Tuesday

Review : Shredded (Extreme Risk #1) by Tracy Wolff (CR)


Book Blurb

In this intense and exhilarating New Adult series debut, a hotshot snowboarder and a vulnerable rebel with a cause try to let go of the past—and find a future in each other.

Twenty-one-year-old professional snowboarder Z Michaels is the bad boy of Park City, Utah. He’s always had his pick of any girl in town—and on the competition circuit. But underneath his cool exterior is a young man in turmoil, trying to take the edge off tragedy by overindulging in sex and shredding the slopes. In fact, Z’s reckless behavior is a thinly veiled attempt to blunt his emotional suffering with physical pain.

Ophelia Richardson isn’t like any girl Z has ever met. Though she’s from New Orleans high society, she’s no Southern belle—and she’s not shy about being miserable in frozen, godforsaken Park City. But laying low is her only option after her ex, a rich boy who couldn’t take no for an answer, nearly killed her in a jealous rage. Following that terrifying encounter, the last thing Ophelia needs is a boyfriend—especially one as rich and arrogant as Z. But Ophelia soon discovers that he isn’t what he seems. If anything, Z may be even more damaged than she is.

Tormented by their pasts and feeling alone in the world, Z and Ophelia find a connection unlike any they’ve ever known. But with Ophelia hiding the details of her life in Louisiana and Z’s death wish reaching terrifying new heights, their relationship seems to be going downhill before it even begins—unless they can find the strength in each other to trust, grow, and love again.


Toot's Review by Stacy Sabala

In this Extreme Risk Novel, Ophelia moved to Park City, Utah from New Orleans. She is trying to heal from a tragedy in her life. She prefers to stay to herself and make it through day to day.

Z Michaels is a famous snowboarder who is major trouble. He is with a different girl almost daily and his cockiness is legendary. He walks in to the cafĂ© where Ophelia works and is drawn to her. He bides his time to approach her so he can savor it. Their first meeting is less than stellar. Ophelia refuses to be drawn in by his charm. However, Z finds himself liking her sassiness and take no shit attitude. He can’t get her out of his head.

Ophelia knows what type of guy Z is. He is an adrenaline junky and she has already been there and done that. He has no regard for his personal safety and she refuses to go back to that.

Z doesn’t want to care for her. He doesn’t deserve her. He knows what he is. Yet he continuously has this urge to protect her. He worries about her, even though it is the last thing he wants. He even tries to fight it at first.

Ophelia knows that Z is broken. She sees signs in him that she sees in herself. She starts letting him in, not because of his ability or charm, but from his kindness. It is completely unexpected and she is blindsided by it. She knows few people see this side of Z. She has to decide if see can handle his reckless behavior and his past as well as her own. Z has to decide whether he is worthy of her love and go for what he wants.

This book was almost heartbreaking. You have two main characters who are both broken and view themselves through the enormous amount of guilt as unworthy. It was sweet that they found each other. It was difficult, however, to watch them fight it. They both excel at running from their issues instead of facing them. Their behavior was almost borderline annoying. The author tortures the reader with the chemistry that Z and Ophelia have then let their fears get in the way. I really wanted to smack Ophelia on more than one occasion. So when Cam confronted her I cheered. She needed some sense knocked into her. It was a bumpy ride but I give it a 4 out of 5.

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