent to, actually exist. It makes me sick to my stomach that there are such places with such parents that would do things like that to their children. As a parent, it hit me hard... I wish wed have gotten more justice for these
peole and say them all suffer more, but... I have to have something to look for in next book, I reckon. I cant wait for it!!!
I cant say enough good things about this book. I loved every second of it, even the parts I hated.
This one will be one that sticks with me for a really long time and Im thankful or that.
5 well deserved, amazing stars from me.
September 20, 2019
OMW! The "telling" and missing words alone cost this one star... but, I still love the characters so 3-stars it is! There are so many things that have been presented to us and then just completely dropped... details, these stories could have been great, but for the missing details, the telling not showing and the errors, OMG... Drake is being homeschooled? He is in his late twenties, why is he being homeschooled? And I am pretty sure that "locked" was spelled "looked" every single time... really! *headdesk* :(
Anyways, if we ever get another chapter in this soap opera drama... I will read it, just because I love these characters so damn much! *grin*
Anyways, if we ever get another chapter in this soap opera drama... I will read it, just because I love these characters so damn much! *grin*
December 22, 2017
I liked the dynamic between drake and his brothers. again like in the last two books it felt rushed and the romance didn't seem organic to me. there were some typos that I noticed. the relationship between shutter and drake was good but I wish it had been fleshed out more. all in all this series is worth the read if you like quick reads, quick romances and lots of drama. I love the characters indivually they all are vastly different and intriguing I just wish the story didn't feel rushed and almost incomplete.
November 30, 2017
Love this book....
Every book I read in this series gets better and better. This is another book that is going on my to re-read pile. In all these books a serious issue comes up, one that tears at your heart, you can feel the characters ' pain and being at the sidelines reading every line as they work through you just want to jump up and yell right along with them. Love this book. It's so hard to pick a favorite from this series <3
Every book I read in this series gets better and better. This is another book that is going on my to re-read pile. In all these books a serious issue comes up, one that tears at your heart, you can feel the characters ' pain and being at the sidelines reading every line as they work through you just want to jump up and yell right along with them. Love this book. It's so hard to pick a favorite from this series <3
November 29, 2017
Unlocking His Shutter was absolutely fantastic read!!! It was heartbreaking, heartwarming, funny, and thought provoking all rolled up in one book. The main characters Ryder 'Shutter' and Drake had so obstacles to overcome to get to their HEA, and the journey was well worth to emotion journey! I can not wait for the next book in the series!
December 5, 2017
I liked this but it was not really about the couple; they came together quickly and their relationship was not the focus of the book; IMO this was a filler book to introduce new characters and tug at the heartstrings (which worked!); I am wondering who is next? I look forward to it; I love Alfie and his mom so any more of their antics are great!
December 30, 2017
4.25 'There is masses of dramas in this book, the connection between Ryder and Drake on page is fairly insta love, Ryder calls Drake babe after their first date but they worked well for me, loved them and will be looking forward to see what crazy happens to this insane ever growing family in the next installment' stars.
January 29, 2018
Drama
Goodness and out continues. Oh my this book was filled with so much stuff, they kept coming one after the other. As we have seen in the other two books the family continues to grow and band together. The twist with Drake was a little different. Cannot imagine what will be happening in the next book!!
Goodness and out continues. Oh my this book was filled with so much stuff, they kept coming one after the other. As we have seen in the other two books the family continues to grow and band together. The twist with Drake was a little different. Cannot imagine what will be happening in the next book!!
January 6, 2018
Unexpected twists and turns.
This has o many shocking twists that bit could be a soap opera. The love story between Ryder and Drake is secondary to the other underlying stories going on. It's almost an afterthought.
This has o many shocking twists that bit could be a soap opera. The love story between Ryder and Drake is secondary to the other underlying stories going on. It's almost an afterthought.
December 4, 2018
Each and every book in this series does it for me, I loved Ryder and drake. Made me laugh a whole and cry just as much but that made it a whole lot better coz it makes them more real, beautiful and brave.. 😘
December 9, 2017
The story was good, but it felt very rushed. The romance came out of nowhere and was too much in the background. This story would have benefited if the writer would have taken more time, imho...
December 19, 2017
Another great installment. This one dealt with a bit of dark matters, which I'm glad was brought up. Looking forward to the next one.
January 3, 2018
This one was just ok for me. I had a hard time connecting with the two MC's. There was so much going on in this story that at times I wasn't sure what was going on.
January 21, 2018
I can hardly wait to read the next one! 🖤
January 22, 2018
I loved this book, but it did keep making my eyes water... so many feels
February 23, 2018
#1 series
These books are heart warming. They have you hooked from page one.They leave you waiting more of this wonderful,crazy, welcome crew.
These books are heart warming. They have you hooked from page one.They leave you waiting more of this wonderful,crazy, welcome crew.
September 3, 2018
I loved this book, I love this whole series. The characters and story lines just keep getting better with each book, can't wait till the next one (i have a feeling Eddie is going to be awesome)
May 20, 2018
I have no words but wow
Unlocking his shutter was such a amazing journey
Shutter and Drake stole my heart from the beginning of this journey to the end.
I loved shutter and drakes journey I laughed I cried I completely fell in love
I felt like I was there by shutter and Drake's side through the ups and downs and twist and turns
Unlocking his shutter had me hooked and it was such a page turner you are so excited to see what's coming next
Unlocking his shutter was such a amazing journey
Shutter and Drake stole my heart from the beginning of this journey to the end.
I loved shutter and drakes journey I laughed I cried I completely fell in love
I felt like I was there by shutter and Drake's side through the ups and downs and twist and turns
Unlocking his shutter had me hooked and it was such a page turner you are so excited to see what's coming next
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews