Title: Shredded
Author: Tracy Wolff
Series: Extreme Risk #1
Genre: NA Contemporary Romance
Published: February 4th 2014
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.
Buy Now - Amazon
This is the third book and the third series that I have started of Tracy Wolff’s and I was blown away yet again by the amazing story she has written. Although I know next to nothing about snowboarding, I was drawn into the story by the amazing characters, the chemistry and the secrets they are keeping.
I loved how close Z was to his friends Ash, Luc and Cam; they have been his family since they were children. They are always there for him and support him in his darkest times. Z uses everything within reach to hide his true feelings: snowboarding, girls and even weed or alcohol. He just doesn’t want to deal with his past and is constantly looking for something to get his adrenaline pumping.
Ophelia has had her fair share of tragedy too. She has come to Park City to start a new life and to move past her fears. When Z, Park City’s ladies-man, approaches the counter at the coffee shop she works at, she knows she is in for an awkward conversation. The banter between these two was hilarious and I was happy to see that she didn't back down and she gave as gave him a run for his money!
Although their relationship started a little rocky, the connection between these two grew each time they were together. I could see the little shift in Z's attraction to Ophelia, and that she was not like other girls he hooked up with. I liked learning about snowboarding and hitting the slopes with Z. Seeing the emotions he runs through before and during the tricks that he performs. You can see how much he enjoys the rush.
I enjoyed how this book was told in alternating POV's. I was able to see what they were both were thinking, as well as being able to puzzle out what happened to them to make them as broken as they are. When their pasts were revealed I was heartbroken and wanted to wrap them both in hugs. I loved how Tracy told this story and am looking forward to the next book, especially after that ending!!!
Complimentary copy provided by the Publisher, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
