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A review by aliu6
Shattered by Lee Winter
4.0
4.5 stars
Over a century ago, when aliens first arrived on Earth seeking refuge after the destruction of their home planet, they became humankind's protectors and so-called Guardians. The only problem is, some Guardians have gotten tired of the superhero lifestyle and have gone off the grid. Lena Martin is a tracker who brings in these rogue Guardians, and she's one of the best. Her perfect record might be in jeopardy when she's assigned to track down Shattergirl, Earth's only black and out-lesbian superhero. The initial head-butting between the two women turns into grudging respect, with a chance for more...
cw: sexual assault of a child (side character, briefly mentioned), suicide (side characters, briefly mentioned), discrimination (sexism, racism, homophobia, xenophobia; briefly mentioned), abusive work practices (re: Guardians), forced medication (of depressed Guardians)
As usual, Lee Winter does not disappoint. This is a smart, engaging read with deeper themes behind the romance.
The Characters: Both characters have painful pasts that have made them closed off, so it was really interesting to watch them slowly open up to each other and to finally find out the whole story. Lena and Nyah (Shattergirl) are likable characters with great chemistry and verbal sparring. Since much of the story involves Lena and Nyah sheltering in an isolated cave, side characters don't play a big role.
The Romance: The enemies-to-lovers trope is one of my favorites. Lena and Nyah complement each other well, not just in a romantic sense, but as people. They hold their own against each other, despite each being elite in her field. However, if you dislike open endings...
The Plot: Trust Lee Winter to include very real issues in a lesfic. This is one of her darker, more depressing ones, where we get a look at the ugliness of the human race. (There's a reason Shattergirl gives up on rescuing people.) Did this book make me go, wow, we suck as humans? Yes. But it also left me with some hope, or at least a desire to not fall into the same pattern.
The Writing: Flawless, as always. Not sure if former journalists make better writers, or if it's just Lee Winter, but yes, so good.
All in all, this was a great, entertaining read. It wasn't quite what I was looking for... (quarantine has me yearning for fuzzier romances), but I would definitely recommend it, especially if you want a realistic take on the world today, or a reminder that no one is beyond saving.
Over a century ago, when aliens first arrived on Earth seeking refuge after the destruction of their home planet, they became humankind's protectors and so-called Guardians. The only problem is, some Guardians have gotten tired of the superhero lifestyle and have gone off the grid. Lena Martin is a tracker who brings in these rogue Guardians, and she's one of the best. Her perfect record might be in jeopardy when she's assigned to track down Shattergirl, Earth's only black and out-lesbian superhero. The initial head-butting between the two women turns into grudging respect, with a chance for more...
cw: sexual assault of a child (side character, briefly mentioned), suicide (side characters, briefly mentioned), discrimination (sexism, racism, homophobia, xenophobia; briefly mentioned), abusive work practices (re: Guardians), forced medication (of depressed Guardians)
As usual, Lee Winter does not disappoint. This is a smart, engaging read with deeper themes behind the romance.
The Characters: Both characters have painful pasts that have made them closed off, so it was really interesting to watch them slowly open up to each other and to finally find out the whole story. Lena and Nyah (Shattergirl) are likable characters with great chemistry and verbal sparring. Since much of the story involves Lena and Nyah sheltering in an isolated cave, side characters don't play a big role.
The Romance: The enemies-to-lovers trope is one of my favorites. Lena and Nyah complement each other well, not just in a romantic sense, but as people. They hold their own against each other, despite each being elite in her field. However, if you dislike open endings...
Spoiler
There is no HEA for Lena and Nyah. They do end up having sex, but then they both agree that they're too different for a relationship to work out. They've changed each other as people, and for the better, and they still maintain a friendship, but the end of the book implies that they're both ready to begin relationships with other people.The Plot: Trust Lee Winter to include very real issues in a lesfic. This is one of her darker, more depressing ones, where we get a look at the ugliness of the human race. (There's a reason Shattergirl gives up on rescuing people.) Did this book make me go, wow, we suck as humans? Yes. But it also left me with some hope, or at least a desire to not fall into the same pattern.
The Writing: Flawless, as always. Not sure if former journalists make better writers, or if it's just Lee Winter, but yes, so good.
All in all, this was a great, entertaining read. It wasn't quite what I was looking for... (quarantine has me yearning for fuzzier romances), but I would definitely recommend it, especially if you want a realistic take on the world today, or a reminder that no one is beyond saving.