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Southern Alphas #2
Fractured
An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.
Carter Phillips has returned from multiple deployments, and he’s brought a few demons home with him. War has left him scarred, inside and out, and he’s counting on the peace and isolation of his family’s farm to keep his head screwed on straight. What he doesn’t bargain for is Amy Williams, the new horse trainer. She’s kinder than he deserves, tougher than he expects, with a hidden core of vulnerability that triggers his need to possess and protect her.
Amy has finally pieced her life back together, after being forced to give up everything and assume a new identity. Now she’s safe, no longer the target of accusations and death threats—but she’s also alone. The only danger to her secrets and her celibacy is Carter Phillips, smoking-hot former Marine—and her boss’s brother. With each passing day, she finds it harder to lie to him about who she is—and who she wants.
Neither of them wants to talk about the past, but the more time they spend together, the closer they become. When the truth comes out, will it set them free or tear them apart forever?
A sizzling standalone romance, each book of the Southern Alphas Series follows a different couple.
Carter Phillips has returned from multiple deployments, and he’s brought a few demons home with him. War has left him scarred, inside and out, and he’s counting on the peace and isolation of his family’s farm to keep his head screwed on straight. What he doesn’t bargain for is Amy Williams, the new horse trainer. She’s kinder than he deserves, tougher than he expects, with a hidden core of vulnerability that triggers his need to possess and protect her.
Amy has finally pieced her life back together, after being forced to give up everything and assume a new identity. Now she’s safe, no longer the target of accusations and death threats—but she’s also alone. The only danger to her secrets and her celibacy is Carter Phillips, smoking-hot former Marine—and her boss’s brother. With each passing day, she finds it harder to lie to him about who she is—and who she wants.
Neither of them wants to talk about the past, but the more time they spend together, the closer they become. When the truth comes out, will it set them free or tear them apart forever?
A sizzling standalone romance, each book of the Southern Alphas Series follows a different couple.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 14, 2016
2436 people are currently reading
1192 people want to read
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Lori Sjoberg
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
June 26, 2016
I enjoyed this book, the second in the family story. The first books characters carried over into this book. This is the story of Carter who has returned from serving several tours in the military he is hoping to adjust to civilian life by working his family's farm. He loves his siblings fiercely and finds himself attracted to one of the people his sister hired to help out, Amy. Amy has her own set of demons that she is hiding from and between the two of them this makes for a very interesting, romantic and sometimes down right funny read. I look forward to reading about the next sibling to find love. I liked how this book flowed so smoothly form the first book, made it that much easier to follow the characters and how their lives were so entwined.
May 6, 2016
Carter has just come home, honorably discharged from the Marines. He is going home to the family farm that his sister Kayla has been running. He thought he and his brother in law Mason had planned the perfect surprise for Kayla. See, Kayla didn’t know Carter was coming home, therefore, no one else on the farm knew either. Carter’s welcome home is a strange noise upstairs and of course his military training says check it out. With a sharp kitchen knife in hand, he goes upstairs just as a women come out of a bedroom. The women is a “new” horse trainer named Amy. Amy is just as startled by the intruder and having not met Carter she sprayed him with hairspray.
Neither Carter nor Amy are looking for anything. Carter has his demons and Amy has her secrets, neither is willing to risk their heart at this point of the game. The thing that seems to keep being the problem. That there is just simply too much attraction and not enough space to even try to stay away from each other. In the end, they both start to heal, then they start to give themselves to each other. Unfortunately, they didn’t ever clear the air and build the trust. So when Amy’s secret comes to the surface it taxes the fragile relationship that Amy & Carter have created. Are they strong enough to go forward or will they crack under the pressure? Worse yet, when Amy’s past finds her, can she survive the attack?
This was a fun, quick moving book. There were parts of the last 15% of the book that felt like it lacked the depth and detail that had been built through the rest of it. Fortunately, this didn’t make the book less enjoyable. The unfortunate part of it was it left me feeling less tied to the characters and more detached from the emotional struggles that Carter and Amy were facing. The ending also didn’t detour me from reading book 3. I can’t wait to get into Louise’s story.
Neither Carter nor Amy are looking for anything. Carter has his demons and Amy has her secrets, neither is willing to risk their heart at this point of the game. The thing that seems to keep being the problem. That there is just simply too much attraction and not enough space to even try to stay away from each other. In the end, they both start to heal, then they start to give themselves to each other. Unfortunately, they didn’t ever clear the air and build the trust. So when Amy’s secret comes to the surface it taxes the fragile relationship that Amy & Carter have created. Are they strong enough to go forward or will they crack under the pressure? Worse yet, when Amy’s past finds her, can she survive the attack?
This was a fun, quick moving book. There were parts of the last 15% of the book that felt like it lacked the depth and detail that had been built through the rest of it. Fortunately, this didn’t make the book less enjoyable. The unfortunate part of it was it left me feeling less tied to the characters and more detached from the emotional struggles that Carter and Amy were facing. The ending also didn’t detour me from reading book 3. I can’t wait to get into Louise’s story.
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April 30, 2016
Most definitely worth 5 stars!!! A really well written book with great suspense and romance and love!
Carter comes home after an honorable discharge from the Marines and finds who he thinks is an intruder in his sister, Kayla's house! Only it turns out to be Amy, an employee. The sparks fly and they fall in love, and after some ups and downs and revelations, Amy can let go of a painful past and see a future with Carter. A very good read and well worth it!!
Carter comes home after an honorable discharge from the Marines and finds who he thinks is an intruder in his sister, Kayla's house! Only it turns out to be Amy, an employee. The sparks fly and they fall in love, and after some ups and downs and revelations, Amy can let go of a painful past and see a future with Carter. A very good read and well worth it!!
December 1, 2017
This isn't my usual genre. I tend to read paranormal romance and occasionally stray into aliens, cowboys, historical etc. In spite of that, this series has really managed to get my attention. The fact it isn't my preferred genre tells you how good I thought it was. I liked book one enough to buy this one and I'm still enjoying it (enough to buy book 3).
What I really like about this book (and the previous one) is that the characters seem real and have a genuine connection. Also, their problems are just enough to make the story interesting but without being overdone. There were places where I thought the author might make a huge complicated deal out of something... and then I was pleasantly surprised when she didn't. Books don't always have to go for the over-the-top heavy drama to be interesting and I'm glad the author knows this.
This is a well-written story with believable characters, plenty of plot, some steam, and also some warm fuzzy feelings. It was a light and enjoyable story. Well worth the read.
What I really like about this book (and the previous one) is that the characters seem real and have a genuine connection. Also, their problems are just enough to make the story interesting but without being overdone. There were places where I thought the author might make a huge complicated deal out of something... and then I was pleasantly surprised when she didn't. Books don't always have to go for the over-the-top heavy drama to be interesting and I'm glad the author knows this.
This is a well-written story with believable characters, plenty of plot, some steam, and also some warm fuzzy feelings. It was a light and enjoyable story. Well worth the read.
May 20, 2016
Love the Southern Alphas....this being the second book in this series and how the author continues the story line of the first book but its about another couple. Carter the brother of Kayla from Driven has finally come home from his last tour and resigned from the military but now must decide what to do with the rest of his live. Amy who works at Kayla and Mason's ranch as a trainer, who has gone into hiding and changed her name in order to not be a target for death threats and accusations. The only problem is Amy is attracted to Carter and sees beneath his rough exterior but since he is the boss's brother she is determined not to give into the attraction so he never finds out about her prior life.....
Carter was special ops in the military so he knows she is hiding something and he is determined to find out what it is and to help her so they can see where this attractions goes........
Carter was special ops in the military so he knows she is hiding something and he is determined to find out what it is and to help her so they can see where this attractions goes........
April 17, 2016
Received this book as an ARC for a honest review.
This is the 2nd book of the series "Southern Alphas" and it centers on Carter Phillips and Amy Williams. Amy works for Carter's sister, Kayla on her horse farm and is living in her home. The two meet when Carter comes home from being in the Marines and Amy sprays hairspray in his face. Both are attracted to each other but they both feel they have too many issues. As time goes by, their defenses break down. Amy wants to tell Carter about her past but is afraid, he will hate her. Amy walks into the house and finds Carter watching the t.v.. There is a story on "Escaping Justice" that is about Patricia Capwell, Amy's real name, Carter is stunned in disbelief that this is Amy. Amy walks in and Carter asks" Did you kill him?" To find out the answer and what else happens, you will have to read the book. I can tell you, I can't wait for book 3.
This is the 2nd book of the series "Southern Alphas" and it centers on Carter Phillips and Amy Williams. Amy works for Carter's sister, Kayla on her horse farm and is living in her home. The two meet when Carter comes home from being in the Marines and Amy sprays hairspray in his face. Both are attracted to each other but they both feel they have too many issues. As time goes by, their defenses break down. Amy wants to tell Carter about her past but is afraid, he will hate her. Amy walks into the house and finds Carter watching the t.v.. There is a story on "Escaping Justice" that is about Patricia Capwell, Amy's real name, Carter is stunned in disbelief that this is Amy. Amy walks in and Carter asks" Did you kill him?" To find out the answer and what else happens, you will have to read the book. I can tell you, I can't wait for book 3.
March 12, 2018
Finally! I'm finally done with this book. I just had a mental block and have started and stopped so many times I've lost track. Returning soldier Carter Phillips needs a fresh start. He heads to his family's farm with the intention of putting what happened overseas behind him. What he doesn't need or anticipate is the farm's new hire, Amy Williams. They clash upon meeting and have a little love/hate thing going on. But both of them are dealing with some serious issues, each withholding something.
If it wasn't for my mental block and lackluster thoughts to this book I'm sure it would have been outstanding. Oh well. Here's hoping the next one isn't the same...
If it wasn't for my mental block and lackluster thoughts to this book I'm sure it would have been outstanding. Oh well. Here's hoping the next one isn't the same...
May 15, 2016
Book 2 just as good as book 1 maybe better
This follows on from book one, but both are stand alone stories. This is a bit more meatier. There is a bit more of a back story. Carter and Amy both have pasts that have scarred them, but they help each other heal and that's just the start of their story together. Good book and part of Kindle Unlimited.
This follows on from book one, but both are stand alone stories. This is a bit more meatier. There is a bit more of a back story. Carter and Amy both have pasts that have scarred them, but they help each other heal and that's just the start of their story together. Good book and part of Kindle Unlimited.
June 25, 2016
Good book
Am really enjoying this series. With each book and all the characters emerging it feels like a family. Can't wait for the next book.
Am really enjoying this series. With each book and all the characters emerging it feels like a family. Can't wait for the next book.
December 15, 2019
Loved It
Carter is home for good, after serving 6 years and this last bad injury got him a honorable discharge. Amy is the new trainer working for Kayla. They meet when he hears noises in the back room, he gets sprayed with hair spray. But something clicks with them.
Carter is home for good, after serving 6 years and this last bad injury got him a honorable discharge. Amy is the new trainer working for Kayla. They meet when he hears noises in the back room, he gets sprayed with hair spray. But something clicks with them.
January 6, 2020
After five long years of chaos and grief, she’d finally pieced her life back together. She’d given up everything: her savings, her farm—hell, even her own name. But it had been worth it to shake the stigma of being convicted in the court of public opinion for something she hadn’t even done. — Amy Williams
I want to start this review by saying I enjoyed it. I liked Carter and Amy, the development of their relationship. The supporting cast are likeable. The plot is more than decent, the writing is intelligent and there are some good messages (body image, antibullying). But it's three stars because I wanted more.
Lori Sjoberg is a new author for me and I read Fractured without having read Driven (Kayla and Mason's story). You don't have to have read it, there is enough there that it works without it and since Carter is coming home he explains anything the reader needs to know. Lori has an interesting style, one that is not common in romance, or at least not the romance novels I read. There is a larger storyline under the romance that is revealed to the reader in bits and pieces through contextual elements. It's slightly more natural than the life story dump.
There is perhaps an expectation that it will be equal on both sides but Carter's clear PTSD is seriously underutilised. I'm not saying having him lash out physically or shut down but it is barely addressed. The military is set up as a part of the plot and it's not well executed. Also, Amy is a horse trainer, do you realise the possibilities there? And once her issue/drama comes out there is never really a proper discussion about it. It feels off-putting and wrong. (Yeah, I'm overthinking maybe, but I'm here for the plot, not the smut I barely skim that these days).
Once I started seeing all the ways this could have been tweaked just a little. I couldn't rate any higher than three. I didn't hate it, it's a decent read, it just had potential and once that missed potential it seen it cannot be unseen,
“Figures. There’s a lot more bimbos in the Trek universe.”
“That’s not true.”
“Oh, please.” She ticked off a list with her fingers. “Seven of Nine, Deanna Troi, the green chick, pretty much every single woman Kirk slept with…should I continue, or do you get the point?” — Carter Phillips & Amy Williams
A representative gif:
August 5, 2016
I didn't like this one as much as the first. I thought it was a bit more boring.
December 16, 2019
Interesting book
Enjoyed the story and characters. Attraction between the two main characters was quite quick to develop and it was easy to root for them to find happiness. The unveiling of her husband's killer was great to see happen.
Enjoyed the story and characters. Attraction between the two main characters was quite quick to develop and it was easy to root for them to find happiness. The unveiling of her husband's killer was great to see happen.
December 19, 2019
ANGST FOR DAYS, THEY HAVE VERY BAD TIMING, EVERYTIME THEY ARE HEATING UP SOMEONE OR SOMETHING COMES ALONG AND INTERRUPTS THEM. DAMN! ;}
January 15, 2020
3* a bit shallow, not my favourite in this series
September 15, 2018
Sweet, steady, and seductive!
This story was perfectly sweet and delightfully took place on a country horse farm in Florida. Two people faced their demons and enjoyed an easy-paced romance. It was slow-paced because they kept getting interrupted by the other characters on the farm, each of which I absolutely loved. The characters were all well-defined and had strong personalities.
This is the first book I’ve read in this series, and it was perfect as a stand-alone. A short preview of the next book is included, which I will definitely be reading! (And I’ll have to go back and read the first book too) Highly recommended for a sweet story, a little bit of a thrilling background, and easy dialogue.
This story was perfectly sweet and delightfully took place on a country horse farm in Florida. Two people faced their demons and enjoyed an easy-paced romance. It was slow-paced because they kept getting interrupted by the other characters on the farm, each of which I absolutely loved. The characters were all well-defined and had strong personalities.
This is the first book I’ve read in this series, and it was perfect as a stand-alone. A short preview of the next book is included, which I will definitely be reading! (And I’ll have to go back and read the first book too) Highly recommended for a sweet story, a little bit of a thrilling background, and easy dialogue.
September 11, 2020
Maddening
This book was classified as romantic suspense, when it is actually just a romance. The book has 23 chapters. Why in the world was there no action until the 22nd chapter? Action! Where was the action? It’s not a bad story it’s just not my cup of tea. Sexual tension, love, and relationships are great but I need a stalker, kidnapping, attempted murder, or murders peppered throughout the book. Gore is nice too. I don’t want to wait until the end of the book to get to the good stuff.
This book was classified as romantic suspense, when it is actually just a romance. The book has 23 chapters. Why in the world was there no action until the 22nd chapter? Action! Where was the action? It’s not a bad story it’s just not my cup of tea. Sexual tension, love, and relationships are great but I need a stalker, kidnapping, attempted murder, or murders peppered throughout the book. Gore is nice too. I don’t want to wait until the end of the book to get to the good stuff.
March 21, 2018
I didn’t love this one as much as the first. I thought the whole situation with Carter’s ex wasn’t handled appropriately. I understand they didn’t want to lose her business, but her behavior was very inappropriate, and it should have been addressed by someone, even if Carter couldn’t do it himself. This one got a little cheesy for me at the end and I didn’t find myself liking either of the MCs like I did with the first book.
July 6, 2020
2.5 stars
The romance was cute and enjoyable but the conflict doesn't come into well after 80%. I typically find myself annoyed at drama in romance books but if the plot is going to be so slow in a modern-day setting it needs something. The relationship also moved faster than I prefer as well. I see why people will enjoy this but was not for me.
The romance was cute and enjoyable but the conflict doesn't come into well after 80%. I typically find myself annoyed at drama in romance books but if the plot is going to be so slow in a modern-day setting it needs something. The relationship also moved faster than I prefer as well. I see why people will enjoy this but was not for me.
September 11, 2016
Loved it.
I loved that Carter and Amy were able to get their HEA. Lori did a fantastic job of weaving their story. I love how she expelled their demons so that they could move on with life.
I loved that Carter and Amy were able to get their HEA. Lori did a fantastic job of weaving their story. I love how she expelled their demons so that they could move on with life.
March 28, 2018
Love it!
Such a wonderful story about two lost souls who find love. Well written book by an amazing author. I have enjoyed all of the books so far. Look forward to reading the next book.
Such a wonderful story about two lost souls who find love. Well written book by an amazing author. I have enjoyed all of the books so far. Look forward to reading the next book.
July 9, 2016
Not clean, but steam is easy to skip. Several fbombs. Good story, and great characters. I would have given 4 stars had it been clean.
October 20, 2017
Carter & Amy are intriguing characters. Watching them work through their histories in order to create a future made for a fun story. A great read!!
January 8, 2019
Sjoberg knows how to write ex-military heroes. Carter and Amy's story is all you could ask for in a romantic suspense novel. Great plot and characters that tug at your heartstrings.
October 6, 2020
Pretty Good
Not a lot of steamy stuff, but--to my surprise--it didn't really need it and I liked it.
Carter Phillips, newly discharged Marine, returns home to his family's horse farm in Florida. His sister, Kayla, hired a new horse trainer while he was away and Carter found himself instantly attracted to Amy Williams. But with all he'd been through, he wasn't ready for a relationship, especially not with the woman working for his sister... Was he?
Amy Williams, just as attracted to Carter as he was to her--and just as reluctant to start up with her boss' brother--had some issues of her own. For starters, "Amy Williams" wasn't her real name... and she was sure someone was after her.
There was a slow burn kind of thing happening with Carter and Amy. They had it bad for each other, and they'd get close to getting to the good part, but they were interrupted time and again. That little constant heat and their brief stolen moments were... romantic.
I thought there could have been a little more done with Carter's ex-girlfriend, Becky. I thought there could have been a little more done with Amy's situation and the impending danger. It was pretty good as it was, but it could have been better.
Not a lot of steamy stuff, but--to my surprise--it didn't really need it and I liked it.
Carter Phillips, newly discharged Marine, returns home to his family's horse farm in Florida. His sister, Kayla, hired a new horse trainer while he was away and Carter found himself instantly attracted to Amy Williams. But with all he'd been through, he wasn't ready for a relationship, especially not with the woman working for his sister... Was he?
Amy Williams, just as attracted to Carter as he was to her--and just as reluctant to start up with her boss' brother--had some issues of her own. For starters, "Amy Williams" wasn't her real name... and she was sure someone was after her.
There was a slow burn kind of thing happening with Carter and Amy. They had it bad for each other, and they'd get close to getting to the good part, but they were interrupted time and again. That little constant heat and their brief stolen moments were... romantic.
I thought there could have been a little more done with Carter's ex-girlfriend, Becky. I thought there could have been a little more done with Amy's situation and the impending danger. It was pretty good as it was, but it could have been better.
December 10, 2020
Amy escaped her Montana home after her husband was murdered. She had been accused of the crime, was later vindicated, but she still lived under a shadow. So she started a new life as a horse trainer on a farm in Florida. Then her boss’s brother shows up, and things get spicy. His name is Carter, and he’s just been discharged from the Marines. This story is classified as romantic suspense, primarily because the real killer of Amy’s husband shows up eventually. But Fractured is really more of a character-driven story. Carter, despite having a lot of very positive attributes, suffers both physically and psychologically from his time on the battlefield. Love and hot sex helps him overcome his demons. He is by far the most interesting aspect of this book. It’s a good thing when we get an opportunity to think about the effects of war on the soldiers. Yet, the narrative would have a been a better narrative if we’d learned more about Carter and his struggles. Amy is less developed as a character, and the suspense around the bad guy showing up is pretty mild. Even so, it’s a good read.
September 2, 2020
A romance about two individuals with troubled pasts who help each other to start anew.
Carter returns home from the Marines, and he tries to forget the atrocities of the war, but the nightmares follow him.
Amy makes a fresh start to escape the injustice imposed upon her for a crime she didn't commit.
Amy is settling into her new identity. Her fresh start is working pretty well. Along comes Carter and all of a sudden she starts to dream about things that she thought were out of her reach. They have an understanding which soon turns into a sensual romance, but the secrets from her past come back to haunt her. Will these secrets put a damper on her dreams?
Carter is compassionate and loyal to his family. Amy is hard working and loving despite her ugly past. The plot is fairly solid and the romance is something that neither of them expects, but ends on a beautiful note. A good read.
Carter returns home from the Marines, and he tries to forget the atrocities of the war, but the nightmares follow him.
Amy makes a fresh start to escape the injustice imposed upon her for a crime she didn't commit.
Amy is settling into her new identity. Her fresh start is working pretty well. Along comes Carter and all of a sudden she starts to dream about things that she thought were out of her reach. They have an understanding which soon turns into a sensual romance, but the secrets from her past come back to haunt her. Will these secrets put a damper on her dreams?
Carter is compassionate and loyal to his family. Amy is hard working and loving despite her ugly past. The plot is fairly solid and the romance is something that neither of them expects, but ends on a beautiful note. A good read.
October 23, 2025
A well balanced love story you don't want to miss.
Book 2 in this series features sibling #2, the male Carter. He is an ex-Marine who left the service out of fear of becoming too calloused to remember how to be human. His opposite is a hot young widow who moved from Montana to Florida to train the horses at this successful jumping stable. Typically, the problems are predictable, she has a secret she's scared to reveal but is sure would endanger everyone and he doesn't know what he wants to do except that it won't involve guns, death, or killing. A regular romance reader can probably predict the dialog, but the characterizations are amazingly real, fully realized, and just delightful to meet. The sex scenes don't overwhelm, but add a touch of spice. The family scenes make the reader wish to belong, and virtually demand your eyes.ī
Book 2 in this series features sibling #2, the male Carter. He is an ex-Marine who left the service out of fear of becoming too calloused to remember how to be human. His opposite is a hot young widow who moved from Montana to Florida to train the horses at this successful jumping stable. Typically, the problems are predictable, she has a secret she's scared to reveal but is sure would endanger everyone and he doesn't know what he wants to do except that it won't involve guns, death, or killing. A regular romance reader can probably predict the dialog, but the characterizations are amazingly real, fully realized, and just delightful to meet. The sex scenes don't overwhelm, but add a touch of spice. The family scenes make the reader wish to belong, and virtually demand your eyes.ī
February 15, 2020
Beautiful love story
Amy is desperately trying to get away from her past and finally finds solace working on a horse ranch far away from her previous life. When she meets Carter she is instantly drawn to him. Carter has a lot of demons and is dealing with PTSD after several deployments with the Marines. They instantly have a connection but are too afraid to act on their feelings. When Amy's past comes back to haunt her she has to come clean about her past to Carter before their love story is over before it started.
This is a beautiful love story. Amy and Carter have so much to overcome and together they are stronger than being apart. Lori. Sjoberg truly captured the story of two damaged hearts finding each other.
Amy is desperately trying to get away from her past and finally finds solace working on a horse ranch far away from her previous life. When she meets Carter she is instantly drawn to him. Carter has a lot of demons and is dealing with PTSD after several deployments with the Marines. They instantly have a connection but are too afraid to act on their feelings. When Amy's past comes back to haunt her she has to come clean about her past to Carter before their love story is over before it started.
This is a beautiful love story. Amy and Carter have so much to overcome and together they are stronger than being apart. Lori. Sjoberg truly captured the story of two damaged hearts finding each other.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews