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Circle of the Red Scorpion #1
Shattered
Shattered is an erotic paranormal thriller that weaves an intricate web of events involving a playboy pop singer, a romance writer, and an unrelenting vampire. It features an unquenchable thirst for blood, an obsession that spans two decades and love beyond measure. Drake Devereaux, haunted by a tragedy in his past has avoided the trappings of love most of his life. Ebony Jordan is a romance writer who wants to find the kind of love she writes about in her books – the love story her parents never had. Solomon Blackwell, a Rogue vampire sees Ebony one night and is reminded of the lover he lost and vows to make her his own. Drake and Ebony meet by chance and forge an unforgettable connection. As Drake and Ebony’s relationship heats up, Drake realizes he’s falling in love. Instead of embracing it, he allows his fear to drive him away from the one woman who can heal him. After months of being apart, Ebony’s attempt to reach out to Drake ends with a heartbreaking discovery and an unexpected accident that nearly ends her life. Faced with another tragedy, Drake finds out what is truly important. As Drake and Ebony plan a life together, Solomon plots to possess her and shatter their love forever.
Quote:
Drake was finally complete, the shattered pieces of his heart fit so perfectly, mended back together by the enduring power of love. He never thought he would find someone like Ebony, someone who entered his life by chance and stayed to change it forever.
Quote:
Drake was finally complete, the shattered pieces of his heart fit so perfectly, mended back together by the enduring power of love. He never thought he would find someone like Ebony, someone who entered his life by chance and stayed to change it forever.
259 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2019
9 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
About the author
Charlene Johnson
20 books357 followersCharlene is a Waynesburg, Pennsylvania native. Currently lives in Arizona
Charlene Johnson is an indie author and creator of the Circle of the Red Scorpion paranormal romance series and universe, along with the romantic suspense worlds of Raven Ridge (formerly Sterling Wood) and Blown Away. Known for immersive world-building and emotionally charged storytelling, she writes stories where magic walks hand in hand with danger—and love refuses to surrender.
A romantic at heart, Charlene began her creative journey with poetry, capturing the fire of first love, the quiet devastation of heartbreak, and the hard-won beauty of healing. That lyrical foundation continues to shape her fiction, infusing her novels and short stories with rich atmosphere, myth-tinged legends, and passion that burns long after the final page.
Now re-launching her catalog as an indie author, Charlene is breathing new life into her interconnected worlds—refining, expanding, and re-imagining them for a new generation of readers. Her stories celebrate devotion that defies fate, old legends reborn, and the belief that even in darkness, love is the most dangerous magic of all.
Charlene Johnson is an indie author and creator of the Circle of the Red Scorpion paranormal romance series and universe, along with the romantic suspense worlds of Raven Ridge (formerly Sterling Wood) and Blown Away. Known for immersive world-building and emotionally charged storytelling, she writes stories where magic walks hand in hand with danger—and love refuses to surrender.
A romantic at heart, Charlene began her creative journey with poetry, capturing the fire of first love, the quiet devastation of heartbreak, and the hard-won beauty of healing. That lyrical foundation continues to shape her fiction, infusing her novels and short stories with rich atmosphere, myth-tinged legends, and passion that burns long after the final page.
Now re-launching her catalog as an indie author, Charlene is breathing new life into her interconnected worlds—refining, expanding, and re-imagining them for a new generation of readers. Her stories celebrate devotion that defies fate, old legends reborn, and the belief that even in darkness, love is the most dangerous magic of all.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 9, 2019
Audiobook read for Blog Tour.
Shattered is a cleverly woven vampire tale. It's an erotic thriller with questionable morals. The story is a full-length novel, however, leaves the door open for more. It's the start of a series. Vampires live forever, but their humanity doesn't always shine through. The story tells the tale of two men. One bored with life the other wants things he cannot have. Being a vampire gives Soloman the illusion of everything he wants but the underlining truth is deadly. The problem is he's immortal and he has an eternity to get what he wants.
Drake doesn't know the meaning of living until he meets Ebony. To the outside world, it looks like he has everything a man should want but he's never experienced true love until he meets her.
This book is intended for the adult audience and contains a lot of sexual content. As this tale unfolds we see a tangled web which can only lead to more trouble.
It took me a while to get used to the narrator in this audiobook, but the story had some interesting twists. 3.5 stars out of 5. ARC received in exchange for an honest review. This book has a lot of descriptive detail.
Shattered is a cleverly woven vampire tale. It's an erotic thriller with questionable morals. The story is a full-length novel, however, leaves the door open for more. It's the start of a series. Vampires live forever, but their humanity doesn't always shine through. The story tells the tale of two men. One bored with life the other wants things he cannot have. Being a vampire gives Soloman the illusion of everything he wants but the underlining truth is deadly. The problem is he's immortal and he has an eternity to get what he wants.
Drake doesn't know the meaning of living until he meets Ebony. To the outside world, it looks like he has everything a man should want but he's never experienced true love until he meets her.
This book is intended for the adult audience and contains a lot of sexual content. As this tale unfolds we see a tangled web which can only lead to more trouble.
It took me a while to get used to the narrator in this audiobook, but the story had some interesting twists. 3.5 stars out of 5. ARC received in exchange for an honest review. This book has a lot of descriptive detail.
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March 22, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/22/2020)! 🎁
March 6, 2018
The book was great!! Once I started reading it I didn't want to put it down. It is the perfect combo of erotic and paranormal. I can't wait to find out more about the Circle of the Red Scorpion and where Ebony and Drake's life takes them. Please hurry with book 2!!
June 28, 2019
This starts out so innocuous introducing the characters eluding at many different possibilities, but never quite letting me settle on just one path. The story was a bit like being at the amusement park. It easily lulled me into a false sense of "everything is going to work out" and when I found my self relaxing and enjoying the ride ~ BAM! ~ I was suddenly dangling over a cliff, fear gripping my heart waiting as I waited breathlessly for a show of mercy.
If you are looking for an easy read this is not it. Don't get me wrong the story line truly is easy to follow. It breaks down and introduces each character so we know the how's and why's that make them unique. There is a bit of time warping but it works quite well, again easy to follow. There are multiple smaller story lines woven within the main plot that follows Drake and Ebony, each only adds to the overall tone.
This is one of those stories, IMO, that the smallest thing can give away a major plot twist or event, spoiling a moment that would make a tremendous impact on the reader. So with that in mind, I will keep to the basics:
Plot - Well crafted and easy to follow
Cast - Each member of this story brings a vital component to the story line. They are all so vivid and just pop(?) out of the story.
The girl who seems innocuous and a bit of a self-serving whinny irritant ~ she is important.
Villain ~ Okay I am a bit of a softy when it comes to the bad guy (yes, I tend to justify their really really bad behavior) Solomon is the main antagonist here and I admit he is a bit bloodthirsty and at times reminds me of a petulant child with his demands and tantrums. I definitely would not want to be the object of his affections.
Steamy ~ There is quite a bit of heat. The bit about it having an erotic element, not to be taken lightly.
Set up ~ This is a first in series and the author definitely left me engaged and wanting more.
Recommend?
Yes. This is a full length first in series paranormal erotica with lots of suspense and action.
You truly get it all with this read.
If you are looking for an easy read this is not it. Don't get me wrong the story line truly is easy to follow. It breaks down and introduces each character so we know the how's and why's that make them unique. There is a bit of time warping but it works quite well, again easy to follow. There are multiple smaller story lines woven within the main plot that follows Drake and Ebony, each only adds to the overall tone.
This is one of those stories, IMO, that the smallest thing can give away a major plot twist or event, spoiling a moment that would make a tremendous impact on the reader. So with that in mind, I will keep to the basics:
Plot - Well crafted and easy to follow
Cast - Each member of this story brings a vital component to the story line. They are all so vivid and just pop(?) out of the story.
The girl who seems innocuous and a bit of a self-serving whinny irritant ~ she is important.
Villain ~ Okay I am a bit of a softy when it comes to the bad guy (yes, I tend to justify their really really bad behavior) Solomon is the main antagonist here and I admit he is a bit bloodthirsty and at times reminds me of a petulant child with his demands and tantrums. I definitely would not want to be the object of his affections.
Steamy ~ There is quite a bit of heat. The bit about it having an erotic element, not to be taken lightly.
Set up ~ This is a first in series and the author definitely left me engaged and wanting more.
Recommend?
Yes. This is a full length first in series paranormal erotica with lots of suspense and action.
You truly get it all with this read.
December 2, 2018
WOW!!! This is the first book I have read from this author and I love it. It is the first of a series. This is full of emotion and drama. This is unlike any paranormal book I have read. The story is written in such detail that it is easy to imagine the scenes. They are so realistic. The characters personalities are so different from each other. They are well developed. We have two male lead characters, Drake Devereaux and his father Broderick. The villain is a wealthy well connected rogue vampire named Solomon Blackwell. Broderick's wife, Drake's mother Elise, was a target of Solomon's desire. However, their affair, based on blackmail, ended tragically. Broderick has made it his mission to get revenge on Solomon. There is a new development in Broderick's case, his son, Drake fell in love with Ebony Jordan. Ebony is now the object of Solomon's obsession. Broderick is aware that Drake and Ebony are in danger because of this. There is another complication, Veronica Devlin, Drake's longtime ex-girlfriend. She wants retribution for the embarrassment Drake's humiliation caused. She also wants him back. This story ends with a cliffhanger. However, I did not feel dissapointed. I only want to read the next book in the series Avenged. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 4, 2018
Who is Broderick Devereaux? Where is he located? What does he do? Who is Solomon Blackwell? Who is Drake? What does Chase Sinclair do? I was shocked with what I learned at the beginning of the book about Solomon. What is the Sacred Order of Simiel? I am not sure how I feel about Veronica Devlin. What does Drake do for a living? What happens when Drake decides he wants more and is no longer satisfied with the life he lives? While I have mixed feelings abou Solomon, I find his past very interesting. Who is Ebony? Why does she feel important to me? Who is her mother? What does her mother have to do with what is going on in her life? Wha happens with Chase as the book moves forward? What does Solomon seem to have to do with everything that has happened, is happening, and may happen? Read and see!
RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M. Brennan.
RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M. Brennan.
October 23, 2018
This is my 1st read and review for this author and what a fantastic story, I’m not going to give any spoilers because this book is that good but I will just give you a taste. Ebony is a romance novelist he life is boring and she wishes that she could live a life like she writes in her romance novels, but what she gets is that and a whole lot more. Drake is a vampire he’s a playboy never wanting to fall in love because of his devastating past meets Ebony by chance and everything that he’s swore would never happen does after just one kiss. There is danger ahead with a rogue vampire Solomon who see’s Ebony and he wants her for himself so will Drake be able to protect her?, and what does this Vampire have to do with his father?. A absolutely fantastic story and I can’t wait to get stuck into book 2. A fantastic story a 5 plus ⭐️ read and I highly recommend this book it’s definitely well worth the read.
September 25, 2022
WOW, I LOVED SHATTERED SO MUCH THAT IT ENDED BEFORE I WAS READY!! I liked little Drake as he cared so much for his mom, but he did not understand why she and her dad argued so much and why she had to leave them so much when she got a phone call. And then she was dead when he found her on the beach. I understood that his father took his mom's death so hard, but not why he snubbed his son. Poor Drake vowed to never love again as he held his mom in his lap and cried. Both Drake and Ebony had lost their mom early in life, and until Ebony went to a book store and saw him, she was content to stay home and write her novels. History is repeating itself as Solomon Blackwell has set his eyes' on another beautiful woman and vowed that Ebony will not escape him. I hated Solomon Blackwell with a passion as he is a dirty, lying, man hell bent on getting whatever he wants. I CAN'T WAIT TO READ THE REST OF THE SERIES!!
March 29, 2019
Shattered and Avenged are your typical vampire stories. I was drawn to these books because of the blurbs and I love romance. Was I disappointed? Somewhat, because both books were more erotic romance than steamy romance, and I think the author focused more on the sex than love. The stories were intriguing and they had a lot of twists and turns that will keep the reader interested in them, but I was expecting more; something outside of the box. I didn't want the vampires to be typical. I will read the other books in the series because the author created enough suspense to make me want to know what will happen next.
December 1, 2018
Addicted to the series, absolutely love it.
Each book just gets better and better every time I read a book from the series. Wonderful characters that can be related to. These books you won't want to put down, you'll be hooked from the start, I enjoyed reading them. I'd recommend your books to anyone. Loaded up with a drink so I could cuddle up and read it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Each book just gets better and better every time I read a book from the series. Wonderful characters that can be related to. These books you won't want to put down, you'll be hooked from the start, I enjoyed reading them. I'd recommend your books to anyone. Loaded up with a drink so I could cuddle up and read it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 13, 2018
An intricately woven story filled with steam, mystery and suspense. I wondered why Solomon wanted Ebony so badly. She and Drake were finding their way together, but with hidden obstacles at every turn, it was a near impossible thing. I really enjoyed this story, although some of the details surrounding the other characters might have helped paint a better picture for me. It was an intriguing read, and I am curious to see what's in the next book.
December 19, 2018
He had enough of being a playboy and wants to change his life. She appears and they have a great night. They see each other but then he allows his fears push her away. A rogue vampire sees her and wants her. Can the two of them be together? Can they get together forever? Will his father protect them from the vampire? See how they will get on
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 26, 2018
OMG! This book was amazing and you feel so many feelings about all the characters in the story!
You will feel love, strong dislike for situations and characters , a feeling of wanting to just shake Drake a few times too!
Charlene is a new to me author and I am psyched to read her next book!
You will feel love, strong dislike for situations and characters , a feeling of wanting to just shake Drake a few times too!
Charlene is a new to me author and I am psyched to read her next book!
December 2, 2018
This is the first book by Charlene Johnson for me and it was well written. Ebony and Drake are great characters and the paranormal storyline was steamy. This gripping story had me turning the pages trying to find out what would happen next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 26, 2020
This book was gripping, well written & the chemistry between the characters sizzled throughout this wonderful read.
Well done Charlene. I look forward to more!
Well done Charlene. I look forward to more!
August 27, 2020
THIS book is off the Chain! Loved it from cover to cover. A must read.
Want to read
March 9, 2024Prch Amz March 22, 2020
November 5, 2020
Love conquers all
Wow! You talk about twist and turns, cloak and dagger, plots and pleasures this book have it all. I mean I couldn't put this book down keep me up half the night and from most of my work ;) but all in it was intriguing, mystifying, and exciting one you don't want to miss :) can't wait to start the next chapter of Drake and Ebony adventure.
Wow! You talk about twist and turns, cloak and dagger, plots and pleasures this book have it all. I mean I couldn't put this book down keep me up half the night and from most of my work ;) but all in it was intriguing, mystifying, and exciting one you don't want to miss :) can't wait to start the next chapter of Drake and Ebony adventure.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews