Title: The Fractured Heart
Series: Second Circle Tattoos Book #2
Author: Scarlett Cole
Publisher: Swerve
Published Date: January 5, 2016
**I received a copy of this book, from the publisher via Netgalley, in exchange for a honest review.**
All things, when placed under pressure, eventually break or leave a mark.
Tattoo artist Brody "Cujo" Matthews knows how to keep things simple. In life and in love. Abandoned as a child by a mother who refused to stick around to raise three boys she didn't want, he's intent on staying clear of complicated women. The only things complicated in Cujo’s life are the killer tattoos he designs and inks. That all changes when he’s asked to help organize his best friend Trent's engagement party, which means working with Trent's fiancée's best friend, Drea, the definition of high maintenance and sizzling curves. And the one woman he doesn’t want to walk away from.
Andrea "Drea" Caron is broke and tired. After years of caring for her ailing mom, she's at the end of her rope trying to manage the piling medical bills, two jobs, and a life placed on hold. She certainly doesn’t need the added frustration of a sexy playboy tattoo artist messing up her best friend’s engagement party or her carefully balanced life. But when Drea witnesses the abduction of a woman from the café she works at, she can’t help but turn to Cujo who’s determined to prove to Drea that he’s someone she can count on forever…but as they attempt to bring the truth to light, someone is working to bring that forever to a sudden, deadly halt.
Every reader has a list of go to authors. Authors that meet and exceed the reader's expectations. After reading the Second Circle Tattoo series, Scarlett Cole has planted herself on my list of favorite authors. Her books are so emotionally charged that they leave the reader feeling the effects long after reading the book. That's exactly how a book should be. Some authors can not accomplish this and to do it with your debut series is an awesome feat.
We met Drea and Cujo in the first book, The Strongest Steel. These are two people who are perfect for each other, and you can see their chemistry shooting off the page. They are also two great examples of not judging a book by its cover. They both place each other in categories based on their outward appearance. What they fail to realize is they are more alike than they think.
Cujo is the tough guy and that's what we see. What he really is is a man who has survived something terrible and also had hi heart broken. Walls are built up to prevent the complete destruction of his already fragile heart. He wants to love and care for Drea but he fears that she could be his undoing. I thought Trent was my book boyfriend from this series, that was until I got to know Cujo's character. Sorry Trent, Cujo reigns supreme now. The man is hot as fire and ignites the page when his sexy scenes begin. I think what makes him hot is that he comes off as slightly vulnerable under his tough exterior.
Drea appears as this highly sophisticated female. Her outward appearance is for show. I think it helps to hide the emotional pain she endures every day. She struggles to care for her mother while she watches her slowly slip away. It's hard reading the scenes with her mom because they remind me of my own mother, whom I lost. Drea is a strong female though. She refuses to allow anything get in her way, once she makes up her mind. I love that Cole wrote Drea like this. More authors should write strong female characters.
The suspense in this book is more intense. While you read about Cujo and Drea fall in love, you are also trying to solve the mystery. There are lots of twists and turns. The storyline keeps you entertained and one the edge of your seat throughout the book. I love the mix of mystery and romance. It's a wonderful balance that the author created.
Overall I loved this book. I can't wait until the next book comes out. It's a wonderful series and it has something for every reader.
5 out of 5 Stars!!!
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