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Shattered World #1
Shattered Pieces
Ava Ward is mine...
Mine to use.
To bend.
To break.
I’ll bind her to me. First with my ring on her finger and then in my bed.
Her innocence is like a drug. The Little Red Riding Hood to my Big Bad Wolf.
She can fight me all she wants, but the secrets of her past are the key to my future and I won’t let anything stand in my way.
This isn’t about love. It’s about revenge. She is nothing more than a pawn to move across the chessboard as I see fit for my pleasure and my needs.
And she’ll either fall in line or I will devour her.
**** Gypsy Notes
This book embodies for me all that I love about Dark Romance. It's a wild, passionate tale that grips you tight into the action, stealing your breath and taking you on a thrilling ride of desire and revenge. Inciting fear, lust, and loss in this epic saga that will leave you breathless and panting for more.
Welcome to the Seattle Underground. Enjoy your stay.
Mine to use.
To bend.
To break.
I’ll bind her to me. First with my ring on her finger and then in my bed.
Her innocence is like a drug. The Little Red Riding Hood to my Big Bad Wolf.
She can fight me all she wants, but the secrets of her past are the key to my future and I won’t let anything stand in my way.
This isn’t about love. It’s about revenge. She is nothing more than a pawn to move across the chessboard as I see fit for my pleasure and my needs.
And she’ll either fall in line or I will devour her.
**** Gypsy Notes
This book embodies for me all that I love about Dark Romance. It's a wild, passionate tale that grips you tight into the action, stealing your breath and taking you on a thrilling ride of desire and revenge. Inciting fear, lust, and loss in this epic saga that will leave you breathless and panting for more.
Welcome to the Seattle Underground. Enjoy your stay.
ebook
Published November 12, 2021
83 people are currently reading
439 people want to read
About the author
Jo McCall
19 books245 followersJo McCall writes dark, contemporary and paranormal romance with a mafia focus.
A paramedic for over ten years, Jo traded in her stethoscope for paper and pen after an injury left her unable to finish out her career.
She is an avid reader of anything dark and steamy and when she isn’t writing, you can find her making a rather large dent in her TBR.
She is a lover of strong but vulnerable heroines who find their own and hot, sexy alpha males who might be a tad bit over-possessive. Jo loves to lose herself in her characters and the flaws and darkness that surround them.
There is no shame found here, and she often gets lost when writing out those erotic, steamy scenes that make women’s (and men’s) fantasies come true.
“There is nothing like getting lost in something. you know is wrong, but still can’t resist.”
Jo currently resides in the beautiful state of Washington with her two dogs.
A paramedic for over ten years, Jo traded in her stethoscope for paper and pen after an injury left her unable to finish out her career.
She is an avid reader of anything dark and steamy and when she isn’t writing, you can find her making a rather large dent in her TBR.
She is a lover of strong but vulnerable heroines who find their own and hot, sexy alpha males who might be a tad bit over-possessive. Jo loves to lose herself in her characters and the flaws and darkness that surround them.
There is no shame found here, and she often gets lost when writing out those erotic, steamy scenes that make women’s (and men’s) fantasies come true.
“There is nothing like getting lost in something. you know is wrong, but still can’t resist.”
Jo currently resides in the beautiful state of Washington with her two dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
November 12, 2021
Shattered Pieces is a rollercoaster of emotions that I didn't want to get off of...
It took me a little to really get into the story, but that's on me and not on Jo McCall as sometimes I struggle with Mafia stories. This is well written and has many twists and turns (some you might see, others you don't), dark pasts, tumultuous present, and uncertain futures. The spice is quite hot and I just need more of it. Definitely a cliffhanger ending that had me screaming because I need to know what happens next.
If you like enemies to lovers that still blow up at each other with some spicy hate scenes, infuriatingly stubborn, yet delectable characters, and a story that will have you both on the edge of your seat and biting your knuckles...this is for you!
It took me a little to really get into the story, but that's on me and not on Jo McCall as sometimes I struggle with Mafia stories. This is well written and has many twists and turns (some you might see, others you don't), dark pasts, tumultuous present, and uncertain futures. The spice is quite hot and I just need more of it. Definitely a cliffhanger ending that had me screaming because I need to know what happens next.
If you like enemies to lovers that still blow up at each other with some spicy hate scenes, infuriatingly stubborn, yet delectable characters, and a story that will have you both on the edge of your seat and biting your knuckles...this is for you!
November 12, 2021
First off, how is this Jo’s first book!? I’ve read so many debut novels by authors lately and let me tell you, Jo does NOT disappoint. To say she can write a mafia book is an understatement because she freaking slayed everything about this. I was completely invested by the first chapter and could not put it down until I finished it.
Ava - like all mafia children - is used as a pawn in her father’s sick, twisted lifestyle, so it’s no surprise when he offers her up to the Russian Bratva as a payment to prevent the loss of his only son. Here’s the thing though…Ava ran away after this. But as all good things must come to an end, she’s found by her family and drug back to fulfill the payment her father promised to the oh-so-handsome Russian leader, Matthias.
Ava is such a strong character. Through all the abuse she’s suffered at the hands of her father and brother, she found the fire inside of her. The fear is still there, but she found a way to channel it. Matthias loves that about her, but he can never let anyone know. He must uphold his reputation, so her constant defiance causes some strain in their budding ‘relationship.’ It doesn’t help that he’s been enthralled by her since he first laid eyes on her. Having a weakness means that there’s a target on her back, and he has enough people to protect already. Plus, he’s never been conditioned to love, or has any inkling on what it even is.
Matthias is the true definition of alpha-male, a godlike body that can make even the person who should hate him most fall apart at his touch. He’s savage, determined, angsty, and fully endowed with loads of sex appeal. The smut in this book was top tier in my opinion and really captured the feeling of it all, for more reasons than one – but I’ll let you find that out.
This is book 1 in a 3-book series, so it does end on a cliffhanger! I wanted to throw hands with Jo after that ending. Although the series isn’t complete yet, I highly recommend reading this book if mafia is what you love!
There are some triggering scenes in this book so please heed the warnings before reading! Again, PLEASE CHECK TRIGGER WARNINGS!
**I received this book as an ARC for my honest review**
Ava - like all mafia children - is used as a pawn in her father’s sick, twisted lifestyle, so it’s no surprise when he offers her up to the Russian Bratva as a payment to prevent the loss of his only son. Here’s the thing though…Ava ran away after this. But as all good things must come to an end, she’s found by her family and drug back to fulfill the payment her father promised to the oh-so-handsome Russian leader, Matthias.
Ava is such a strong character. Through all the abuse she’s suffered at the hands of her father and brother, she found the fire inside of her. The fear is still there, but she found a way to channel it. Matthias loves that about her, but he can never let anyone know. He must uphold his reputation, so her constant defiance causes some strain in their budding ‘relationship.’ It doesn’t help that he’s been enthralled by her since he first laid eyes on her. Having a weakness means that there’s a target on her back, and he has enough people to protect already. Plus, he’s never been conditioned to love, or has any inkling on what it even is.
Matthias is the true definition of alpha-male, a godlike body that can make even the person who should hate him most fall apart at his touch. He’s savage, determined, angsty, and fully endowed with loads of sex appeal. The smut in this book was top tier in my opinion and really captured the feeling of it all, for more reasons than one – but I’ll let you find that out.
This is book 1 in a 3-book series, so it does end on a cliffhanger! I wanted to throw hands with Jo after that ending. Although the series isn’t complete yet, I highly recommend reading this book if mafia is what you love!
There are some triggering scenes in this book so please heed the warnings before reading! Again, PLEASE CHECK TRIGGER WARNINGS!
**I received this book as an ARC for my honest review**
February 14, 2022
This is this authors debut book and she knocked it out of the park!! I love a good mafia romance with all the steam and angst! The fmc isn’t one to lie down and take it and when she finds her voice, she’s a firecracker! The plot is complex and engaging! The steamy scenes are 🔥. I’m invested in not only the main characters but the secondary characters as well. Everyone has a part and nothing is odd or out of place the book flows amazingly well! I’m already dying for the second book! Official release Nov. 12th! Thank you so much for including me in your team of ARC readers!
January 14, 2022
Epic cliff to stand on!
I love this book! After reading, I went to search for all other works from this Author. She will definitely be an insta-buy for me!
I love this book! After reading, I went to search for all other works from this Author. She will definitely be an insta-buy for me!
November 11, 2021
This is a dark enemies to lovers Mafia romance, and is an amazing debut from Jo McCall.
I was lucky to recieve an ARC copy.
Ava had been abused and treated like a pawn by her family for as long as she had lived with her father, being locked away as a prisoner in her home until the night her father sells her to Matthias in order to save his sons life after being caught stealing from him. She runs away, escaping for a year before she is found and forced back home.
Matthias is the super sexy alpha and head of the Bratva, and he aims to use Ava as a pawn in the war against her father. He tries to keep her at arm's length, however he fails spectacularly, knowing she is working her way under his skin and becoming his weakness.
I loved the chemistry between them, Matthias has an overwhelming need to be in control at all times and Ava pushes his boundaries to the limit. But he secretly loves it, which leads to some extremely spicy scenes 🥵🥵
This book had me completely hooked from the very be. It is extremely well written, the action is fast paced, there are some amazing twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat, and the spicy scenes are super hot.
And I loved getting to know the side characters. Vas was hilarious, and my heart broke for him after THAT scene😪 (IYKYK)
That cliffhanger was freaking brutal, but I am super excited to find out what happens next with Ava and Matthias
I was lucky to recieve an ARC copy.
Ava had been abused and treated like a pawn by her family for as long as she had lived with her father, being locked away as a prisoner in her home until the night her father sells her to Matthias in order to save his sons life after being caught stealing from him. She runs away, escaping for a year before she is found and forced back home.
Matthias is the super sexy alpha and head of the Bratva, and he aims to use Ava as a pawn in the war against her father. He tries to keep her at arm's length, however he fails spectacularly, knowing she is working her way under his skin and becoming his weakness.
I loved the chemistry between them, Matthias has an overwhelming need to be in control at all times and Ava pushes his boundaries to the limit. But he secretly loves it, which leads to some extremely spicy scenes 🥵🥵
This book had me completely hooked from the very be. It is extremely well written, the action is fast paced, there are some amazing twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat, and the spicy scenes are super hot.
And I loved getting to know the side characters. Vas was hilarious, and my heart broke for him after THAT scene😪 (IYKYK)
That cliffhanger was freaking brutal, but I am super excited to find out what happens next with Ava and Matthias
November 13, 2021
I was blessed to receive an ARC of this bad boy and let me just say….Holy domineering hotness! 🔥 Jo McCall has truly outdone herself with this masterpiece and literally blew me away with her debut novel, Shattered Pieces—which is well named as it literally left my heart and soul wrecked into a thousand pieces!!!! Jo’s ability to weave a tale that sucks you right in, grabbing you so tight you can’t put it down or stop thinking about it for days, is beyond comprehension. Her character development is on point and the way she efforts works the storyline, having it flow flawlessly, tragically and passionately all at once works utter magic on the reader. Needless to say, Jo definitely came into the dark romance, possessive alpha mafia world swinging with this one!
Shattered Pieces weaves the ultimate tale of heartbreaking pain, torture, betrayal and revenge as we follow the story of our two main characters, Ava Ward and Matthias Dashkov. While Ava may be a daughter in the mafia world, in reality she’s no princess but rather a prisoner of her family that’s forced to endure unbelievable torture and pain at their hands—even finally being “sold” to cover her fathers debts. An act that finally gives Ava the push she needed to run and escape…but not before Matthias caught a glimpse of her and became so obsessed with the thought of having her as his own he’s not willing to back down. So while Ava may have escaped her prison for a year, trying to experience a normal life on her own, it doesn’t last long before she’s discovered and is brought back into her families clutches and handed over to the Pakhan of the Russian Bratva—Matthias. What dreams she once had of being free are soon crushed as she once again finds herself a captive—but this time the ties that bind her bring both pleasure and pain. The torment so utterly delicious that even Ava has trouble fighting it. With intrigue, deceit, hidden agendas, FBI agents and mafia thugs hidden around every corner, Ava soon finds herself unsure who to trust or what to believe anymore—including her heart.
Overall, if dark, domineering, possessive mafia alphas and feisty, mafia princesses with a thirst of her own are your thing….then you need to run and one click this book right NOW and take a journey down a treacherous road filled with tragedy, heartbreak and a possessive love. A story so bold that it taps into your inner demons and leaves you begging for more. And that amazing cliffhanger of an ending?!? Wowza!
Some princesses have a knight and shining armor to keep the villains at bay, while others are fated to have a ruthless, possessive monster of their own that’s determined to own them in every way possible. And Ava? She’s got her very own monster of a Wolf:
“I may be a monster, Ava. But I’m your monster.”
“I don’t want a monster.” A dark chuckle left my lips.
“Too bad.” I leaned in toward her, my lips grazing her ear. “That is exactly what you got.”
So fragile. So breakable and completely mine.
Shattered Pieces weaves the ultimate tale of heartbreaking pain, torture, betrayal and revenge as we follow the story of our two main characters, Ava Ward and Matthias Dashkov. While Ava may be a daughter in the mafia world, in reality she’s no princess but rather a prisoner of her family that’s forced to endure unbelievable torture and pain at their hands—even finally being “sold” to cover her fathers debts. An act that finally gives Ava the push she needed to run and escape…but not before Matthias caught a glimpse of her and became so obsessed with the thought of having her as his own he’s not willing to back down. So while Ava may have escaped her prison for a year, trying to experience a normal life on her own, it doesn’t last long before she’s discovered and is brought back into her families clutches and handed over to the Pakhan of the Russian Bratva—Matthias. What dreams she once had of being free are soon crushed as she once again finds herself a captive—but this time the ties that bind her bring both pleasure and pain. The torment so utterly delicious that even Ava has trouble fighting it. With intrigue, deceit, hidden agendas, FBI agents and mafia thugs hidden around every corner, Ava soon finds herself unsure who to trust or what to believe anymore—including her heart.
Overall, if dark, domineering, possessive mafia alphas and feisty, mafia princesses with a thirst of her own are your thing….then you need to run and one click this book right NOW and take a journey down a treacherous road filled with tragedy, heartbreak and a possessive love. A story so bold that it taps into your inner demons and leaves you begging for more. And that amazing cliffhanger of an ending?!? Wowza!
Some princesses have a knight and shining armor to keep the villains at bay, while others are fated to have a ruthless, possessive monster of their own that’s determined to own them in every way possible. And Ava? She’s got her very own monster of a Wolf:
“I may be a monster, Ava. But I’m your monster.”
“I don’t want a monster.” A dark chuckle left my lips.
“Too bad.” I leaned in toward her, my lips grazing her ear. “That is exactly what you got.”
So fragile. So breakable and completely mine.
November 13, 2021
When a book sucks you in from the very first page, you know it will be an amazing book.
Dark, twisted, so so good !
I was truly surprised by the book and i can't wait to see what else Miss Jo Mcall has in store for us.
Wish i could give more than 5 stars...
FREAKING AMAZING!!!
Dark, twisted, so so good !
I was truly surprised by the book and i can't wait to see what else Miss Jo Mcall has in store for us.
Wish i could give more than 5 stars...
FREAKING AMAZING!!!
Read
April 16, 20221 year looking for the h but the only thing she's done is using her dead mother surname (her previous name before moving with her father) and voilá magic... She's been drinking her way in shitty apartments, having sex dreams with the bad guy, totally invisible...
That's a bad start.. I'm out...
That's a bad start.. I'm out...
January 19, 2023
i'm so confused?
the bulk of this is pretty standard mafia romance nonsense. i'm very much tired of mafia, i honestly don't know why i keep trying to read these books when they're all the same. 😴 i've crawled through it though, so i deserve a pat on the back i think.
i won't list out all the things that bored me or were bad from the first half of the book, but i do want to mention how unbelievably confusing this story is from 80% on. i have no idea what happened, but it's like an entire chunk of this book got deleted.
⬇ rant: ⬇
a lot of this book is muddy, don't get me wrong, but it's passable - i assume the things that aren't clear in this book would come up in the rest of the series. but seriously, that last 20% is incoherent.
i appreciate McCall going for a darker setting than is typical for mafia (i can't remember reading any that had ) but in my ⭒humble⭒ opinion, it still wasn't taken far enough.
bonus points for these russian mafia men being posed as feminists, i was gagged
the bulk of this is pretty standard mafia romance nonsense. i'm very much tired of mafia, i honestly don't know why i keep trying to read these books when they're all the same. 😴 i've crawled through it though, so i deserve a pat on the back i think.
i won't list out all the things that bored me or were bad from the first half of the book, but i do want to mention how unbelievably confusing this story is from 80% on. i have no idea what happened, but it's like an entire chunk of this book got deleted.
⬇ rant: ⬇
a lot of this book is muddy, don't get me wrong, but it's passable - i assume the things that aren't clear in this book would come up in the rest of the series. but seriously, that last 20% is incoherent.
i appreciate McCall going for a darker setting than is typical for mafia (i can't remember reading any that had ) but in my ⭒humble⭒ opinion, it still wasn't taken far enough.
bonus points for these russian mafia men being posed as feminists, i was gagged
November 13, 2021
Devastatingly Fantastic
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review
This book was just…..wow absolutely fantastic. Still trying to process everything that happened and I already know I’m going to struggle being patient for book two to find out what happens next. This is the story of a woman named Ava who was raised by a father that treated her like she was nothing, a nobody, locking her away from the world, until one night he pawned her off to save his son. She managed to escape and hide away for a year before she was found and forced into the hands of a the man that had accepted her in exchange for the life of her fathers son and heir. Matthias, a Russian Pakhan her captor, and her savior, demands her obedience and her loyalty. Ava soon finds herself married to this handsome, possessive, punishing, swoon worthy man and given a promise of protection and care. She will face all sorts of trials that’s will lead to truths and betrayals and circumstances that she will not be able to keep out of leading to her own devastating losses and betrayals. This book definitely keeps you on the edge of your seat, full of mystery, crime and action, lots of steam, and a whole lot more. Be aware of the TW’s and the fact that it does end on one heck of a cliffy, and you may need some tissues to help get thru the ending. I desperately need book two asap but as hard as it’s going to be to wait for it, the wait will be worth it for the next book to find out how everything plays out. I 100% recommend this book!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review
This book was just…..wow absolutely fantastic. Still trying to process everything that happened and I already know I’m going to struggle being patient for book two to find out what happens next. This is the story of a woman named Ava who was raised by a father that treated her like she was nothing, a nobody, locking her away from the world, until one night he pawned her off to save his son. She managed to escape and hide away for a year before she was found and forced into the hands of a the man that had accepted her in exchange for the life of her fathers son and heir. Matthias, a Russian Pakhan her captor, and her savior, demands her obedience and her loyalty. Ava soon finds herself married to this handsome, possessive, punishing, swoon worthy man and given a promise of protection and care. She will face all sorts of trials that’s will lead to truths and betrayals and circumstances that she will not be able to keep out of leading to her own devastating losses and betrayals. This book definitely keeps you on the edge of your seat, full of mystery, crime and action, lots of steam, and a whole lot more. Be aware of the TW’s and the fact that it does end on one heck of a cliffy, and you may need some tissues to help get thru the ending. I desperately need book two asap but as hard as it’s going to be to wait for it, the wait will be worth it for the next book to find out how everything plays out. I 100% recommend this book!!!
November 16, 2021
Oh My God was that a fantastic book!!
This is a dark Mafia Romance and I honestly don’t even know where to start.
Ava is the daughter of a criminal who works with the Mafia. She is abused for most of her life by her dad and brother and locked away. She is then sold to Matthias the Pakhan of the Russian Bratva where she is again locked away.
This is an enemies to lovers fast burn hot book. The storyline is so good, there are so many twists and turns that you think you have got the gist of then it changes again.
The spice in this book is next level 🥵 the violence is there but not in to much depth but still very descriptive. I can see that changing in the next book though. However there is also the other side of the punishments that are in fabulous detail.
There is just so much happening throughout this book my emotions where all over the place. It had me hooked from the beginning. The writing style was amazing you just wanted more of the story. This is a duel POV book with a little chapter from another character (which was so funny)
This book had everything you would want in a dark mafia book plus lots more. That ending though has killed me off completely. I don’t know what I’m going to do waiting for the next book. I need me some more of Matthias and Ava.
A massive 5⭐️ plus loads more it was that good.
This is a dark Mafia Romance and I honestly don’t even know where to start.
Ava is the daughter of a criminal who works with the Mafia. She is abused for most of her life by her dad and brother and locked away. She is then sold to Matthias the Pakhan of the Russian Bratva where she is again locked away.
This is an enemies to lovers fast burn hot book. The storyline is so good, there are so many twists and turns that you think you have got the gist of then it changes again.
The spice in this book is next level 🥵 the violence is there but not in to much depth but still very descriptive. I can see that changing in the next book though. However there is also the other side of the punishments that are in fabulous detail.
There is just so much happening throughout this book my emotions where all over the place. It had me hooked from the beginning. The writing style was amazing you just wanted more of the story. This is a duel POV book with a little chapter from another character (which was so funny)
This book had everything you would want in a dark mafia book plus lots more. That ending though has killed me off completely. I don’t know what I’m going to do waiting for the next book. I need me some more of Matthias and Ava.
A massive 5⭐️ plus loads more it was that good.
November 5, 2021
How is this Jo McCalls first book!?!?!?
Shattered Pieces sucked me right in from the very first page. This book is dark, full of angst, has some amazing spice and will keep you guessing!
Ava is our FMC. She is abused and treated like crap by her family and they treat her like a prisoner in her own home. Her father uses her to pay the debt he owes to Matthias, who is the Pakhan of the Russian Bratva. Ava is able to get away, and runs away from home after this news. After being away for a year, Ava gets a visit from FBI Agent Jonathan Archer, he wants Ava to be his inside man and get him information.
Matthias is enamoured with Ava the first time he sees her. Now that she is back from running, he is ready to collect what is his. The chemistry between these 2 is so freaking hot and the sexual tension is HOT!!
Ava is feisty and doesnt take any crap( which i think Matthias secretly likes) and Matthias is an all around dreamboat of a man. I loved the plot/storyline of this book and the way the characters developed over time. Even the side characters will pull you in and you will be invested in their stories too!!
The cliffhanger was freaking rough, but it just has me more excited for book 2. This book is a must read!! All the stars to you Jo for an amazing debut novel!!!
Shattered Pieces sucked me right in from the very first page. This book is dark, full of angst, has some amazing spice and will keep you guessing!
Ava is our FMC. She is abused and treated like crap by her family and they treat her like a prisoner in her own home. Her father uses her to pay the debt he owes to Matthias, who is the Pakhan of the Russian Bratva. Ava is able to get away, and runs away from home after this news. After being away for a year, Ava gets a visit from FBI Agent Jonathan Archer, he wants Ava to be his inside man and get him information.
Matthias is enamoured with Ava the first time he sees her. Now that she is back from running, he is ready to collect what is his. The chemistry between these 2 is so freaking hot and the sexual tension is HOT!!
Ava is feisty and doesnt take any crap( which i think Matthias secretly likes) and Matthias is an all around dreamboat of a man. I loved the plot/storyline of this book and the way the characters developed over time. Even the side characters will pull you in and you will be invested in their stories too!!
The cliffhanger was freaking rough, but it just has me more excited for book 2. This book is a must read!! All the stars to you Jo for an amazing debut novel!!!
November 13, 2021
First off I thought this book was going to be a standalone. Yes, yes I know. It says book 1 out of the Shattered World Series. I just forgot okay. I was so trapped into the story....
They way McCall wrote Ana was memorizing. I was captivated with her venomous voice towards Matthias, the way she was scared and curious about her lust and disgust for Matthias at the same time, and her strength to keep moving forward through everything she has been through. Ana is a very strong female main character. McCall is setting Ana up to lead this series for amazing things. I wouldn't be surprised if she the show from Matthias, because in this world you need to be strong to survive.
Now Matthias on the other hand, well lets face it, is an a**hat. Yet, we see a change in him as we see a change in Ana. As Ana grows stronger, Matthias grows "weaker" or gentler for better words. Though there is a big secret between them that will as the title states make shattered pieces for all parties in the end.
And Archer.... I still have no clue what to do with that guy or what his angle is and that in itself is a statement to McCall. I have a guess but that would/could be a huge spoiler so that's a big no-go for me.
I just finished the book and I'm already trying to figure out when book 2 comes out cause I craving for my Ava/Matthias fix already!
They way McCall wrote Ana was memorizing. I was captivated with her venomous voice towards Matthias, the way she was scared and curious about her lust and disgust for Matthias at the same time, and her strength to keep moving forward through everything she has been through. Ana is a very strong female main character. McCall is setting Ana up to lead this series for amazing things. I wouldn't be surprised if she the show from Matthias, because in this world you need to be strong to survive.
Now Matthias on the other hand, well lets face it, is an a**hat. Yet, we see a change in him as we see a change in Ana. As Ana grows stronger, Matthias grows "weaker" or gentler for better words. Though there is a big secret between them that will as the title states make shattered pieces for all parties in the end.
And Archer.... I still have no clue what to do with that guy or what his angle is and that in itself is a statement to McCall. I have a guess but that would/could be a huge spoiler so that's a big no-go for me.
I just finished the book and I'm already trying to figure out when book 2 comes out cause I craving for my Ava/Matthias fix already!
November 10, 2021
I, um, wow. I am speechless; that cliffhanger, damn. Ava and Matthias have been forced together in statbge circumstances but that doesn't stop them from initiating in the bedroom.
Matthias is dominating and demanding in all things involving Ava. He has bought her from her father. He punishes Ava every chance he gets (in the sheets, of course).
Ava is resilient to be part of a mafia world. She's hellbent on trying to make it on her in life. Now that she's married to Matthias, she feels like she's in a gilded caged once more.
Matthias is not afraid to let her know how it is not is she afraid to give him a piece of her mind. They both clash in places that does affect their relationship.
The side characters have taken over in this one. Vas is my spirit animal and he must be protected at all costs after those chapters.
November 16, 2021
Ava was sold to Matthias for her father's dept. After running away, she tried to live her own life away from her father and Matthias. But she's been found and now her life is going to really change.
Check the trigger warnings for this book. There is a lot of non-con and dubious con in this book, as well as other triggering events. The writing was great and the author does not pull any punches when it comes to the material.
Ava's character was hit and miss for me. She wasn't strong, and while she did deal with a lot, her overall character was pretty weak. I couldn't stand Matthias or any of her "family: for that matter. His demeanor and attitude were meant to be that of the head of the bratva, but he was just an arrogant prick of a man who just didnt sit well with me.
Overall, the book was great, the spice was fantastic, but the characters could've been done differently and made this a five star read.
Check the trigger warnings for this book. There is a lot of non-con and dubious con in this book, as well as other triggering events. The writing was great and the author does not pull any punches when it comes to the material.
Ava's character was hit and miss for me. She wasn't strong, and while she did deal with a lot, her overall character was pretty weak. I couldn't stand Matthias or any of her "family: for that matter. His demeanor and attitude were meant to be that of the head of the bratva, but he was just an arrogant prick of a man who just didnt sit well with me.
Overall, the book was great, the spice was fantastic, but the characters could've been done differently and made this a five star read.
November 14, 2021
Shattered Pieces by Jo McCall
I am BLOWN AWAY!! Holy moly! This is my first Mafia Romance Review and my first book by Jo McCall....lol and it is her FIRST book! IT WAS SO AWESOME! The characters jump off the page and grab hold of you and don't let go! The writing style is Definitely amazing. I love the way she wrote Ava. Her life is definitely Tragic and she has gone through the wringer...And Mathias....Whew...I do love a hot, dark and Handsome guy! The dynamic between the two was so good! Since I haven't read a mafia romance before I loved the world building! And it just flows seamlessly into the story! This book was a wonderful surprise for me..I do love the dark romance though....I am also a weirdo and love a great cliffhanger! And I think that this one at the end is REALLY GOOD!! I cannot wait for the next book!!!
I am BLOWN AWAY!! Holy moly! This is my first Mafia Romance Review and my first book by Jo McCall....lol and it is her FIRST book! IT WAS SO AWESOME! The characters jump off the page and grab hold of you and don't let go! The writing style is Definitely amazing. I love the way she wrote Ava. Her life is definitely Tragic and she has gone through the wringer...And Mathias....Whew...I do love a hot, dark and Handsome guy! The dynamic between the two was so good! Since I haven't read a mafia romance before I loved the world building! And it just flows seamlessly into the story! This book was a wonderful surprise for me..I do love the dark romance though....I am also a weirdo and love a great cliffhanger! And I think that this one at the end is REALLY GOOD!! I cannot wait for the next book!!!
November 14, 2021
Shattered Pieces might be a new favorite mafia romance. The twists and turns, the secrets, the intensity between Ava and Matthias 🔥🔥🔥Jo McCall writes a story that is so amazing and grabs your attention from the first chapter.
Ava is such a strong person. We get hints at what she has had to deal with and the fact that she still has any fight speaks volumes. She doesn’t trust anyone, is always watching and listening. She has grown up in a dangerous world and has become a pawn between her father and her husband.
Matthias is the most alpha male you could ask for 🥵 He has plans to take down Avas father, those plans don’t involve falling for his wife. Matthias demands respect, obedience and honesty; but he shows his softer side and that makes you love him even more.
Definitely could see part of the ending happening but holy heck is there some shockers in there!!!! Can not wait for book 2
Ava is such a strong person. We get hints at what she has had to deal with and the fact that she still has any fight speaks volumes. She doesn’t trust anyone, is always watching and listening. She has grown up in a dangerous world and has become a pawn between her father and her husband.
Matthias is the most alpha male you could ask for 🥵 He has plans to take down Avas father, those plans don’t involve falling for his wife. Matthias demands respect, obedience and honesty; but he shows his softer side and that makes you love him even more.
Definitely could see part of the ending happening but holy heck is there some shockers in there!!!! Can not wait for book 2
November 14, 2021
Wow. It's hard to put into words all the things I absolutely loved about this dark romance. McCall is a new author, but her writing is superb! I was hooked quickly and couldn't stop reading.
I was immediately on team Ava, and Matthias was one of those perfect characters you wanted to hate but couldn't because every time I thought he was terrible, he would do something amazing for someone else. He is the head of his organization, and although he lives in a cruel world, it's clear the people who surround him respect him. In return, he treats them with respect and kindness, despite the way most men in his position would.
The details and transitions here are fantastic, the love story is so well written, and the action is exciting and interesting.
I can't wait for the next book in the series! I need to know what happens!
I was immediately on team Ava, and Matthias was one of those perfect characters you wanted to hate but couldn't because every time I thought he was terrible, he would do something amazing for someone else. He is the head of his organization, and although he lives in a cruel world, it's clear the people who surround him respect him. In return, he treats them with respect and kindness, despite the way most men in his position would.
The details and transitions here are fantastic, the love story is so well written, and the action is exciting and interesting.
I can't wait for the next book in the series! I need to know what happens!
November 15, 2021
Absolutely amazing read. Jo McCall has kicked off this series with a bang. Loved these characters. Ava and Matthias’s story is well written and will keep you on the edge of your seat wanting more.
Ava, the broken mafia princess that was kept in a cage by her father. She is sold to pay off her father’s debts to save his son and heir. Ava is strong, feisty, and continues to try and escape. Matthias, a ferocious, possessive alpha hole, that has the respect of his people. The chemistry between these two is absolutely on fire. As the flames are feed to explosive proportions her monster falls for the woman that constantly defies him.
The dark, angst, torture, twists and turns, and steam will have you so drawn into the story that you won’t want to miss book two. That was an impassioned rollercoaster ride that couldn’t have ended any better.
I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving an ARC copy for an honest review.
Ava, the broken mafia princess that was kept in a cage by her father. She is sold to pay off her father’s debts to save his son and heir. Ava is strong, feisty, and continues to try and escape. Matthias, a ferocious, possessive alpha hole, that has the respect of his people. The chemistry between these two is absolutely on fire. As the flames are feed to explosive proportions her monster falls for the woman that constantly defies him.
The dark, angst, torture, twists and turns, and steam will have you so drawn into the story that you won’t want to miss book two. That was an impassioned rollercoaster ride that couldn’t have ended any better.
I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving an ARC copy for an honest review.
November 3, 2021
Wow! I cannot believe this is McCall’s first book; it was so good that I had to keep reading to try and figure out what was going to happen. I really liked Ava and Matthias grew on me throughout the book. At times I just wanted to yell at both of them to open up to each other but that would have ruined the hot/cold tension which kept me flipping through the pages as quickly as I could. The cliffhanger is rough! I really need book two to see what happens with these characters.
This book definitely has some dark parts but if you like reading about the mafia and all the dark things they get up to then you need to read this book now! These characters will certainly draw you in and leave you wanting more. I can’t wait for more and am hoping for more of Vas too!
This book definitely has some dark parts but if you like reading about the mafia and all the dark things they get up to then you need to read this book now! These characters will certainly draw you in and leave you wanting more. I can’t wait for more and am hoping for more of Vas too!
November 7, 2021
Bloody, brutal, Bratva. Right from the beginning I was hooked to this story. Freaking fantasticly detailed characters and the constant mystery of twists and turn. Just phenomenal.
The spice level .... ooo the heat was turned all the way up for Ava and Matthias. These two characters are matched in stubbornness but that clearly doesn't stop either of them from pushing each other's buttons again and again.
I love the flaws that show through in both of them. Neither of them is perfect. Ava is trying to be a strong person that is capable of anything on her own but realizes her own struggles as the story moves forward. Matthias knows if he let's Ava in, even the slightest she would be his downfall.
I am blown away by this story and cannot wait for more.
The spice level .... ooo the heat was turned all the way up for Ava and Matthias. These two characters are matched in stubbornness but that clearly doesn't stop either of them from pushing each other's buttons again and again.
I love the flaws that show through in both of them. Neither of them is perfect. Ava is trying to be a strong person that is capable of anything on her own but realizes her own struggles as the story moves forward. Matthias knows if he let's Ava in, even the slightest she would be his downfall.
I am blown away by this story and cannot wait for more.
November 12, 2021
Absolutely loved! I seriously feel like we have barely scratched the surface and there is still so much going on behind the scenes and I can’t freaking wait to dive into more. Ava and Matt truly are made for each other but have so much to work through. Matt is most definitely an alpha-hole to say the least and while I want to throat punch him most of the time I really can see his growth throughout book 1 and my heart beats for him. Ava has been through so damn much I’m mean she just wants her freedom and you can see her turning point with Matt especially when he started to give her what she wanted. Honestly couldn’t put it down and can’t wait for more.
November 13, 2021
I haven't read many mafia books as I have never really seen the appeal but I have to say Jo has definitely converted me with this and and I will be sticking around for book 2.
Avaleigh is so unfortunate, manages to escape one monster only to be captured by another. Just when she thinks everything is as normal as they are going to get she has the rug pulled out from under her..... again.
And wow that was some cliffhanger- literally had me wanting to throw my phone across the room in frustration
This is one of the darkest books I have read this year. Personally I have no triggers (that I have come across) but if you do the please proceed with caution when reading this.
Avaleigh is so unfortunate, manages to escape one monster only to be captured by another. Just when she thinks everything is as normal as they are going to get she has the rug pulled out from under her..... again.
And wow that was some cliffhanger- literally had me wanting to throw my phone across the room in frustration
This is one of the darkest books I have read this year. Personally I have no triggers (that I have come across) but if you do the please proceed with caution when reading this.
November 15, 2021
I loved it! I did have to make myself get through the first few chapters, and I think that has more to do with me going through a reading slump. The few books I've read recently have destroyed me mentally and emotionally.
I loved the character growth you can see between Ava and Matthias. It is well done to me.
I didn't expect the twists this book threw at me. Jo did a really good job at the curveballs that got thrown, and once they were revealed, the little teasers throughout the book put the pieces together.
The spice is all there! She doesn't leave you waiting, there is no slow burn at all!
The ending though? I need answers, and I need them now! I'm very happy this isn't a stand-alone, because I need more of these two and where their story is going to go.
I loved the character growth you can see between Ava and Matthias. It is well done to me.
I didn't expect the twists this book threw at me. Jo did a really good job at the curveballs that got thrown, and once they were revealed, the little teasers throughout the book put the pieces together.
The spice is all there! She doesn't leave you waiting, there is no slow burn at all!
The ending though? I need answers, and I need them now! I'm very happy this isn't a stand-alone, because I need more of these two and where their story is going to go.
November 10, 2021
Holy freaking Rollercoaster! If you love dark romance then this is a MUST read! I freaking love Ava, she is sheltered, but has a sassy af attitude. She might be fearful of the consequences, it doesn't always stop her from speaking her mind. Matthias Dashkov is a monster, but he fought for everything he has and now he's going to fight for Ava. They have a common enemy, her dad Elias Ward.
It ends in a cliffhanger, but it only makes me love this book more and I can't wait for the rest of the series.
Seriously a must read!!
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
It ends in a cliffhanger, but it only makes me love this book more and I can't wait for the rest of the series.
Seriously a must read!!
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
November 5, 2021
This is a phenomenal read!!! Dark, twisted, and so many “omg” moments.
Ava is my spirit animal. I love her feisty personality and that she is always resting the boundaries.
Matt is every girls wet dream and I love the chapters from his perspective.
I enjoyed the story going from each of their perspectives. I love that we begin to see character development as the book progressed.
Definitely looking forward to seeing the story progress with these two!
Great work Jo!
Ava is my spirit animal. I love her feisty personality and that she is always resting the boundaries.
Matt is every girls wet dream and I love the chapters from his perspective.
I enjoyed the story going from each of their perspectives. I love that we begin to see character development as the book progressed.
Definitely looking forward to seeing the story progress with these two!
Great work Jo!
November 7, 2021
So much happening, who to trust, who are the enemies. Unbelievable. This is so so good, nothing is as it seems and as the story goes on the characters spring to life and stamp their dangerous selves on each page. This is not a love story it's a story of a devil who takes, Matthias and an innocent girl Ava who's only crime is naivety and a family from hell. I can't wait for book 2. I voluntarily reviewed this book.
November 9, 2021
Honoured to have been given an ARC of this book. I was obsessed from the word go. I adore Ava, the fmc who is sassy and complex. I loved complicated and dark Matthias. This is a dark mafia romance, so check for triggers. It took my breath away, the descriptions of the characters, the writing. I cannot recommend this enough. I am looking forward to so much more from this author who managed to create a dark world, with humour and romance sprinkled throughout. Oh and the spice is A+
November 4, 2021
First off let me say the Matthias Dashkov is absolutely delicious! I was hooked from the first chapter because I had to figure out why Ava was where she was. The character growth between Ava and Matthias—LOVE IT! Now, the ending…Jo, I’m gonna need that second book soon! I am still trying to wrap my head around what just happened.
November 7, 2021
That ending! I need the next one now!!
I started this book and instantly fell in love with Ava. The characters seem to worm their way into your heart. They have so much depth and the story will leave you guessing what is going to happen.
This book left me craving more. I have so many questions I need answered and I am so excited to read more!
I started this book and instantly fell in love with Ava. The characters seem to worm their way into your heart. They have so much depth and the story will leave you guessing what is going to happen.
This book left me craving more. I have so many questions I need answered and I am so excited to read more!
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