I read about Shiloh Walker’s work before I started blogging as every so often I would get a recommendation from Amazon for one of her books. However, for some reason, I am very late to the party and “Broken” is the first book written by Ms. Walker that I have read, it definitely will not be my last.Broken
As the story opens Ms. Walker gives readers a look at what “Quinn Rafferty’s”, life was like as a frightened child who lived with a physically and verbally abusive alcoholic and drug addicted mother. Trapped in the depth of poverty and despair he seeks refuge from time to time at the local youth shelter for an occasional meal and a place to sleep. When his mother dies of an overdose, Quinn’s father is finally contacted and he goes to live with him and his twin brother Luke on a ranch. Patrick Rafferty is a good man and does his best with his very angry, at times belligerent, and emotionally damaged son.
Fast forward 20 years and Quinn is an Army Ranger on a mission in Columbia dealing with the tragic loss under horrific circumstances of a woman he loved. Quinn blames himself for the circumstances surrounding her death. When he finishes his tour with the military he settles in St. Louis for a time and takes work as a bail bondsman with a private detective agency. Quinn has tremendous emotional baggage, he doesn’t trust people easily, has difficulty communicating and after losing the woman he loved in Columbia has not become involved in a relationship. He has however been befriended by Theresa Kingston, a lovely older woman who owns a house in a decent part of town with a basement apartment that Quinn rents.
“Sara Davis’s” life is in chaos, on the run for 2 years from “James Morgan” a wealthy, despicable, violent man who takes pleasure in controlling, beating and threatening the women in his life. Sara has nothing but the clothes on her back and the cash she earns from a job waiting tables. She is constantly on the move, living from day to day waiting for the call from a ‘mystery caller’ who gives a ‘report’ and signals it’s time to move on again. Theresa befriends Sara too and after some impassioned discussion persuades her to rent the upper flat in her house. This is where Sara meets Quinn and there is an instantaneous sexual attraction that flares and combusts between them.
Neither of these people give their trust easily nor are they looking for a relationship. Quinn is a member of humanity’s ‘walking wounded’, and Sara is constantly wary, ready to take flight from her tormentor at a moment’s notice. Quinn finds communication about himself or his feelings a painful exercise, but something about Sara makes talking easier for him.
Quinn and Sara cannot resist their mutual attraction and after some awkward first ‘chats’ and encounters they become intimate. I found both of these characters to be very lonely and in need of the company and warmth of another human being as much as a physical relationship. The sensuality that Ms. Walker pens into the love scenes between Quinn and Sara is intense and lovely. Neither of these people share their secrets but they connect through touch, a look, quiet conversation and making love. Their relationship intensifies and just as Quinn feels ready to admit his strong feelings for Sara her phone rings signaling that she must flee once more, forcing her to leave him behind.
Sara doesn’t know what Quinn does for a living and right at the time of her call, he learns something unexpected and devastating about Sara, a woman he has come to love. This leads to a heartbreaking scene where both suffer loss of trust in the other. I was left wondering how Ms. Walker was going to resolve what seemed like insurmountable issues and bring the hero and heroine of this story together.
Ms. Walker pens a surprising plot twist and climax to Quinn and Sara’s story that was thrilling as well as suspenseful. At the end of the day, I wasn’t disappointed.
I found “Broken” to be an emotional, sensual, suspenseful contemporary romance about two lost and quite tortured souls who find each other and happiness. If you enjoy Shiloh Walker’s work or a novel with this type of theme you may like to give “Broken” a try. I know I will read this book again and can’t wait to read “Fragile”.
Heat Level: Explosive. Sensual and sexually explicit.
My Rating: A Keeper – 5+ stars, I loved this novel.
I won this ARC of Broken at Shiloh Walker’s blog and am very grateful.
Oh dear, I have five or six of her books on my TBR shelves. Must get to them, huh?!
I sure loved this one Chris. I have "Chains" in the stacks and couple of her e-books too.
I'm moving them all up but want to read "Fragile", I'm going to buy it despite my oath to not buy any more books.. lol
What an amazing review Lea! I have read Shiloh's "Hunter" series, but not any of her comtemporaries. I'll definitely be picking this one up though, it sounds like something I'd really enjoy!
I mean *contemporaries* of course!
I think I need more coffee, lol!
Great review Lea,
You make me wanna give Shiloh's books a go
Hi Cheryl!
Thank you for your nice comment. If you do read Broken, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. I like emotional well crafted stories like this one, Ms. Walker can sure tug the heartstrings!!
Best
L
Thanks B:
I'm glad you liked the review. If you do try her work I hope you like it too..
L
Glad you enjoyed it, Lea! Thanks for the review!
Hi Shiloh:
You're welcome.
Thank you for sharing with me.
L
I haven't read anything by Ms. Walker yet. This book is getting GREAT reviews, but I think it's the 2nd book in a series so I have to read the first book first.
Hi Patti:
Fragile is "Luke's" book – Quinn's twin brother. I haven't read it, but had no problem reading this one in isolation. Luke and his wife play a role in the plot but it is supportive so I don't think you'd miss anything by reading this one first.
That being said. I'm heading to the bookstore tomorrow to purchase "Fragile".. lol
Thanks so much!
Wow, can't say no to a review like that! I have a TBR pile that could last years but I'll be caving and buying this, too. It's an addiction but a good kind
This is a terrific review, Lea. Shiloh had a big influence on me in regard to writing erotic romance. The contrast of her elegant prose and raw content always struck me as very powerful. I read a lot of her early stuff at EC and really loved it. She's not just writing hot stories, she's portraying deep emotion.
I can't wait for the day when I can sit on a beach and devour her newer stuff. Thanks for the excellent recommendation.
I've heard a lot of good things about this book and it's already on my TBB list.
Great review Lea!! I can't wait to get my hands on this one.
MsM
Hi Lea!
oh, you lucky girl – you've already read it!! I can't wait to get my hands on Broken
thanks for your review!
greetings,
Ina
Hi Lea!
I have at least one of her books in my stacks, but as yet haven't read anything by her. I'm putting Fragile and Broken on my list, ever burgeoning as it is and adding to the stacks. But I can't help myself, I believe that's why it's called an addiction…. What another couple of books??
Thanks for a great review!!
Dottie
Hi ScorpioM:
Thank you so much! You are speaking to a fellow addict so no need to explain!! lol
I'm going to be adding "Fragile" to my "alps".. *g*
L
Oh, thanks so much Beth, I so appreciate your feedback. Ms. Walker's prose is indeed lovely and she has a way of communicating her character's introspective thoughts that is deeply touching.
Best
L
Hi Ms.M.
I hope you enjoy "Broken" if you read it. As I said, special one for me..
Thank you!
Hi Ina!!
Thank you for your comment, I so appreciate it. I hope you enjoy Broken too!!
Hey there Dottie!!
Thank you! What is one more added to the mountain eh?? lol
((hugs))
L
Oh I just love it when someone else falls in love with a fave author's writing. Shiloh writes deeply emotional, erotically exciting stories that make me sigh when I'm done. I'm so glad you enjoyed Broken. Now I can shut up about her books LOL.
LOL Mary:
Well, now we can gush about her work together because I plan to read "Fragile" soon.
Thank you so much!!
L
I have read "Fragile" and it is terrific!! Please don't miss it. I can't wait to read "Broken"!! Shiloh's books rock!!
Enjoyed the review of Broken and it looks an interesting read Lea. I haven't read anything by Shiloh Walker, need to keep her in mind.
Hi Martha!
I went to the book store this morning but they didn't have "Fragile" in so I'm going to order it online shortly!
I hope you enjoy "Broken"! Thanks for your note.
L
Hi Donna!
Thank you, she writes paranormal too, so you may find that sub-genre more to your liking.
So great to see your note.
Best
L
Fragile was so freakin' awesome. You have got to read that one. How many more days now until Broken? Pacing, pacing, pacing….. I can't wait until I get my hands on Quinn.
Hi Artemis!!
Broken releases on Tuesday! I've ordered Fragile and can't wait to read it.
I hope you enjoy Broken as much as I did!!
Thank you for your comment.
L