What do you think?
Rate this book
Rafferty #2
Broken
The national bestselling author of Fragile returns with a luscious new blend of sex and suspense. Quinn Rafferty is working as a bounty hunter for a private detective agency in St. Louis when a new neighbor catches his eye. He's drawn to her-but he has his own soul to mend before he can worry about anyone else. Sarah McElyea is on the run, but not for the usual reasons a woman goes on the lam. She has a plan for her future. And as much as she finds herself attracted to her gruff, tough neighbor, she can't risk telling him the secrets she's hiding. But Quinn must get closer to Sarah when she turns out to be the target of his new missing persons case, and both Quinn and Sarah will have to expose their true feelings-as well as their fragile hearts-if their love is to survive.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 19, 2010
17 people are currently reading
1598 people want to read
About the author
Shiloh Walker
202 books2,436 followersHello... thanks for swinging by. I don't log into Goodreads much, so if you have questions, please visit my website to email me through my site.
Thank you!
My other me.... J.C. Daniels
And an experimental me that I put to sleep. J. Dallas
Bio...
Shiloh Walker has been writing since she was a kid. She fell in love with vampires with the book Bunnicula and has worked her way up to the more...ah...serious vampire stories. She loves reading and writing anything paranormal, anything fantasy, and nearly every kind of romance. Once upon a time she worked as a nurse, but now she writes full time and lives with her family in the Midwest.
To contact the author, please visit her website!
Thank you!
My other me.... J.C. Daniels
And an experimental me that I put to sleep. J. Dallas
Bio...
Shiloh Walker has been writing since she was a kid. She fell in love with vampires with the book Bunnicula and has worked her way up to the more...ah...serious vampire stories. She loves reading and writing anything paranormal, anything fantasy, and nearly every kind of romance. Once upon a time she worked as a nurse, but now she writes full time and lives with her family in the Midwest.
To contact the author, please visit her website!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews
March 2, 2015
I really liked Quinn in the previous book and wanted to catch up with him and see if he could get his HEA.
We get to see what happened in his childhood. No wonder poor Quinn was broken.
There is a twist towards the end that I did not see coming.
Will definitely be checking out more books by this author.
Quinn Rafferty is working as a bounty hunter for a private detective agency in St. Louis when a new neighbor catches his eye. He's drawn to her-but he has his own soul to mend before he can worry about anyone else.
Sarah McElyea is on the run, but not for the usual reasons a woman goes on the lam. She has a plan for her future. And as much as she finds herself attracted to her gruff, tough neighbor, she can't risk telling him the secrets she's hiding.
We get to see what happened in his childhood. No wonder poor Quinn was broken.
He didn't smile much but when he did it was one of those faint smiles ...
Small talk. He was making small talk with his gorgeous neighbour. He was actually engaging in a fucking conversation ... Shit, he was either hornier than he thought or still asleep. Quinn didn't do small talk. Quinn hated small talk.
Man, she wondered. Did he ever smile? Really smile?
There is a twist towards the end that I did not see coming.
He had scars on his soul.
Wounds that still struggled to heal.
Riding a motorcycle with an erection was brutal.
Will definitely be checking out more books by this author.
March 21, 2010
This was an absolutely fabulous book--until there was about 50 pages left. And then I was sort of let down. Without giving away any spoilers, I wasn't that thrilled with how the suspense aspect of the book played out. I thought to myself--"Is that it? Is that the reason for...?" I just thought there might have been a better way to handle what the heroine was being threatened with. Let's just say I wasn't totally convinced that all the heroine went through was necessary. Don't get me wrong, SW did a great job of stringing me along, wondering what the heroine's big secret was, what she was running from, and I was totally clueless, until about one paragraph before the truth came out. She did an excellent job building up the suspense. But the reason behind all the suspense fell kind of flat, for me. I don't know, I guess I was expecting something bigger--something more terrifying.
Another thing I wasn't thrilled with was how the heroine (Sara) treated the hero (Quinn) when he confronted her about her secrets. She was angry that he didn't trust her, yet she gave him absolutely no reason to trust her. I kept wanting her to trust him enough to tell him already what she was hiding, to confide in the man she loved, and she stubbornly wouldn't. So I was a little peeved with her. Also, at the end of the book, I was expecting a conversation between Quinn and Sara where he told her a little about his past (childhood). Didn't get it. Now, other than those disappointments... I really loved this book. The writing was top-notch, the suspenseful build-up had me guessing the heroine's secret, and the romance...ah, it was sweet, it was hot, it was emotional, it was erotic...and I absolutely fell in love with the hero, Quinn Rafferty.
This is a follow-up to the book Fragile, and while the character of Quinn Rafferty was introduced in that book, I don't think it's absolutely necessary to have read that one first. The author does a pretty good job filling you in on what you need to know from the first book. This is bounty hunter Quinn's story, and at times it was so sad that my heart just ached for him. He was such a loner, so socially awkward with a horribly sad childhood and was so afraid to trust or hope for anything, that I was wondering how he was going to be able to have a love relationship. He really was in a sense, "broken". But then through a quirk of fate (and a kind-hearted lady named Theresa) he meets his neighbor, waitress Sara, and it's sort of an instant attraction for both of them. Quinn, when he first (literally) stumbles upon Sara: "...He was too busy staring at her mouth. A very pretty mouth, a cupid's bow slicked with deep, vibrant red. Under his hands, he could feel silken smooth skin and, unable to resist, he stroked a thumb along her inner arm.
Her skin was soft, soft and warm--the creamiest, most flawless skin imaginable. Her shoulder-length hair was a shade caught between blonde and brown, nondescript, but for some reason, he found himself thinking about tangling his fingers in that hair and holding her head still while he kissed that red-slicked mouth. Well, hello...he could all but feel his libido kicking up as he stared at that mouth.
And Sara's thoughts after seeing Quinn: "...Very easy on the eyes was Mr. Quinn Rafferty. He had blond hair, long enough that he could wear it in a short ponytail if he wanted. The blond wasn't just a uniform color, either. It was shot through with strands that ranged from almost white to nearly brown--the kind of highlighting job women would pay serious money for. But she had no doubt he didn't pay a red cent for his hair to look like that.
His eyes were gray, fringed with long sooty lashes. The power of his gaze was palpable. When he looked at her, the power lingered, an unseen touch against her flesh.
His body was long and lean, his shoulders straining against the seams of a worn, wrinkled T-shirt. The short sleeves of the shirt had revealed hard, corded muscles, but not that overdone, muscle-bound weight-lifter look. She hadn't seen any signs of spare flesh anywhere on him and she'd bet that under that shirt, he had a six-pack. His jeans were almost as worn as the T-shirt, and they molded to his legs in the most delicious way imaginable.
Oh, yeah. Very easy on the eyes. Yum.
So Quinn and Sara meet, they're both wildly attracted to each other, but they think nothing will come of it. Sara's on the run, from exactly what, the reader doesn't know yet, but Sara can't afford to have a relationship or let anyone know her secrets. Former army Ranger Quinn is working as a bounty hunter for a detective agency, struggling to deal with some demons in his past involving a woman he loved and lost. He's in no way looking for a relationship because he doesn't even have his own act together yet. But little by little they're drawn to each other, and it's not long before they succumb to their desires and enter into a comfortable, yet verry hot affair. Neither asks much of the other--they never talk about anything too personal. Sara doesn't ask any questions, because she doesn't want any questions asked about her. Quinn doesn't ask questions (even though he wants to for the first time in his life) because he doesn't want to push and scare Sara away. But when Sara unexpectedly becomes the target of a lucrative missing persons case he's working on, he starts asking questions. And Sara can't/won't give him any answers. Can their relationship weather the lack of trust they both have?
This book was very easy to read--it just flowed from one chapter to the next. The characters were wonderfully drawn, and while I had a few problems with Sara towards the end, I did like her and was rooting for her relationship with Quinn to work.
Quinn I adored from the start, maybe because SW gave him a bit more background (especially his sad childhood), or maybe because I like a tortured hero? Who knows, he was a sweet soul underneath a gruff exterior, and I didn't want him to be hurt just as he was finally opening up and ready to give his heart.
The love scenes? Definitely on the erotic, R-rated side, probably a little hotter than your typical MM paperback. More explicit in deeds than language (there was one anal scene), but generally well-done, passionate, and nothing sleezy. I definitely got the feeling that Sara and Quinn were in love.
So, to sum up, if you liked Fragile and were curious about Luke's twin brother Quinn, you'll want to read this book. If you love romantic suspense with an equal amount of romance and suspense, you'll want to read this book. If you like your RS a little amped up on the bedroom action, you'll want to read this book. Except for a few details, this book was pretty close to perfect for me, and was a great effort by Shiloh Walker. Not quite as good as "Fragile", but pretty close. 4 1/2 stars.
Another thing I wasn't thrilled with was how the heroine (Sara) treated the hero (Quinn) when he confronted her about her secrets. She was angry that he didn't trust her, yet she gave him absolutely no reason to trust her. I kept wanting her to trust him enough to tell him already what she was hiding, to confide in the man she loved, and she stubbornly wouldn't. So I was a little peeved with her. Also, at the end of the book, I was expecting a conversation between Quinn and Sara where he told her a little about his past (childhood). Didn't get it. Now, other than those disappointments... I really loved this book. The writing was top-notch, the suspenseful build-up had me guessing the heroine's secret, and the romance...ah, it was sweet, it was hot, it was emotional, it was erotic...and I absolutely fell in love with the hero, Quinn Rafferty.
This is a follow-up to the book Fragile, and while the character of Quinn Rafferty was introduced in that book, I don't think it's absolutely necessary to have read that one first. The author does a pretty good job filling you in on what you need to know from the first book. This is bounty hunter Quinn's story, and at times it was so sad that my heart just ached for him. He was such a loner, so socially awkward with a horribly sad childhood and was so afraid to trust or hope for anything, that I was wondering how he was going to be able to have a love relationship. He really was in a sense, "broken". But then through a quirk of fate (and a kind-hearted lady named Theresa) he meets his neighbor, waitress Sara, and it's sort of an instant attraction for both of them. Quinn, when he first (literally) stumbles upon Sara: "...He was too busy staring at her mouth. A very pretty mouth, a cupid's bow slicked with deep, vibrant red. Under his hands, he could feel silken smooth skin and, unable to resist, he stroked a thumb along her inner arm.
Her skin was soft, soft and warm--the creamiest, most flawless skin imaginable. Her shoulder-length hair was a shade caught between blonde and brown, nondescript, but for some reason, he found himself thinking about tangling his fingers in that hair and holding her head still while he kissed that red-slicked mouth. Well, hello...he could all but feel his libido kicking up as he stared at that mouth.
And Sara's thoughts after seeing Quinn: "...Very easy on the eyes was Mr. Quinn Rafferty. He had blond hair, long enough that he could wear it in a short ponytail if he wanted. The blond wasn't just a uniform color, either. It was shot through with strands that ranged from almost white to nearly brown--the kind of highlighting job women would pay serious money for. But she had no doubt he didn't pay a red cent for his hair to look like that.
His eyes were gray, fringed with long sooty lashes. The power of his gaze was palpable. When he looked at her, the power lingered, an unseen touch against her flesh.
His body was long and lean, his shoulders straining against the seams of a worn, wrinkled T-shirt. The short sleeves of the shirt had revealed hard, corded muscles, but not that overdone, muscle-bound weight-lifter look. She hadn't seen any signs of spare flesh anywhere on him and she'd bet that under that shirt, he had a six-pack. His jeans were almost as worn as the T-shirt, and they molded to his legs in the most delicious way imaginable.
Oh, yeah. Very easy on the eyes. Yum.
So Quinn and Sara meet, they're both wildly attracted to each other, but they think nothing will come of it. Sara's on the run, from exactly what, the reader doesn't know yet, but Sara can't afford to have a relationship or let anyone know her secrets. Former army Ranger Quinn is working as a bounty hunter for a detective agency, struggling to deal with some demons in his past involving a woman he loved and lost. He's in no way looking for a relationship because he doesn't even have his own act together yet. But little by little they're drawn to each other, and it's not long before they succumb to their desires and enter into a comfortable, yet verry hot affair. Neither asks much of the other--they never talk about anything too personal. Sara doesn't ask any questions, because she doesn't want any questions asked about her. Quinn doesn't ask questions (even though he wants to for the first time in his life) because he doesn't want to push and scare Sara away. But when Sara unexpectedly becomes the target of a lucrative missing persons case he's working on, he starts asking questions. And Sara can't/won't give him any answers. Can their relationship weather the lack of trust they both have?
This book was very easy to read--it just flowed from one chapter to the next. The characters were wonderfully drawn, and while I had a few problems with Sara towards the end, I did like her and was rooting for her relationship with Quinn to work.
Quinn I adored from the start, maybe because SW gave him a bit more background (especially his sad childhood), or maybe because I like a tortured hero? Who knows, he was a sweet soul underneath a gruff exterior, and I didn't want him to be hurt just as he was finally opening up and ready to give his heart.
The love scenes? Definitely on the erotic, R-rated side, probably a little hotter than your typical MM paperback. More explicit in deeds than language (there was one anal scene), but generally well-done, passionate, and nothing sleezy. I definitely got the feeling that Sara and Quinn were in love.
So, to sum up, if you liked Fragile and were curious about Luke's twin brother Quinn, you'll want to read this book. If you love romantic suspense with an equal amount of romance and suspense, you'll want to read this book. If you like your RS a little amped up on the bedroom action, you'll want to read this book. Except for a few details, this book was pretty close to perfect for me, and was a great effort by Shiloh Walker. Not quite as good as "Fragile", but pretty close. 4 1/2 stars.
March 11, 2010
4 ½ stars – Romantic Suspense/Erotic Romance
I’ve been anxiously awaiting Quinn Rafferty’s story ever since his powerful, unforgettable part in Fragile and Broken is an aptly named title for this, considering what a bruised, shattered soul he is.
Quinn is trying to put his life back together after his stint as an Army Ranger left him hollow and grief stricken, and working as a bounty hunter and bail bondsman seems a fitting way to earn a living, especially when he gets to collar and bring in loathsome abusive husbands. He’s still trying to heal from agonizing wounds in his past related to his own abusive childhood and a tragic loss from his Army Ranger days, and the last thing he wants is to get mixed up with a woman, especially one who’s harboring painful secrets of her own.
Quinn is drawn to his new neighbor Sara and is surprised by the strong attraction he feels for her after being numb for so long, but he thinks the best thing to do is avoid her. After all, he’s got enough trouble mending his own damaged soul than to worry about her or to get caught up in whatever she’s hiding. If only it wasn’t so hard to ignore her!
Sara’s been on the run for two years and has an agenda for the future, and it sure doesn’t include getting involved with her quiet, gruff, mysterious, hardened, sexy, biker neighbor Quinn who threatens her carefully laid plans, no matter how damn hot and bothered he makes her!
This is a moving, smokin’ hot romance about two people alone, distrusting, and broken in different ways whose tentative acquaintance turns into a sizzling sexual relationship and then eventually grows into something deeper. Quinn is a gruff, moody alpha hero, but underneath his tough exterior is a heartbroken little boy yearning for love and acceptance. I just wanted to wrap my arms around him, squeeze tight, and never let go! And there were subtle things he did once he started to fall for Sara that were so innocently tender and touching...it’s just flat-out impossible not to fall hard for him!
My only real complaint (and the reason I didn’t give it 5 stars) is that I wanted more communication, connection, and ‘getting to know you’ between Quinn and Sara (other than just the physical). I understand the reasons they were hesitant with each other and held themselves back, but I’d hoped at least in the end there would be a big unveiling and revealing between them. Unfortunately, the ending is disappointingly abrupt and leaves a lot left unresolved between them, and the lack of an epilogue was like salt on that wound.
Overall, it’s a satisfying erotic romantic suspense read with a tortured, to die for, sexy hero to love and a likable, unique heroine that’s full of drama, emotion, twists, and surprises. I just wish there had been further closure and a more pronounced HEA for the H/H. 4 ½ stars!
I’ve been anxiously awaiting Quinn Rafferty’s story ever since his powerful, unforgettable part in Fragile and Broken is an aptly named title for this, considering what a bruised, shattered soul he is.
Quinn is trying to put his life back together after his stint as an Army Ranger left him hollow and grief stricken, and working as a bounty hunter and bail bondsman seems a fitting way to earn a living, especially when he gets to collar and bring in loathsome abusive husbands. He’s still trying to heal from agonizing wounds in his past related to his own abusive childhood and a tragic loss from his Army Ranger days, and the last thing he wants is to get mixed up with a woman, especially one who’s harboring painful secrets of her own.
Quinn is drawn to his new neighbor Sara and is surprised by the strong attraction he feels for her after being numb for so long, but he thinks the best thing to do is avoid her. After all, he’s got enough trouble mending his own damaged soul than to worry about her or to get caught up in whatever she’s hiding. If only it wasn’t so hard to ignore her!
Sara’s been on the run for two years and has an agenda for the future, and it sure doesn’t include getting involved with her quiet, gruff, mysterious, hardened, sexy, biker neighbor Quinn who threatens her carefully laid plans, no matter how damn hot and bothered he makes her!
This is a moving, smokin’ hot romance about two people alone, distrusting, and broken in different ways whose tentative acquaintance turns into a sizzling sexual relationship and then eventually grows into something deeper. Quinn is a gruff, moody alpha hero, but underneath his tough exterior is a heartbroken little boy yearning for love and acceptance. I just wanted to wrap my arms around him, squeeze tight, and never let go! And there were subtle things he did once he started to fall for Sara that were so innocently tender and touching...it’s just flat-out impossible not to fall hard for him!
My only real complaint (and the reason I didn’t give it 5 stars) is that I wanted more communication, connection, and ‘getting to know you’ between Quinn and Sara (other than just the physical). I understand the reasons they were hesitant with each other and held themselves back, but I’d hoped at least in the end there would be a big unveiling and revealing between them. Unfortunately, the ending is disappointingly abrupt and leaves a lot left unresolved between them, and the lack of an epilogue was like salt on that wound.
Overall, it’s a satisfying erotic romantic suspense read with a tortured, to die for, sexy hero to love and a likable, unique heroine that’s full of drama, emotion, twists, and surprises. I just wish there had been further closure and a more pronounced HEA for the H/H. 4 ½ stars!
July 15, 2012
Opening Line: "Mad. Quinn could hear it in her voice: the old lady was mad."
This was really good and because I picked it up on a whim (without reading book 1 Fragile first) I also went into it without any expectations regarding the hero. -Some of the other reviewers hinted at being disappointed after anticipating his story. And I think this might actually have read better as a stand alone.
Speaking of the hero, Quinn Rafferty what’s not to like there? Brooding, super sexy, wounded warrior-ish, bounty hunter who falls hard and then lets his internal dialogue betray his true self to the reader. Yeah I fell a little bit in love with him. Why is it that these emotionally scared, menacing, I am an island so back the hell off men get me so hot and bothered? Anyways there’s lots of stuff to like here besides Quinn… Mysterious heroine on the run, (who is pretty interesting and likable in her own right), suspense, plot twists and off the charts sexual chemistry leading to some seriously good sex scenes. Yup this was almost perfect.
I did have a couple issues though, like the mystery aspect going on too long and then getting wrapped up way too easily and the H/h never talked to each other. I mean at a certain point after you start sleeping together you usually ask questions, pillow talk comes into play. Oh well it added to the mystique.
Quinn Rafferty’s story starts with a flash back to his horrendous childhood. The latchkey kid of an abusive alcoholic/junkie mother and absent father, His 11 years old POV is fantastic and it went a long way into explaining why he became the sort of emotionally shut off adult he did, with an inability to trust or form close relationships. Quinn lives a solitary life, working as a bondsman (when he feels like it) he doesn’t want or need anyone (except the odd phone call to his twin brother) Everything changes however when Sara moves into the apartment upstairs, she makes his mouth go dry and want things he hasn‘t wanted in a long time.
The attraction between our couple is immediate but getting involved is the last thing Sara Davis should do. She’s been on the run for 2 years now, working under the table and moving every couple of months, trying to stay invisible. The problem is Quinn sees her. There's a feeling of suspense throughout this story because we never really get a true grasp of Sara. Even her intermittent flashbacks just serve as a teaser and I found her both intriguing and frustrating because she’s kept so purposely misleading and vague.
The romance is where Broken really shines through with beautifully written, heart wrenching scenes mostly where the internal conflict is concerned; I love you, I hate you, I can’t be with you, I’m going to do you up against this wall. So hott!
Sam stood there numb and frozen. Her mouth opened.
“You can’t love me” she said her voice rusty.
“Not your call, Sam.”
She tried to force herself to talk but she couldn't get a damn thing out. Frozen, she stood there and watched as he cut through the tangle of bodies and made his way to the elevator. Frozen she stood there as he climbed on. Just before the doors closed, he turned and looked at her. That look in his eyes--naked and bruised. Hurt. Broken.
299jb4
This was really good and because I picked it up on a whim (without reading book 1 Fragile first) I also went into it without any expectations regarding the hero. -Some of the other reviewers hinted at being disappointed after anticipating his story. And I think this might actually have read better as a stand alone.
Speaking of the hero, Quinn Rafferty what’s not to like there? Brooding, super sexy, wounded warrior-ish, bounty hunter who falls hard and then lets his internal dialogue betray his true self to the reader. Yeah I fell a little bit in love with him. Why is it that these emotionally scared, menacing, I am an island so back the hell off men get me so hot and bothered? Anyways there’s lots of stuff to like here besides Quinn… Mysterious heroine on the run, (who is pretty interesting and likable in her own right), suspense, plot twists and off the charts sexual chemistry leading to some seriously good sex scenes. Yup this was almost perfect.
I did have a couple issues though, like the mystery aspect going on too long and then getting wrapped up way too easily and the H/h never talked to each other. I mean at a certain point after you start sleeping together you usually ask questions, pillow talk comes into play. Oh well it added to the mystique.
Quinn Rafferty’s story starts with a flash back to his horrendous childhood. The latchkey kid of an abusive alcoholic/junkie mother and absent father, His 11 years old POV is fantastic and it went a long way into explaining why he became the sort of emotionally shut off adult he did, with an inability to trust or form close relationships. Quinn lives a solitary life, working as a bondsman (when he feels like it) he doesn’t want or need anyone (except the odd phone call to his twin brother) Everything changes however when Sara moves into the apartment upstairs, she makes his mouth go dry and want things he hasn‘t wanted in a long time.
The attraction between our couple is immediate but getting involved is the last thing Sara Davis should do. She’s been on the run for 2 years now, working under the table and moving every couple of months, trying to stay invisible. The problem is Quinn sees her. There's a feeling of suspense throughout this story because we never really get a true grasp of Sara. Even her intermittent flashbacks just serve as a teaser and I found her both intriguing and frustrating because she’s kept so purposely misleading and vague.
The romance is where Broken really shines through with beautifully written, heart wrenching scenes mostly where the internal conflict is concerned; I love you, I hate you, I can’t be with you, I’m going to do you up against this wall. So hott!
Sam stood there numb and frozen. Her mouth opened.
“You can’t love me” she said her voice rusty.
“Not your call, Sam.”
She tried to force herself to talk but she couldn't get a damn thing out. Frozen, she stood there and watched as he cut through the tangle of bodies and made his way to the elevator. Frozen she stood there as he climbed on. Just before the doors closed, he turned and looked at her. That look in his eyes--naked and bruised. Hurt. Broken.
299jb4
April 23, 2010
More like a 3.5 out of 4
Broken pulled me immediately. Sara is leading a transient life, moving every 3 months or so. She only works for cash, and tries to stay anonymous. We don’t know what she’s hiding from, but she is fearful and street smart. You can feel her anxiety rolling off her. She ends up being taking in by an on older woman that helps those that ‘need help’. She doesn’t pry too much, and assures her that she is safe in her home.
Quinn is also renting an apt from the old woman, and that is how he and Sara meet. Both are reluctantly drawn to each other. As we know from ‘Fragile’, Quinn had a tortured early childhood that still haunts him. He doesn’t get close to any boy. Both are surprised at how much they are attracted to each other. Quinn actually kind of melted for her, and I was surprised. He was the one that keep initiating seeing each other, and I liked that about him. He really wanted her to open up to him and let him know what she’s running from. She never does, and he grows more frustrated, but realizes he’s in love with her.
Sara gets a message from her past knows its time to hit the street. She won’t even consider telling Quinn she’s leaving. She actually leaves him a note. That kind of ticked me off. This is where the story started to hit the skids for me.
*Spoiler Alert Rant*
Quinn finds out she’s leaving and tracks her down then pretty much holds her prisoner, pleading with her to get her to tell him what is going on. She will not give up anything! This went on for a long time. I was getting irritated. Come on! It almost seemed her personality changed, and I was reading about completely different girl than the character I had been enjoying. Overall, yes—both of them kept secrets, and I felt there was a time to just trust and let them out. But that never really happened. The ending isn’t very satisfying. After the big reveal, they are separated for no other reason than Sara is being a stubborn mule. When she figures out she wants Quinn and goes after him, she shows up in dressed all Goth and out of character. I do get that she’d been in hiding before and had to hide her true self, but I just thought it was extreme to have her with 18 earrings and thigh high boots. They do have an HEA, but it happens after some intense and weird conversation about marriage and kids and then she says she doesn’t know if she wants that anyway. “It was just a test”. Ooook. Quinn never tells her about his past. His brother, Luke, is featured briefly, but Quinn does more talking with the brother’s wife than Luke.
*end rant*
I did enjoy this series, but the end of this one disappointed me.
Broken pulled me immediately. Sara is leading a transient life, moving every 3 months or so. She only works for cash, and tries to stay anonymous. We don’t know what she’s hiding from, but she is fearful and street smart. You can feel her anxiety rolling off her. She ends up being taking in by an on older woman that helps those that ‘need help’. She doesn’t pry too much, and assures her that she is safe in her home.
Quinn is also renting an apt from the old woman, and that is how he and Sara meet. Both are reluctantly drawn to each other. As we know from ‘Fragile’, Quinn had a tortured early childhood that still haunts him. He doesn’t get close to any boy. Both are surprised at how much they are attracted to each other. Quinn actually kind of melted for her, and I was surprised. He was the one that keep initiating seeing each other, and I liked that about him. He really wanted her to open up to him and let him know what she’s running from. She never does, and he grows more frustrated, but realizes he’s in love with her.
Sara gets a message from her past knows its time to hit the street. She won’t even consider telling Quinn she’s leaving. She actually leaves him a note. That kind of ticked me off. This is where the story started to hit the skids for me.
*Spoiler Alert Rant*
Quinn finds out she’s leaving and tracks her down then pretty much holds her prisoner, pleading with her to get her to tell him what is going on. She will not give up anything! This went on for a long time. I was getting irritated. Come on! It almost seemed her personality changed, and I was reading about completely different girl than the character I had been enjoying. Overall, yes—both of them kept secrets, and I felt there was a time to just trust and let them out. But that never really happened. The ending isn’t very satisfying. After the big reveal, they are separated for no other reason than Sara is being a stubborn mule. When she figures out she wants Quinn and goes after him, she shows up in dressed all Goth and out of character. I do get that she’d been in hiding before and had to hide her true self, but I just thought it was extreme to have her with 18 earrings and thigh high boots. They do have an HEA, but it happens after some intense and weird conversation about marriage and kids and then she says she doesn’t know if she wants that anyway. “It was just a test”. Ooook. Quinn never tells her about his past. His brother, Luke, is featured briefly, but Quinn does more talking with the brother’s wife than Luke.
*end rant*
I did enjoy this series, but the end of this one disappointed me.
June 14, 2015
Some very hot love scenes are packed in this trade paperback that is set primarily in St. Louis, Missouri. The hero, Quinn Rafferty, was first introduced in "Fragile." He is the mysterious--brooding--twin brother to Luke Rafferty. I've been looking forward to his tale, but...
"Sara's" character got on my last nerve. "Sara" and Quinn had chemistry together, but that was it. She had secrets. He had secrets. Neither talked. There was a lot of repetition or recapping as the story/plot unfolded that I found unnecessary having just read those pages. As the plot further unraveled things were repeated to death. And still neither talked. This went on through the ENTIRE book.
The lack of communication between the two main characters had me not warming up to them. I was ready to put the book down and walk away, but wanted to see how it all played out. I didn't care for how it unraveled, either. Felt cheated by the twist with all the prior information that trickled in the story earlier.
There had to be a better way than the path chosen to solve "the problem." It just seemed like "other" options should have been used prior to what was decided. That's all I can say without spoiling the book.
There were "things" left unresolved. Felt like the author wrote herself into a corner, then just tied it all up at the end leaving ambiguity.
The heroine made my TSTL shelf because of the choices she made. Sleeping in the dump, worrying about money when she had a wad saved. Buying books and other items that she new could not be taken with her. She put herself in her own bad way based on her life decisions.
The cover is very sexy.
"Sara's" character got on my last nerve. "Sara" and Quinn had chemistry together, but that was it. She had secrets. He had secrets. Neither talked. There was a lot of repetition or recapping as the story/plot unfolded that I found unnecessary having just read those pages. As the plot further unraveled things were repeated to death. And still neither talked. This went on through the ENTIRE book.
The lack of communication between the two main characters had me not warming up to them. I was ready to put the book down and walk away, but wanted to see how it all played out. I didn't care for how it unraveled, either. Felt cheated by the twist with all the prior information that trickled in the story earlier.
There had to be a better way than the path chosen to solve "the problem." It just seemed like "other" options should have been used prior to what was decided. That's all I can say without spoiling the book.
There were "things" left unresolved. Felt like the author wrote herself into a corner, then just tied it all up at the end leaving ambiguity.
The heroine made my TSTL shelf because of the choices she made. Sleeping in the dump, worrying about money when she had a wad saved. Buying books and other items that she new could not be taken with her. She put herself in her own bad way based on her life decisions.
The cover is very sexy.
April 13, 2010
Romantic Suspense is often not my first choice in romance because the suspense tends to take over the romance more times than not –well Shiloh Walker did an excellent job in not letting that happen. The book is go-go-go and suddenly it’s finished which is saying quite a bit for a trade size meaty read.
Quinn Rafferty is introduced in Walker’s first Rafferty book Fragile. He’s a bit on the psycho side there for a slew of reasons but in his book he’s much less volatile which makes him a better character I think. You don’t need to read the first book to follow this story however there are a few references to Quinn’s brother Luke from book one and I for one like to know background stories if I can. So the novel starts out as if the reader is walking on eggshells and this is kept up nearly to the end. You learn only bits and pieces of these people’s lives while their current relationship slowly unfolds which is what keeps you reading.
The heroine, Sara, ends up meeting Quinn because he lives in the same house where she’s thinking of renting a room. The woman who rents out the rooms to her house is hardly present in the story but she’s a brilliant character who brought a tear or two to my eye without being syrupy and lovey dovey. Sara and Quinn are reticent towards each other to say the very least but the sparks fly big time whenever they “just happen” to be together. As the tension builds (and build it does!) and they become hesitant friends, the suspense aspect of the story is slowly revealed. There’s less suspense than in the first book and it’s not as creepy-freaky either. When Sara and Quinn finally decide to give each other a shot it’s a smokin’ hot ride the reader gets ;-) The sex scenes are very well done from start to finish (apart from the anal scene that I didn’t really think fit but it wasn’t like an eye-sore as those scenes can sometimes be) because the emotions are developed right alongside and you really feel for the two when Sara has to make some tough decisions.
I couldn’t give the book a 5 because towards the end the trust issue got a bit annoying. They both had their reasons for their secrets but I thought that Sara went a little overboard with not revealing her secret completely to Quinn just to make life easier and she stayed away from him for too long. It wasn’t like a “big misunderstanding” but it could’ve been done differently I thought not to annoy the reader. I also didn’t really like her transformation at the end. Seemed like she regressed into an adolescent when it came to fashion. Then when he went into bounty hunter mode he sort of got on my nerves the way he held her hostage. That aside though, it was an excellent read, vivid writing, great characters on the whole, a protector kind of hero and a spunky heroine that came across as real. I liked it better than the first book. Definitely one of the better romantic suspense books out there. 4 1/2 stars easy.
Quinn Rafferty is introduced in Walker’s first Rafferty book Fragile. He’s a bit on the psycho side there for a slew of reasons but in his book he’s much less volatile which makes him a better character I think. You don’t need to read the first book to follow this story however there are a few references to Quinn’s brother Luke from book one and I for one like to know background stories if I can. So the novel starts out as if the reader is walking on eggshells and this is kept up nearly to the end. You learn only bits and pieces of these people’s lives while their current relationship slowly unfolds which is what keeps you reading.
The heroine, Sara, ends up meeting Quinn because he lives in the same house where she’s thinking of renting a room. The woman who rents out the rooms to her house is hardly present in the story but she’s a brilliant character who brought a tear or two to my eye without being syrupy and lovey dovey. Sara and Quinn are reticent towards each other to say the very least but the sparks fly big time whenever they “just happen” to be together. As the tension builds (and build it does!) and they become hesitant friends, the suspense aspect of the story is slowly revealed. There’s less suspense than in the first book and it’s not as creepy-freaky either. When Sara and Quinn finally decide to give each other a shot it’s a smokin’ hot ride the reader gets ;-) The sex scenes are very well done from start to finish (apart from the anal scene that I didn’t really think fit but it wasn’t like an eye-sore as those scenes can sometimes be) because the emotions are developed right alongside and you really feel for the two when Sara has to make some tough decisions.
I couldn’t give the book a 5 because towards the end the trust issue got a bit annoying. They both had their reasons for their secrets but I thought that Sara went a little overboard with not revealing her secret completely to Quinn just to make life easier and she stayed away from him for too long. It wasn’t like a “big misunderstanding” but it could’ve been done differently I thought not to annoy the reader. I also didn’t really like her transformation at the end. Seemed like she regressed into an adolescent when it came to fashion. Then when he went into bounty hunter mode he sort of got on my nerves the way he held her hostage. That aside though, it was an excellent read, vivid writing, great characters on the whole, a protector kind of hero and a spunky heroine that came across as real. I liked it better than the first book. Definitely one of the better romantic suspense books out there. 4 1/2 stars easy.
August 23, 2010
You knew reading the first chapter of Quinn's book that it is going to take a special woman to be able to handle Quinn. Quinn had it very hard the first 11 years of his life and those years have left him, as an adult, hard to connect with people and be "normal".
But Sara sees the real man beneath the taciturn facade. While Sara has her own grave secrets and knows that Quinn is a complication she can ill afford, she dips her toe in anyway.
Quinn and Sara are hot together and their love scenes left me fanning myself and eyeballing my husband. While I grew frustrated with both Quinn and Sara's inability to really trust one another, it didn't dim my enjoyment of the book. However once I finally got their background, I understood it and was able to accept it. I wish we would have got a bit more ending and hope that Ms. Walker left it open for a third story. I loved Luke and Quinn's story very much and am so glad a took a chance on Ms. Walker's work.
But Sara sees the real man beneath the taciturn facade. While Sara has her own grave secrets and knows that Quinn is a complication she can ill afford, she dips her toe in anyway.
Quinn and Sara are hot together and their love scenes left me fanning myself and eyeballing my husband. While I grew frustrated with both Quinn and Sara's inability to really trust one another, it didn't dim my enjoyment of the book. However once I finally got their background, I understood it and was able to accept it. I wish we would have got a bit more ending and hope that Ms. Walker left it open for a third story. I loved Luke and Quinn's story very much and am so glad a took a chance on Ms. Walker's work.
May 4, 2010
This was a good book, but not quite all I'd hoped it would be for Quinn's story. Some parts of the book were really good, and some came up a bit hollow. A little fleshing out in some areas and it would have been a 5-star read.
Series Note:
Probably not necessary to read the previous book, but it would give you some nice backstory.
Summary:
Quinn Rafferty's life has been full of turmoil since he was a scared kid hiding from his abusive mom to the recent murder of a girlfriend, a death he blames himself for. Quinn is just now finally pulling himself out of the gutter and moving on with his life when he meets sexy, mysterious Sara Davis with the sad eyes. He can't resist her. As much as he tells himself he doesn't need the complication of a woman in his life, he just can't stay away from her.
But Sara has secrets. She's on the run and has no intention of getting attached to anyone. Unfortunately, she's just as drawn to Quinn as he is to her. Then Sara's past catches up with her and her trust in Quinn will be tested (and his in her). Sara will have to decide: fight or flight...and whether or not Quinn is a good guy or bad guy.
Review:
After finishing the previous book in this series, I was really hoping author Shiloh Walker would tell Quinn's story. He was a character in definite need of some TLC and an HEA with a good woman. So I was really happy to see him get his own book.
Quinn's definitely a bit of a broken guy. His childhood almost destroyed his faith in people, and the brutal loss of a woman he was involved with left him guilt-ridden. It makes him a very brooding hero...which, okay, for a lot of us females is just sexy as hell ;) He's just a guy really struggling to pull himself out of a black void.
Then there's Sara, a woman on the run. If I hadn't read the back cover of the book, I would have thought she was an abused wife...but the back cover said she wasn't and it was either wrong or she was running from something else. The cover's not wrong. I did end up guessing fairly early on what her situation was, but Walker did a pretty good job with the misdirection. I liked Sara enough, but I wouldn't say she'd be a favorite heroine of mine.
So in the book you get these two messed up characters getting together, no doubt in for some heartbreak. And while I didn't mind the story, it wasn't quite what I wanted. I guess you could say I wanted QUINN'S STORY, and in a way, this book felt more like the heroine's story. Her thoughts, her feelings, her situation, how she was going to get out of it, etc. Yeah, there is a more than a little of Quinn and his internal struggles, but for me, Sara took over the story and shortchanged Quinn's side of it. I just wanted to know more about him and wanted to see more of him putting his life together. It was too oversimplified.
And like some others have mentioned, the fact that Quinn never talks to Sara about his past is really annoying. It doesn't come off in the sense that Quinn is purposefully keeping it from her and not planning to bring it up at all. It felt more like the author kinda forgot. Which almost makes it more annoying. But them never having talk about his past left a bit of a hole in their relationship.
I also thought the characters lacked some depth with regards to backstory. Not so much with Quinn...readers have a basic idea of his past and who he is, but not so with Sara. There's a part near the end of the book where Quinn says he loves her and Sara says he can't, because he doesn't know her. And I wanted to say YES, THAT'S EXACTLY IT! I felt like I hardly knew the read Sara at all (and those of you who have read the book will understand what I mean there...I dont' want to give away a big story point). When the book ended I felt like I knew only the very basic facts of who she was...and that's disappointing for a romance novel. There just needed to me more background development for the heroine.
I was also a little disappointed that Quinn's brother Luke played such a small role in the book. I wanted to see more of the relationship between the twins. Another thing about the ending disappointed me some, but I won't say what so I don't post spoilers. For the most part the plot worked out well, I just wanted one thing different.
Don't get me wrong, this was still a good book, I just wanted a little bit more out of it. The sex is definitely hot, and the plot interesting, but the character-driven parts needed a little work. Still, definitely worth reading, especially for those of you who have read the previous book.
WARNING, this book contains: explicit sex and language, m/f sex, oral sex, anal sex
Series Note:
Probably not necessary to read the previous book, but it would give you some nice backstory.
Summary:
Quinn Rafferty's life has been full of turmoil since he was a scared kid hiding from his abusive mom to the recent murder of a girlfriend, a death he blames himself for. Quinn is just now finally pulling himself out of the gutter and moving on with his life when he meets sexy, mysterious Sara Davis with the sad eyes. He can't resist her. As much as he tells himself he doesn't need the complication of a woman in his life, he just can't stay away from her.
But Sara has secrets. She's on the run and has no intention of getting attached to anyone. Unfortunately, she's just as drawn to Quinn as he is to her. Then Sara's past catches up with her and her trust in Quinn will be tested (and his in her). Sara will have to decide: fight or flight...and whether or not Quinn is a good guy or bad guy.
Review:
After finishing the previous book in this series, I was really hoping author Shiloh Walker would tell Quinn's story. He was a character in definite need of some TLC and an HEA with a good woman. So I was really happy to see him get his own book.
Quinn's definitely a bit of a broken guy. His childhood almost destroyed his faith in people, and the brutal loss of a woman he was involved with left him guilt-ridden. It makes him a very brooding hero...which, okay, for a lot of us females is just sexy as hell ;) He's just a guy really struggling to pull himself out of a black void.
Then there's Sara, a woman on the run. If I hadn't read the back cover of the book, I would have thought she was an abused wife...but the back cover said she wasn't and it was either wrong or she was running from something else. The cover's not wrong. I did end up guessing fairly early on what her situation was, but Walker did a pretty good job with the misdirection. I liked Sara enough, but I wouldn't say she'd be a favorite heroine of mine.
So in the book you get these two messed up characters getting together, no doubt in for some heartbreak. And while I didn't mind the story, it wasn't quite what I wanted. I guess you could say I wanted QUINN'S STORY, and in a way, this book felt more like the heroine's story. Her thoughts, her feelings, her situation, how she was going to get out of it, etc. Yeah, there is a more than a little of Quinn and his internal struggles, but for me, Sara took over the story and shortchanged Quinn's side of it. I just wanted to know more about him and wanted to see more of him putting his life together. It was too oversimplified.
And like some others have mentioned, the fact that Quinn never talks to Sara about his past is really annoying. It doesn't come off in the sense that Quinn is purposefully keeping it from her and not planning to bring it up at all. It felt more like the author kinda forgot. Which almost makes it more annoying. But them never having talk about his past left a bit of a hole in their relationship.
I also thought the characters lacked some depth with regards to backstory. Not so much with Quinn...readers have a basic idea of his past and who he is, but not so with Sara. There's a part near the end of the book where Quinn says he loves her and Sara says he can't, because he doesn't know her. And I wanted to say YES, THAT'S EXACTLY IT! I felt like I hardly knew the read Sara at all (and those of you who have read the book will understand what I mean there...I dont' want to give away a big story point). When the book ended I felt like I knew only the very basic facts of who she was...and that's disappointing for a romance novel. There just needed to me more background development for the heroine.
I was also a little disappointed that Quinn's brother Luke played such a small role in the book. I wanted to see more of the relationship between the twins. Another thing about the ending disappointed me some, but I won't say what so I don't post spoilers. For the most part the plot worked out well, I just wanted one thing different.
Don't get me wrong, this was still a good book, I just wanted a little bit more out of it. The sex is definitely hot, and the plot interesting, but the character-driven parts needed a little work. Still, definitely worth reading, especially for those of you who have read the previous book.
WARNING, this book contains: explicit sex and language, m/f sex, oral sex, anal sex
March 4, 2010
Whenever I read a Shiloh Walker story, I’m blown away how angsty and scarred yet overwhelmingly sexy her heroes are. She writes these men, who have alpha like tendencies, but underneath their bravado, have fears and self esteem issues, where they feel they’ll never be good enough to be loved. Shiloh always makes sure her men get their happily ever after with their heroines, who also need love in their lives. In Broken, Quinn Rafferty is a lost soul. He grew up with a drug addicted mother who treated him like garbage. Because he was thought of as trash, that’s what he feels like. When his mother dies of a drug overdose, his father and a twin brother he never knew of welcome him into their family. But still, Quinn doesn’t feel he belongs.
Twenty years later he still feels unworthy, alone, and doesn’t have much to live for. He’s depressed, closed off and refuses to trust anyone. Quinn’s job as a bounty hunter for a detective agency gives him freedom and some fulfillment, where he takes down those who hurt and abuse those they should love and cherish. But at the same time he feels it’s a lost cause.
Sara Davis is on the run and in hiding. She moves around to keep a stalker off her trail and tried to stay under the radar. Her new home for the next few months is in St. Louis where she has met a very kind soul in that of Theresa Kingston, who reminds her of Mrs. Claus. Theresa helps those in need, especially women that have been abused. She assumes Sara is one of these unfortunate souls and gives her a safe haven. Theresa also has another tenant who keeps to himself. And when Quinn meets Sara, more than sparks fly between the two. It’s like the second half of his soul that has always been missing has now been located.
Sara is wary of Quinn because he gives off this cold, don’t mess with me vibe. But something about him speaks to her. Now you’d think Sara would keep her distance from a man like Quinn because of the current situation she’s in. But because he’s a “wounded warrior” who wears a mask, much like the one she wears, she finds a connection with her brooding neighbor and against her better judgment welcomes him into her life. And the moment Sara opens her arms to Quinn, there’s no going back for these two. The horrors and shadows that haunt them disappear and Sara is able to break though Quinn’s tough shell. Quinn shares his past with Sara and expects her to do the same. He knows she’s hiding something and wants to help her. But her time is running out and she can’t get too comfortable. She must leave Quinn, even though she knows it may destroy him.
Soon Sara is on the run again, but this time Quinn is on her heels because his next bounty is finding a missing woman, who happens to be Sara. He must bring her back to the one man who has driven her into hiding and may end up killing her.
Broken is the perfect title for this latest release by Shiloh Walker. Quinn and Sara are broken in their own ways. I can’t help but compare these two like a puzzle. When they come together and click, like two pieces of a puzzle, they make an amazing couple. I loved how Quinn went from this lonely, standoffish man to a very giving and caring individual who finds peace and with a woman like Sara who can see how special he is. These two really connect on a deep emotional level that brings forth a lot of sparks and passion. And Shiloh can sure write some steamy sex scenes! These two crackle together. And when Quinn thinks of how starved he is for Sara, you really feel it. These two are very intense and oh so very good in terms of physical attraction.
I really appreciated the nice twist in regards to Sara and who she’s running from and why. Unfortunately, I gave Broken a lower grade because I found the villain too tame and not scary or psycho enough. I wanted more drama and tension, especially when Sara confront this monster. Because there wasn’t that final dramatic push, the ending fell a bit short for me. I also wanted more fireworks, mainly in regards to Quinn and Sara’s reunion.
Even with the lacking ending, I found Broken to be a pretty sold read. How can you not enjoy reading a damaged hero who finds inner peace with a strong, tough cookie heroine who won’t cower from those who feel they have the right to abuse the weak? Fans of Shiloh’s will want to give Broken a read.
Twenty years later he still feels unworthy, alone, and doesn’t have much to live for. He’s depressed, closed off and refuses to trust anyone. Quinn’s job as a bounty hunter for a detective agency gives him freedom and some fulfillment, where he takes down those who hurt and abuse those they should love and cherish. But at the same time he feels it’s a lost cause.
Sara Davis is on the run and in hiding. She moves around to keep a stalker off her trail and tried to stay under the radar. Her new home for the next few months is in St. Louis where she has met a very kind soul in that of Theresa Kingston, who reminds her of Mrs. Claus. Theresa helps those in need, especially women that have been abused. She assumes Sara is one of these unfortunate souls and gives her a safe haven. Theresa also has another tenant who keeps to himself. And when Quinn meets Sara, more than sparks fly between the two. It’s like the second half of his soul that has always been missing has now been located.
Sara is wary of Quinn because he gives off this cold, don’t mess with me vibe. But something about him speaks to her. Now you’d think Sara would keep her distance from a man like Quinn because of the current situation she’s in. But because he’s a “wounded warrior” who wears a mask, much like the one she wears, she finds a connection with her brooding neighbor and against her better judgment welcomes him into her life. And the moment Sara opens her arms to Quinn, there’s no going back for these two. The horrors and shadows that haunt them disappear and Sara is able to break though Quinn’s tough shell. Quinn shares his past with Sara and expects her to do the same. He knows she’s hiding something and wants to help her. But her time is running out and she can’t get too comfortable. She must leave Quinn, even though she knows it may destroy him.
Soon Sara is on the run again, but this time Quinn is on her heels because his next bounty is finding a missing woman, who happens to be Sara. He must bring her back to the one man who has driven her into hiding and may end up killing her.
Broken is the perfect title for this latest release by Shiloh Walker. Quinn and Sara are broken in their own ways. I can’t help but compare these two like a puzzle. When they come together and click, like two pieces of a puzzle, they make an amazing couple. I loved how Quinn went from this lonely, standoffish man to a very giving and caring individual who finds peace and with a woman like Sara who can see how special he is. These two really connect on a deep emotional level that brings forth a lot of sparks and passion. And Shiloh can sure write some steamy sex scenes! These two crackle together. And when Quinn thinks of how starved he is for Sara, you really feel it. These two are very intense and oh so very good in terms of physical attraction.
I really appreciated the nice twist in regards to Sara and who she’s running from and why. Unfortunately, I gave Broken a lower grade because I found the villain too tame and not scary or psycho enough. I wanted more drama and tension, especially when Sara confront this monster. Because there wasn’t that final dramatic push, the ending fell a bit short for me. I also wanted more fireworks, mainly in regards to Quinn and Sara’s reunion.
Even with the lacking ending, I found Broken to be a pretty sold read. How can you not enjoy reading a damaged hero who finds inner peace with a strong, tough cookie heroine who won’t cower from those who feel they have the right to abuse the weak? Fans of Shiloh’s will want to give Broken a read.
February 3, 2010
I really gave this book 4.5 stars on the blog, rounding up here!
I have heard about the greatness of Shiloh Walker all over twitterverse for a while now…. but my time has been limited and being that urban fantasy is really my favorite genre, I had put her books low on my list. When the opportunity to join the ARC tour sponsored by the Book Vixen, I jumped at the chance! Thus my Shiloh Walker virginity is gone and I was oh so wrong to wait so long!
Sara is on the run, tho we don’t find out why til the very end. I found myself assuming she was on the run because her husband was abusive, the snippet flashbacks point to that. Yet, everything we see of her personality led me to think there was something else going on. She is a fighter, she didn’t seem like the running type. These contradictions had me invested in her character from the start. I love a good strong female lead who can be strong yet maintain her compassion and femininity and Shiloh Walker gives us that in Sara.
Quinn. I could say so much about this man, but the easiest thing to say? Wow. Somehow Walker crawled inside my head and created a man I couldn’t help but drool over. He is broken, tormented, wounded. He is protective and strong, but still respectful of Sara as a person. He is so emotional within his own head, but expressing it was next to impossible. Somehow Walker makes this fault both endearing and lovable.
I loved the plot of Broken, great twists that I didn’t see coming! I did wish for a bit more action throughout the story, but I am not sure it would have fit in and that doesn’t keep me from loving this book. The development of the relationship between Quinn and Sara was certainly strong enough to carry the story. It was passionate and desperate in all the ways we book sluts love. One of my favorite dialogue scenes from the start of their relationship:
But what really gets me about this book is the smokin hot sex appeal of Quinn and his mouth. He talks at all the right times, and I love it. For a man who claims to not know how to flirt, he sure picks it up quickly.
This book is not in a series, per say, but it is related to the previous book Fragile which features Quinn’s brother Luke. I will be picking Fragile up without question. Broken is an excellent read for any romance reader and Shiloh Walker is definitely going on my “must buy” list of authors!
I have heard about the greatness of Shiloh Walker all over twitterverse for a while now…. but my time has been limited and being that urban fantasy is really my favorite genre, I had put her books low on my list. When the opportunity to join the ARC tour sponsored by the Book Vixen, I jumped at the chance! Thus my Shiloh Walker virginity is gone and I was oh so wrong to wait so long!
Sara is on the run, tho we don’t find out why til the very end. I found myself assuming she was on the run because her husband was abusive, the snippet flashbacks point to that. Yet, everything we see of her personality led me to think there was something else going on. She is a fighter, she didn’t seem like the running type. These contradictions had me invested in her character from the start. I love a good strong female lead who can be strong yet maintain her compassion and femininity and Shiloh Walker gives us that in Sara.
Quinn. I could say so much about this man, but the easiest thing to say? Wow. Somehow Walker crawled inside my head and created a man I couldn’t help but drool over. He is broken, tormented, wounded. He is protective and strong, but still respectful of Sara as a person. He is so emotional within his own head, but expressing it was next to impossible. Somehow Walker makes this fault both endearing and lovable.
I loved the plot of Broken, great twists that I didn’t see coming! I did wish for a bit more action throughout the story, but I am not sure it would have fit in and that doesn’t keep me from loving this book. The development of the relationship between Quinn and Sara was certainly strong enough to carry the story. It was passionate and desperate in all the ways we book sluts love. One of my favorite dialogue scenes from the start of their relationship:
Sara cocked a brow at him. “Didn’t you tell me a few days ago I’d be better off keeping my distance from you?”
“Yeah, I told you that.”
“Hard to do if you come looking for me.”
Quinn shrugged. “I don’t see you walking away.”
“I was here first,” she said pointedly.
But what really gets me about this book is the smokin hot sex appeal of Quinn and his mouth. He talks at all the right times, and I love it. For a man who claims to not know how to flirt, he sure picks it up quickly.
Raking his teeth over the soft skin of her wrist, he said gruffly, “You really shouldn’t look at me like that in a public place, Sara.”
“Look at you how?” she asked, her voice almost as hoarse as his own. She blinked at him, looking a little dazed.
This book is not in a series, per say, but it is related to the previous book Fragile which features Quinn’s brother Luke. I will be picking Fragile up without question. Broken is an excellent read for any romance reader and Shiloh Walker is definitely going on my “must buy” list of authors!
September 22, 2010
Anyone who read Fragile, the first in Shiloh Walker's Rafferty duology, was no doubt looking forward to reading Quinn's story. And for the most part, Broken doesn't disappoint.
Quinn Rafferty (great name, BTW!) is twin to Luke, the deliciously sexy lead in Fragile. Quinn and Luke were separated at birth, with Quinn taken by their mother and raised in a heart-breakingly abusive environment. Luke, on the other hand, was raised with love by their father.
The twins were reunited at eleven years of age upon the death of their mother from an overdose, neither previously knowing the other existed.
This difference in upbringing during the critical formative years has left Quinn with deep emotional scars and an inability to trust. There are precious few people Quinn will allow to get close - his father and Luke being among those who could be counted without using all the fingers on one hand.
And close is a relative term where Quinn is concerned. He lives alone and distant, relying on the almost psychic connection with his twin to govern when one of his infrequent calls to check in are needed. And that's just the way he likes it, thanks very much.
Until Sara Davis moves into the upstairs apartment at the house where Quinn also lives. The landlord is a lady known for helping those in trouble, so Quinn known Sara must have issues of her own. Nope, Quinn is not interested.
Sara, on the run, doesn't need any further complications in her life. What she needs is not to be noticed by anyone, especially not by the dark, brooding and sexy-as-sin neighbor whose eyes betray painful secrets of his own.
But notice each other they do. And the result is combustible.
The author provides the suspense in a deliberately vague and sinister way throughout the novel, leaving you wondering before introducing a twist toward the end that you probably won't see coming. Unfortunately, where the suspense succeeds, the denouement disappoints. Everything was wrapped up a little too easily and tidily for my liking.
The romance element, however, definitely succeeds. Quinn is everything a tortured hero should be and the love scenes are smoking hot and definitely more explicit than you will find in most mainstream romance.
Not as dark as Fragile, Broken reads more like a romance with suspense elements than a suspense with romance elements - just the way I like it. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
Quinn Rafferty (great name, BTW!) is twin to Luke, the deliciously sexy lead in Fragile. Quinn and Luke were separated at birth, with Quinn taken by their mother and raised in a heart-breakingly abusive environment. Luke, on the other hand, was raised with love by their father.
The twins were reunited at eleven years of age upon the death of their mother from an overdose, neither previously knowing the other existed.
This difference in upbringing during the critical formative years has left Quinn with deep emotional scars and an inability to trust. There are precious few people Quinn will allow to get close - his father and Luke being among those who could be counted without using all the fingers on one hand.
And close is a relative term where Quinn is concerned. He lives alone and distant, relying on the almost psychic connection with his twin to govern when one of his infrequent calls to check in are needed. And that's just the way he likes it, thanks very much.
Until Sara Davis moves into the upstairs apartment at the house where Quinn also lives. The landlord is a lady known for helping those in trouble, so Quinn known Sara must have issues of her own. Nope, Quinn is not interested.
Sara, on the run, doesn't need any further complications in her life. What she needs is not to be noticed by anyone, especially not by the dark, brooding and sexy-as-sin neighbor whose eyes betray painful secrets of his own.
But notice each other they do. And the result is combustible.
The author provides the suspense in a deliberately vague and sinister way throughout the novel, leaving you wondering before introducing a twist toward the end that you probably won't see coming. Unfortunately, where the suspense succeeds, the denouement disappoints. Everything was wrapped up a little too easily and tidily for my liking.
The romance element, however, definitely succeeds. Quinn is everything a tortured hero should be and the love scenes are smoking hot and definitely more explicit than you will find in most mainstream romance.
Not as dark as Fragile, Broken reads more like a romance with suspense elements than a suspense with romance elements - just the way I like it. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
March 22, 2010
I am so glad that I read this book, because I really didn't care much for Fragile. Walker redeems herself with Broken and Quinn's and Sara's story.
I am not going to summarize this book; it has been done so well in the other reviews. I will say that I so did not see the twist coming until it smacked me in the face! LOL
Although Quinn is a brooding hero, he is not so dark that he is hard to love. You could feel that he wanted to be happy and to have someone to love, he was just afraid that he was not worthy of the love of a good woman. Sara is complex and her history makes you feel for her. I understood her desire to try and stay away from Quinn, but I also understood why she finally gave into her desire for Quinn. I would've liked more closure to their story and that is really my only complaint with the book. They do get a HEA don’t worry, but an epilogue would have been nice.
I am not going to summarize this book; it has been done so well in the other reviews. I will say that I so did not see the twist coming until it smacked me in the face! LOL
Although Quinn is a brooding hero, he is not so dark that he is hard to love. You could feel that he wanted to be happy and to have someone to love, he was just afraid that he was not worthy of the love of a good woman. Sara is complex and her history makes you feel for her. I understood her desire to try and stay away from Quinn, but I also understood why she finally gave into her desire for Quinn. I would've liked more closure to their story and that is really my only complaint with the book. They do get a HEA don’t worry, but an epilogue would have been nice.
May 8, 2011
I liked this one better than Fragile. But it did have it's problems. Mostly they where in the character of the heroine. She was a bit too mysterious maybe? Also the hero accuses her and is pissed at her for evidently leaving a bad marriage after he had said "the woman" probably had reason to leave the guy. He was mad because he thinks she's married when he knew all along she was running from something. If women are running and it isn't from the law then it's usually from a man, so why the shock mister? I will say I kept reading to find out what the big secret was although I had the gist of it figured out, I just needed the particulars.
Other than the mistrust thing, I liked the way that Quinn fell in love with her. It was very sweet. Especially since he had so little prior experience.
Other than the mistrust thing, I liked the way that Quinn fell in love with her. It was very sweet. Especially since he had so little prior experience.
November 21, 2015
Review copy provided by author
Quinn is a bounty hunter for a private detective agency. He comes from a broken past and a broken home. He was first raised by his mother who was constantly in a drunken stupor or in a drug-filled haze. When his mother died from an overdose, Quinn was placed with his father and found out he has a twin brother. Quinn's image of a family life was completely shattered until he moved in with his father and brother.
Sara has been on the run for 2 years. It's not for the reasons you'd expect but she's on the move. She doesn't stay in a place too long before moving on. Right after moving into a quaint little apartment, she runs into her neighbor Quinn. She's instantly attracted to him but decides that she needs to keep her distance to protect her secrets.
This was a great read! I hadn't read anything by Shiloh Walker before this so I wasn't sure what to expect. I read the book description and thought, okay, let's give this a whirl. The description doesn't give you you even a hint of the twists to come in this story. I was definitely pleasantly surprised. I was on the edge of my seat, waiting for everything to unfold. I enjoyed reading this book so much, I gulped the last half of the book in one sitting.
I had a small problem with Elena, a character from Quinn's past. I'm hoping once I read Fragile, my questions about her will be answered and I'll overcome this. Broken is not part of a series per se so you can read it as a standalone.
I also got a little lost and confused when reading the little tidbits of conversation from Sara's text messages or when she was thinking about her past. But it all made sense and came full circle towards the end.
This book is full of sizzling sex. It certainly released all that built up sexual tension from the YA books I've recently read (don't get me wrong, I love YA. But sometimes I need some action!). Broken is all about release. Tantilizing, titilating, stimulating sex.
Here is a small taste from a scene that takes place in a restaurant:
And a bit later:
Walker left me lusting for more. I found her writing enticing and delectable, especially the love scenes. I did not want the book to end. I got into the story and it was a fast read. I will definitely read more of her work. If you enjoy reading romance and suspense, then I highly recommend this book!
Review originally posted on The Book Vixen.
Quinn is a bounty hunter for a private detective agency. He comes from a broken past and a broken home. He was first raised by his mother who was constantly in a drunken stupor or in a drug-filled haze. When his mother died from an overdose, Quinn was placed with his father and found out he has a twin brother. Quinn's image of a family life was completely shattered until he moved in with his father and brother.
Sara has been on the run for 2 years. It's not for the reasons you'd expect but she's on the move. She doesn't stay in a place too long before moving on. Right after moving into a quaint little apartment, she runs into her neighbor Quinn. She's instantly attracted to him but decides that she needs to keep her distance to protect her secrets.
This was a great read! I hadn't read anything by Shiloh Walker before this so I wasn't sure what to expect. I read the book description and thought, okay, let's give this a whirl. The description doesn't give you you even a hint of the twists to come in this story. I was definitely pleasantly surprised. I was on the edge of my seat, waiting for everything to unfold. I enjoyed reading this book so much, I gulped the last half of the book in one sitting.
I had a small problem with Elena, a character from Quinn's past. I'm hoping once I read Fragile, my questions about her will be answered and I'll overcome this. Broken is not part of a series per se so you can read it as a standalone.
I also got a little lost and confused when reading the little tidbits of conversation from Sara's text messages or when she was thinking about her past. But it all made sense and came full circle towards the end.
This book is full of sizzling sex. It certainly released all that built up sexual tension from the YA books I've recently read (don't get me wrong, I love YA. But sometimes I need some action!). Broken is all about release. Tantilizing, titilating, stimulating sex.
Here is a small taste from a scene that takes place in a restaurant:
“So which is it, Sara?” he asked, his gaze lingering on her mouth. “Do you want to know what kind of trouble you’re asking for?”
Sara was so tired of doing what her brain said was the right thing. The safe thing. The smart thing.
She wanted to listen to her body. Listen to her heart. So for the first time in ages, she let her heart, her body dictate her mouth. Smiling up at him, she whispered, “Why don’t you tell me what kind of trouble it is…then I’ll make up my mind.”
And a bit later:
He crowded her against the padded back of the booth. The hand lying on her thigh slid higher, higher…Instinctively, she clenched her knees together, trapping his hand. He didn’t let that keep him from rubbing his fingers against her covered sex.
Walker left me lusting for more. I found her writing enticing and delectable, especially the love scenes. I did not want the book to end. I got into the story and it was a fast read. I will definitely read more of her work. If you enjoy reading romance and suspense, then I highly recommend this book!
Review originally posted on The Book Vixen.
March 2, 2010
The title for this book describes Quinn perfectly. He is absolutely broken. Growing up he was abused by his mother until she overdosed. From there, he found a family, his actual father and twin brother he had never met. He made a life for himself joining the army and now works as a private investigator. But just because he is working and he stays in contact with his dad and brother doesn’t mean his past still doesn’t haunt him. While in the army, he fell in love, only to have her die, as he was unable to protect her. He has so much anger, tension, and guilt inside of him just waiting to explode. He is very quiet and keeps to himself - never one to strike up a conversation or have a wide circle of friends.
Sara may have had a nice life growing up, but her adult years have been terrifying and challenging. She is on the run from a man who wants to do her harm. She has been hiding for two years, and is exhausted. She never lets herself get to close to anyone for fear she will be discovered. But both of their lives are about to take a surprising turn when they become neighbors.
Broken is a book that has two characters so desperate and alone – they each have so many secrets. They want so badly to be able to trust each other, yet their awful pasts don’t allow that. Instead, they come together on a physical level, and their lovemaking becomes so raw and emotional, it is their outlet for all the bad that has surrounded them. They want to know about each other – they want to have a”normal” relationship, but their mental capacity is full and muddled with extracurricular things.
Quinn is intense, gruff, alpha, and let me think….ALPHA. He has the lethal stare, the immense physical presence, and is super good in bed – what else does a girl need? So what if he is not the best conversationalist? He does open up to Sara, more than he ever has to anyone else. He trusts Sara on a certain level, and his feelings for her totally overwhelm him. Besides his extreme cold exterior, he is a softy on the inside…way deep down. He waits for her at the bus stop, he would stop and do anything for their elderly landlord. Sara on the other hand can’t afford to let her guard down, but even her best defense can’t keep Quinn out.
There are some great twists in the plot at the end. At one point, Sara and Quinn get to a point where their relationship takes an ugly turn. They refuse to open up and tell the other what is going on, and then a mass miscommunication occurs, pitting them against each other. At this point, I knew the twist in the story was coming, and I knew it had to be solid for this split between them to work. Sara absolutely refused to tell Quinn anything about why she was on the run, and at some points, Quinn was almost begging. I didn’t see WHY she could not tell Quinn. When the twist comes, the big “aha” moment, I got it. I still don’t know if I one hundred percent believe into the fact that Sara would not have turned to Quinn earlier, but overall it makes sense and the ending is very satisfying.
In closing, Broken is the first book I have ever read by Shiloh Walker and I definitely want to kick myself for not reading her sooner. She not only writes a great tension filled story, but some of the absolute hottest, intense, emotional sex scenes I have read. And they are super naughty, my favorite kind.
Rating: 4.5/5
Sara may have had a nice life growing up, but her adult years have been terrifying and challenging. She is on the run from a man who wants to do her harm. She has been hiding for two years, and is exhausted. She never lets herself get to close to anyone for fear she will be discovered. But both of their lives are about to take a surprising turn when they become neighbors.
Broken is a book that has two characters so desperate and alone – they each have so many secrets. They want so badly to be able to trust each other, yet their awful pasts don’t allow that. Instead, they come together on a physical level, and their lovemaking becomes so raw and emotional, it is their outlet for all the bad that has surrounded them. They want to know about each other – they want to have a”normal” relationship, but their mental capacity is full and muddled with extracurricular things.
Quinn is intense, gruff, alpha, and let me think….ALPHA. He has the lethal stare, the immense physical presence, and is super good in bed – what else does a girl need? So what if he is not the best conversationalist? He does open up to Sara, more than he ever has to anyone else. He trusts Sara on a certain level, and his feelings for her totally overwhelm him. Besides his extreme cold exterior, he is a softy on the inside…way deep down. He waits for her at the bus stop, he would stop and do anything for their elderly landlord. Sara on the other hand can’t afford to let her guard down, but even her best defense can’t keep Quinn out.
There are some great twists in the plot at the end. At one point, Sara and Quinn get to a point where their relationship takes an ugly turn. They refuse to open up and tell the other what is going on, and then a mass miscommunication occurs, pitting them against each other. At this point, I knew the twist in the story was coming, and I knew it had to be solid for this split between them to work. Sara absolutely refused to tell Quinn anything about why she was on the run, and at some points, Quinn was almost begging. I didn’t see WHY she could not tell Quinn. When the twist comes, the big “aha” moment, I got it. I still don’t know if I one hundred percent believe into the fact that Sara would not have turned to Quinn earlier, but overall it makes sense and the ending is very satisfying.
In closing, Broken is the first book I have ever read by Shiloh Walker and I definitely want to kick myself for not reading her sooner. She not only writes a great tension filled story, but some of the absolute hottest, intense, emotional sex scenes I have read. And they are super naughty, my favorite kind.
Rating: 4.5/5
January 25, 2010
I cannot think of a better title for this book. The protagonist Quinn Rafferty has one of those childhood gone bad past. His mother is a drug addict and an alcoholic who beats him for trying to go to school, for reading and just for being alive. He was also emotionally battered, reading that part of him was close to unbearable, I hate reading kids being beat up by their parents, thankfully it wasn't that long. His mother died from drug overdose (no surprise there) while in the police station he found himself staring at another boy that looks like him, only this boy wears clean clothes and expensive shoes. He's got a twin and his name is Luke, and his father found him. Twenty years later he has become a bounty hunter. He especially caters to those bastards who gets a knack out of beating their wife / girlfriend or their kid.
Sara the other half in this story, pretty impressive character. She is a strong woman with great personality and is logically sound even after everything that has happened to her. Sara is currently a waitress, she's been on the run for two years, moving from town to town, not staying for more than 3 months in a specific place. She can't afford it, she can't stop being paranoid and she can't trust anybody, until she met this elderly woman at the diner where she's working and offer her an apartment better than the one she's living in at that moment. Little did she know that there is one awesome incentive waiting for her.
Sara and Quinn's first glimpse of each other was full of tension right away. It will kill you. LOL. Walker built up an exciting anticipation on what will happen to this two characters once they get acquainted emotionally and physically. The tension was like a seduction for me. I kept on reading, not only looking forward to the sex scenes (which was hot as expected) but towards the revelation of Sara's past. I wasn't sure at first if two tormented people can really help each other. Sara and especially Quinn have a long history of emotional turmoil that I don't even think any one can help. Usually, the horrors and tortures from their past leaves them lonely and borderline psycho but when these two got close to each other the wounds seems to close and open up to a new and brighter morning. It was especially nice when Quinn woke up that one morning and he felt contentment.
Shiloh Walker virgin here, and I love this book and I love her writing style so I went out to buy more of her books. I wonder is Luke's story is as good as Quinn's? I have a heart for bad and dangerous boys, Luke doesn't seem to be the type. I have to find out.
Broken is a book full of intense situations. A tale that tells how bad things happen to good people. Their amazing struggle to keep their sanity, survival, hope and love. Exciting, lust worthy, and gripping. Definitely have to be on your tbr list.
Sara the other half in this story, pretty impressive character. She is a strong woman with great personality and is logically sound even after everything that has happened to her. Sara is currently a waitress, she's been on the run for two years, moving from town to town, not staying for more than 3 months in a specific place. She can't afford it, she can't stop being paranoid and she can't trust anybody, until she met this elderly woman at the diner where she's working and offer her an apartment better than the one she's living in at that moment. Little did she know that there is one awesome incentive waiting for her.
Sara and Quinn's first glimpse of each other was full of tension right away. It will kill you. LOL. Walker built up an exciting anticipation on what will happen to this two characters once they get acquainted emotionally and physically. The tension was like a seduction for me. I kept on reading, not only looking forward to the sex scenes (which was hot as expected) but towards the revelation of Sara's past. I wasn't sure at first if two tormented people can really help each other. Sara and especially Quinn have a long history of emotional turmoil that I don't even think any one can help. Usually, the horrors and tortures from their past leaves them lonely and borderline psycho but when these two got close to each other the wounds seems to close and open up to a new and brighter morning. It was especially nice when Quinn woke up that one morning and he felt contentment.
Shiloh Walker virgin here, and I love this book and I love her writing style so I went out to buy more of her books. I wonder is Luke's story is as good as Quinn's? I have a heart for bad and dangerous boys, Luke doesn't seem to be the type. I have to find out.
Broken is a book full of intense situations. A tale that tells how bad things happen to good people. Their amazing struggle to keep their sanity, survival, hope and love. Exciting, lust worthy, and gripping. Definitely have to be on your tbr list.
![Profile Image for Michelle [Helen Geek].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1448463806i%2F5557851._CR0%2C13%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
October 4, 2012
10/04/2012 Full Review Posted on: http://www.2GeekGirlsReviewBooks.com
Overall Rating = 3.5 Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb = 4 / 3 = total of 3.5 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 4 Stars
Character Development = 4 Stars
Story Appreciation = 4.5 Stars
Worth the Chili = 2 Stars [a book loan, but is $12.99 Amazon and Barnes & Noble] whacked!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
05/28/2011 Still have not read a Shiloh Walker book. Putting this on my TBR, but it is $13 on Amazon for an eBook - WHAT! And, also not available via library loan. So, I'll be waiting a while! Entirely the principle of the matter .. !
Overall Rating = 3.5 Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb = 4 / 3 = total of 3.5 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 4 Stars
Character Development = 4 Stars
Story Appreciation = 4.5 Stars
Worth the Chili = 2 Stars [a book loan, but is $12.99 Amazon and Barnes & Noble] whacked!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
05/28/2011 Still have not read a Shiloh Walker book. Putting this on my TBR, but it is $13 on Amazon for an eBook - WHAT! And, also not available via library loan. So, I'll be waiting a while! Entirely the principle of the matter .. !
August 8, 2010
Some conflicts were not logical or consistent with feelings. Too much pondering and inner monologuing. Not enough action.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
My biggest problem was the plot. Sara is on the run from an abusive man for two reasons. One of the reasons was logical, the other made no sense. The author should have stuck with the first reason. Quinn works for a private detective agency and hates abusers. Quinn and Sara meet and fall in love. Later Quinn is given a missing persons case which shows Sara as the missing person. He shows this to Sara and asks why. He tells her he wants to help. She won’t let him. She won’t tell him anything for most of the rest of the book. That bothered me. Later she is angry and saying to herself “why couldn’t he have just trusted me enough to ask? Instead of assuming the very worst, right off the bat, why couldn’t he have asked what was going on?” (page 243). He did, but she wouldn’t answer him. I wanted to shake her and say what’s wrong with you. Tell him. He knows much of it already. Anyway, I felt like she was making up a reason to be mad at him. My second problem: many of their conflicts are based on not following feelings and inaccurate assumptions about each other (two of my pet peeves). For example, when Quinn tells Sara he loves her, her response is “you can’t love me.” Then she avoids him for a much too long period of time which doesn’t fit her feelings (which are being in love with him). That did not interest me.
My third problem was too much pondering and inner monologuing by both Quinn and Sara throughout the book. It felt like filler. I wanted more action. I was tired of hearing Sara saying over and over again to herself how she didn’t want to get attached.
I wanted more details about Don, Alison, and another female during and at the end of the story. I wanted more information about the person sending text messages to Sara. How was the texter getting information and why so vague with the text message “trouble?” Sara should have called and clarified what that meant, so that she could make a better decision of what to do and where to go.
An annoying minor problem (the publisher’s fault): the cover guy has what appears to be a crew-cut. Quinn has shoulder length blondish hair.
On the positive side, I liked the two characters a lot. Quinn was the wounded warrior type. As a child, he was abused by his mother. Now he works as a bounty hunter and gets satisfaction by putting abusers and scum into jail. I liked Sara’s strength in her plans and responses to an abuser. The plot twist at the end was interesting. The sex scenes had some good emotion and heat.
STORY BRIEF:
Sara is on the run, living in cheap apartments, and working as a waitress for cash wages. She moves often. She has frequent dreams about a man saying he’s going to kill her. Quinn is a bounty hunter working for a private detective agency. He rents the basement apartment from Theresa, a kindly elderly lady. Theresa overhears Sara asking about apartments for rent and offers Sara a room in her home. Sara takes it. Living in the same house, Sara and Quinn meet and fall in love. She doesn’t ask him what he does because she doesn’t want him to reciprocate by asking questions of her. He senses this and doesn’t ask.
DATA:
Story length: 327 pages. Swearing language: strong. Sexual language: strong. Number of sex scenes: 7. Estimated number of sex scene pages: 23. Setting: current day mostly St. Louis and Chicago. Copyright: 2010. Genre: romantic suspense.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
My biggest problem was the plot. Sara is on the run from an abusive man for two reasons. One of the reasons was logical, the other made no sense. The author should have stuck with the first reason. Quinn works for a private detective agency and hates abusers. Quinn and Sara meet and fall in love. Later Quinn is given a missing persons case which shows Sara as the missing person. He shows this to Sara and asks why. He tells her he wants to help. She won’t let him. She won’t tell him anything for most of the rest of the book. That bothered me. Later she is angry and saying to herself “why couldn’t he have just trusted me enough to ask? Instead of assuming the very worst, right off the bat, why couldn’t he have asked what was going on?” (page 243). He did, but she wouldn’t answer him. I wanted to shake her and say what’s wrong with you. Tell him. He knows much of it already. Anyway, I felt like she was making up a reason to be mad at him. My second problem: many of their conflicts are based on not following feelings and inaccurate assumptions about each other (two of my pet peeves). For example, when Quinn tells Sara he loves her, her response is “you can’t love me.” Then she avoids him for a much too long period of time which doesn’t fit her feelings (which are being in love with him). That did not interest me.
My third problem was too much pondering and inner monologuing by both Quinn and Sara throughout the book. It felt like filler. I wanted more action. I was tired of hearing Sara saying over and over again to herself how she didn’t want to get attached.
I wanted more details about Don, Alison, and another female during and at the end of the story. I wanted more information about the person sending text messages to Sara. How was the texter getting information and why so vague with the text message “trouble?” Sara should have called and clarified what that meant, so that she could make a better decision of what to do and where to go.
An annoying minor problem (the publisher’s fault): the cover guy has what appears to be a crew-cut. Quinn has shoulder length blondish hair.
On the positive side, I liked the two characters a lot. Quinn was the wounded warrior type. As a child, he was abused by his mother. Now he works as a bounty hunter and gets satisfaction by putting abusers and scum into jail. I liked Sara’s strength in her plans and responses to an abuser. The plot twist at the end was interesting. The sex scenes had some good emotion and heat.
STORY BRIEF:
Sara is on the run, living in cheap apartments, and working as a waitress for cash wages. She moves often. She has frequent dreams about a man saying he’s going to kill her. Quinn is a bounty hunter working for a private detective agency. He rents the basement apartment from Theresa, a kindly elderly lady. Theresa overhears Sara asking about apartments for rent and offers Sara a room in her home. Sara takes it. Living in the same house, Sara and Quinn meet and fall in love. She doesn’t ask him what he does because she doesn’t want him to reciprocate by asking questions of her. He senses this and doesn’t ask.
DATA:
Story length: 327 pages. Swearing language: strong. Sexual language: strong. Number of sex scenes: 7. Estimated number of sex scene pages: 23. Setting: current day mostly St. Louis and Chicago. Copyright: 2010. Genre: romantic suspense.
August 24, 2010
Can I just say that Quinn is THE MAN?!
Broken is about Quinn, Luke's brother from Fragile, and Sara. Right from the beginning you know this is going to be a great book. Quinn's early history starts the book, which gives you a look into his life as an abused child of an alcoholic, drug abusing mother. To say "he has issues" might be putting it lightly. Luckily he was reunited with his father and twin brother (his mother had kidnapped him from the hospital at birth) fairly early in his young teens and went on to a career in the Army Rangers. He's now out and working as a bounty hunter/finder of missing persons in St Louis. But again, he still has issues with trust and being close to people, even his twin brother. Quinn is the definition of "loner".
Sara has been on the run for 2 years. WHY is a huge part of the book that I won't divulge. She meets Quinn when she moves into a garage apt where Quinn also lives (in a basement apt). The attraction is instant and mutual. Their love scenes both in and out of bed are insanely hot and tortuously emotional. Both are holding back on completely trusting the other, both are not revealing things which would derail ANY relationship. I felt so much empathy for Quinn, never having known love and not knowing if he could or should trust Sara, even when he desperately wanted to. Sara is an awesome woman, living on the run, always looking over her shoulder but "just this once" she decides to take a chance and live a little with Quinn. Before she knows what's hit her, she's in over her head and heart in love with Quinn.
The story is well paced and while I thought the actual reason behind why Sara was running wasn't quite so terrifying as it was made out to be, it still was a daunting prospect for any woman to live with. I wanted her to trust and confide in Quinn so badly and I thought that aspect of the story could have been written differently. Quinn is definitely old school in his need to protect and love, even though he's unsure of what love actually feels like. He's in it (love) long before he realizes it. I know some reviews thought the ending was a little too dramatic, but I liked it and thought it was probably more true to life than if they had just fallen into each others arms and lives happily ever after. There IS an HEA and it fits with both characters personalities. Its not wine and roses but its THEM, to a T.
If you're looking for a gritty, consuming and romantic read that's a little off the norm, I'd definitely recommend this. It is a sequel but can be read on its own with no problem following the story.
Broken is about Quinn, Luke's brother from Fragile, and Sara. Right from the beginning you know this is going to be a great book. Quinn's early history starts the book, which gives you a look into his life as an abused child of an alcoholic, drug abusing mother. To say "he has issues" might be putting it lightly. Luckily he was reunited with his father and twin brother (his mother had kidnapped him from the hospital at birth) fairly early in his young teens and went on to a career in the Army Rangers. He's now out and working as a bounty hunter/finder of missing persons in St Louis. But again, he still has issues with trust and being close to people, even his twin brother. Quinn is the definition of "loner".
Sara has been on the run for 2 years. WHY is a huge part of the book that I won't divulge. She meets Quinn when she moves into a garage apt where Quinn also lives (in a basement apt). The attraction is instant and mutual. Their love scenes both in and out of bed are insanely hot and tortuously emotional. Both are holding back on completely trusting the other, both are not revealing things which would derail ANY relationship. I felt so much empathy for Quinn, never having known love and not knowing if he could or should trust Sara, even when he desperately wanted to. Sara is an awesome woman, living on the run, always looking over her shoulder but "just this once" she decides to take a chance and live a little with Quinn. Before she knows what's hit her, she's in over her head and heart in love with Quinn.
The story is well paced and while I thought the actual reason behind why Sara was running wasn't quite so terrifying as it was made out to be, it still was a daunting prospect for any woman to live with. I wanted her to trust and confide in Quinn so badly and I thought that aspect of the story could have been written differently. Quinn is definitely old school in his need to protect and love, even though he's unsure of what love actually feels like. He's in it (love) long before he realizes it. I know some reviews thought the ending was a little too dramatic, but I liked it and thought it was probably more true to life than if they had just fallen into each others arms and lives happily ever after. There IS an HEA and it fits with both characters personalities. Its not wine and roses but its THEM, to a T.
If you're looking for a gritty, consuming and romantic read that's a little off the norm, I'd definitely recommend this. It is a sequel but can be read on its own with no problem following the story.
March 19, 2010
I recently discovered Shiloh Walker as an author, and let me tell you, she's quickly becoming one of my favorites.
Even though Broken is a sequel to Fragile, I do think it would stand well on its own.
Quinn is just delicious. I do adore my tortured heroes *swoon* I also really liked Sara, and how hard it was for her knowing she shouldn't stay but desperately wanting to anyway.
The romance was sizzling. The chemistry between Quinn and Sara was simply to die for. However, sensitive readers should be aware that there is a scene involving explicit back door action. I do hope, however, that even those who don't like that sort of thing in novels will just skip over that part, because the rest of the book is truly worth it.
I was very pleasantly surprised at the twisty end. I had it partially figured out but not completely, and when the truth was revealed, I truly smacked my forehead because looking back, Ms. Walker had done such a fantastic job of planting the clues all along and yet my mind still failed to come to the correct conclusion.
Five Stars
Even though Broken is a sequel to Fragile, I do think it would stand well on its own.
Quinn is just delicious. I do adore my tortured heroes *swoon* I also really liked Sara, and how hard it was for her knowing she shouldn't stay but desperately wanting to anyway.
The romance was sizzling. The chemistry between Quinn and Sara was simply to die for. However, sensitive readers should be aware that there is a scene involving explicit back door action. I do hope, however, that even those who don't like that sort of thing in novels will just skip over that part, because the rest of the book is truly worth it.
I was very pleasantly surprised at the twisty end. I had it partially figured out but not completely, and when the truth was revealed, I truly smacked my forehead because looking back, Ms. Walker had done such a fantastic job of planting the clues all along and yet my mind still failed to come to the correct conclusion.
Five Stars
September 22, 2014
Sooo this is the story of Quinn and Sarah. I was kinda leery of Quinn in Fragile which is Luke's book. Quinn came off as so quite and so cold that it made me wonder what would he be like to fall in love and have some of that ice melt. Wow boy did he melt. But I have to say at one point near the end he became angry and Quinn angry isn't pretty. There is no yelling , just so cold.
This book was not action packed like his twin brothers book Fragile. Nope but there was mystery about Sarah and what she was running from. I thought that I had it figured out but in the end I was wrong. The ending there wasn't any real climax where I was holding my breath. But there was plenty of hurt and assumptions that lead to that hurt. Trust was something that both these characters didn't have and that's what hurt them the most in the end. I loved the end and was so glad that there was a little bit of Devon and Luke in there was well. It was really great to see that brotherly bond strengthen by the end. It did my heart good to read about Quinn finally being happy. Poor guy needed it so badly.
This book was not action packed like his twin brothers book Fragile. Nope but there was mystery about Sarah and what she was running from. I thought that I had it figured out but in the end I was wrong. The ending there wasn't any real climax where I was holding my breath. But there was plenty of hurt and assumptions that lead to that hurt. Trust was something that both these characters didn't have and that's what hurt them the most in the end. I loved the end and was so glad that there was a little bit of Devon and Luke in there was well. It was really great to see that brotherly bond strengthen by the end. It did my heart good to read about Quinn finally being happy. Poor guy needed it so badly.
March 7, 2011
I was sooo enjoying this book. I loved Quinn, Luke’s brother from Fragile, and wanted him to find someone who could help him overcome all the bad he encountered in his past. This poor guy needed some happiness and he found it in Sara. Terrific couple, hot and steamy together. Quinn was everything I’d hoped he be. He had his dark side, but deep down inside he was a softie, or maybe he was a hardie…LOL…who liked sex, lots and lots of sex. Hot damn. Sara is keeping a secret, but she can’t tell. Pages of “trust me Sara, tell me Sara, I can help you Sara”…”no Quinn it’s too complicated, I can’t, you wouldn’t understand”. Okay please tell us, please, please please…………Say what? This is where the book fell flat. Yes, the circumstances that led Sara to do what she did where dire, but no explosive conclusion like we had in Fragile. Quinn did not get his due and it was disappointing. He was hero material, and all that muscle and angst gone to waste. So sad. Still it was a good book and maybe it’s just after reading Fragile I expected more. Would have loved an epilogue too.
May 8, 2011
3.5 stars. I seem to have had exactly the opposite response to this book as other reviewers. (Yeah, what else is new.) Most critiques seem to be of the heroine, Sara, whereas I was annoyed by the hero, Quinn. I thought he was illogical, inconsistent and TSTL. Sara's mistrust of him seemed spot on, far more deserved and reasonable than his mistrust of her.
It might have worked better if we'd seen that his tragic past was influencing him, but after giving us the complete build-up of his backstory, Walker pretty much drops it.
On the plus side, he falls in love wonderfully and suffers mightily, so I did still enjoy the romance. And some idiocies in the plot were balanced by some good surprises.
It might have worked better if we'd seen that his tragic past was influencing him, but after giving us the complete build-up of his backstory, Walker pretty much drops it.
On the plus side, he falls in love wonderfully and suffers mightily, so I did still enjoy the romance. And some idiocies in the plot were balanced by some good surprises.
January 22, 2011
Why are there never any good cover models? I keep having to go find me a nice visual. Searching is fun though. Heehee Uh-oh, husband coming...gotta hurry......this is QUINN!
June 19, 2010
The minute I heard about Quinn he didn’t ask but he demanded my attention. He didn’t care I had other books that were in line to be read, he simply appeared on my radar and demanded I read his story at once. So the instant I had BROKEN on my shelves it had a magnetic pull on me and as I opened up the book I got so much more then I bargained for.
If I thought I knew what to expect from Quinn’s story as I read FRAGILE, I had another thing coming. Quinn is the kind of character that got under my skin so fast, he triggered my emotions from the get-go and I fell for him hard. Yet it is in BROKEN where I truly found him, where I got to understand him on every intimate level that hook, line and sinker me for his story. Quinn isn’t the kind of man who desires to be a hero, he knows his flaws way to well for that! Nonetheless there are actions that speak of a kindness and he has an innate sense of right and wrong that make him a man of worth. He is blunt, gruff, dark and a bit twisty inside but underneath it all a heart beats in yearning to be loved. It is the sum of all his character traits that made him the kind of character who has my heart beating faster and who makes me want it all for him.
It is very soon in the story where Quinn wasn’t only one who was demanding my attention because, once again, I met a female who stunned me with her tenacity and resilience. Sara is a woman of secrets, of quirks and keeps mostly to herself. She appealed to my curious side and I wanted to know what she was hiding from the other characters. There were mysterious phone calls, a certain pattern of behavior, mixed signals; at one moment she seems vulnerable and at other moments she seems a warrior woman. She intrigued me as a person but her chemistry with Quinn is what blew me away.
Because of the fact they both have a back-story that scarred them there is lack of trust, but the pull towards each other is inevitable as a sunrise or the tide. It is a blooming of feelings and sexual tension, it is the bump and grind of personalities that sizzle every time they meet, it is a dance of giving and receiving though keeping your most inner core guarded. They are flawed but they see and recognize something in the other that irrevocably forges a bond between them. This developing relationship had my emotions soaring. I wasn’t just reading a story; their personalities absorbed me as their story unfolded, I was feeling the intensity in every dialogue, in every shared moment, and Shiloh Walker just kept feeding it all via her writing style.
There is a particular booth scene that got my blood pumping and showcased the excellent sexual tension humming between Quinn and Sara. Quinn’s idea of flirting may not be subtle but when he has his eyes on a woman, that woman will know it at one point! For me Quinn and Sara rocked this story but there is also a mystery to unravel. The suspense might not give the kind of danger where an unknown enemy is close by creating havoc, in BROKEN I feel the secrets created a subtle eerie and personal angst. I had all the info so it wasn’t the surprise of revealing the enemy that caught me off guard, it was of a much more personal nature. Of course Shiloh Walker did it again to keep me in the dark until the moment it was all explained, having me understand it all in the final moments of this story.
Before I knew it the last pages were read, the ending read like it was a new beginning of sorts and the only minor beef I have with BROKEN is the fact I hungered for an epilogue. I would have given Shiloh Walker a triple chocolate pie for an epilogue. A moment in future time where I could get a last glimpse of Quinn and Sara as they were at the end of this novel. It doesn’t diminish the fact that BROKEN delivered it all for me; characters who leap of the pages with incomparable personalities, emotional depth in the romance, titillating passion and a plot that was surprising as it was engaging. I just had my second five star read of 2010 and I’m already lurking in Shiloh Walker’s backlist for more of her novels.
If I thought I knew what to expect from Quinn’s story as I read FRAGILE, I had another thing coming. Quinn is the kind of character that got under my skin so fast, he triggered my emotions from the get-go and I fell for him hard. Yet it is in BROKEN where I truly found him, where I got to understand him on every intimate level that hook, line and sinker me for his story. Quinn isn’t the kind of man who desires to be a hero, he knows his flaws way to well for that! Nonetheless there are actions that speak of a kindness and he has an innate sense of right and wrong that make him a man of worth. He is blunt, gruff, dark and a bit twisty inside but underneath it all a heart beats in yearning to be loved. It is the sum of all his character traits that made him the kind of character who has my heart beating faster and who makes me want it all for him.
It is very soon in the story where Quinn wasn’t only one who was demanding my attention because, once again, I met a female who stunned me with her tenacity and resilience. Sara is a woman of secrets, of quirks and keeps mostly to herself. She appealed to my curious side and I wanted to know what she was hiding from the other characters. There were mysterious phone calls, a certain pattern of behavior, mixed signals; at one moment she seems vulnerable and at other moments she seems a warrior woman. She intrigued me as a person but her chemistry with Quinn is what blew me away.
Because of the fact they both have a back-story that scarred them there is lack of trust, but the pull towards each other is inevitable as a sunrise or the tide. It is a blooming of feelings and sexual tension, it is the bump and grind of personalities that sizzle every time they meet, it is a dance of giving and receiving though keeping your most inner core guarded. They are flawed but they see and recognize something in the other that irrevocably forges a bond between them. This developing relationship had my emotions soaring. I wasn’t just reading a story; their personalities absorbed me as their story unfolded, I was feeling the intensity in every dialogue, in every shared moment, and Shiloh Walker just kept feeding it all via her writing style.
There is a particular booth scene that got my blood pumping and showcased the excellent sexual tension humming between Quinn and Sara. Quinn’s idea of flirting may not be subtle but when he has his eyes on a woman, that woman will know it at one point! For me Quinn and Sara rocked this story but there is also a mystery to unravel. The suspense might not give the kind of danger where an unknown enemy is close by creating havoc, in BROKEN I feel the secrets created a subtle eerie and personal angst. I had all the info so it wasn’t the surprise of revealing the enemy that caught me off guard, it was of a much more personal nature. Of course Shiloh Walker did it again to keep me in the dark until the moment it was all explained, having me understand it all in the final moments of this story.
Before I knew it the last pages were read, the ending read like it was a new beginning of sorts and the only minor beef I have with BROKEN is the fact I hungered for an epilogue. I would have given Shiloh Walker a triple chocolate pie for an epilogue. A moment in future time where I could get a last glimpse of Quinn and Sara as they were at the end of this novel. It doesn’t diminish the fact that BROKEN delivered it all for me; characters who leap of the pages with incomparable personalities, emotional depth in the romance, titillating passion and a plot that was surprising as it was engaging. I just had my second five star read of 2010 and I’m already lurking in Shiloh Walker’s backlist for more of her novels.
May 2, 2018
2.75 stars
I don't know, didn't love this one like I did Luke's book. The whole 'suspense' angle in this fell really short and predictable for me, especially when comparing it with Book 1. I just really didn't care for the . Been there, done that. And it fell flat in comparison to the gritty dark premise and suspense that happened in Fragile. There is a twist and I will give it to Walker for the reveal here, it was quite clever, a little predictable, but still clever. The main thing that bothered me was the amount of time Walker spent having the hero and heroine freezing each other out. I just found it tiring and really silly especially how it was dragged on for sooooo long near the end. Like damn... talk about bullheaded. Both Quinn and Sara have secrets but regardless they still managed to be compassionate, patient, cute and loving until Quinn finds out the truth about Sara. All the sudden they go from sweet, sexy, understanding, to closed off, talking in circles, stone walling, too prideful to freaking TALK it through. I just had no patience for this. The number of times these two 'put on a blank mask' to shut the other out drove me up the wall. Like...ENOUGH.
It was like pulling teeth with these two near the end and made me honestly want to take a star off because of it. I was honestly psyched to read this because I fell hard for Quinn, the stoic, quiet monosyllabic twin who doesn't trust easily and had an awful horrific childhood. My heart broke for the little boy who had to hide his books from his lunatic abusive mother. Those flashbacks were brutal. Oy. But I felt with someone with his background and outright fear of trusting others I thought he fell for Sara a little too quickly. Just a little bit. And the whole trust thing becomes a huge issue between them, with good reason. But I felt the last 100 pages to be too much with the heroine digging her heels in and acting hurt & betrayed over something she did in return to Quinn but didn't want to see it. Her 'I don't need your help' stubbornness I found a little bratty as well. And not wanting to tell him anything because he questioned her after realizing she lied to him was stupid to me. I don't know I wanted to love Sara, she was kickass and didn't let anyone run over her but still, something was missing for me. I couldn't get a good feel of her through most of the story and that was most likely due to her keeping everything tightly close to the vest, with her being on the run and hiding and all. We finally get to know the real her, but it was a little too late for me, like the last 10 pages and it just didn't sync well. Because of that I didn't love them as a couple as much as I wanted to. I felt Quinn gave more even with his reservations and fears than Sara gave in return. And that little punching incident annoyed me. It was still a pretty steamy sexy read but story and relationship wise? Eh.
I don't know, didn't love this one like I did Luke's book. The whole 'suspense' angle in this fell really short and predictable for me, especially when comparing it with Book 1. I just really didn't care for the . Been there, done that. And it fell flat in comparison to the gritty dark premise and suspense that happened in Fragile. There is a twist and I will give it to Walker for the reveal here, it was quite clever, a little predictable, but still clever. The main thing that bothered me was the amount of time Walker spent having the hero and heroine freezing each other out. I just found it tiring and really silly especially how it was dragged on for sooooo long near the end. Like damn... talk about bullheaded. Both Quinn and Sara have secrets but regardless they still managed to be compassionate, patient, cute and loving until Quinn finds out the truth about Sara. All the sudden they go from sweet, sexy, understanding, to closed off, talking in circles, stone walling, too prideful to freaking TALK it through. I just had no patience for this. The number of times these two 'put on a blank mask' to shut the other out drove me up the wall. Like...ENOUGH.
It was like pulling teeth with these two near the end and made me honestly want to take a star off because of it. I was honestly psyched to read this because I fell hard for Quinn, the stoic, quiet monosyllabic twin who doesn't trust easily and had an awful horrific childhood. My heart broke for the little boy who had to hide his books from his lunatic abusive mother. Those flashbacks were brutal. Oy. But I felt with someone with his background and outright fear of trusting others I thought he fell for Sara a little too quickly. Just a little bit. And the whole trust thing becomes a huge issue between them, with good reason. But I felt the last 100 pages to be too much with the heroine digging her heels in and acting hurt & betrayed over something she did in return to Quinn but didn't want to see it. Her 'I don't need your help' stubbornness I found a little bratty as well. And not wanting to tell him anything because he questioned her after realizing she lied to him was stupid to me. I don't know I wanted to love Sara, she was kickass and didn't let anyone run over her but still, something was missing for me. I couldn't get a good feel of her through most of the story and that was most likely due to her keeping everything tightly close to the vest, with her being on the run and hiding and all. We finally get to know the real her, but it was a little too late for me, like the last 10 pages and it just didn't sync well. Because of that I didn't love them as a couple as much as I wanted to. I felt Quinn gave more even with his reservations and fears than Sara gave in return. And that little punching incident annoyed me. It was still a pretty steamy sexy read but story and relationship wise? Eh.
November 8, 2010
I've found another hero who contends with my all-time favorite, Hardy Cates (Lisa Kleypas' Blue Eyed Devil). That doesn't happen often, and I wouldn't lie about something that serious.
Quinn Rafferty, the rugged, tortured hero in Shiloh Walker's Broken (Rafferty #2), is a character I'm going to be thinking about for a long, long time. A strong man, with a heartbreaking past, he's just the kind of hero I love to love.
At the same time, heroine, Sara Davis, is just as strong, though that fact isn't driven home hard until the climax.
Sara has been on the run for two years, that much is clear. But the details of just what or who she's running from, are a mystery to even the reader until almost the very end of this book.
Sara's been in her most recent refuge; a dumpy apartment not fit for rats, when she's offered a safe place to stay by a nice older woman with a penchant for helping lost souls.
Quinn is battling his own demons when he meets his new housemate. He knows from the start that Sara is hiding a bag of secrets, but he can't seem to help the way he falls for her so quickly.
There is no lack of heat in this book. Shiloh Walker knows how to leave a reader panting, and she does it well in Broken. Particularly in one heated, almost angry scene toward the end, that I read twice, even though I was so eager to get to the end of the book.
One of the things I enjoyed most about Broken was the element of surprise it gave me throughout. There is such a major twist at the end, that I honestly was WAY off base with what I thought was actually going to happen, and just what secrets the heroine was hiding. It's been a while since I've read a book that throws me for such a huge loop, and I appreciated it!
As with any book I read, my requirement is HEA. I just don't do unhappy endings, and this one has a very satisfying ending. Broken is also high on angst, another element in fiction that I live for! I also pretty much only read things I know will have satisfyingly steamy loves scenes, so I thought it was funny that Shiloh Walker marked Broken as a "milder" book on her website. If the scenes in her other novels are half as hot as the scenes in Broken, well, she's just earned a huge fan, and can expect me to read her entire collection!
Quinn Rafferty, the rugged, tortured hero in Shiloh Walker's Broken (Rafferty #2), is a character I'm going to be thinking about for a long, long time. A strong man, with a heartbreaking past, he's just the kind of hero I love to love.
At the same time, heroine, Sara Davis, is just as strong, though that fact isn't driven home hard until the climax.
Sara has been on the run for two years, that much is clear. But the details of just what or who she's running from, are a mystery to even the reader until almost the very end of this book.
Sara's been in her most recent refuge; a dumpy apartment not fit for rats, when she's offered a safe place to stay by a nice older woman with a penchant for helping lost souls.
Quinn is battling his own demons when he meets his new housemate. He knows from the start that Sara is hiding a bag of secrets, but he can't seem to help the way he falls for her so quickly.
There is no lack of heat in this book. Shiloh Walker knows how to leave a reader panting, and she does it well in Broken. Particularly in one heated, almost angry scene toward the end, that I read twice, even though I was so eager to get to the end of the book.
One of the things I enjoyed most about Broken was the element of surprise it gave me throughout. There is such a major twist at the end, that I honestly was WAY off base with what I thought was actually going to happen, and just what secrets the heroine was hiding. It's been a while since I've read a book that throws me for such a huge loop, and I appreciated it!
As with any book I read, my requirement is HEA. I just don't do unhappy endings, and this one has a very satisfying ending. Broken is also high on angst, another element in fiction that I live for! I also pretty much only read things I know will have satisfyingly steamy loves scenes, so I thought it was funny that Shiloh Walker marked Broken as a "milder" book on her website. If the scenes in her other novels are half as hot as the scenes in Broken, well, she's just earned a huge fan, and can expect me to read her entire collection!
April 1, 2011
Hmmm. To say I’m disappointed would be an understatement. Because after “meeting” Quinn in Fragile, I was really looking forward to his story. I bet it would be great, gripping, intense, very Quinn-like. Because, well, it’s Quinn.
Unfortunately, it didn’t work out that way. Sure, I got a good dose of Quinn and Quinn-ness, but there wasn’t that much dwelling on his past, the army, the Elena incident, his bond with his twin. Instead I got a helping of an annoying heroine (a SW first for me). She was hiding something and wondering about it, coupled with those little flashbacks from her past was intriguing, providing a great little mystery. Sara was strong, resilient, smart etc.
Until Quinn discovered everything, and she did a complete about face and turned into a surly, whiny little bitch. She felt betrayed, she was angry, she was hurt that he didn’t trust her, didn’t believe her, jumped at his own conclusions. But she never stopped for a second to realize he didn’t have a choice in the matter. She didn’t give him a choice. She lied, she tried to run from him, she didn’t trust him. He wanted her to trust him. He wanted her to tell him the truth. He wanted to help her. And she wouldn’t let him, because he wounded her tender sensibilities by not believing her.
Sheesh, I really hate heroines like those. They can effectively ruin a book for me. And Sara succeeded in doing that in the second half of this book.
While the story was well-written, nicely-paced, and the plot strong, I just couldn’t get past that “little” hurdle with Sara. And the ending, though good, didn’t redeem her.
Unfortunately, it didn’t work out that way. Sure, I got a good dose of Quinn and Quinn-ness, but there wasn’t that much dwelling on his past, the army, the Elena incident, his bond with his twin. Instead I got a helping of an annoying heroine (a SW first for me). She was hiding something and wondering about it, coupled with those little flashbacks from her past was intriguing, providing a great little mystery. Sara was strong, resilient, smart etc.
Until Quinn discovered everything, and she did a complete about face and turned into a surly, whiny little bitch. She felt betrayed, she was angry, she was hurt that he didn’t trust her, didn’t believe her, jumped at his own conclusions. But she never stopped for a second to realize he didn’t have a choice in the matter. She didn’t give him a choice. She lied, she tried to run from him, she didn’t trust him. He wanted her to trust him. He wanted her to tell him the truth. He wanted to help her. And she wouldn’t let him, because he wounded her tender sensibilities by not believing her.
Sheesh, I really hate heroines like those. They can effectively ruin a book for me. And Sara succeeded in doing that in the second half of this book.
While the story was well-written, nicely-paced, and the plot strong, I just couldn’t get past that “little” hurdle with Sara. And the ending, though good, didn’t redeem her.
March 7, 2010
2.5 stars. Pretty standard romance fare. I picked this up initially because I've been searching for an author similar in style to Megan Hart. This isn't it. The characters were slightly more developed than you normally find in a romance book, both are pretty damaged and shut down (so you are lead to believe anyway) and the romance grows slowly. There was a scene or two that I actually felt some real emotion and heat coming from the characters. But what was good about it was ruined by the twist at the end which was so implausible that I couldn't stop rolling my eyes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews