- First date: Our date begins with a prologue of Mackenzie Wilson’s graduation night. She is with her best friends, Zack, Kathleen, Dan, Jessica and Tracey. Their parents refer to this group of levelheaded kids as the “Brat Pack.” King immediately grabbed me and I knew instantly I would need those truffles. The scene fades as EMT Bentley James speaks to her, as she lay trapped in a twisted SUV.
- Second date: A year has passed and Mackenzie has changed. She is enrolled in college and living on campus. She prefers to be called Mac now. She moves about trying to be invisible. She spends her days at the library, avoiding her parent’s concerned calls and feigning sleep at night to avoid talking to her roommate. Bentley James also a college student begins to utilize the library as a quiet place to study away from his loud roommates. The two accidentally meet and immediately recognize the other. For Mac he brings back painful memories but she also remembers how he made her feel safe. Bentley is curious and sweetly attempts to get to know her. There is a spark and watching these two create a slow-building relationship was delightful. King does not rush things and allows us to experience it all. Along the way, we learn about Graduation Night and the rest of the Brat Pack. King introduces us to friends on campus and I loved that even the secondary characters were unique and fleshed out.
- Third date: Who says “good guys” cannot be totally swoon-worthy. I am in love with Bentley. Sometimes he is adorkably awkward but he makes up for it with his wonderful patience. Mac is scared. Scared of her developing feelings for Bentley and even more scared of beginning to live again. She is taking chances and making friends but can she risk her heart again. AS much as this is a romance, it also delves into Mac’s healing process as she mends relationships and deals with guilt. A Shattered Moment is low on heat and high on kisses, but the tension and slow-building romance, heated the pages and was laced with humor and sweetness. I am enjoying the slow progression but anxious for the final dance. I really do not want this last date to end.
Copy provided by publisher. Full review @ Caffeinated. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer