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Unbreakable Bonds #2
Shatter
Maverick trauma surgeon Ashton “Snow” Frost keeps the world at a distance, relying only on his three closest friends to keep him connected.
But when a ghost from their past returns to Cincinnati, Snow stands to lose everyone he loves. Framed for murder and reeling from attacks on his friends, Snow is pushed to his breaking point.
Jude Torres won’t let the doc shatter.
The paramedic has been attracted to the doctor since he first laid eyes on him at the hospital, even if the arrogant, solitary man doesn’t fit into any of his plans.
One hot, reckless kiss shows that Snow isn’t who he appears to be. And one night together will never be enough. Jude will fight for the doc.
Fight to keep him whole. Fight to keep him safe. Fight to simply keep him.
But when a ghost from their past returns to Cincinnati, Snow stands to lose everyone he loves. Framed for murder and reeling from attacks on his friends, Snow is pushed to his breaking point.
Jude Torres won’t let the doc shatter.
The paramedic has been attracted to the doctor since he first laid eyes on him at the hospital, even if the arrogant, solitary man doesn’t fit into any of his plans.
One hot, reckless kiss shows that Snow isn’t who he appears to be. And one night together will never be enough. Jude will fight for the doc.
Fight to keep him whole. Fight to keep him safe. Fight to simply keep him.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 25, 2016
474 people are currently reading
1234 people want to read
About the author
Jocelynn Drake
141 books2,890 followersNew York Times Bestselling author Jocelynn Drake loves a good story, whether she is reading it or writing one of her own. Over the years, her stories have allowed her to explore space, talk to dragons, dodge bullets with assassins, hang with vampires, and fall in love again and again.
This former Kentucky girl has moved up, down, and across the U.S. with her husband. Recently, they’ve settled near the Rockies.
When she is not hammering away at her keyboard or curled up with a book, she can be
walking her dog Ace, or playing video games. She loves Bruce Wayne, Ezio Auditore, travel, tattoos, explosions, and fast cars.
She is the author of the urban fantasy books: The Dark Days series and the Asylum Tales. For gay romance, she has completed The Exit Strategy and Shadow Elite series, and is now working on a spin-off of her MM paranormal series, Lords of Discord. She has also co-authored with Rinda Elliot the following series: Unbreakable Bonds, Ward Security, Pineapple Grove, the Weavers Circle. In addition, she has co-authored with AJ Sherwood the following series: Scales 'N' Spell and Wings 'N' Wands. She can be found at JocelynnDrake.com.
This former Kentucky girl has moved up, down, and across the U.S. with her husband. Recently, they’ve settled near the Rockies.
When she is not hammering away at her keyboard or curled up with a book, she can be
walking her dog Ace, or playing video games. She loves Bruce Wayne, Ezio Auditore, travel, tattoos, explosions, and fast cars.
She is the author of the urban fantasy books: The Dark Days series and the Asylum Tales. For gay romance, she has completed The Exit Strategy and Shadow Elite series, and is now working on a spin-off of her MM paranormal series, Lords of Discord. She has also co-authored with Rinda Elliot the following series: Unbreakable Bonds, Ward Security, Pineapple Grove, the Weavers Circle. In addition, she has co-authored with AJ Sherwood the following series: Scales 'N' Spell and Wings 'N' Wands. She can be found at JocelynnDrake.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 538 reviews
April 29, 2016
4 Stars
I haven't read the first book in this series,I was too impatient to get my hands on this but,in hindsight ,I really wish I'd read book one first.
Lucas,Snow,Ian and Rowe...
Four men who have an unbreakable bond and are always there for each other.
This is Snow's story.....
Dr Aston Frost aka Snow to his friends.An arrogant,moody surgeon.He's never been interested in a relationship,prefers to have one time things and NEVER goes back twice and has a rule to NEVER get involved in his Co Workers.
That is until the pull of one man proves to be too much.
Jude Torres,paramedic....He's had his eye on the sexy Doctor for a while and is determined to get him...
These two were explosive together.
Snow has never been really sure what he wants out of sex until Jude rocks his world.
Jude,grrrr.....so damn sexy,so bossy in the bedroom and that totally works for me,especially in M /M books.I love a man who dominates the other
And,hello...up against the wall sex..so dirty but so hot.
Along side from their relationship an enemy from Snows past re emerges and throws the 4 men's life into turmoil.
Aside from Jude,the character I just adored was Ian and I'm dying for his story.
Highly Recommended...
I haven't read the first book in this series,I was too impatient to get my hands on this but,in hindsight ,I really wish I'd read book one first.
Lucas,Snow,Ian and Rowe...
Four men who have an unbreakable bond and are always there for each other.
This is Snow's story.....
Dr Aston Frost aka Snow to his friends.An arrogant,moody surgeon.He's never been interested in a relationship,prefers to have one time things and NEVER goes back twice and has a rule to NEVER get involved in his Co Workers.
That is until the pull of one man proves to be too much.
Jude Torres,paramedic....He's had his eye on the sexy Doctor for a while and is determined to get him...
These two were explosive together.
Snow has never been really sure what he wants out of sex until Jude rocks his world.
Jude,grrrr.....so damn sexy,so bossy in the bedroom and that totally works for me,especially in M /M books.I love a man who dominates the other
And,hello...up against the wall sex..so dirty but so hot.
"Me,naked and instead of under you like you said earlier,I'm turning right here and bracing myself on this wall."
Along side from their relationship an enemy from Snows past re emerges and throws the 4 men's life into turmoil.
Aside from Jude,the character I just adored was Ian and I'm dying for his story.
Highly Recommended...
March 22, 2019
Third read in March 2019 because the SEQUEL!
Second read June, 2016 Just as hot! This book pushes all my buttons.
Shatter is book 2 in the Unbreakable Bonds series, a series about 4 men who have a closer-than-brotherly, but not sexual, connection to one another.
Shatter is Aston "Snow" Frost's story.
All 4 of these are guys pretty fucked up, which makes for delicious hurt/healing/comfort. Snow is a cold, hard, bossy trauma surgeon with a "one-night-stand only" rule. He also never fucks co-workers, which is his main reason for not wanting to start anything with coworker, EMT Jude Torres. But Jude will have none of that. Nope. He goes after Snow and eventually gets him.
All this can be learned from the blurb so let's get right down to business. I FUCKING LOVED THIS BOOK. It hit my top 3 holy-shit-this-is-so-awesome buttons.
Hurt/Healing/Comfort: Snow has had a rough life. On top of a horrible childhood in an ultra-religious home, he's a military man who has seen death more than he cares to admit. And Jude knows all about the comfort. Oh yes indeed.
Dirty talk: Both of these men had ridiculously filthy mouths. Hot. As. Fuck. (Hot enough for the Blanche Devereaux Spray-bottle Gif of Greatness™.)
Wall sex: Oh yes, there is wall sex. Repeat, there is wall sex. And it is glorious.
This is a 5+ star read. My second of the year, Out of Nowhere by Roan Parrish being my first. This is about as close to perfection as they come for me.
Can this be read as a stand-alone? Well, it can be, but I think that once all 4 books are out, it will be a must-read series and you really should start from the beginning. And since this book is still 3 weeks from publication, I am highly recommending you read Shiver now. For more back story, check out the authors' Unbreakable Bonds webpage.
Fuck yeah, 5+ stars. Don't miss this one. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
This review is also posted at Gay Book Reviews
Second read June, 2016 Just as hot! This book pushes all my buttons.
Shatter is book 2 in the Unbreakable Bonds series, a series about 4 men who have a closer-than-brotherly, but not sexual, connection to one another.
Lucas Vallois: Millionaire Entrepreneur (Shiver)
Aston Frost: Trauma Surgeon (Shatter)
Ian Pierce: Chef (Torch, coming Fall 2016)
Rowan Ward: Bodyguard
Shatter is Aston "Snow" Frost's story.
All 4 of these are guys pretty fucked up, which makes for delicious hurt/healing/comfort. Snow is a cold, hard, bossy trauma surgeon with a "one-night-stand only" rule. He also never fucks co-workers, which is his main reason for not wanting to start anything with coworker, EMT Jude Torres. But Jude will have none of that. Nope. He goes after Snow and eventually gets him.
All this can be learned from the blurb so let's get right down to business. I FUCKING LOVED THIS BOOK. It hit my top 3 holy-shit-this-is-so-awesome buttons.
Hurt/Healing/Comfort: Snow has had a rough life. On top of a horrible childhood in an ultra-religious home, he's a military man who has seen death more than he cares to admit. And Jude knows all about the comfort. Oh yes indeed.
Dirty talk: Both of these men had ridiculously filthy mouths. Hot. As. Fuck. (Hot enough for the Blanche Devereaux Spray-bottle Gif of Greatness™.)
Wall sex: Oh yes, there is wall sex. Repeat, there is wall sex. And it is glorious.
This is a 5+ star read. My second of the year, Out of Nowhere by Roan Parrish being my first. This is about as close to perfection as they come for me.
Can this be read as a stand-alone? Well, it can be, but I think that once all 4 books are out, it will be a must-read series and you really should start from the beginning. And since this book is still 3 weeks from publication, I am highly recommending you read Shiver now. For more back story, check out the authors' Unbreakable Bonds webpage.
Fuck yeah, 5+ stars. Don't miss this one. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
This review is also posted at Gay Book Reviews
June 13, 2022
Reread - June 2022
***********************************
“I want more with you,”
5++++++stars
Mc 1: Snow the Doc
Mc 2: Jude the Paramedic
I loved this book. I fell in love with Snow in book 1, the Silver fox with blue eyes is so much lovable. He exudes confidence but deep down he is broken, just my kind of MC. Jude is a perfect match for him. He is number 3 on my book boyfriends list. Logan and Alexei will forever be up high and is book did not disappoint.
Snow 😚😚
The bond between these guys is so strong, I feel it. Lucas, Snow, Rowe and Ian are family goals.
The mystery/suspense part was interesting as the one in book 1. Ian is so much loved. Everyone went out of their way to protect him , we get a glimpse of Ian’s past and I have to say it broke my heart.
Snow’s past is also revealed and damn! My guy had it rough. Thanks to the book Gods,Lucas has always been there for him.
Jude, I love him, he was so determined to get Snow and I am glad he did not give up. These two fit together. And when he let his dominant side come out to play, let’s just say cold shower!!
The Sex, Wall Sex alert! It was Hoooooooooot! The chemistry between Snow and Jude was there from the moment they met.
“What exactly are we doing, General?”
“Me, naked, and instead of under you like you said earlier, I’m turning right here and bracing myself on this wall.”
“Oh yeah,” he breathed, hurrying to remove the rest of his clothes. He still had a sock left when Snow grabbed him and started kissing him again. Snow pulled back and he lifted an eyebrow.
Mini rant
There were some OTT moments, but did I care? Nope. This series gets a pass. I will overlook every eye rolling moment. I am addicted.
They kissed like they’d been doing it for years, like they knew when to move, when to give or to take and Jude was sure he could be happy with the flavor of his general for the rest of his life.
I loved seeing Andrei and Lucas again. Their Relationship still going strong.
***********************************
“I want more with you,”
5++++++stars
Mc 1: Snow the Doc
Mc 2: Jude the Paramedic
I loved this book. I fell in love with Snow in book 1, the Silver fox with blue eyes is so much lovable. He exudes confidence but deep down he is broken, just my kind of MC. Jude is a perfect match for him. He is number 3 on my book boyfriends list. Logan and Alexei will forever be up high and is book did not disappoint.
Snow 😚😚
The bond between these guys is so strong, I feel it. Lucas, Snow, Rowe and Ian are family goals.
The mystery/suspense part was interesting as the one in book 1. Ian is so much loved. Everyone went out of their way to protect him , we get a glimpse of Ian’s past and I have to say it broke my heart.
Snow’s past is also revealed and damn! My guy had it rough. Thanks to the book Gods,Lucas has always been there for him.
Jude, I love him, he was so determined to get Snow and I am glad he did not give up. These two fit together. And when he let his dominant side come out to play, let’s just say cold shower!!
The Sex, Wall Sex alert! It was Hoooooooooot! The chemistry between Snow and Jude was there from the moment they met.
“What exactly are we doing, General?”
“Me, naked, and instead of under you like you said earlier, I’m turning right here and bracing myself on this wall.”
“Oh yeah,” he breathed, hurrying to remove the rest of his clothes. He still had a sock left when Snow grabbed him and started kissing him again. Snow pulled back and he lifted an eyebrow.
Mini rant
There were some OTT moments, but did I care? Nope. This series gets a pass. I will overlook every eye rolling moment. I am addicted.
They kissed like they’d been doing it for years, like they knew when to move, when to give or to take and Jude was sure he could be happy with the flavor of his general for the rest of his life.
I loved seeing Andrei and Lucas again. Their Relationship still going strong.
June 9, 2021
Skimming/re-read: 09.06.2021
I just skimmed this one fast to see more of Lucas and Andrei's relationship process. That said, I know I would've liked this book much much more if it was a standalone, away from Lucas' world. Andrei is quite frankly the best character in the sense that he has a beautiful soul, Lucas is the sexiest and Snow is the gorgeous vulnerable. Problem is, while I love Andrei, and I love him with Lucas, I also absolutely ship Lucas with Snow. I feel that Jude is replacing Lucas in Snow's life and I don't like it. I also didn't like that some of Lucas' authority went down a bit because of Jude. Overall, I skimmed everything except parts of Lucas and Andrei. I didn't "re-read" (if you can even call it that since I skimmed it so much) for Snow and Jude's story. That isn't so say their story is bad, I just wasn't interested in it with this "re-read". So in the end, I didn't really re-read this book, I just followed Andrei and Lucas' story, if you know what I mean... And also, am I the only one who kinda don't like that the family is extending so much? Fuck, am I cold or what!? I just loved the closeness the guys had...
Man, I have a feeling that I could've like this book so much if it was a complete standalone novel and not a part of a series standalone. I mean, I'm a miserable and horrible person who got too attached to the friendship more than the relationship between the main characters. Without that need for the friendship between my doves, then I might have adore this one a lot. But as I got too little of said doves and I didn't get the representation of said doves, I wasn't all that happy. That isn't to say I didn't still enjoy the book, because I did. The second book in this series centers around doctor (Maverick trauma surgeon), Ashton ‘Snow’ ‘General’ Frost (37) and paramedic at UC Hospital, Jude Torres (30). They were hot and cute together, but I wish we had gotten more of the family together. And of course my doves, Snow and Lucas. Need more of them and their special and unbreakable bond.
Other characters:
↦ Lucas ‘Luc’ Vallois (38), self-made millionaire and owner of many properties, has worked his way up to be one of the most powerful men in the city Cincinnati. Snow's closest friend, the one he sees as his brother. Their bond is quite special. I only wish we had gotten more of their special relationship. I kinda adore him. He's hot, sexy, dominant, alpha male. Probably my favorite character in the series.
↦ Andrei Hadeon (mid-twenties?), professional mixed martial arts fighter until an injury a few years ago, now works for Rowe as a bodyguard, and is thoroughly trained in close-quarter combat, a variety of weapons, and defensive driving. He's cool. I like that he doesn't take shit.
↦ Rowan ‘Rowe’ Ward (how old?), owner of Ward Security and who Snow and Lucas met after Army basic training and the three men had been stuck together ever since, and now does security. I don't know if I like him all that much; not my type. His wife, Melissa ‘Mel’ Ward
↦ Ian ‘E’ Pierce (25), chef and owner of Rialto restaurant (just opened) and the one the group sees as their little brother. He seems adorable and you can't help but want to protect him.
↦ Detective for the Cincinnati Police Department, Hollis Banner (how old?), seems a bit annoying, yet I believe he's supposed to be a somewhat bad boy? I dunno. Might like him in his own book..
↦ Dwight Gratton, a bad ghost from the group's past, (works with audition away young boys?). Also the one who tortured Ian. Hired by a bad man called Jagger.
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Contemporary Romance (M/M)
Series: - Series (Standalone?), Book Two
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Lucas Vallois.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Sure.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Sure.
Will I read this again in the future? - Don't think so.
Rating - 3 stars.
I just skimmed this one fast to see more of Lucas and Andrei's relationship process. That said, I know I would've liked this book much much more if it was a standalone, away from Lucas' world. Andrei is quite frankly the best character in the sense that he has a beautiful soul, Lucas is the sexiest and Snow is the gorgeous vulnerable. Problem is, while I love Andrei, and I love him with Lucas, I also absolutely ship Lucas with Snow. I feel that Jude is replacing Lucas in Snow's life and I don't like it. I also didn't like that some of Lucas' authority went down a bit because of Jude. Overall, I skimmed everything except parts of Lucas and Andrei. I didn't "re-read" (if you can even call it that since I skimmed it so much) for Snow and Jude's story. That isn't so say their story is bad, I just wasn't interested in it with this "re-read". So in the end, I didn't really re-read this book, I just followed Andrei and Lucas' story, if you know what I mean... And also, am I the only one who kinda don't like that the family is extending so much? Fuck, am I cold or what!? I just loved the closeness the guys had...
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*I'm a horrible person*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
Man, I have a feeling that I could've like this book so much if it was a complete standalone novel and not a part of a series standalone. I mean, I'm a miserable and horrible person who got too attached to the friendship more than the relationship between the main characters. Without that need for the friendship between my doves, then I might have adore this one a lot. But as I got too little of said doves and I didn't get the representation of said doves, I wasn't all that happy. That isn't to say I didn't still enjoy the book, because I did. The second book in this series centers around doctor (Maverick trauma surgeon), Ashton ‘Snow’ ‘General’ Frost (37) and paramedic at UC Hospital, Jude Torres (30). They were hot and cute together, but I wish we had gotten more of the family together. And of course my doves, Snow and Lucas. Need more of them and their special and unbreakable bond.
These feelings and emotions swamped him. Years of hidden hopes and dreams… and that joy… that devastating and.. so very, very new joy… came and it took Snow out of himself long enough to feel truly connected to someone else for the first time in his life.
Other characters:
↦ Lucas ‘Luc’ Vallois (38), self-made millionaire and owner of many properties, has worked his way up to be one of the most powerful men in the city Cincinnati. Snow's closest friend, the one he sees as his brother. Their bond is quite special. I only wish we had gotten more of their special relationship. I kinda adore him. He's hot, sexy, dominant, alpha male. Probably my favorite character in the series.
↦ Andrei Hadeon (mid-twenties?), professional mixed martial arts fighter until an injury a few years ago, now works for Rowe as a bodyguard, and is thoroughly trained in close-quarter combat, a variety of weapons, and defensive driving. He's cool. I like that he doesn't take shit.
↦ Rowan ‘Rowe’ Ward (how old?), owner of Ward Security and who Snow and Lucas met after Army basic training and the three men had been stuck together ever since, and now does security. I don't know if I like him all that much; not my type. His wife, Melissa ‘Mel’ Ward
↦ Ian ‘E’ Pierce (25), chef and owner of Rialto restaurant (just opened) and the one the group sees as their little brother. He seems adorable and you can't help but want to protect him.
↦ Detective for the Cincinnati Police Department, Hollis Banner (how old?), seems a bit annoying, yet I believe he's supposed to be a somewhat bad boy? I dunno. Might like him in his own book..
↦ Dwight Gratton, a bad ghost from the group's past, (works with audition away young boys?). Also the one who tortured Ian. Hired by a bad man called Jagger.
“I want it all.”
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Contemporary Romance (M/M)
Series: - Series (Standalone?), Book Two
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Lucas Vallois.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Sure.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Sure.
Will I read this again in the future? - Don't think so.
Rating - 3 stars.
August 30, 2018
I loved the shit out of this book !!! This one is definitely going on my 6 stars shelf !!
I already loved Snow from the previous book and my love has grown tons in this one. Don't even get me started on Jude...the man was absolutely awesome !!
This series is about 4 best friends, although friends is not even the right word here. They are brothers of the heart and the soul. Each book will focus on one of them in particular, but they all play a big part.
This time it's Snows turn. Snow is a trauma surgeon, who comes of as a cold hearted asshole....but there is so much more to him than meets the eye. Snow has had a hard live, growing up in hell and witnessing shit, that nobody ever should. It has made him the hard man he is today, only opening up for his best friends.
Snow is gay and is only interested in one night stands....I don't think he even believes love would be a possibility for him. He always has to be in control, and has some serious anger issues. He doesn't date and he doesn't get involved with anyone from work.
But then he meets the handsome paramedic Jude....the man he has been eying for some time now. Jude is about to throw Snows world completely upside down. Jude has had his sights on the doc for a while, and when he finally gets the man in his hands....he seems to know exactly what "the general" doctor needs.
Jude and Snow were such great characters, I loved the two of them together, and what I loved most, was that there wasn't any of that push and pull bullshit. There was humor, tragedy, suspense, romance and hot sweaty man sex !! The background story kept me interested untill the very end and I just wanted to know and read more.
I can't wait to read the next book. I already fell in love with detective Banner, he always makes me laugh :))
This review is posted on Wendy's Wycked Words
May 30, 2016
5 BIG stars for this HOT couple
The first book, Shiver, was hot and I didn't expect the second book to be just as HOT and maybe a little more. Lucas and Andrei set my iPad on fire, but so did Snow and Jude!
SNOW
Jude
Ash/Snow is a very beautiful surgeon, but his painful past made him a cold and very demanding man. He thinks he needs to feel pain, always needs to be in charge and has only one night stands.
From the beginning I could feel the attraction between Snow and Jude Torres, the paramedic. Well he was a big surprise for me. I thought Snow will scare him and make him do whatever he wanted, but I was happy he was very different from what I pictured him tot be. He was so bossy and talking dirty :)
The couple was really HOT! Incredibly sexy!!!
This book was more romantic than the first one, and it was a very lovely reading.
It has a lot of action and suspense.
I loved it!
The first book, Shiver, was hot and I didn't expect the second book to be just as HOT and maybe a little more. Lucas and Andrei set my iPad on fire, but so did Snow and Jude!
SNOW
Jude
Ash/Snow is a very beautiful surgeon, but his painful past made him a cold and very demanding man. He thinks he needs to feel pain, always needs to be in charge and has only one night stands.
From the beginning I could feel the attraction between Snow and Jude Torres, the paramedic. Well he was a big surprise for me. I thought Snow will scare him and make him do whatever he wanted, but I was happy he was very different from what I pictured him tot be. He was so bossy and talking dirty :)
The couple was really HOT! Incredibly sexy!!!
This book was more romantic than the first one, and it was a very lovely reading.
It has a lot of action and suspense.
I loved it!
September 3, 2017
4.5 Stars
Full of suspense, action and romance, Shatter kept me on the edge of my seat and pulled at my heartstrings throughout.
Ashton “Snow” Frost is an irritable yet renowned trauma surgeon. Tormented by his dark past, Snow’s only close attachments are his three best friends, Lucas, Rowe and Ian. The four men are family, not in blood but in every sense of the word that counts. They’re brothers, and they’d move heaven and hell to protect one another from anyone who means them harm.
Snow doesn’t do relationships, preferring uncomplicated and insignificant trysts with strangers, and he certainly never gets involved with people at work. But when hunky paramedic Jude Torres forces his way into Snow’s problematic life, he might just have to concede that this man might just be the one exception to all his carefully crafted rules.
Unfortunately, their timing couldn’t suck any more, when, once again, Snow and his friends become embroiled in a dangerous situation that leaves a loved one dead and all hearts broken, when a shady character from their pasts re-emerges with a vendetta against the group.
Unable to stay out of trouble, Snow and his friends take matters into their own hands in an attempt to stop the bad guy once and for all. But nothing is ever so easy, and the stakes become high and the potential losses begin to weigh on Snow as he realises he now has more to lose than he could have ever imagined.
This story was perfectly suspenseful and heart-meltingly romantic, which are two features I positively love in a good M/M contemporary story. Although, as hot as hell as Snow and Jude were, I must say that my absolute favourite element of this series is the unwavering friendship shared between the four main characters, Snow, Lucas, Rowe and Ian. They make for a loveable and memorable group of book friends, and along with their (slowly appearing) significant others, I can’t help but assume this series will end up being a favourite of mine before too long.
Full of suspense, action and romance, Shatter kept me on the edge of my seat and pulled at my heartstrings throughout.
Ashton “Snow” Frost is an irritable yet renowned trauma surgeon. Tormented by his dark past, Snow’s only close attachments are his three best friends, Lucas, Rowe and Ian. The four men are family, not in blood but in every sense of the word that counts. They’re brothers, and they’d move heaven and hell to protect one another from anyone who means them harm.
Snow doesn’t do relationships, preferring uncomplicated and insignificant trysts with strangers, and he certainly never gets involved with people at work. But when hunky paramedic Jude Torres forces his way into Snow’s problematic life, he might just have to concede that this man might just be the one exception to all his carefully crafted rules.
Unfortunately, their timing couldn’t suck any more, when, once again, Snow and his friends become embroiled in a dangerous situation that leaves a loved one dead and all hearts broken, when a shady character from their pasts re-emerges with a vendetta against the group.
Unable to stay out of trouble, Snow and his friends take matters into their own hands in an attempt to stop the bad guy once and for all. But nothing is ever so easy, and the stakes become high and the potential losses begin to weigh on Snow as he realises he now has more to lose than he could have ever imagined.
This story was perfectly suspenseful and heart-meltingly romantic, which are two features I positively love in a good M/M contemporary story. Although, as hot as hell as Snow and Jude were, I must say that my absolute favourite element of this series is the unwavering friendship shared between the four main characters, Snow, Lucas, Rowe and Ian. They make for a loveable and memorable group of book friends, and along with their (slowly appearing) significant others, I can’t help but assume this series will end up being a favourite of mine before too long.
May 6, 2016
Solid 4 Stars!
This was another great addition to the series, with the biggest strength in this series being the bond between Lucas, Snow, Rowe and Ian.
I honestly think I liked this one more than Shiver...I just seemed to like Snow and Jude a bit more.
Yeah, there were some
moments. Some no way in hell would that happen in real life moments. But eh, whatever. It's a book. It didn't bother me too bad.
Still some cheesy dialogue here and there, but again not enough to bother me too bad. Especially because mixed in was some pretty funny banter.
The smexy times in this one were smokin'! Thumbs up for that!
But let me just say....I am super stoked for Ian and Banner's book!
This was another great addition to the series, with the biggest strength in this series being the bond between Lucas, Snow, Rowe and Ian.
I honestly think I liked this one more than Shiver...I just seemed to like Snow and Jude a bit more.
Yeah, there were some
moments. Some no way in hell would that happen in real life moments. But eh, whatever. It's a book. It didn't bother me too bad.
Still some cheesy dialogue here and there, but again not enough to bother me too bad. Especially because mixed in was some pretty funny banter.
The smexy times in this one were smokin'! Thumbs up for that!
But let me just say....I am super stoked for Ian and Banner's book!
May 2, 2023
Please authors, when you pick a cute nickname for a love interest, make it one that isn’t embarrassing. Calling your lover “General” is…weird and unsexy.
“Shit, General, your mouth. So hot. I’m close. Gonna come in my pants.”
Is anyone else baffled by the intimate connection of these four friends? I’m not complaining, because it was very refreshing to read but it’s also confusing because those “friendships” are not the main love story, but are still very intimate in their own way. Example below of two best friends cuddling in bed.
Snow closed his eyes, knowing it was pointless to argue after so many years. He soaked in the feel of Lucas’s arm wrapped around him, his steady breathing lulling him back toward sleep.
I liked the friendships here better than the actual relationship in this story. Still, a good story but didn’t capture my attention like the first one did.
“Shit, General, your mouth. So hot. I’m close. Gonna come in my pants.”
Is anyone else baffled by the intimate connection of these four friends? I’m not complaining, because it was very refreshing to read but it’s also confusing because those “friendships” are not the main love story, but are still very intimate in their own way. Example below of two best friends cuddling in bed.
Snow closed his eyes, knowing it was pointless to argue after so many years. He soaked in the feel of Lucas’s arm wrapped around him, his steady breathing lulling him back toward sleep.
I liked the friendships here better than the actual relationship in this story. Still, a good story but didn’t capture my attention like the first one did.
April 29, 2016
*2.5 stars*
So....um...well this is awkward. I'm literally the only person who didn't like this book.
This review is a drop in the ocean, so don't mind me and my dissenting opinion. I'll do my best to exlpain why this didn't work for me.
~I just can't get over how dramatic and OTT their interactions are! Like when Lucas and Andrei from the first book, decide that their relationship is serious, in front of everyone else.
It is soap opera dramatic. And yes, this comes to validate the fact that the first book ended with a very tentative HFN.
~Just like in the first book, I found the writing too formal and formulaic. It's like I'm thinking about my friends like this: "Dani, Renee, and Jewel are asleep. The green-eyed women must be tired." It's weird!
~This wasn't Snow and Jude's story. It was everyone's story! I don't object to multiple POVs, as long as it adds to the story instead of stealing time from the MCs. For me, Shatter falls to the second category. I hate it when I compare books in my head; I feel it's unfair, but all I could think about was how expertly the authors pulled it off in Six Degrees of Lust or Guns n' Boys: Swamp Blood.
~Same goes about the dialogue. Some times it felt purply...
or just no...
or just didn't make sense...
Huh? What does that even mean?
~Magic dick alert. What happened to Snow from the first book? The one who needed to physically hurt people or else he would lose his mind? Oh right. Jude's dick cured him.
~I felt that the action and the mystery took over the story. And the group of friends deciding to act like "Avengers" was eye rolling.
~I don't work in the medical field, but even to me, some things really lacked realism. Renee said it better.
Also, . Conveniently so.
So I'll settle with 2.5 stars for the authentic description of the Greek mom.
Again, I'm totally the minority here. Everyone rated it with 4-5 stars, so it's probably just me. But I'm pretty much done with the series.
So....um...well this is awkward. I'm literally the only person who didn't like this book.
This review is a drop in the ocean, so don't mind me and my dissenting opinion. I'll do my best to exlpain why this didn't work for me.
~I just can't get over how dramatic and OTT their interactions are! Like when Lucas and Andrei from the first book, decide that their relationship is serious, in front of everyone else.
It is soap opera dramatic. And yes, this comes to validate the fact that the first book ended with a very tentative HFN.
~Just like in the first book, I found the writing too formal and formulaic. It's like I'm thinking about my friends like this: "Dani, Renee, and Jewel are asleep. The green-eyed women must be tired." It's weird!
~This wasn't Snow and Jude's story. It was everyone's story! I don't object to multiple POVs, as long as it adds to the story instead of stealing time from the MCs. For me, Shatter falls to the second category. I hate it when I compare books in my head; I feel it's unfair, but all I could think about was how expertly the authors pulled it off in Six Degrees of Lust or Guns n' Boys: Swamp Blood.
~Same goes about the dialogue. Some times it felt purply...
"Your long body is so gorgeous.
or just no...
“Go ahead and eat the carbs. I’ll work them off your ass later.”
“Maybe I’ll work them off yours,” Snow murmured.
or just didn't make sense...
"The man was crazy about Melissa[...]Curious or not, he would never cheat on her. But it did make Snow wonder if things would have been different if Melissa had been a man rather than a woman."
Huh? What does that even mean?
~Magic dick alert. What happened to Snow from the first book? The one who needed to physically hurt people or else he would lose his mind? Oh right. Jude's dick cured him.
~I felt that the action and the mystery took over the story. And the group of friends deciding to act like "Avengers" was eye rolling.
~I don't work in the medical field, but even to me, some things really lacked realism. Renee said it better.
Also, . Conveniently so.
So I'll settle with 2.5 stars for the authentic description of the Greek mom.
Again, I'm totally the minority here. Everyone rated it with 4-5 stars, so it's probably just me. But I'm pretty much done with the series.
March 3, 2018
4.5
This series..these characters...so intense. On to the next, because I can't get enough!
This series..these characters...so intense. On to the next, because I can't get enough!
May 11, 2019
Re-read 10th - 11th May 2019
4.5* I loved it.
I read 'Shiver' and while I loved the guys the book itself didn't quite live up to my expectations but it was obvious that Lucas, Snow, Ian and Rowe along with Andrei, Banner and now Jude had so much potential.
That potential is realised here because for me this book was fabulous, the characters and the story all work. I loved Snow and Jude and I liked the fact that this isn't just their book, all the main characters feature strongly as their past comes back to destroy their future.
I liked Lucas and Andrei but Snow and Jude are my favourites and they've set the bar so high and they are so hot together, although I'm really looking forward to finding out more about the intriguing Hollis Banner.
This book has a bit of everything and it's hot, the scenes between Snow and Jude are scorching.
I'm just waiting for 'Torch' now.
4.5* I loved it.
I read 'Shiver' and while I loved the guys the book itself didn't quite live up to my expectations but it was obvious that Lucas, Snow, Ian and Rowe along with Andrei, Banner and now Jude had so much potential.
That potential is realised here because for me this book was fabulous, the characters and the story all work. I loved Snow and Jude and I liked the fact that this isn't just their book, all the main characters feature strongly as their past comes back to destroy their future.
I liked Lucas and Andrei but Snow and Jude are my favourites and they've set the bar so high and they are so hot together, although I'm really looking forward to finding out more about the intriguing Hollis Banner.
This book has a bit of everything and it's hot, the scenes between Snow and Jude are scorching.
I'm just waiting for 'Torch' now.
August 26, 2018
Going into this I was really excited for Snow's story. He seemed a tortured and dark man in the previous book and, not really knowing his whole story, I figured it was going to dark and gritty. While it was sad and truly awful, it wasn't exactly what I expected. I had a little bit of a hard time reconciling how he acted in Shiver and his childhood. BUT, it doesn't mean I didn't love this or Snow or Snow & Jude as a couple. They were smoking hot, the sexual chemistry burning up the pages.
And OMG the KISSING! Again! I am absolutely in love with all the kissing these hot as fuck men do. It's so beautiful and intimate.
It was also super hot how Snow loved Jude's body hair and loved to feel it on his skin. *sigh*
I think Jude was the perfect match for Snow and he allowed Snow to let go which is what he needed.
Now, I know I'm late to the game reading this series. All of you who were upset and pissed off over Mel, grab your pitch forks and torches and come at me. It didn't bother me. Before you shoot me, let me explain. (Going to hide this in a spoiler just for those who don't know and don't want to know)
So, this has been a fantastic series so far. I am loving these guys and their little family that is growing. I CAN'T WAIT for Ian and Hollis' book. I wish I could skip the next one and go straight to that but I will keep on keeping on and hope there's more KISSING!
And OMG the KISSING! Again! I am absolutely in love with all the kissing these hot as fuck men do. It's so beautiful and intimate.
This kiss, so much like that first, soft, stolen one in the hospital, scrambled Snow’s brain entirely.
This kiss, so different from the ones before, tasted of something new. A sort of sated, happy surprise and maybe a hint of possibility.
It was also super hot how Snow loved Jude's body hair and loved to feel it on his skin. *sigh*
I think Jude was the perfect match for Snow and he allowed Snow to let go which is what he needed.
Now, I know I'm late to the game reading this series. All of you who were upset and pissed off over Mel, grab your pitch forks and torches and come at me. It didn't bother me. Before you shoot me, let me explain. (Going to hide this in a spoiler just for those who don't know and don't want to know)
So, this has been a fantastic series so far. I am loving these guys and their little family that is growing. I CAN'T WAIT for Ian and Hollis' book. I wish I could skip the next one and go straight to that but I will keep on keeping on and hope there's more KISSING!
May 1, 2016
4.5 stars
This was awesome!
I loved this second installment even more than the first. There was more romance in this one. And of course we got to know the characters a little better. We got more background on these four men. I just love these guys.
There is someone out to get Lucas, Snow, Rowe and Ian. This is all tied to what happened 7 years ago. We don’t get much details at first, but as the story progressed we got more and more so we could puzzle the pieces together.
This story concentrates on Snow, the stoic surgeon. The one who supposedly always needs to be in charge. Well, he has met his match in Jude, a paramedic at the hospital Snow works. They both had their eye on each other for a while, but Snow doesn’t want to mix work and pleasure.
Of course Snow hadn’t counted on Jude’s determination. When these men get together they burn up the sheets. I loved the smexy times in this. They were hot, and filled with so much emotion. And I loved that Snow does not need to be in charge this time. I love it when a big man submits.
These books are action packed and the romances are sweet and explosive. There’s not a lot of relationship angst in this series. I love that! These men are stubborn, but they recognize something good when they see it.
I loved getting to know these men. A terrible thing happened to Ian in the past and I cannot wait for him to get his book with the cop, Hollis Banner. I love him!!!! And Rowe…. I felt so sad for him. But I know he will be happy again and I’m sure the writers will give him his well-deserved HEA.
I need the next book! NOW!
This was awesome!
I loved this second installment even more than the first. There was more romance in this one. And of course we got to know the characters a little better. We got more background on these four men. I just love these guys.
There is someone out to get Lucas, Snow, Rowe and Ian. This is all tied to what happened 7 years ago. We don’t get much details at first, but as the story progressed we got more and more so we could puzzle the pieces together.
This story concentrates on Snow, the stoic surgeon. The one who supposedly always needs to be in charge. Well, he has met his match in Jude, a paramedic at the hospital Snow works. They both had their eye on each other for a while, but Snow doesn’t want to mix work and pleasure.
Of course Snow hadn’t counted on Jude’s determination. When these men get together they burn up the sheets. I loved the smexy times in this. They were hot, and filled with so much emotion. And I loved that Snow does not need to be in charge this time. I love it when a big man submits.
These books are action packed and the romances are sweet and explosive. There’s not a lot of relationship angst in this series. I love that! These men are stubborn, but they recognize something good when they see it.
I loved getting to know these men. A terrible thing happened to Ian in the past and I cannot wait for him to get his book with the cop, Hollis Banner. I love him!!!! And Rowe…. I felt so sad for him. But I know he will be happy again and I’m sure the writers will give him his well-deserved HEA.
I need the next book! NOW!
September 23, 2017
4 Stars
I’m slowly coming around to this rag tag group of friends and I enjoyed this latest installment more than its predecessor. Once again, danger lurks in the shadows in the form of Snow, Lucas, Rowe, and Ian’s terrible past, as it comes back to haunt them in the worst possible ways. This time around, it’s Snow who’s caught in the cross hairs with unfortunately, some devastating collateral damage.
What one must realize is that Snow is basically an island, and a very lonely one at that. However, his tough icy exterior is never gonna show the hidden vulnerability and want that is desperately trying to get out. The only thing he'll allow himself is the family he already has in Lucas, Rowe and Ian. He doesn’t do friendships, he certainly doesn’t date, and he sure as hell isn’t going to succumb to the attraction he has for his quasi-coworker Jude, the EMT who’s everywhere he looks. When Snow recognizes a man who terrorized Ian several years ago, he’s determined to catch the guy once and for all. Wanting to spare his friends from unnecessary worry, he somehow finds himself saddled with help from Jude instead. Thus, starts a chain reaction he can’t stop - doesn't want to stop. Snow’s control can’t be held onto when it comes to this nice but dominating guy; he can’t fathom as to why Jude would want an emotionally stunted man such as himself. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter because Snow and Jude are both caught up in each other, invested quickly and too deeply to simply let things slide.
Jude obviously sees beyond what Snow presents to the world, and he can barely reign in his slightly obsessed attraction. When Jude offers much needed help to a well intentioned Snow, Jude can’t not like him even more, despite the danger Snow's past presents to all involved. Jude sees Snow for what he is - a caring man who’s fiercely loyal and protective, and that’s definitely something he wants to hold onto despite Snow’s resistance.
For those who still might be hedging on this series, let me reassure you that this continues to evolve beyond insta-lust and tough men being tough, and I foresee possibly a huge story arc involving all 4 of these men, adding more depth and complexity. This was tense and heartbreaking, and I loved seeing all of them rally together to take care of some much needed business. Once again, the fun factor peeks out here and there, encompassing Andrei from Shiver, and now Jude, as they enrich the group dynamic even more. I really did enjoy this latest installment and look forward to finishing the rest, because honestly, seeing these stoic men squirm and swoon has never been so entertaining or hot!
I’m slowly coming around to this rag tag group of friends and I enjoyed this latest installment more than its predecessor. Once again, danger lurks in the shadows in the form of Snow, Lucas, Rowe, and Ian’s terrible past, as it comes back to haunt them in the worst possible ways. This time around, it’s Snow who’s caught in the cross hairs with unfortunately, some devastating collateral damage.
What one must realize is that Snow is basically an island, and a very lonely one at that. However, his tough icy exterior is never gonna show the hidden vulnerability and want that is desperately trying to get out. The only thing he'll allow himself is the family he already has in Lucas, Rowe and Ian. He doesn’t do friendships, he certainly doesn’t date, and he sure as hell isn’t going to succumb to the attraction he has for his quasi-coworker Jude, the EMT who’s everywhere he looks. When Snow recognizes a man who terrorized Ian several years ago, he’s determined to catch the guy once and for all. Wanting to spare his friends from unnecessary worry, he somehow finds himself saddled with help from Jude instead. Thus, starts a chain reaction he can’t stop - doesn't want to stop. Snow’s control can’t be held onto when it comes to this nice but dominating guy; he can’t fathom as to why Jude would want an emotionally stunted man such as himself. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter because Snow and Jude are both caught up in each other, invested quickly and too deeply to simply let things slide.
Jude obviously sees beyond what Snow presents to the world, and he can barely reign in his slightly obsessed attraction. When Jude offers much needed help to a well intentioned Snow, Jude can’t not like him even more, despite the danger Snow's past presents to all involved. Jude sees Snow for what he is - a caring man who’s fiercely loyal and protective, and that’s definitely something he wants to hold onto despite Snow’s resistance.
For those who still might be hedging on this series, let me reassure you that this continues to evolve beyond insta-lust and tough men being tough, and I foresee possibly a huge story arc involving all 4 of these men, adding more depth and complexity. This was tense and heartbreaking, and I loved seeing all of them rally together to take care of some much needed business. Once again, the fun factor peeks out here and there, encompassing Andrei from Shiver, and now Jude, as they enrich the group dynamic even more. I really did enjoy this latest installment and look forward to finishing the rest, because honestly, seeing these stoic men squirm and swoon has never been so entertaining or hot!
November 15, 2016
***4.25 Stars***
I am so in love with this series and group of men!
Lucas, Andrei, Ian, Banner, Rowe, Snow and now....Jude.
Jude and Snow were a perfect counterbalance to each other. Jude's dominance was sexy as hell, and watching him give Snow what he needed....
I'm a sucker for seeing a tortured and jaded man find happiness from the love of the right person. And Jude and Snow were the perfect fit. Seeing Jude's determination in having Snow, and watching Snow finally accept the love and affection that he didn't think he'd ever deserve was this reader's kryptonite.
The suspense element was a bit weak for me...and the ending confrontation was a bit rushed and unbelievable....but you know what? I don't care.
This series is entertaining, engaging and addicting. The dynamic between all of these characters will suck you in from the very beginning. The banter? Hilarious. The love? Unconditional. You get a little bit of everything.....mystery and suspense with romance and passion.
If you haven't discovered this series yet....what are you waiting for?
***I do have to make one small note that this book could really benefit from additional editing. There were quite a few grammatical errors. From use of the wrong word to extra words in a sentence. Unfortunately, stumbling over the errors pulled me out of the story and interrupted my reading flow...which is why I couldn't rate this one higher.
October 11, 2018
3.5
WINTER CHILL
Let me be honest with you...I wanted to like this more because I was convinced that Snow would be my absolute fave and don’t get me wrong, I love his ass but this book was just so jumbled about other things that it took away from the story.
Snow and Jude felt like an afterthought compared to all of the dramatics that was going on. I was more focused on how Rowe was handling things and the asshole that was after Ian. So you can see my problem, my man was a supporting character in his own damn story 😩
It was a great setup to the next story so it did get me excited for the next book but I’m hella disappointed that My winter Chill didn’t get his shine time.
-Snow wasn’t as cold as I’d hope. I dub him melting Snow now because all the chill is an affront.
Overall, I liked it but I was hoping to love it. Snow and Jude while they were hot as hell everything else overshadowed their chemistry. A sad freaking shame!!
WINTER CHILL
Let me be honest with you...I wanted to like this more because I was convinced that Snow would be my absolute fave and don’t get me wrong, I love his ass but this book was just so jumbled about other things that it took away from the story.
Snow and Jude felt like an afterthought compared to all of the dramatics that was going on. I was more focused on how Rowe was handling things and the asshole that was after Ian. So you can see my problem, my man was a supporting character in his own damn story 😩
It was a great setup to the next story so it did get me excited for the next book but I’m hella disappointed that My winter Chill didn’t get his shine time.
-Snow wasn’t as cold as I’d hope. I dub him melting Snow now because all the chill is an affront.
Overall, I liked it but I was hoping to love it. Snow and Jude while they were hot as hell everything else overshadowed their chemistry. A sad freaking shame!!
September 1, 2018
5++++ stars
“Any other interesting erogenous zones, General?”
“A few.”
“Gonna tell me?”
“I’d rather you find them for yourself.”
(yeah okay, even in the sexy scenes I get that face, and I smile a lot, is just how thing are, and I scream a lot too because they are so fucking damn well writing).
I didn’t know what to expect from this book and it was definitely not this.
There wasn’t a dull moment, not a single one.
This had so much more emotion than the first one, and that’s because of a character death, that makes me really terrified to start reading the sequel, because how that hell will that play out? I mean, he clearly loved her and now a new romance? Please, sequel, be good to my heart.
There was humor, action, great plot, tension, sexual tension, that awesome friendship that makes my heart hurt by how good it is, sexy, sexy times that made me stop reading because I was having eyegarms (is that a thing? It this how it’s called? Well I just know that I had it),
And don’t even get me started on the romance, not only with Snow and Jude, but with Luc and Andrei, and with a couple that I’m sure it will rise in the fourth book and have my heart too.
I was
While reading this book. For several reasons. But mostly because of the awesome of it. I’m really fucking digging this series, like a lot.
The writing is great, the story is so engaging that you can’t stop reading until you finish the book and end up already starting the sequel, is just that good.
And there isn’t a repetitive moment, - and find out a series that doesn’t keep repeating problems and blabla is hard - and this series didn’t have that.
And we keep finding out new things about the characters, like their past, what made them who they are today, and damn that friendship is so strong, healthy and just overall goals.
I really recommend to anyone who likes a romance with danger, so literally to everyone.
“He grew determined then to have smiles like that one aimed his direction, too. Apparently, he wanted all the man’s smiles.”
The romance was on point. Really, I love them. I’m having to add so many new couples to my otp list, I couldn’t be happier. I don’t know if my obsession with m/m romance will ever stop when I think I got it to handle I find new books to read, and they are all so good.
Oh and I discovered something, JUDE IS ME, I’M JUDE
“Now, he had a thing for hot, bossy, and emotionally damaged.”
ME COMPLETELY.
May 9, 2018
Shatter is book 2 in the Unbreakable Bonds series by Jocelynn Drake. The series centers on the lives of 4 best friends, and this story was all about Dr. Ashton Frost, or Snow to his friends.
Snow tugged at my heart strings from the very beginning. He is moody, arrogant and will protect his friends at all costs. We do get to learn more about his past and it did break my heart. I really enjoyed seeing a different, slightly softer side to him in this story. Besides all the drama that is going on with his friends, he is completely lost when it comes to figuring out his feelings towards a very hot paramedic that Snow cannot stop dreaming about.
I know I have a few books to go to complete this series, but I don’t know if any of them will top this one.
Snow tugged at my heart strings from the very beginning. He is moody, arrogant and will protect his friends at all costs. We do get to learn more about his past and it did break my heart. I really enjoyed seeing a different, slightly softer side to him in this story. Besides all the drama that is going on with his friends, he is completely lost when it comes to figuring out his feelings towards a very hot paramedic that Snow cannot stop dreaming about.
I know I have a few books to go to complete this series, but I don’t know if any of them will top this one.
March 18, 2023
Reread March 2023: Audiobook = ***4 Stars***
*********************
Original review October 2016:
So many layers...
The same holds true for the personality of a man with such a complex character like Ashton “Snow” Frost's. I was fascinated by him from his first appearance in Shiver, but of course, there is always so much more than meets the eye. What you get to see in the first book in this series is only the tip of the iceberg. His arrogant and bossy behavior earned him the nickname “surgeon general” among his colleagues, but his mannerism only serves to hide how hard he is fighting his inner demons. He is a commitment-phobe, shying away from any kind of relationship and only allows his best friends -his family- to come near him. To see his true self.
Because of his difficult childhood as a kid in an overly religious family, who rammed into him that he is worthless until he believed it himself, because of his somewhat shady past and the things he has to deal with at his job as a surgeon, he seeks relief in random hook-ups with rough sex, to forget everything that haunts him for a while.
When a part of his past appears quite literally on his doorstep and things culminate into a tragedy that affects all of his friends -all of his inner circle- his control is only hanging by a thread.
Jude Torres, a paramedic working for the same hospital as Snow, feels attracted to him for a while now and somehow Snow seems to feel the same, but he doesn't want to pursue it further because of his rule not getting involved with a coworker. Jude, on the other hand, has no intention of letting himself being brushed off so easily and when the chance opens up because of said tragedy, he seizes the opportunity with both hands. He is the only one, besides of Snow's friends, who seems to see through to his core, who sees the vulnerability and the loneliness buried deep in him and knows exactly how to fulfil his needs. Oh boy, did I enjoy his methods! ;-)
The sex scenes were burning-the-sheets hot, but honestly, I didn't expect anything less after the first book.
I loved both guys so much. I loved their connection and their interaction and since Jude seems to have as many layers to his personality as Snow, both were just perfect for each other.
When it becomes apparent that someone is playing a game of cat-and-mouse with Snow and his friends, they decide to take matters into their own hands to eliminate the threat and protect the ones they love. Thankfully, this did not go unnoticed and a certain cop once again gets wind of their plans and goes to considerable length to help them out, even though this could threaten his own job. Well, of course he also acts in his own interest, or more precisely, because of his interest in Ian, the youngest of the friends. Poor guy, he is not having an easy time among the friends because of their sense of protectiveness towards Ian, but I love Hollis Banner and can't wait to get his and Ian's book.
This series became my newest addiction and I love it even more with each new story. I love the whole concept that involves all of the friends in each book and the dynamics between them. And since I'm a sucker for mysteries, I love that there is always a thrilling aspect, which seems to keep running like a golden thread through the whole series.
Thank God, I don't have to wait too long for the next book, so I can indulge in my newest obsession very soon. ;-)
*********************
Original review October 2016:
So many layers...
The same holds true for the personality of a man with such a complex character like Ashton “Snow” Frost's. I was fascinated by him from his first appearance in Shiver, but of course, there is always so much more than meets the eye. What you get to see in the first book in this series is only the tip of the iceberg. His arrogant and bossy behavior earned him the nickname “surgeon general” among his colleagues, but his mannerism only serves to hide how hard he is fighting his inner demons. He is a commitment-phobe, shying away from any kind of relationship and only allows his best friends -his family- to come near him. To see his true self.
Because of his difficult childhood as a kid in an overly religious family, who rammed into him that he is worthless until he believed it himself, because of his somewhat shady past and the things he has to deal with at his job as a surgeon, he seeks relief in random hook-ups with rough sex, to forget everything that haunts him for a while.
When a part of his past appears quite literally on his doorstep and things culminate into a tragedy that affects all of his friends -all of his inner circle- his control is only hanging by a thread.
Jude Torres, a paramedic working for the same hospital as Snow, feels attracted to him for a while now and somehow Snow seems to feel the same, but he doesn't want to pursue it further because of his rule not getting involved with a coworker. Jude, on the other hand, has no intention of letting himself being brushed off so easily and when the chance opens up because of said tragedy, he seizes the opportunity with both hands. He is the only one, besides of Snow's friends, who seems to see through to his core, who sees the vulnerability and the loneliness buried deep in him and knows exactly how to fulfil his needs. Oh boy, did I enjoy his methods! ;-)
The sex scenes were burning-the-sheets hot, but honestly, I didn't expect anything less after the first book.
I loved both guys so much. I loved their connection and their interaction and since Jude seems to have as many layers to his personality as Snow, both were just perfect for each other.
When it becomes apparent that someone is playing a game of cat-and-mouse with Snow and his friends, they decide to take matters into their own hands to eliminate the threat and protect the ones they love. Thankfully, this did not go unnoticed and a certain cop once again gets wind of their plans and goes to considerable length to help them out, even though this could threaten his own job. Well, of course he also acts in his own interest, or more precisely, because of his interest in Ian, the youngest of the friends. Poor guy, he is not having an easy time among the friends because of their sense of protectiveness towards Ian, but I love Hollis Banner and can't wait to get his and Ian's book.
This series became my newest addiction and I love it even more with each new story. I love the whole concept that involves all of the friends in each book and the dynamics between them. And since I'm a sucker for mysteries, I love that there is always a thrilling aspect, which seems to keep running like a golden thread through the whole series.
Thank God, I don't have to wait too long for the next book, so I can indulge in my newest obsession very soon. ;-)
May 9, 2018
So good!
I don't know how I missed this series when it first came out. But I definitely missed out and I'm so glad I'm reading it now.
I love the friendships in this series. It surprises me that the men are so different yet so closely bonded.
This book is about Snow. I guess you could read it as a stand alone. But, why would you when book 1 is as good as this one? Besides, you'd miss out on the backstory with Lucas' honey.
Ashton Frost aka Snow is one badass surgeon. A top dog alpha who meets and quickly appreciates a new partner even more dominant than he is. I fell hard for Jude and his family. He's not only dreamy, but also hot, persistent and perceptive. A perfect match for his General Surgeon.
A couple of niggles kept it from being five stars for me in spite of how much I enjoyed the story. One, it needs line editing. There are too many word errors. It kept taking me out of the story. Two, it still feels like we're missing an earlier part of this series. Maybe not quite as much as it did in the first book, but I still felt like I was reading a spin off or later book in an ongoing series because we don't really know the men's background that is constantly alluded to. Fortunately, we do get quite a bit of back story for Ian in this one. But still...
In any case, this is a fantastic series with elements of thriller in a solid, alpha M/M romance.
I don't know how I missed this series when it first came out. But I definitely missed out and I'm so glad I'm reading it now.
I love the friendships in this series. It surprises me that the men are so different yet so closely bonded.
This book is about Snow. I guess you could read it as a stand alone. But, why would you when book 1 is as good as this one? Besides, you'd miss out on the backstory with Lucas' honey.
Ashton Frost aka Snow is one badass surgeon. A top dog alpha who meets and quickly appreciates a new partner even more dominant than he is. I fell hard for Jude and his family. He's not only dreamy, but also hot, persistent and perceptive. A perfect match for his General Surgeon.
A couple of niggles kept it from being five stars for me in spite of how much I enjoyed the story. One, it needs line editing. There are too many word errors. It kept taking me out of the story. Two, it still feels like we're missing an earlier part of this series. Maybe not quite as much as it did in the first book, but I still felt like I was reading a spin off or later book in an ongoing series because we don't really know the men's background that is constantly alluded to. Fortunately, we do get quite a bit of back story for Ian in this one. But still...
In any case, this is a fantastic series with elements of thriller in a solid, alpha M/M romance.
January 27, 2019
Wow. Just wow. My mind is blown.
This series just gets better and better.
Seriously, everything about these books is so outrageously and unashamedly good, I'm the happiest Mo-Fo right now.
I have to admit that I don’t even like book series that are set in an “Everyone and his mother is gay” universe, but these authors succeed to make each and every (side) character so damn likeable and memorable that I couldn’t pick a favourite at this point, even if my life depended on it.
No really, I love them all: every single hot alpha, the sweet and tender twenty-something, the ragged-edged detective, the feisty Greek mother etc.
But what I’m really looking forward to right now is Geoffrey and Sven’s story AKA the pretty elfin twink and the big bulky Viking.
Seriously, how these authors manage to believably (!) pull of this diverse cast of characters is truly remarkable.
So excuse me while I'm being here, fanboying all over these books and diving right into the next one.
This series just gets better and better.
Seriously, everything about these books is so outrageously and unashamedly good, I'm the happiest Mo-Fo right now.
I have to admit that I don’t even like book series that are set in an “Everyone and his mother is gay” universe, but these authors succeed to make each and every (side) character so damn likeable and memorable that I couldn’t pick a favourite at this point, even if my life depended on it.
No really, I love them all: every single hot alpha, the sweet and tender twenty-something, the ragged-edged detective, the feisty Greek mother etc.
But what I’m really looking forward to right now is Geoffrey and Sven’s story AKA the pretty elfin twink and the big bulky Viking.
Seriously, how these authors manage to believably (!) pull of this diverse cast of characters is truly remarkable.
So excuse me while I'm being here, fanboying all over these books and diving right into the next one.
August 10, 2018
Re-read in 08/2018 : Whee...Snow and Jude are damned hot !!!
And as I know about the nature of the bonds between all the characters, it was even better to appreciate the friendship and the plot.
Initial review :
-- BR with the fantastic Karen –
Book 2 in the unbreakable bonds series about 4 men whose strong friendship is built on shitty starts in life. These books need to be read in order.
After the first book featuring Lucas, the wealthy business man, this story is about Snow, the surgeon, and his relationship with paramedic Jude, and the past coming full force back and wreaking havoc in the life of this tight group of friends.
Snow is the “cold” one of the group with a bossy attitude that doesn’t scare Jude who can see past the image Snow gives to the world and just decides to be bold and persistent in entering Snow’s life. These 2 are just meant for each other.
The balance between romance and suspense was perfect for me, the steam was high, high, high , the MCs were great, each in their own way. I melted for the strong bond connecting these 4 friends, especially the one between Lucas and Snow. I cried over Rowe’s fate. I laughed at the banter between all the characters. I rooted for Snow and Jude and their strong and hot connection. And I was glad to get a bigger glimpse of the 4 friends’ background and of Snow and Ian’s past, even though it was still not enough to satisfy my curiosity.
I enjoyed book 1 but loved book 2 and warmed up to Snow who was not my favorite character from the previous story.
Great read, made even better by Karen’s presence. I’m really eager to read book 3
And as I know about the nature of the bonds between all the characters, it was even better to appreciate the friendship and the plot.
Initial review :
-- BR with the fantastic Karen –
Book 2 in the unbreakable bonds series about 4 men whose strong friendship is built on shitty starts in life. These books need to be read in order.
After the first book featuring Lucas, the wealthy business man, this story is about Snow, the surgeon, and his relationship with paramedic Jude, and the past coming full force back and wreaking havoc in the life of this tight group of friends.
Snow is the “cold” one of the group with a bossy attitude that doesn’t scare Jude who can see past the image Snow gives to the world and just decides to be bold and persistent in entering Snow’s life. These 2 are just meant for each other.
The balance between romance and suspense was perfect for me, the steam was high, high, high , the MCs were great, each in their own way. I melted for the strong bond connecting these 4 friends, especially the one between Lucas and Snow. I cried over Rowe’s fate. I laughed at the banter between all the characters. I rooted for Snow and Jude and their strong and hot connection. And I was glad to get a bigger glimpse of the 4 friends’ background and of Snow and Ian’s past, even though it was still not enough to satisfy my curiosity.
I enjoyed book 1 but loved book 2 and warmed up to Snow who was not my favorite character from the previous story.
Great read, made even better by Karen’s presence. I’m really eager to read book 3
April 13, 2016
4.5 Stars
You know you're reading a good book when you get really ticked off every time someone, or life, interrupts your reading.
I have been anticipating this book ever since I put down the first book in this series, Shiver. So I was so happy and relieved that I loved just about everything in this story - the characters, the relationships, the romance, the suspense...it all clicked for me.
The sophomore story in the series continues to center around the unbreakable bonds between Lucas Vallois, Ashton "Snow" Frost, Ian Pierce, and Rowan "Rowe" Ward. The mystery, romance...everything else comes secondary to the fellowship and brotherhood of these four men. And they are tested this time around. Oh, yes. They are tested.
This is an intriguing and engrossing story with likable characters, super hot smoking sex, and exciting suspense. Speaking of great characters, I absolutely loved and adored Jude Torres. He was so perfect for Snow...and their scenes together are SCORCHING!
Another thing I love about this series? The women side characters are wonderful rather than caricatures of bitch or witch. I love when a M/M story includes consistently great women characters!
This ticked off almost every box I have for a great suspense/romance... I would absolutely HIGHLY RECOMMEND and can hardly wait for Torch, book three of the series to be released!
Advance Review Galley copy of Shatter provided by the authors in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
You know you're reading a good book when you get really ticked off every time someone, or life, interrupts your reading.
I have been anticipating this book ever since I put down the first book in this series, Shiver. So I was so happy and relieved that I loved just about everything in this story - the characters, the relationships, the romance, the suspense...it all clicked for me.
The sophomore story in the series continues to center around the unbreakable bonds between Lucas Vallois, Ashton "Snow" Frost, Ian Pierce, and Rowan "Rowe" Ward. The mystery, romance...everything else comes secondary to the fellowship and brotherhood of these four men. And they are tested this time around. Oh, yes. They are tested.
This is an intriguing and engrossing story with likable characters, super hot smoking sex, and exciting suspense. Speaking of great characters, I absolutely loved and adored Jude Torres. He was so perfect for Snow...and their scenes together are SCORCHING!
Another thing I love about this series? The women side characters are wonderful rather than caricatures of bitch or witch. I love when a M/M story includes consistently great women characters!
This ticked off almost every box I have for a great suspense/romance... I would absolutely HIGHLY RECOMMEND and can hardly wait for Torch, book three of the series to be released!
Advance Review Galley copy of Shatter provided by the authors in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
August 16, 2018
4.5 stars.
Loved it! I was so keen to get Snow's story but I have to say Jude blew me away, I love that man so hard! He was absolutely perfect for Snow and didn't mess about going after what he wanted with no pushing away.
I'm relieved that problems I had from Shiver are starting to get resolved, I had such issues with not knowing what the what was going on. See, I get that Lucas was keeping things from Andrei, but as the reader I NEED to know at least some details to keep my interest. Thank you authors for giving me detail in Shatter.
Loved it! I was so keen to get Snow's story but I have to say Jude blew me away, I love that man so hard! He was absolutely perfect for Snow and didn't mess about going after what he wanted with no pushing away.
I'm relieved that problems I had from Shiver are starting to get resolved, I had such issues with not knowing what the what was going on. See, I get that Lucas was keeping things from Andrei, but as the reader I NEED to know at least some details to keep my interest. Thank you authors for giving me detail in Shatter.
December 30, 2017
Great continuation of the series!
I loved Snow and Jude, oh boy, Jude, he was one hot, nice, dominant guy! And his mother!!! She cracked me up sooo bad!
The book begins with the entry of the villain from their past, which brought Ian into this family. And we see the way Ian and Hollis get caught in the other’s spell and make us want for their story. Sooo many things happen, which I can’t share with you withoutt adding a spoiler tag, and because I hate to do that, I am going to leave it to you all to devour the book like I did. I am moving forward to binge read this series quickly before my short vacation ends!
There has been a heap of typos in both the books, I just wish the books had been better edited so as not to retract from the smooth flow of reading.
I loved Snow and Jude, oh boy, Jude, he was one hot, nice, dominant guy! And his mother!!! She cracked me up sooo bad!
The book begins with the entry of the villain from their past, which brought Ian into this family. And we see the way Ian and Hollis get caught in the other’s spell and make us want for their story. Sooo many things happen, which I can’t share with you withoutt adding a spoiler tag, and because I hate to do that, I am going to leave it to you all to devour the book like I did. I am moving forward to binge read this series quickly before my short vacation ends!
There has been a heap of typos in both the books, I just wish the books had been better edited so as not to retract from the smooth flow of reading.
May 15, 2019
Re-Read/Listen 5/13/19: I have to admit that I enjoyed reading this one more than listening. I’m a fan of Kenneth Obi, but the audiobook pacing in this one was slow. Sometimes torturously slow and it killed the mood for me. The voices he did were great, but everyone spoke sooooooo slowly! Ya, I get it’s dramatic, but come on!
Anyway, I liked this couple more on the page than in my ears.
Original review: 11/2017–
4.2...Wow! Talk about chemistry!!
I started this book expecting to like it as little as I did the first one in the series. Well....was I ever wrong! THIS BOOK ROCKED! Seriously.
So. Snow & Jude. Talk about chemistry. These two had it in spades. Their scenes together were blinding HOT. (Honestly, I lost my vision more than once. Jude was simply a hot Spanish-Greek-American alpha marvel. He had Snow enthralled. And Snow enthralled is a very good thing for everyone involved. That includes you, the reader. So, ya, they worked me. A lot.
The plot. Hey, there was one. How about that? Way to go authors, not only did you write up interesting characters, but you made things happen. Sad things. Creepy things. Bad things. Horrible things. But it worked.
The writing was much better than in the first book. Also, I only rolled my eyes ONCE at a seemingly uneducated reference to sexual identity. The first book was loaded with heteronormative misconceptions. This one wasn’t. Again, yay authors.
So what does this mean? It means that I’ll spend my money on the other books in the series....although I SERIOUSLY LOVED Snow and Jude together. But.....since this is a cast ensemble type of series, I’m positive they’ll be around for the long haul.
Anyway, I liked this couple more on the page than in my ears.
Original review: 11/2017–
4.2...Wow! Talk about chemistry!!
I started this book expecting to like it as little as I did the first one in the series. Well....was I ever wrong! THIS BOOK ROCKED! Seriously.
So. Snow & Jude. Talk about chemistry. These two had it in spades. Their scenes together were blinding HOT. (Honestly, I lost my vision more than once. Jude was simply a hot Spanish-Greek-American alpha marvel. He had Snow enthralled. And Snow enthralled is a very good thing for everyone involved. That includes you, the reader. So, ya, they worked me. A lot.
The plot. Hey, there was one. How about that? Way to go authors, not only did you write up interesting characters, but you made things happen. Sad things. Creepy things. Bad things. Horrible things. But it worked.
The writing was much better than in the first book. Also, I only rolled my eyes ONCE at a seemingly uneducated reference to sexual identity. The first book was loaded with heteronormative misconceptions. This one wasn’t. Again, yay authors.
So what does this mean? It means that I’ll spend my money on the other books in the series....although I SERIOUSLY LOVED Snow and Jude together. But.....since this is a cast ensemble type of series, I’m positive they’ll be around for the long haul.
March 17, 2020
Argh the feels! As much as I liked Lucas and Andrei, this book blew that one out of the water.
I sooo didn’t want Snow and Jude’s story to end. Their relationship came alive for me. I absolutely loved the way the tables were turned on Snow as he connected with a man who saw beyond his facade. And I was glad that there was surprisingly little angst in their relationship itself. I don’t mind angst when it rings true, but enough of it was written into the storyline. So it was refreshing that they didn’t struggle unnecessarily against what was happening between the two of them.
And do I really need to say hot? Because HOT. I need to feel that connection between them in order to feel the heat myself. Here, I did and I DID.
Because I’m me, I can’t not say that there are a number of things that should make this series not work for me. Among them:
—The suspension of disbelief that the plot requires is truly awe-inspiring.
—There is so much alpha-male growling going on that you’d swear it was a shifter novel.
—The characters don’t have a lot of flaws (dark pasts sure, but not actual flaws).
—The dialogue is exposition-heavy. There are editing errors. And the authors seem to have a particular dislike for pronouns (e.g., referring to Snow as “the doctor” when he or him would have been perfectly clear and far less pretentious).
All of this was applicable to both Shatter and Shiver, and I expect it will continue throughout the rest. Which I will find out, because these weaknesses in no way outweigh the strengths that have me completely addicted to this series.
I sooo didn’t want Snow and Jude’s story to end. Their relationship came alive for me. I absolutely loved the way the tables were turned on Snow as he connected with a man who saw beyond his facade. And I was glad that there was surprisingly little angst in their relationship itself. I don’t mind angst when it rings true, but enough of it was written into the storyline. So it was refreshing that they didn’t struggle unnecessarily against what was happening between the two of them.
And do I really need to say hot? Because HOT. I need to feel that connection between them in order to feel the heat myself. Here, I did and I DID.
Because I’m me, I can’t not say that there are a number of things that should make this series not work for me. Among them:
—The suspension of disbelief that the plot requires is truly awe-inspiring.
—There is so much alpha-male growling going on that you’d swear it was a shifter novel.
—The characters don’t have a lot of flaws (dark pasts sure, but not actual flaws).
—The dialogue is exposition-heavy. There are editing errors. And the authors seem to have a particular dislike for pronouns (e.g., referring to Snow as “the doctor” when he or him would have been perfectly clear and far less pretentious).
All of this was applicable to both Shatter and Shiver, and I expect it will continue throughout the rest. Which I will find out, because these weaknesses in no way outweigh the strengths that have me completely addicted to this series.
May 29, 2017
I am overdosing on the Unbreakable Bonds series I cannot get enough of these guys.
What a surprise Snow turned out to be for me, how quickly he fell for Jude. I know he is loving with his "family" I expected a bossy, bad tempered guy with Jude not the loving, caring guy I got and Snow and Jude together are HOT.
I loved Jude he had his sights set on the "Surgeon General" and he was determined to get his man and that first kiss poor guy that made me LOL and I loved his family his Mana made me crave mac & cheese.
I loved that we spend more time with Lucas and Andrei and how Andrei fits in with the gang like he has been there forever not a few months the banter/flirting is fantastic between these two.
My heart broke for the guys especially Rowe and Ian, I cannot wait to read their stories SOON
As with Shiver I was hooked from the first page till the last with Shatter I felt so many emotions while reading this and I was scared for Jude as I knew what was coming.
Moving on to Unbreakable Stories: Snow next.
What a surprise Snow turned out to be for me, how quickly he fell for Jude. I know he is loving with his "family" I expected a bossy, bad tempered guy with Jude not the loving, caring guy I got and Snow and Jude together are HOT.
I loved Jude he had his sights set on the "Surgeon General" and he was determined to get his man and that first kiss poor guy that made me LOL and I loved his family his Mana made me crave mac & cheese.
I loved that we spend more time with Lucas and Andrei and how Andrei fits in with the gang like he has been there forever not a few months the banter/flirting is fantastic between these two.
My heart broke for the guys especially Rowe and Ian, I cannot wait to read their stories SOON
As with Shiver I was hooked from the first page till the last with Shatter I felt so many emotions while reading this and I was scared for Jude as I knew what was coming.
Moving on to Unbreakable Stories: Snow next.
April 7, 2016
I absolutely loved this book. Snow and Jude were everything I hoped they would be and more. Jude is the exactly what Snow needs and I adored watching these two strong men fall for each other. It was incredibly sexy, emotional, and kept me flipping the pages. Did I mention it's sexy? LOL.
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