Review: "Shattered" by Tracy Wolff

The Extreme Risk series—Tracy Wolff’s edgy, emotional take on the New Adult genre—continues with the story of a lost soul and the fearless beauty who inspires him to take a flying leap back into life. Ash Lewis has poured every last ounce of his blood, sweat, and tears into reaching the very top of the professional snowboarding world—until the unthinkable happens. After the biggest competition win of his career, Ash’s mother and father are killed in a tragic accident. Unable to handle the idea of going back out on the snow to pursue the dream his parents shared with him, Ash feels that he has no choice but to walk away from snowboarding forever. Then he meets Tansy Hampton. Wild, fun, and impulsive, Tansy has a different look and a new passion every week. As a cancer survivor who spent the past several years waiting to die, Tansy has a fresh perspective on life—even if she doesn’t have a clue about what she actually wants to do with it. But she’s determined to find out, and that means making the most of her time while she still can. From the very beginning, their chemistry is intense. But while Ash can’t stop chasing the ghosts of what can never be, Tansy stays firmly focused on the possibilities the world holds for her—and for them. She’s already picked up the pieces of one shattered life. Now she’s determined to help Ash do the same.

 Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group for allowing me to read and review an ARC of this book.

We were introduced to Ash in "Shredded", and out of everyone in the group, he was the man with a plan.  He was the one gunning for Olympic gold.  He was the one updating the website and dealing with agents and sponsors.  he was also the one to keep Z on the straight and narrow - not always successfully!  Now things have changed, so much that he doesn't even want to go near a snowboard.  Ash thinks that by giving up snowboarding, he is making a responsible decision.  By giving up snowboarding, he will be in a better position to take care of his brother.  So by the time Tansy comes along, Ash hasn't touched a snowboard in several months, and it's Tansy's job to make Ash get on a snowboard in order to fulfill the wish of a dying child.  Tansy has her work cut out for her!

The fact that Tansy has been battling cancer for ten years lends an interesting aspect to her personality.  She's missed out on all the normal rites of passage most teenagers would go through.  She even has a hard time picking out an outfit because she hasn't yet developed her own style.  I really liked her as a heroine.  She was feisty and brave and really brought out the best in Ash.  

I thought the pacing of this book was great - I was never bored, the plot didn't ever drag.  And I loved the characters - they were always dynamic, never dull.  Although there was some repetitive language - I particularly didn't like the overuse of the term "snow bunny" - overall, this was a good read, and I'm looking forward even more to reading the next in the series.

My rating: 3.5 stars