
Series: Second Circle Tattoos #2
Published by St. Martin's Press on January 5, 2016
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Suspense
Pages: 283
Format: eBook
Source: Gift


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.
The Fractured Heart marked my long-awaited return to the Second Circle Tattoos series. Thankfully SCole was appearing at RARE Paris which gave me the push I needed to finish this amazing series.
Highlights:
- Characters
The Fractured Heart revolved around Cujo – co-owner of Second Circle Tattoos – and Drea. These two! I couldn’t wait for their story and to get to know them better. Their verbal sparring is so much fun and makes it seem as though they’re oil and water. However, they’re more like gas & match – and watching them work towards combustion was awesome. Getting better acquainted with them, seeing all they’ve been through and continue to endure, was heartbreaking. It also explained a lot about them. Their experiences became something for them to bond over. I appreciated the growth they both experienced in order to make their relationship work. Not only do we get Cujo and Drea’s story but we also spend time with Trent and Harper (from book 1) as well as Pixie and Lia, who also work at Second Circle Tattoos. - Plot
I’m not gonna lie – there was a lot going on in The Fractured Heart. I admired how SCole incorporated the different elements – wove in the sub-plots so well. It all just flowed together and just worked. - Suspense
SCole did well with the suspense element too. I liked the social issue she tacked and how she wrapped that into the plot. And although the resolution was a little too easy, I also appreciated how it was woven into Drea’s character growth. - Romance
As I mentioned, these two had sparks flying via their snarky banter. But they both had a lot to work through – abandonment issues, health problems. There were times I wanted to smack Cujo but I also understood where he was coming from. Witnessing their feelings blossom was a delight though and I loved where they ended up.
The Fractured Heart was wholly satisfying overall and I was thrilled with my return into this world. So much so that I dove straight into #3!
Oooh Brandee Scarlett will be so happy that you read her Cujo!!!!!! Wonderful review my friend 😉 I can hear Scarlett squealing from here! LOL
Twitter: ailynk
a kidnapping turning into romance, I hope they both enjoyed the hunt
I love some snarky banter! And wow, gas and match? That sounds explosive for sure! Glad you loved this one!
Genesis @ Whispering Chapters
Fantastic review. I have to say, I love a book that handles a thick plot with ease and flair, however the fact that it had an easy ending is a little disappointing. I always find that anticlimactic. I am so glad you enjoyed this one, but I have to admit, when I saw Cole in the post name I thought about Kresley Cole lol. This author sounds amazing as well though, so I am excited to give it a go.
I don’t think I’ve ever come across Scarlett Cole before. I like how although there’s a lot going on, it seems like it’s incorporated well and doesn’t sound like too much. I’m guessing this can be read as a stand alone but would it be better to read the first book for any necessary background? Great review, Brandee!
Oh I love me some snarky banter! And love that it takes place around a tattoo parlor. This sounds like a good one. Great review!
This isn’t an author that I’ve read before, but this sounds like a good story. I love a romance that has some snarky banter. 🙂
Twitter: limabean74
I love when I enjoy a book so much I have to just jump into the next. Banter is my favorite between characters. this looks like a great read, so glad you enjoyed it. Great review. Brandee! Miss you lots!
Twitter: Northwomn
Nice review! I enjoy this author but haven’t read this series yet.