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4.19 AVERAGE
4.19 AVERAGE
Splintered is Isabel Lucero’s entry into the shared Unlucky 13 universe - each book can be read as a complete standalone. Splintered is a MM romance featuring a hockey player and adult entertainer. You can expect a bi-awkaening and a secret/forbidden relationship. Also be prepared for a luscious tropical resort, swoon-worthy second chances, and a healthy dose of angst coupled with sizzling spice. It’s written from a dual, first-person POV.
Devin’s parents are considered Hollywood royalty. When he turned 18, he decided to forge a different path in life by starting out in the adult entertainment industry, much to his parents’ horror. Nearly a decade later, he’s built himself an empire. However, Devin’s feeling the burnout, and he heads to Black Diamond Resort and Spa to try and take a real vacation. Jarrod is the star goalie for San Jose’s NHL team, and he’s escaped to Black Diamond Resort after his team loses in the playoffs. It feels like the entire fan base, as well as the media, blames him for the team’s loss. Devin and Jarrod, acquaintances from high school, don’t expect to run into one another at Black Diamond. Although they were only acquaintances in high school (with Devin possibly having a huge crush on Jarrod), they find themselves spending their solitary vacations together. As the tension mounts and chemistry makes itself evident, the real world is unfortunately awaiting them after their weeks in paradise.
"My heart aches in your absence. It physically hurts sometimes. I think it only beats in hopes of finding the piece you took from it, longing to be whole again."
This was my first story by Isabela Lucero, and I’m so impressed! Although the story did get off to a slower start, once we hit about 35 percent I found myself drawn into Devin and Jarrod’s lovely story! One of the really cool aspects of this book is that it takes place over the span of a year, and I think that really contributed to their happily ever after and the storytelling to get there.
Devin and Jarrod were both lovely, likable characters and they definitely had some angst to get through before happily ever after. The most frustrating part of it was when there were turbulent times, you could understand both perspectives and I felt you were just rooting for them throughout the story. The way the angst hit throughout the book just added to the plot, and was much preferable to the expected third-act breakup. The spice in this book was off the charts! Dev and Jarrod were absolutely sizzling together, and watching Dev help Jarrod discover that side of himself was amazing. Although it was difficult, the ending Lucero gave Jarrod and Dev was so well-deserved and it left me with a smile on my face.
I received an ARC of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Devin’s parents are considered Hollywood royalty. When he turned 18, he decided to forge a different path in life by starting out in the adult entertainment industry, much to his parents’ horror. Nearly a decade later, he’s built himself an empire. However, Devin’s feeling the burnout, and he heads to Black Diamond Resort and Spa to try and take a real vacation. Jarrod is the star goalie for San Jose’s NHL team, and he’s escaped to Black Diamond Resort after his team loses in the playoffs. It feels like the entire fan base, as well as the media, blames him for the team’s loss. Devin and Jarrod, acquaintances from high school, don’t expect to run into one another at Black Diamond. Although they were only acquaintances in high school (with Devin possibly having a huge crush on Jarrod), they find themselves spending their solitary vacations together. As the tension mounts and chemistry makes itself evident, the real world is unfortunately awaiting them after their weeks in paradise.
"My heart aches in your absence. It physically hurts sometimes. I think it only beats in hopes of finding the piece you took from it, longing to be whole again."
This was my first story by Isabela Lucero, and I’m so impressed! Although the story did get off to a slower start, once we hit about 35 percent I found myself drawn into Devin and Jarrod’s lovely story! One of the really cool aspects of this book is that it takes place over the span of a year, and I think that really contributed to their happily ever after and the storytelling to get there.
Devin and Jarrod were both lovely, likable characters and they definitely had some angst to get through before happily ever after. The most frustrating part of it was when there were turbulent times, you could understand both perspectives and I felt you were just rooting for them throughout the story. The way the angst hit throughout the book just added to the plot, and was much preferable to the expected third-act breakup. The spice in this book was off the charts! Dev and Jarrod were absolutely sizzling together, and watching Dev help Jarrod discover that side of himself was amazing. Although it was difficult, the ending Lucero gave Jarrod and Dev was so well-deserved and it left me with a smile on my face.
I received an ARC of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The author themselves said "I fell in love and I fell fast" about writing it, and that's also how I felt while reading!
This was an adorable mess of bisexual awakening and "I'm only gay for you" and I loved nearly everything! BUT BEWARE!! There is lots and LOTS of snoosnoo smexy times, so don't be me and read it on a tram. You WILL be caught. Trust me, the snoosnoo is here to stay!
One thing I loved a lot about this (you know, other than the humour, flirty attitudes, and amazing smex scenes) was the emotional intimacy. I never ever would've thought that a book about a porn star would deliver one of the MOST BEAUTIFUL, touching experiences of emotional intimacy and connectedness I've ever read, as well as some of the most touching lines about not being afraid to be yourself, but there you have it.
This was an adorable mess of bisexual awakening and "I'm only gay for you" and I loved nearly everything! BUT BEWARE!! There is lots and LOTS of snoosnoo smexy times, so don't be me and read it on a tram. You WILL be caught. Trust me, the snoosnoo is here to stay!
One thing I loved a lot about this (you know, other than the humour, flirty attitudes, and amazing smex scenes) was the emotional intimacy. I never ever would've thought that a book about a porn star would deliver one of the MOST BEAUTIFUL, touching experiences of emotional intimacy and connectedness I've ever read, as well as some of the most touching lines about not being afraid to be yourself, but there you have it.
Loved that one!
I didn’t expected this much fluff and happiness, even if yes the MCs struggles with their relationship, it all felt very light and lovely.
I didn’t expected this much fluff and happiness, even if yes the MCs struggles with their relationship, it all felt very light and lovely.
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
What a cute and fun book. I needed it after a heavier book I just finished.
Hot damnnnnnn!!!! This books spice was amazing!! The plot was just as great! I loved how there was no pressure for Jarrod to come out before he was ready! That was major for me. And the way his parents and friends stuck by his side was heartwarming and refreshing.
Gah! This was so good! I didn't want to put it down. Devin and Jarrod are everything!
An island escape from everyday life is what Jarrod and Devin both need,away from the stress and chaos looking for peace and quiet nether expects what lies ahead. Jarrod is trying to escape his NHL season ending in what he thinks is failure and hiding away on a tropical island sounds ideal, but what he wasn’t expecting was seeing Devin again and the things that seeing him stirs inside. Devin is needing a getaway from the industry he is in and it seems he is reevaluating a lot in his life and when his high school crush shows up on the same island as him he is shocked, excited, nervous,a nod so much more. The friendship they build while on the island creates a bond that is a great foundation to what lies ahead. The chemistry is insanely intense and their bond will have you laughing one second to swooning the next. The things they have to overcome and bumps in the road is not easy, but the way they are there for each other warms your heart. My heart hurt for the fear they had about what others would say, especially media when it shouldn’t matter to no one but them and when Jarrod finally claimed his guy so publicly I knew I loved these two so much.
Jarrod and Devin knew each other from school, but had not seen the other in years. When they run into each other on an island getaway, they see how life took them in different directions, but then they grow together. However, they are on vacation and know they will be going back to their separate lives, but fate keeps throwing them together. They both have holiday birthdays, and my favorite part was their Christmas together. I love how they both wanted to protect each other no matter the cost in the end.
THIS WAS SO FREAKING GOOD. I read this in the span of 3 hours in one sitting. I was so locked into this story. These two men were so lovable and I enjoyed watching how easily they reconnected after not seeing each other in 11 years while on vacation.
There is something about a bi-awakening that is always so interesting to see how an author does their take on it. I think this story was handled with such care and I really enjoyed it.
A hockey player (goalie) and a porn star??? PULEEZEEEE Whew the spice? It ATEEE it was so good and I loved every single thing about this story. Isabel has a way with writing her books that are so so enjoyable!
Thank you to the author agency & Isabel for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
There is something about a bi-awakening that is always so interesting to see how an author does their take on it. I think this story was handled with such care and I really enjoyed it.
A hockey player (goalie) and a porn star??? PULEEZEEEE Whew the spice? It ATEEE it was so good and I loved every single thing about this story. Isabel has a way with writing her books that are so so enjoyable!
Thank you to the author agency & Isabel for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I couldn't care less about both characters.
The porn star is annoying AF
The other one, some kind of athlete, just as annoying.
They like each other, and one discovers that the other's a porn star by stumbling across one of his videos after inexplicably being attracted to him.
And the the porn star flirts with EVERYONE but is ALSO annoyed when he's recognised as a porn star....
Make this make sense?
The porn star is annoying AF
The other one, some kind of athlete, just as annoying.
They like each other, and one discovers that the other's a porn star by stumbling across one of his videos after inexplicably being attracted to him.
And the the porn star flirts with EVERYONE but is ALSO annoyed when he's recognised as a porn star....
Make this make sense?