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Shattered Duet #2

Shattered Secrets

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Ayala returns to the monster in her dreams, ready to pay any price to protect Ethan.
But the price is high, and she might not be as strong as she thought…
Ethan is prepared to do whatever it takes to save her, ready to give up his business empire and even his life.
Can their love survive?

This book is part 2 of the shattered duet.
This book has HEA ending.

278 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 30, 2023

333 people are currently reading
479 people want to read

About the author

Karin Winter

24 books111 followers

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5 stars
363 (44%)
4 stars
221 (27%)
3 stars
164 (20%)
2 stars
41 (5%)
1 star
18 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
Profile Image for Amanda Schumacher.
284 reviews11 followers
November 20, 2022
Wow! The continuation of Shattered Hope really wow’d me! I couldn’t put this down. The undeniable love between Ethan and Ayala, the friendships Ayala built, the strength it took her to heal and come back from the devastation she suffered at the hands of Michael. She is truly a heroine in every sense. Together these two books really complete a picture that is strong, beautiful, scary and wonderful.
4 reviews1 follower
May 20, 2023
Plot is cheesy and not thought out. The writing is bad, and everything moves at a lightning pace. Author is incapable of “show not tell.” And honestly half the time I’m confused wtf is even happening. First book mmc is sweet and understanding and then all of a sudden in book two he’s the complete opposite? Like I understand the trauma he’s suffering from, but for it to be a year later and he’s still this terrible person completely contrasted from book 1? In book 1 I was able to look past the mediocre writing because of the plot and the characters. But this book threw both in the trash. Disappointing to say the least.
Profile Image for Killing It Write.
163 reviews7 followers
January 29, 2023
If you ask me, you can't complain about a cliffhanger when the author brings you the follow-up so quickly.

And if enjoyed Shattered Hope, just wait until you sink into Shattered Secrets. It's crawling with intense scenes and emotional turmoil and doesn't leave you wanting with its long and hard-sought-after HEA.

Profile Image for Kelly.
86 reviews8 followers
January 31, 2023
After finishing book 1 in one sitting and then having to wait a couple of days for book 2 to release I dove head first in and this book was one hell of an emotional rollercoaster ride!!! I read it within less than a day... it kept me glued to my screen!!
3,708 reviews40 followers
December 9, 2022
This is book two in The Shattered Duet and it continues Ayala and Ethan's story and omg it is definitely a must read. Wow I thought book one took you on a roller coaster ride of emotions but this one completely devastated and broke my heart with everything that happened and again I cried so much with the pain, devastation, loss, abuse, trauma and physical heartbreak that Ayala suffered at the hands of her husband but even with all her disappointments, nightmares and loss she still showed just how strong she was even if she felt completely broken in side but determined to keep moving forward with her life. Ethan felt that he had to walk away from Ayala after what she suffered and again blamed himself but he really needed to stop and think about what other's feel and not just himself and to walk away from Ayala when she needed him the most instead of facing and dealing with his own problems, fear and pain is not the way to go through life even if he did think that he was doing what was best for her but he should have given her a choice and I hope that he comes to his senses before it is too late. The characters and storyline pulled you in right from the start and kept your attention throughout and I had to keep turning the pages to see what the outcome would be for them and it also kept you on the edge of your seat because it was so addictive. I absolutely loved this series and I couldn't put it down and as a new author I think Karin Winter did an amazing job writing this series and I can't wait to read more of her book's in the future.
130 reviews1 follower
November 19, 2022
What a great rollercoaster, what an amazing second book!

I couldn’t put this down and I already want to re-read it. This was a strong second book and dealt with trauma and love in such a great way! You go through it all with the main characters and you get so invested. It’s lovely how you can feel that pull to want them to keep going, and to find the light to make it out on the other side. I loved the grit and the fighting spirit. Check the trigger warnings for sure.
I really enjoyed finding this book and this author. This is fiction but it’s about real things that happen and about going through traumatic experiences but also seeking help, finding the light in the darkness, and is about leaning on others for help. It was an intense story and I loved where it went!
The progression through the book made this story feel like the characters were evolving continually and were not stuck in one space. The story is complex, it has grit and is raw in a beautiful way. This again gave off the fated mates vibe and even more of the alpha male with protective “she is mine”. I’m here for that!
I love that this shows how complex life experiences can be. There is spice and it is really good and the chemistry is there!! Strong plot and such good style. It’s a winner. This is a series I will definitely re-read. And you definitely are going to want to read the authors epilogue. It is a free bonus and oh man more spice. Chef’s kiss!
I love the authors writing and her personal note at the end. This book isn’t about just living in the pain and darkness. It is about a much bigger picture and that is exactly what I needed and wanted to read!
I received a free copy of this book via BookFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Dee.
5,035 reviews56 followers
December 25, 2022
This is part of the Shattered series picking up right where book one left off with Ayala and Ethan’s story. Ayala has been taken by her husband the roller coaster of pain starts, it is much worse than before, his goal isn’t to kill her but to keep her alive to inflict as much pain as possible in every way and there isn’t a part of her that doesn’t hurt. Ethan is out of his mind with trying to get to his girl he knows what she is being put through just when they start to heal, start to smile, start to enjoy some sense of normalcy they are pushed right back to the beginning but will they be able to overcome it all a second time because he isn’t going to leave her, in fact he will give anything/everything that he is to have his girl but he now blames himself for walking away thinking she would be better off without him and all his problems but will he wake up and smell the coffee so to speak before it is too late, will he save her, will they heal one another or can they even heal from everything they have been through, do her husband finely get what’s coming to him, and is this their time for happiness?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sonia.
33 reviews
Read
July 24, 2024
Riverdale executed a time jump better than this book & that’s saying something,,,
Profile Image for Kathryn Hill.
50 reviews
September 11, 2023
ahhh!

While this duet series comes with heavy SA and domestic abuse trigger warning, it was kind of therapeutic reading this. I unfortunately am no stranger to and have been a victim of DV. It was a painful time in my life. No I didn’t get a HEA but I am slowly finding the strength to be independent after everything. Even though this was a fictional book, it makes me feel like there’s a light at the end of the tunnel and I definitely cried too many times to count through out this book and had to put it down because of my own trauma. I kept coming back because I needed Ayala to get through this. The relationship was a great element to the story and yes I gues the HEA is a nice tough but really it was the healing she found. The wanting to be alive. Everyone heals in their own way and Ayala and Ethan find that in each other. Of course it’s a fictional story but it gives me hope for myself. Not in the romance department, but that it’ll be okay one day. Thank you Karin. It was a beautiful duet.
Profile Image for maia.
3 reviews
June 16, 2023
So annoying there was a new plot every chapter and the characters became so annoying actually hated it this did not have to be 2 books so boring
69 reviews
December 25, 2025
Needs Work

The writting is immature and basic but the author seems to have potential. There are grammatical errors. The dialogue is choppy, stilted, and not very nuanced. The author loses track of details. For example early in the book the male lead character was at a birthday party and then later the author says it was a New Year's Eve party. Also, Ayala says something about Clifford to Ethan's parents when the parents had not been told about him. These are just two examples.

The book as a whole contains way too much extraneous information that does not advance the plot or develop the characters.

Ironically the author used, “Every Breath You Take" by The Police as the main characters song. In an interview with Sting the musican said he was appalled that couples conisdered that song their song because it was about obsession and control, not love.

Spoilers:

The main male character is a selfish, self centered, prideful, and sex focused man child. The story line with Lena....just gross and comtined details that were not necessary and he couldn't man up and admit his mistake outloud.

Another example of extraneous information and immaturity Ethan says, "I can’t remember the last time I had a clean, shaved face. This is strange. But girls love it." "Girls love it."....moments before he was worried about winning the heorine back and then he says this immature sexist egotistical statement.

The scenes with Michael were too graphic and could have been handled with more finesse. Ethan does inappropriate selfish things to the heroine when he knows she has been traumatized. The hero was manipulative and repentant only when he didn't get his way. He repeatedly lies for his own means. Example, the apartment was a mistake but he didn't own it when he had the chance. I think her relationship with him is unhealthy. Ethan continually tells her what she can and can't do or think. She does call him on it but then he explains himself and they're right back to where they were before.

No sane and rational person, after demanding a paternity test, would tell the person accusing them to, "send me the test results". They would see to the testing themselves.

I do not recommend this book.
654 reviews20 followers
July 2, 2023
"I don't like people who enjoy feeling strong in the expanse of someone weaker." Book 1 pg. 22

"I need nothing else if I have you." Book 2 loc. 2626

***Spoilers Ahead***

I did like this duet OVERALL. However it felt like there was a lot of unnecessary aspects added. I don't like when a book gets to a point where it's like, the conflict has been resolved and they SHOULD be able to live happily ever after, but one of the main characters decides to be (in my opinion) selfish. In this case, it added an entire additional BOOK. To me, it just seemed unnecessary. They had already been through so much and I felt like the plot of the second book could have been used for another story rather than ripping the happily ever away and having us wait. Also, the infatuation that the MMC had with the FMC just screamed red flag. Don't get me wrong, these days with book boyfriends red flags are green flags 90% of the time. But in this case the main character was running from an abusive relationship. So having the love interest essentially stalk her and not take no for an answer is bad taste.

That all being said... I am sucker for a FMC that is running from an abusive ex and finds love in the most unlikely of times. The plot was good. The conflict was great, I like when there is the bad guy seeming to win ON PAGE. Instead of working up to a conflict and having it all be resolved in one page. This series wasn't like that and I appreciate that! That is the main reason I gave this 4/5 stars instead of 3/5.

Ayala has finally done it. She finally ran from her abusive husband. She had to, he was going to kill her, he even almost had. She manages to get to New York where she is certain she can blend into the background and disappear. Unfortunately for her, Ethan could never not see her. After spending years being abused and controlled Ayala wants to find and recreate herself, a relationship is the last thing on her mind. Especially when she can't tell Ethan anything real about herself. But Ethan won't take no for an answer, despite believing he doesn't deserve love. When they give into their attraction will they find happiness or will their secrets destroy the little happiness they already had?

When Ayala's past catches up to her it threatens Ethans life, and Ayala is willing to do anything to protect him from it, even give herself to the devil she fears most. She thought she could handle it, she promised to be strong, but her husband is more evil than ever before. Nothing seems to be off the table for him to do to her.

Luckily, Ethan is also willing to anything it takes to save her, but what happens when he thinks he is too late? Can he forgive himself for letting the person most important to him get hurt, just like what happened in his past? Or will he step up to protect her when again she seems to be in danger yet again?

**Check Trigger Warnings**

**Shared Review with others in series**
Profile Image for Manda .
872 reviews11 followers
December 25, 2022
Two damaged people find someone to love and a place to be whole again.

Ayala finally escaped from her physically abusive husband and found Ethan. Who taught her she wasn't broken and that she was worthy of love. Despite being fragile beyond belief initially she emerges into a strong and brave young woman.

Ethan truly believed that he didn't deserve happiness and a loving relationship. His younger sister committed suicide when he was a teenager and this left him mentally damaged. His early experiences make him driven and closed off. Truly finding love redirects his purpose and gives him a sense of peace.

Michael, Ayala's husband finds a way to coerce her back to him. She goes to save Ethan knowing that she very likely won't survive. What follows is a at times hard to read story. So many obstacles are thrown at the couple, every time they are nearly there something else pushes them off course.

This is the second of a two part series and as such cannot be read alone. It is a dark, heartfelt and wonderful love story. The heat between the two is at times breathtaking.

Karin has outdone herself.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Amber Keehn.
563 reviews3 followers
January 3, 2023
This was the angsty, sometimes gut wrenching, heartfelt conclusion to Ayala and Ethan’s story. Spoiler…you definitely need to read book 1 because it ended on a cliffhanger! This picked up with Ayala leaving with Michael while Ethan searches for her frantically. The next part of is filled with lots of triggering scenes, which the author warns about, but eventually Ayala escapes Michael. What follows is a story of two people who work hard to overcome their own trauma to find one another, and the author writes the story very well. I enjoyed the duet and felt it was strong for a first time author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Rose Amethyst.
4 reviews
June 6, 2023
I enjoyed the book, but I skipped over a lot of it to finish it honestly. I wanted to see how it ended (even though it was an easy guess), but also the plot was just so cheesy and definitely did not focus enough on healing the trauma they’re both suffering from! As someone who has suffered from S/A and miscarriage, I really think it would’ve been cool to watch them grow closer and completely just cut out the parental crap as well as the crap with the Lena chick. Every page turn from my point of seeing “oh it’s yours Ethan” is just full of the fish from SpongeBob screaming “Ohhh brother!!!!”
It was a good read for being sick with pneumonia, but that alone should tell you how it was 😅
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
102 reviews1 follower
November 24, 2022
WOW so many emotions in one book! This story is keeps you so immersed the option of putting the book down is unfathomable. This story is phenomenal in the way real life meets ‘Fifty Shades’ meets, perseverance, love, and hope. Karin is able to captivate and encompass all the areas of trauma and the effects it has on not only the survivors but everyone around them and Hope can be attained. Although the content is super intense, I wish everyone gets a chance to read this book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.1k reviews257 followers
January 7, 2023
This is the second and conclusion of this incredible duet. Ayala has been taken by her husband, and what she endures at his hands is heartbreaking, Ethan is determined to find Ayala by any means necessary and keep her safe and protected. This is a well written raw, gritty, and emotional roller coaster, which is action packed, with intrigue, healing, hope, trauma, survival, and love, which leads to a tragic and steamy page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Linda.
964 reviews2 followers
October 29, 2024
A Haunting Uplifting Sequel 🤓

This sequel picks up where Book 1 left off, plunging Ayala back into darkness. Ethan's desperate search intensifies the suspense.
Character development deepens, despite occasional lapses into immaturity.. my view.
And there were a few scenes I skimmed over.
Ayala's resilience and determination to turn trauma into triumph make this story compelling. Despite flaws, Karin Winter delivers a gripping, emotional ride.
Recommendation.. For fans of intense, suspenseful romances, beware of potential triggers.
Profile Image for A E SMITH.
206 reviews
December 3, 2022
I loved this book it was amazing, I couldn't put it down. A beautiful ending that bought a smile to my face. This book was emotional and full of angst and had you wondering if this couple were ever going to get a tranquil and happy life as they had so many obstacles thrown at them. There love was too strong to break.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Mauaqui.
1,339 reviews4 followers
August 6, 2023
Horrifying, Realistic & Emotional

I did not start reading this book until after the torture. It is real life, but I can’t read about it. Normally I read adventure, some paranormal and good who dun it’s. This was a fluke. I started reading it thinking it was something else. I could not put it down but I will be really careful in the future to read any caution by the author for triggers.
648 reviews15 followers
November 29, 2022
The sequel to Shattered Hope sees Ayala and Ethan suffering through an unbelievable amount of problems. The narrative is nail bitingly compelling, the angst levels are high, and the emotional tension truly turned on. Oh, and the sexy times - hot as hell!
Once again Karin Winter has written a marvel of a book.

I thank the author for this free arc and am voluntarily leaving a review.
769 reviews9 followers
January 3, 2023
Wow, the conclusion to this duet was absolutely captivating from the off. The author keeps you guessing with all the twists and turns along the way. Enjoy this steamy, dark and dangerous conclusion to a fantastic duet!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Mary (Marysnoveljourney).
388 reviews16 followers
September 25, 2023
Sweet ending to a hard to read series!

This series was written beautifully. It was heartbreaking but also heartwarming as Ayala and Ethan heal together, and heal each other from deeply traumatic pasts.

5 star read but rated 4 stars due to a non descript trigger warning and although the HEA was assumed, the reader is left to speculate what exactly happens.

Profile Image for Amber Folino.
70 reviews
September 25, 2024
The epitome of “you’re just looking for a reason to be mad”. Self sabotage at its finest. Ethan is an incredible man that’s the right amount of manly/sensitive. He cries at the end though, which destroyed my image of him completely. If he didn’t do that though he’d be great. But again with the musts. Too many musts!!!! The overuse of that one word overshadowed the plot of both books.
855 reviews
March 30, 2025
Conclusion epic

The continuation of this story with more twists and turns makes you want to finish this book which I did today! I really love the characters the way the storyline develops. The conclusion of the story is what you hope it will be. Thank you Karin Winter for a wonderful read!!
Profile Image for Suzanne Benson.
94 reviews3 followers
December 17, 2022
This is another page turner. I read it all in one night. Micheal gets what he deserves. Ayala and Ethan are great. They prove time, patience and love are the best combination. You'll love this hot book.
2,030 reviews9 followers
December 26, 2022
A fantastic, riveting conclusion to the Shattered Duet. Deliciously dark and dangerous. Great character development, and storyline evolution. Would recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lisa.
315 reviews5 followers
February 25, 2023
If you don’t read the extra epilogue that you have to download separately and have closure issues like me, you will be annoyed with the ending of this book. The storyline is good characters are good ending is fine. I did enjoy reading this series but I’m still hunting for the non HEA.
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