Review: Shatter (True Believers #4) by Erin McCarthy

Series: True Believers #4

Genre: Contemp Romance

Publisher: Berkley Trade

Publication Date: 9/2/14

Format: eARC

Pages: 320

Source: Publisher

Rating: 4 stars

 

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From the USA Today bestselling author of True, Sweet, and Believe comes a tantalizing New Adult novel about finding love in the most unexpected ways…

Kylie Warner prides herself on being optimistic, but after finding her best friend in bed with her boyfriend and flunking chemistry, her upbeat attitude has taken a dive. Even an impromptu hook-up with her sexy new chemistry tutor only brightens her mood slightly. After all, it’s not like she’ll ever see the tattooed scholar again…

While he’s a whiz at complex equations, Jonathon Kadisch has trouble when it comes to figuring out women. So when Kylie tells him that she’s pregnant after their night of passion, he’s at a complete loss. He’s prepared to be a good father—unlike his own deadbeat dad—but he’s less prepared to fall for the genuine and alluring blonde bearing his child.

With emotions running high, Kylie wonders if Jonathon’s devotion is out of growing love or looming obligation. And when heartbreak threatens to tear them apart, Jonathon will have to fight for the only girl who’s ever made him feel whole… 

My Review

Wow! Where do I even begin with Shatter?



If you've read the series, you know Kylie Warner is due for some happiness. Betrayed by her boyfriend who slept with her (black-out drunk, meaning unconscious) friend, Kylie has gone through so much and seems so lost. Her grades stink. Her new apartment kind of sucks, and she's semi-avoiding her best friends. Enter her tutor, Jonathon Kadisch.

So now, if you've read the synopsis-and I'm going to assume you have, Kylie and Jonathon get into more than just some simple chemistry. A moment's misunderstanding leads to a Surprise Baby! Jonathon and Kylie are barely more than strangers and now facing unplanned parenthood together. Now they're facing getting to know each other, facing bringing a new life into the world, how it will affect their futures, and at the heart of it, doing the right thing. Big, big stuff.

But Shatter is so much more than Kylie and Jonathon having a baby together, as if that wasn't enough. Shatter was such an honest, realistic story. We have each character's disappointment with the action that got them into the situation. Trying not to step on the other's toes when it comes to the big decisions, wanting each other, but not knowing if that's the right thing. Jonathon worries being like his own horrible father, and sometimes overcompensates. Kylie worries about work and insurance, how to be the best mom possible. She fears stifling Jonathon's dreams, knowing he will always take full responsibility.

I'm not sure what to say about Shatter without giving too much away! But I can say it went in directions I truly didn't anticipate. Even though it's a surprise baby story, it's truly about Kylie and Jonathon, as individuals and a potential couple. I admired that McCarthy really tackled the issues between them, rather than letting the problems become easily resolved or dismissed. I think I should leave it at that.

I'm so sad the True Believers series has reached its conclusion. But I do believe it was a great conclusion. I loved seeing the former couples together, and the group as a whole. I won't lie, I kind of sobbed a little at the end. So gorgeous.

With it's raw, honest approach to these characters and the issues they face, I truly believe this is a series that stands above many others. From these girls, Rory, Jess, Kiley and Robin, who went through so much together. And the guys, starting with the Mann brothers Tyler and Riley, their cousin Phoenix, then Jonathon, who all fell for the most amazing girl, when they weren't even looking. This is a series tied together by one strong, true, thread of friendship and love.

Ugh, I am so sappy. :-)

Favorite Quotes

  Jessica waved her arms in front of her face like she was overheated. "What the fuck?" she said in a stage whisper. "Girl, I think you hit the baby daddy lottery."

  "I wasn't even planning to play that lottery!" I protested, creeped out by the way that sounded.

  "Which makes it even luckier. He's like the sweetest thing ever. It's disgusting."

  "But I just want you to know that when I'm with you, my glass is full."

        

(covers lead to GoodReads pages)

My Reviews

True  |  Sweet  |  Believe

USA Today and New York Times Bestselling author Erin McCarthy sold her first book in 2002 and has since written almost fifty novels and novellas in teen fiction, new adult, and adult romance. Erin has a special weakness for New Orleans, tattoos, high-heeled boots, beaches and martinis. She lives in Ohio with her family, two grumpy cats and a socially awkward dog.

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