I’ve never been one to follow the rules…or the law, for that matter. But when you find yourself behind bars and being offered the opportunity of a lifetime, you take it. I agreed to race motorcycles for Johnny Knight. A very powerful man who wanted me on his team, even knowing I was a liability. But will he still feel that way once he finds out that I had a one-night stand with his daughter? I … I didn’t mean for it to happen. I didn’t even know who she was until she walked into his office wearing my shirt from the night before. Too bad that was all she wanted-one night. It really didn’t matter who she was, I wanted more. So when she ran, I followed. I should have let her go. That would have been best for both of us. But I have never done what was right, why start now? I’ve always been willing to take a risk, no matter what it would cost me. And I knew she was worth it all.
I’m Erik Dashling, you can call me Dash. This is my story of how I willing risked one dream for another. But everyone knows that not all dreams come true.
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4 Broken Heart Crowns
Welp Shantel has destroyed me heart and soul. I was not prepared for the destruction that my world was going to be submitted too, but here I am lost and wondering where do I go from here.
I loved Dash and Tabatha these two were amazing together. Their banter was on point and really showed the connection that they had. But I have to admit there were times that I wanted to reach into the book and shake some sense into this girl. But considering what she has gone through it makes sense to a point. There were also times throughout the book that the plot seemed to get a muddled along the way.
But that ending….. Damn let me tell you that last bit of the book really amplified this for me. I did not anticipate this ending at all. And I’m still sitting here reeling from it day’s later. This is not a normal Shantel book for me, usually her books or at least the ones I’ve read of late are darker and more gritty. I’d say this one is more insta-love, heavy on the steam and angst. So, if you’re in the market for a quick read that is filled with tons of heat and all the angst your heart could possibly need then this book is for you.
WTF!!! I love story so much, but that ending took me for a loop! I want HEA for it. I guess it did to a point, but come on!
Just cried so hard!! I love to cry with books, but for those reasons. If anyone picks up this book be prepared to love this story and have tissues on hand.
WHAT JUST HAPPENED TO ME? Dash was definitely not what I expected- and is definitely different from other Shantel works- we have her usual angsty and steamy tension, but a different kind of conflict and darkness permeates this story.
My reaction to this book can really only be described as capricious- at times I loved it, at times I was frustrated, at times I was disconnected, at times I felt I couldn’t breathe because I cared so much. Shantel certainly has played with my emotions in other stories- she’s not scared to make things hard for the characters, or hard for the reader, and this book is definitely not any easy or fun read- at times, in ways that were frustrating and in times in ways that were interesting and emotionally resonant.
Much of this story is an angsty, dramatic love story- of Dash, the aspiring racer on the cusp of achieving everything he wants, falling for Tabatha, the daughter of his boss/team leader. From the get go, their relationship is characterized by dramatic obstacle after obstacle- misunderstandings, bad decisions, the dangers of racing, external issues in the form of interfering other people or the media, secrets, and the age old romantic tension of confronting if your love is derailing your dream or if it has become your dream instead. I didn’t really fully connect to either Dash of Tabitha early on – it felt like we weren’t getting a full depth of who they were, even though I found them both interesting- Tabatha’s insecurities, Dash’s impetuousness and recklessness, both of them suppressing real personal pain that makes them want to protect their hearts. But, they both coped in ways that frustrated each other, and most certainly frustrated me. At times I didn’t like them or even want to root for them to be together, and it was painful to watch them hurt each other and misunderstand each other so much. I love angst, but I felt trapped in a tangle of it for much of this book. I felt the chemistry and the heart, their soulmates connection, but I also felt the toxic nature of their issues. Their relationship has an undercurrent of devastation- which I should have seen as foreshadowing. Because just when they finally are able to find their footing, and just when I was starting to enjoy their story, Shantel rips the rug out so hard, I don’t just fall, I crash straight through the floor.
And then, I was wrecked. So much so I’m not even sure how to describe how I felt about the end. For two characters that I thought I wasn’t that emotionally invested in, I sure had an explosive emotional reaction to how this story ends. I felt gutted and devastated- in part because it is hard to confront the reality that heartbreak is intrinsic to love, inevitable in a way- and in part because this wasn’t the story I thought I’d signed-up for. I’ve waffled on if this was a shock tactic or an actual point of view. But, I trust Shantel, so I want to believe it is the latter- so perhaps my rawness is more about me not wanting to accept this aspect of romance- wanting to shield myself from it. But the fact remains- I am RAW.
I usually avoid books that break my heart completely- I can handle heartbreak and angst, but regardless of how dark, how challenging the path is, I want my HEA. We have closure, we have peace here, but not much more of that. So, I can’t say I enjoyed this book- the too much drama and the heartbreak weren’t really enjoyable. But, I can’t deny that this book impacted me. Days later I still feel raw and emotional- I still feel the tendrils of devastation constricting my tender heart unexpectedly. And, I’m still trying to make sense of my reactions. For that….for the way this book made me feel and think, even if the STORY wasn’t for me….for that, I’m glad I read this.
I loved this book and was so invested in the relationship between dash and Tabitha. This book pulled me in from beginning to end. I honestly did not expect the ending but I still enjoyed the book. I definitely can’t wait to read the next book from Shantel.
So MC books are not really my forte, but love Shantel so gave it a try. It absolutely broke my heart, but was written beautifully. Still don’t think MC is my thing but I’m glad I gave it a chance!
Wow! Picture it, you’re reading this sexy, adrenaline filled story. A bad boy that takes risks for the woman he wants, and then BAM! Your heart is ripped from your chest and stomped on. This story was all that I’ve come to expect from Shantel. She draws you in, makes you fall in love with her characters and then pulls the rug out from under you. I loved this book, 100%!! Read this story ASAP!!
Oh my word…that ending!!!!! Dash was a fast paced story filled with lots of drama, blazing hott attraction between the main characters and intense emotions. This is Dash and Tabatha’s story and it was angsty and steamy and will grab your interest from the start. These two had endless obstacles to face however for me there was just too much drama for my liking. And then, there was that ending. An ending that left me speechless. Dash will take you on a journey with twists you won’t expect. I would recommend it to lovers of contemporary romance.
I’ll preface this review by stating that I completely understand that this is one of Shantel Tessier’s earlier works and it shows how far she’s come as a writer and story teller. This book wasn’t bad by any means, but it’s clear that a lot of growth has happened for this author between this book and her current works. I tried to not let that bother me as I read this gut wrenching story and considered how to review the book.
Dash was FULL of drama. So. much. drama. Just when you think the characters had overcome a major situation, a new one would pop up in it’s place. At times it became overwhelming just how much the author was throwing at these characters. They were young and reckless. Making so many poor choices and having no one to blame but themselves. Rich, entitled kids living their lives free of true consequences.
I liked Erik “Dash” Dashling. I thought he was a really fun, bad-boy character. Yes, he was at times the biggest idiot on the planet but I think his heart was in the right place for the majority of the book. I felt like he grew a lot over the course of the read and that made me really want to see him and Tabitha make it work. His upbringing and the way he opened up to her about it, just made my heart bleed for him.
Tabitha was a bit of a tough nut to crack for me. She appeared so strong at times and yet so weak and vulnerable at other times. Her character was very wishy washy and clearly needed to step away from the alcohol. She was always making extremely bad decisions whenever booze was involved. Her past relationship with Rodger was extremely traumatic and volatile and I felt like it could have been elaborated on more. I needed more of their history to understand why she stuck around as long as she did, and why NO ONE in the book saw beneath the facade of her happiness. Her best friend seemed to phone it in 99% of the time, until the very end when she was truly by her side.
The book had pretty good flow, sometimes feeling like things were rushed a bit but what can you do when two young people are falling hard and fast. Sometimes the timeline was quite fast paced and messy. And boy was this romance messy! Around every turn was another person or situation trying to prove why Dash and Tab didn’t belong together. But they fought, for each other and for themselves.
I will say that I was extremely unnerved with the ending. It left me absolutely gutted, with my jaw hanging open. I didn’t see it coming. I couldn’t accept it. I didn’t want it to be that way. The epilogue helped to heal my heart a little bit, but I still was unhappy with the direction the author took this story. For my own selfish reasons. Like who does that to their readers!?!?! Savage that Shantel Tessier is I tell you! I would have liked a little bit more from the timeline jump but I felt like it wrapped up enough loose ends to leave me feeling some closure.
I gave Dash a solid 3/5 stars. Some of the writing quality was lacking, a bit juvenile when it came to inner thoughts or reactions. The steam was sooooo hot. The characters were well rounded. I liked the story overall.
I was provided a copy of this book for review by the author.
I don’t know where to begin with my review. I’m still trying to get my emotions under control. Dash was an adrenaline junky and Tabatha was just coming out of a relationship with a total control freak. One night at a party Dash and Tabatha hit it off and what do you know it turned into more. But this story was filled with crazy, vindictive exes from both sides that will have you wondering when in the world will they give up. These two had lots of obstacles and lies to overcome to be together. But then there was a turn in this story that I didn’t expect and it was a complete shocker. It was definitely a “W T F” moment. I couldn’t believe what I was reading and all I kept thinking was “Omg how dare the author play with my heart like this”, lol. It was so sad I couldn’t believe it. After that even I read the rest of the story in a somber mood and teary eyed. Extremely emotional story towards the end but yet a good read.
This book lulled me into a false sense of security and then it wrecked me
A fantastic read
5 Stars
I was not at all prepared for this book. I feel that this book definitely doesn’t get the recognition that it deserves. Dash is a cocky hero and what is not to love. Tabitha is the perfect lead with her fighting spirit. I loved the chemistry between the two main characters. But my heart is ripped into shreds by that ending. I was not mentally prepared for it. Such a good book
Dash is a standalone that you should not miss! It has everything you want in a great story. The drama will hook you, the chemistry will keep you. Dash and Tabatha will have you on the edge of your seat and unable to put it down. This is a rollercoaster ride of a read and then BAM it’s over! I will never forget this book!
Dash was absolute warfare on my heart and soul.
Shantel Tessier always crafts a well executed story. Her ability to weave a complex story never ceases to amaze me. Dash was no different, I was immediately hooked and love Erik “Dash” Dashling.
The push and pull between Tabatha and Dash is palpable and their chemistry scorches off the pages.
I will say there was a lot of unnecessary drama and hurdles these 2 endured which at times was draining but I still enjoyed the book.
This story… just can’t put it into words.
4 star read.
Tabatha and Dashs story!
This is a standalone featuring Dash and Tabatha. Dash was offered an opportunity to race for Tabatha’s Dad. He didn’t know that there was a connection between them. After a night together Dash couldn’t stop thinking about this girl and he finds himself very surprised that she turns out to be his jew boss’s daughter. This kinda sounds like your next forbidden cliché romance – but it’s definitely not.
This book surprised me on so many levels!
It was a heartbreaking, emotional story with a lot of steam, love and suprise (at least for me I guess).
The beginning was a bit too much on the drama side for me, that’s why I can only give it four out of five stars.
If you’re a fan of the author, you’ll definitely love this book. Prepare yourself for an emotional roller-coaster
Holy hell I really was not expecting the book to go the way that it did.
First off… I absolutely love Dash! I want to keep him for myself. He and Ashlyn had some seriously hot chemistry. I enjoyed their back and forth banter, i seriously laughed out loud at some parts. This book has you feeling such a wide range of emotions. I was laughing and happy and then BAM i was bawling my eyes out. While there were some parts from Ash that bothered me (i seriously wanted to shake her), i also understand that it was hard for her to go through what she had. I soooo wish we could have more of these two! I need more Dash!!!!
I do wish that there had been some more buildup of their relationship, it felt a little too insta-love, and I did have an unanswered question or two but overall I enjoyed it!
Heartbreaking! Have your tissues ready because this one is going to bring you to tears and make you mad at the same time. Very much worth reading.
Dash and Tabatha…. I loved their relationship!
Adorable couple that went through Hell for each other. The drama, the love. Their fast paced relationship showed you that love doesn’t have a timeline. And to seize every moment because you are not guaranteed tomorrow.
To not let others opinions dictate your life and to stand up for yourself. To not let someone bully you in life. There is always an alternative.
A very good story with a very hard lesson.
If you don’t like drama, this may not be a book for you.
But I feel changed from this story.
With a heavy heart, I urge you to read this book and remember to love with all you have because you never know what your future holds.
I don’t even know what to day about this story…
It had me up and down and up and down. I love Dash and his cocky charming self.
Tabitha is a sexy girl who knows she can do better with what she has been used to.
She meets Dash and it’s like game over….this story is full of dirty, filthy hotness and also a bit of heartache. So grab your tissue an prepare yourself…this story is one wild ride!
#Bikes
Oh my racing heart.. Dash and Tabatha love romance were hot! I would like for more angst than the pettyNM drama. I love Racer… the whole persona it
The story of Tabitha and Erik (Dash) was a roller coaster (or should I say motorcycle) ride full of hot scenes, romance, miscommunication, secrets, and a little mystery and danger. I really enjoyed these two but beware, you will need tissues handy. There was definitely an ugly cry moment while reading.
Tabitha’s last boyfriend beat her down. He changed her. He caused her to have a hard time trusting herself and the intentions of men. Dash also has a past that he is reluctant to share. Mentioning it here would give too much away so I don’t want to add any spoilers. What I can say about him is that he is a bad boy with a good heart and soft spot for Tabitha.
I really liked the supporting characters that were Tabitha and Dash’s friends. I will be checking to see if they ever got a story of their own.
*I was gifted a copy of this book and am voluntarily providing a review. This is my honest review.*