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The Perfect Stroke #1
Shatter
They call me Kane ‘the bullet’ Bryson.
Sports enthusiasts say it’s for my speed in the pool, female fans say I can get them off faster than any battery-operated alternative.
I’ll tell you it’s both with a wink and a smile.
That is, until shit hits the fan.
Trials are coming up for the national team and coach says I need to clean up my image.
It would be easier if I didn’t have a nosy blast from the past snooping around for her next scoop.
***
When I’m assigned to follow Kane Bryson’s shot for Nationals my first response is a resounding no.
The bad boy of swimming doesn’t need any more press coverage, and this is one reporter who refuses to kiss his arrogant ass.
When the decision is taken out of my hands, I decide it’s time to get creative.
He broke me once, now it’s my turn to watch him SHATTER.
Sports enthusiasts say it’s for my speed in the pool, female fans say I can get them off faster than any battery-operated alternative.
I’ll tell you it’s both with a wink and a smile.
That is, until shit hits the fan.
Trials are coming up for the national team and coach says I need to clean up my image.
It would be easier if I didn’t have a nosy blast from the past snooping around for her next scoop.
***
When I’m assigned to follow Kane Bryson’s shot for Nationals my first response is a resounding no.
The bad boy of swimming doesn’t need any more press coverage, and this is one reporter who refuses to kiss his arrogant ass.
When the decision is taken out of my hands, I decide it’s time to get creative.
He broke me once, now it’s my turn to watch him SHATTER.
212 pages, Paperback
Published June 10, 2022
1 person is currently reading
86 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 3, 2022
I normally don’t read books that are sports related but I absolutely loved this book’s sexual tension and romance. It is all based on a swimmer and his old flame/ex-high school sweetheart. There are plenty of ups and downs in this book that leaves you wondering sometimes if it is all going to work out in the end. Definitely worth the read!
June 3, 2022
Angsty , romantic , intriguing, heartfelt, heartbreaking, humor , witty banter , off the charts chemistry, friendships, drama , family , second chances , emotional rollercoaster, pain , loss , hope , second chances and characters that are so likable and relatable as well as unique and multi layered that you just can’t help but to fall in love . Sports romances are one of my very favorite tropes to read and Shatter was easily one of the best I’ve read in a very long while . To say that Kane and Darcy’s journey is far from easy would be a understatement, they both have many obstacles as well as ups and downs in their lives but one thing is undeniable and that is the off the charts chemistry and the connection they both share . I was honestly not prepared for all the emotions this amazing story was going to stir in me . There were moments I would find myself laughing and others balling my eyes out , I honestly could not devour Shatter fast enough , In fact I ended up reading well into the early morning hours because I absolutely had to know how it all turned out . So much sleep was lost but it was 100% worth it . TL Hamilton has this wonderful gift of knowing just how to grab onto all of your emotions so tightly and pulling you into each and every one of her stories . Shatter is the perfect example of just why she is one of my very favorite authors. Do not miss it . It’s unforgettable and unputdownable and just absolutely perfect
September 5, 2022
High school sweethearts reconnect when he's about to try out for the national swim team and she's a reporter doing a story on him. They start off hating each other because each thinks the other abandoned them in high school. The h left high school cause she got pregnant and he didn't know.... they make up, everything works out, HEA.
But there was a part in the book that really bothered me.
It was strange. H grew up in an abusive household and worried he would be like his dad. There's a part during an argument where the h falls and hits her head on a table. Fast forward right after that to a scene in a bar where H is with his BFF and sister; H says he can't believe he hit her (h). The BFF says H actually pushed her. Doesn't matter, after that, nothing! It's never brought up again. Whether he hit her or pushed her, it seems like a huge deal so IDK where the author was going with that. I wanted to give the book 3 stars cause of that, but the book was good so I gave it 4 stars but would have given it 5.
But there was a part in the book that really bothered me.
It was strange. H grew up in an abusive household and worried he would be like his dad. There's a part during an argument where the h falls and hits her head on a table. Fast forward right after that to a scene in a bar where H is with his BFF and sister; H says he can't believe he hit her (h). The BFF says H actually pushed her. Doesn't matter, after that, nothing! It's never brought up again. Whether he hit her or pushed her, it seems like a huge deal so IDK where the author was going with that. I wanted to give the book 3 stars cause of that, but the book was good so I gave it 4 stars but would have given it 5.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2022
This book was definitely a much awaited one for me. I loved the precursor for it Split that was in the anthology so I held out a lot of hope for this book and I was definitely not disappointed. Don't get me wrong this book this book definitely had angst and heartbreaking parts and parts that made me want to bash the main characters heads together and ask then what they are doing. Overall though it was a fantastic second chance romance that picked both characters up and put them back together and made me love them both and love them as a couple even more. The plot was very well written and flowed smoothly. It was fast paced enough to keep me on my toes and wanting more. Darcy and Kane were wonderful main characters who were relatable and whose struggles made you root for them and hope that in the end they found their piece of happiness. Overall it was a fantastic book and I would recommend it to anyone.
June 5, 2022
Loved it!
I loved Darcy and Kane's prequel story Split, so was keen to read their full story. And TL Hamilton delivers on the promise! Meeting up 5 years after the end of Split, where some meddling and miscommunication led to them, well, splitting. Thrown together in unexpected circumstances, we join them as they deal with baggage from the past, their current feelings and maybe, just maybe, a future - if they can work out the past! The characters are fun and relatable, their reactions are wholly understandable. Their friends are a geat supporting cast, and I hope we get to see more of them all in the future! I'm partway through bingeing a paranormal, reverse harem box set, and this is about as far from that as you can get, but it was a welcome break, and I finished it in an evening! I loved this, and TL Hamilton is definitely going places!
I loved Darcy and Kane's prequel story Split, so was keen to read their full story. And TL Hamilton delivers on the promise! Meeting up 5 years after the end of Split, where some meddling and miscommunication led to them, well, splitting. Thrown together in unexpected circumstances, we join them as they deal with baggage from the past, their current feelings and maybe, just maybe, a future - if they can work out the past! The characters are fun and relatable, their reactions are wholly understandable. Their friends are a geat supporting cast, and I hope we get to see more of them all in the future! I'm partway through bingeing a paranormal, reverse harem box set, and this is about as far from that as you can get, but it was a welcome break, and I finished it in an evening! I loved this, and TL Hamilton is definitely going places!
May 29, 2022
Love! Love! LOVE!
Never thought I'd be one to read a sports romance, despite being a sports fanatic. I was always worried I'd find inconsistencies and it would detract from the story - not with Shatter. It was a perfect mix of sport and romance and I immediately fell in love with Kane and Darcy's story.
The pain and loss each felt without knowing the whole story had the angst level on high and kept me on the edge of my seat hoping they'd find their HEA.
The writing was amazing and I was sad when I reached the end knowing it was over.
Shatter certainly left its mark and I'd love to hear more of Kane and Darcy's story through the side characters that were perfectly crafted - Cody, Evie, Xavier and Layla. I truly hope Miss Hamilton decides to give them all the spotlight they deserve.
Never thought I'd be one to read a sports romance, despite being a sports fanatic. I was always worried I'd find inconsistencies and it would detract from the story - not with Shatter. It was a perfect mix of sport and romance and I immediately fell in love with Kane and Darcy's story.
The pain and loss each felt without knowing the whole story had the angst level on high and kept me on the edge of my seat hoping they'd find their HEA.
The writing was amazing and I was sad when I reached the end knowing it was over.
Shatter certainly left its mark and I'd love to hear more of Kane and Darcy's story through the side characters that were perfectly crafted - Cody, Evie, Xavier and Layla. I truly hope Miss Hamilton decides to give them all the spotlight they deserve.
March 22, 2023
I enjoyed this novella despite not reading the prequel. I will admit I found some of the emotions glossed over a little- the image that the FMC was an empowered woman juxtaposed with her choices and what that involved and a MMC who didn't want to turn into his father, yet despite saying that did little until the end to delve into his feelings and behaviours.
But it was great to see the topic in a contemporary romance novel and lots of kudos to TL Hamilton for this.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
But it was great to see the topic in a contemporary romance novel and lots of kudos to TL Hamilton for this.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 4, 2022
Prepare to shatter!
Prepare to shatter!
If you read the prequel, Split, to this book and were looking forward to reading about Kane and Darcy, you won't be disappointed.
The feelings are intense and the misunderstandings are lined up.
I got more than I bargained for here. Keep your tissue box at the ready.
I highly recommend this book and I'm excited to hear when the next book in the series will be out.
Prepare to shatter!
If you read the prequel, Split, to this book and were looking forward to reading about Kane and Darcy, you won't be disappointed.
The feelings are intense and the misunderstandings are lined up.
I got more than I bargained for here. Keep your tissue box at the ready.
I highly recommend this book and I'm excited to hear when the next book in the series will be out.
June 5, 2022
I thought this story was so sweet, yet had its tragic event that pulled these two people closer together. A lot of misunderstandings and also a hidden secret drove them apart . I was thrilled when they got together even if it was under an agreement. Ofcourse it turned into something more and I loved it. The ending was so sweet. I noticed there was a beginning to another’s story in this and I am so excited to see what happens next.
June 13, 2022
SHATTER!!!!!!!! What a great title for this book !! This is a new series by TL Hamilton and it certainly doesn't disappoint. The book is about Kane and Darcy and boy is it hot !!! It's romantic, hot, loving, heartfelt, dramatic and boy do they have some chemistry together. They went through so much to be together with a secret that almost drove them apart. They have to overcome immense odds to be able to be together and their journey is both loving, hot and heartwarming!
June 15, 2022
I've read Split the prequel which I really enjoyed. It has all I'd expect in a novel. Laughter, emotions and all that jazz. The romance is enemies to lovers and it isn't a given which I really like. Darcy isn't kissing and licking the ass of Kane so they don't get along right away. The misunderstandings pile up and that makes this such a fun read. This was a book I couldn't put down and took some precious sleeping time.
March 23, 2023
Shatter by TL Hamilton is a good, and enjoyable sports romance read. The story has a great story line. The characters are great, witty banter, likable, relatable, and they have great chemistry. This story will take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride read with angsty, intriguing, friendships, heartfelt, heartbreaking, humor, misunderstandings, pain, loss, hope, drama, family, and second chances.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 14, 2022
This was AWESOME! I loved the prequel, Split, and Shatter built on everything that made that book so great. Kane and Darcy have fantastic chemistry with each other and their flirtatious banter felt so natural. Sex scenes were HOT and the drama was real! Nothing petty between these two! I'm really looking forward to more books in this competitive swimming world.
March 25, 2023
Kane and Darcy are high-school sweetheart who are getting a second chance. This sport romance has a great mix of sports and romance. Along with that the tension between this couple is amazing! There is alot of pain, heartbreak, loss, and misunderstandings for this couple. I liked this couple but also like the side characters and hope they will get stories of their own.
April 18, 2023
A great story of miscommunication, heartbreak and second chances.Darcy and Kane where high school sweethearts, until circumstances forced them apart, just when both of them seem to be achieving their dreams they are thrust back together, can they overcome their past to find a new future??.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 11, 2022
5 years after split.. we Rejoin Darcy and Kane….Oh my goodness the rollercoaster of emotions this story takes you on. I’m so glad we get to see more of them. I loved every minute of it…. Can they get over their past can they get back together.. eeek i cant wait to see what happens next
June 17, 2022
What a great story
Shatter is a great read with all the things you expect from the moment you read the first word. It is full of fun, heartbreak, loyalties being tested and that good old happy ending we all love.
I loved it and highly recommend it.
Shatter is a great read with all the things you expect from the moment you read the first word. It is full of fun, heartbreak, loyalties being tested and that good old happy ending we all love.
I loved it and highly recommend it.
June 18, 2022
Such a fantastic read! This is book one in the Perfect Stroke series. It is an enemies to lovers romance that is so well written, it is swoon worthy. I loved every second of this book and the HEA was phenomenal! Definitely a must read!
November 21, 2023
I loved this second chance love story! Darcy and Kane didn’t realize how much they missed each other when their paths crossed again. Lots of pain and hurt on both sides to be overcome with a bit of spice thrown in. Love these characters and can’t wait for more!
July 13, 2022
Loved it!!
Shatter had me hooked right from the start! I can't wait for Evie's book next, she's got me so curious!
Shatter had me hooked right from the start! I can't wait for Evie's book next, she's got me so curious!
April 2, 2023
This was Kane and Darcy’s book. They have great chemistry. It was an intriguing & witty read. Am voluntarily leaving my review.
August 30, 2024
Simple, hot, sweet read.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews