Fragile

Luke Rafferty walked away from a career with the Rangers, searching for some sense of normalcy. He's stayed in touch with his Ranger buddies as well as his twin brother while forging ahead in his own life. Now, Luke has found a woman he wants to cherish forever, social worker Devon Manning. But will love be enough to conquer the obstacles in their way? Shiloh Walker doesn't pull any punches with FRAGILE. FRAGILE is an emotional, sometimes quite dark and twisted story. Both Luke and Devon have scarred pasts, with demons that still haunt them. Readers should note that there are some very sensitive issues addressed as FRAGILE is not your typical romance at all. Rather, Shiloh Walker has written a tale that shows victims turning their traumas into victory over the horrors they face. Devon is a character I couldn't help but love! So many times, social workers are portrayed in a negative light in books but Devon is a social worker to be admired. She isn't invincible and through her we feel the pain and triumph of the various choices and events she experiences. It's impossible not to get sucked right into her emotions as Ms. Walker does such an excellent job at making those emotions come vividly alive. Devon never wavers in her convictions to helping the abused and neglected children she works with, a trait that only made me admire and love her character more. FRAGILE is a complex and intense story that addresses some very dark and disturbing issues. Some readers may find the emotional impact to be a bit overwhelming as Shiloh Walker paints such a realistic picture. However, the journey is more than worth it as FRAGILE is one of the most satisfying reads I've had in awhile. Highly recommended! COURTESY OF CK2S KWIPS AND KRITIQUES

There isn't one aspect of this book I didn't love. The romance, the suspense, all of it came together to make a really great story.

Luke Rafferty left the Army Rangers six years ago in search of a normal life. The geography may have changed but as a doctor in Kentucky he still sees the ugly side of humanity. Devon Manning is a social worker. A former product of "the system" she is an example of when that system works. Her job naturally leads to her crossing paths with the good doctor. Devon has scars from her past, both literally and figuratively. Because of this she doesn't do complications, and her attraction to Luke is a complication. Luke believes he finally found what he was looking for in Devon and he is determined to break down her emotional barriers. As their relationship progresses into love someone begins stalking Devon. It is Luke's toughest mission yet, he must prove to Devon that he loves her while trying to keep her safe. FRAGILE is a perfect blend of suspense, romance, strenth, and vulnerability. With some crafty plot twists, Ms. Walker keeps you guessing to the very end. The characters are well developed and easy to relate to, even secondary characters such as Luke's twin brother Quinn. You will see Devon as a strong woman, even though at times Luke wants to treat her as if she is fragile, which becomes apparent that she neither wants nor needs to be treated as such. Luke just wants to hold on to what he has been searching for, even though she doesn't make it easy for him. Fans of Shiloh Walker will not be disappointed, neither will readers who want a little suspense with their romance. Really hope to see Quinn's story in the future.

Fragile is about the delicate balance of vulnerability and strength that can be brought on by trauma. It's about love in the face of insurmountable odds. And it's about suspense, mystery, and terror. This definitely isn't a clean-cut procedural where the horrible details of the crimes and victims are held at arm's length. If you read it, you'll feel for the characters and the terrible events they live through. But you won't pity them--instead you'll be right in there pulling for them as they struggle with themselves and each other. There's plenty of suspense and fear, not to mention plot twists, to keep you occupied, but of course the star of the show is the complex and strained relationship that develops between Luke and Devon. This is definitely an adults-only book due to sexual content and crimes. The characters are detailed and wonderful, and show off Ms. Walker's talent in particular at creating strong and unusual people that have plenty of surprises in them. The atmosphere is dark and tense, expertly crafted. The pace seemed to lag slightly at one point, but it was a very minor complaint. All in all, this is an excellently crafted suspense and romance!

Six years ago, Dr. Luke Rafferty left military combat medicine to become a civilian "combat" doctor working the emergency room working especially with abused children. His vocation introduces him to children's social worker Devon Manning. The pair are attracted to one another and begin a heated affair. As they fall in love, someone stalks Devon; an individual who seems to know not so public facts about each of them. Whereas Luke believes he finally found what he was looking for when he left the military, his beloved social worker is reminded why she prefers working with troubled childhoods; her belief is that she only relates well with kids due to her awareness that relationships end in a relatively short time. She plans to end hers with Luke who she believes deserves better, but he insists he loves her. As he struggles to break down her reinforced barriers, they uncover the identity of her stalker, which only fortifies Devon's belief she can never have anyone permanently in her life. This is an exciting character driven romantic suspense thriller as Luke battles on two fronts. He must convince Devon they belong together and uncover who the stalker is and why. The support cast is solid especially Luke's reclusive twin and the other grunts from their military unit. Devon is also a strong character as he knows love is fleeting as people leave. Shiloh Walker provides a tense thriller starring a hero finding what he has been seeking seemingly forever and his FRAGILE beloved who is ready to flee. Harriet Klausner